Deb Willcox settles into Chief Executive role at Sydney Local Health District
Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) welcomed a new Chief Executive at the end of 2024 with the appointment of Deb Willcox AM.
Deb is no stranger to the District, having begun her nursing career at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and returning in 2015 as the RPA General Manager and SLHD Director Operations, before taking on leadership roles across NSW Health.
Deb is committed to delivering compassionate and accessible healthcare to the local community.
Do you need medical help right now?
Free Urgent Care Services have been introduced in NSW for people with a Medicare card, providing prompt medical treatment without waiting in a busy emergency department.
Some examples of illnesses or injuries that are not usually considered an emergency include: minor cuts; sprains or suspected fractures; minor infections; urinary tract infections (UTIs); rashes; insect or animal bites; cough, cold or flu; mild asthma attacks; earaches; and fever or chills.
To access urgent care, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for free, 24 hours, 7 days a week. A registered nurse (RN) will answer your call and ask you questions about your condition. Depending on the assessment made by the RN, you may be referred to an Urgent Care Service or recommended an alternative treatment option.
It’s not too late to get a flu vaccination
Anyone can get the flu (or influenza), and winter is the time when it is more common. The flu is more serious than a cold and can come on suddenly. You might get a fever, chills, body aches, headache, a sore throat, cough, or feel really tired. Kids can also have an upset tummy or vomiting.
Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself from flu, and it is not too late to get vaccinated. Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged 6 years and over.
Getting your yearly flu vaccine offers the best protection from getting really sick and is free for:
- Children aged 6 months to under 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal people aged 6 months and over
- Anyone aged over 65 years
- People with serious health conditions
You can book your vaccine at your GP, pharmacy, or Aboriginal Medical Service using healthdirect.
If you get the flu, it’s best to stay home and rest until you’re feeling better – this helps stop it spreading to others. Drink plenty of water, and you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain or fever. If you’re in a high-risk group or feel very unwell, see your doctor early. Antiviral medicine might help if taken quickly.
If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, feel dizzy or confused, or keep vomiting, call Triple Zero (000) straight away.
