1. Economic
1.1. Private Health Insurance
1.1.1. Mildura Health Fund - 79 Deakin Ave, Mildura VIC 3500 - (03) 5023 0269 – (8.30am – 5.30pm).
1.2. Medicare
1.2.1. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme – Craig is eligible for this and it allows subsidises medications which he required for his kidney disease treatment.
1.2.2. The Medicare Benefits Schedule – This provides subsidies for Craig including in management, planning and care involved with his kidney disease. Furthermore, they can be referred to up to five allied health services for a subsidised cost.
1.3. Financial Support
1.3.1. Centrelink Sickness Allowance – Craig may be eligible for this which provides support for individuals when they are unable to work due to illness.
1.3.2. Travel Reimbursements – This provides financial assistance to individuals who are living more than 100km away from a dialysis centre and it covers both travel and accommodation
1.3.3. Centrelink Carers Payment – Long Term Dialysis Support – If Melina becomes Craig’s primary carer she may be eligible for this particularly as Craig is in the late stage of his disease.
2. Social
2.1. Community Services
2.1.1. If Craig integrates himself in the community it can establish his connection with the community and his support system which becomes an important aspect of managing his diagnosis. These includes being involved in the volunteering services offered by the Robinvale community centre including organising community-run events.
2.2. Family Counselling
2.2.1. This can assist Craig and his family in adjusting to impact of the complications involved with his kidney disease. Relationships Australia Victoria is an organisation which provides these services.
2.2.1.1. The nearest location to Robinvale is Shepparton (approximately 313.88km away) - 634 Wyndham St, Shepparton, VIC 3632. P: (03) 5820 7444. However, telephone counselling is also available and this can be accessed by Craig and his family if there are transportation issues.
2.3. Childcare
2.3.1. Craig and Melina may need to use the Robinvale Child Care service as they are strained by having to manage both Melina’s employment and Craig’s medical appointments.
2.4. Support Groups
2.4.1. Kidney Australia
2.4.1.1. This is a more specific support group more focused on supporting Craig through his stage 4 kidney disease. This includes the Kidney Health Information Service which is a free national phone service (1800 454 363) that offers information and advice for individuals as well as further referring them to appropriate services.
2.4.1.1.1. A Kidney Forum is also available for Craig to connect with individuals who are also living with the same disease and may be facing similar situations.
2.4.2. Robinvale Health District Support Groups .
2.4.2.1. General Support Groups are provided by the Robinvale Health District. - 128 Latje Road, Robinvale, VIC, 3549
3. Transport
3.1. Bus
3.1.1. Zaffina Bus Lines is a Robinvale/Mildura transit which has services from Monday to Friday. Arriving at Mildura offers Craig the option to travel to Melbourne via Mildura Airport.
3.2. Car
3.2.1. The closest major towns are Mildura (90km) and Swanhill (132km) which are about a hour to 1.5 hour drive from Robinvale.
3.3. Train
3.3.1. Regional coaches are available to and from Robinvale to Swanhill and Mildura which then transfer to Melbourne.
4. Rural Assignment Concept Map for Robinvale done by: 28822684, 27320456, 28796624, 28121953, 27771679
5. Legend: Left side of the page in red = Non-clinical Services Right side of the page in blue = Clinical Services
6. Specialists
6.1. Renal physician/nephrologist
6.1.1. Mildura Base Hospital (general physician)
6.1.2. Melbourne kidney services/hospitals
6.2. Surgeon
6.2.1. Mildura Base Hospital
6.2.2. may be needed for renal transplant
7. Pain management/ Palliative care
7.1. Psychiatrists
7.1.1. Cognitive therapy for behavioral modification - relaxation, coping techniques for pain (for back pain mainly)
7.1.1.1. Mildura Base Hospital
7.2. Anesthetists
7.2.1. general pain management (back pain) + before/after surgery care (renal, if necessary)
7.2.1.1. Mildura Base Hospital
7.3. Pharmacists
7.3.1. safe and effective medication/usage
7.3.1.1. AMCAL+ Robinvale
7.4. Interventional Radiologists
7.4.1. (pre-operative) screening and detection of stenosis and thrombosis of dialysis fistulas and their treatment
7.4.1.1. Melbourne Interventional Radiologists Group, Alfred Hospital, etc. (all of which are Melbourne based)
8. Allied Health
8.1. Mental
8.1.1. Counselors
8.1.1.1. provides mental health therapy and helps with managing the clinical care
8.1.1.1.1. Robinvale District Health Services
8.1.2. Social workers
8.1.2.1. helps the patient develop his wellbeing and resource allocation skill in order to solve problems himself
8.1.2.1.1. Robinvale District Health Services
8.1.3. Mental Health Services
8.1.3.1. Primary care unit for those with mental illnesses (if Craig has/develops one)
8.1.3.1.1. Mildura Base Hospital
8.2. Physical
8.2.1. pharmacists
8.2.1.1. AMCAL+ Robinvale
8.2.1.1.1. safe and effective medication/usage
8.2.2. Dietitians
8.2.2.1. Supportive Care (an alternative to renal dialysis) - come up with individualised meal plan for the patient
8.2.2.1.1. Robinvale District Health Services
8.2.2.1.2. Mildura Base Hospital
8.2.3. Nurses
8.2.3.1. Clinical nurses (care at the hospitals)
8.2.3.1.1. Morning and afternoon shifts, three days a week (Robinvale District Health Services)
8.2.3.1.2. Mildura Base Hospital
8.2.3.2. Visiting nurses to Robinvale (RDHS based) district
8.2.3.2.1. helps with injections, supervision and medicine administration, may be able to help with home dialysis
8.2.4. Immunisations
8.2.4.1. prevents the renal patient from incidence/lowers severity of vaccine-preventable disease especially in immunocompromised patients who will need renal transplants
8.2.4.1.1. Robinvale District Health Services
8.2.5. Dialysis
8.2.5.1. At hospital
8.2.5.1.1. Mainly by nursing staff, reinforced by medical professionals from Royal Melbourne Hospital through satellite programme
8.2.5.2. Home dialysis
8.2.5.2.1. Aided by health professionals from the hospital such as visiting nurses
8.2.5.2.2. Aid from Kidney Health Australia
8.3. Health Promotion and Education
8.3.1. provide health infomration and referrals regarding renal condition
8.3.1.1. Kidney Health Info Service at 1800 4543 63
8.3.1.2. Telehealth by Department of Health and Human Services
8.3.2. health education regarding management of chronic pain as to avoid heavy use of analgesics and to ensure the patient gets help in time
8.3.2.1. Health promotion/education services at Robinvale District Health Services
9. Rehabilitation
9.1. Renal Resource Central (NSW)
9.1.1. Telephone: +61 2 9462 9455 Freecall: 1800 257 189 [email protected] www.renalresource.com
9.1.1.1. - information and educational material - telephone counseling - referrals
9.2. Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services
9.2.1. under the Commonwealth Government, and deals more with non-clinical/vocational rehabilitation with getting back to their job/getting a new one
9.2.1.1. Office in either Mildura or Swan Hill (nearest). More info on Commonwealth Rehabilitation Services - IMVC
9.3. Physiotherapists
9.3.1. Improves the quality of life
9.3.1.1. Robinvale District Health Service
9.3.1.2. Mildura Base Hospital
9.3.1.3. Active Body renal rehabilitation at http://www.activebody.com.au/renal-rehabilitation.html
9.4. Physical and occupational Therapists
9.4.1. Helps regain independence in daily activities by restoring physical functioning
9.4.1.1. Robinvale District health Services
9.4.1.2. Mildura Base Hospital
10. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
10.1. Yoga
10.1.1. development of strength and flexibility - mainly for back pain
10.1.1.1. Available at Robinvale Leisure Centre 75 Latje Rd, Robinvale VIC 3549
10.2. Chiropractors
10.2.1. chronic back pain relief through Spinal manipulation and individualised manual therapy by addressing musculoskeletal disorders - can also refer to Dietitians
10.2.1.1. Life Chiropractic Sunraysia 1 Perran St, Robinvale VIC 3549