History of Huff & Puff Victoria
Index
The beginning
Inaugral Meeting
Incorporation
Special Meeting for Carers
Australian Carers Association
Chestmates
Common Inhaled Medications in C.O.P.D.
Don't Huff and Puff on Your Own" Seminar -Day 1
Don't Huff and Puff on Your Own" Seminar -Day 2
First Committee
Current Committee
General Meetings :
1992 |
1993 |
1994 |
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002
History of Huff & Puff Victoria
1989 - 1999
The beginning
In 1989, the Home Oxygen Co-ordinator at the Austin Hospital introduced home visiting on the Home Oxygen Programme. This allowed more time to follow through with education for the patients and their carers. She quickly became aware that she was not able to provide the amount of support that was asked for, and that a support group was necessary.
She pursued this further with the community health nurses in the nearby Community Health Centres at Diamond Valley and West Heidelberg,and was able to set up a network which was prepared to facilitate the opening of an oxygen support group, and provide
on-going care, support and professional consultation.
Inaugral Meeting
The group evolved out of an inaugural meeting of oxygen recipients, carers, and health professionals, held in February 1991 at the West Heidelberg Community Health Centre. There was unanimous approval for the formation of a mutual self-help group: membership open to all people on home oxygen, their carers, and interested health professionals.
At the next meeting, an enthusiastic committee was elected, and the goals of the group were agreed on:
- To provide social interaction and support.
- To advise on oxygen equipment and personal problems.
- To give on-going education to group members and their carers
- To provide a forum to discuss issues related to disability and decide what actions are required.
- To publish a monthly newsletter for group members.
Incorporation
The group became incorporated, and created the official name of "Victorian Home Oxygen Support Group Inc.", or "VHOSG" if we were in a hurry, or "Huff and Puff' if we were out of breath; and we opened Post Box number 161 at West Heidelberg Post Office.
The VHOSG has continued to meet on the first Wednesday of each month except January (too hot!), from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm., at the West Heidelberg Community Health Centre, with a variety of programmes, followed by afternoon tea and a chat. Membership was
set at $10.00 a year per family and limited transport is provided in the Heidelberg and Diamond Valley districts by arrangement if necessary.
Special Meeting for Carers
A special meeting was held for carers, involving the following programme:
- Pathophysiology of the respiratory system (What can go wrong with the breathing system)
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (Coping with emergencies: heart-lung resuscitation)
- Chest Physiotherapy (By Kathleen Hall)
Since the formation of our group,the hospital re-admission rate has dropped considerably, and many people can now be seen with their Oxymatic oxygen trolleys or Porta-Packs, in the shopping centres, the State Theatre auditorium, and other venues, whereas before joining the VHOSG, many of them were afraid to leave the security and privacy of their own homes, i.e. prisoners in their own homes !
September 1991
Dr. Jonathan Streeton was asked to be our patron at the September meeting, and he accepted the position.
1992
Our group received a grant from the HACS, our members are receiving the benefits of meeting with other members, and sharing experiences, and enjoying social interaction, thus becoming more self-confident in their new environment, and with meeting the general population whilst connected to their portable oxygen cylinders.
Australian Carers Association
The Australian Carers Association conventions were a great source of information, including respite care to allow carers 'time off' to rebuild their own health and sanity. The government acknowledged the carers by coining a Carers badge, and creating the Carer Support Kit.
1993 - Spreading our wings.
We opened a branch at Frankston, to cover the Mornington peninsular
and nearby area, with the help of Community Health centres of Frankston, Chelsea, Cranbourne, and Central Bayside.
1994
March 5th.1995
At the 1995 Annual General Meeting, it was resolved that section 2a of the Statement of Purpose be amended to read
"To provide support to people who are on Oxygen Therapy and other people who have chronic respiratory ailments, who wish to continue living independently in the community."
April 12th. 1995
The Chestmates (Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital Pulmonary Rehabitation Group) closed their group and joined VHOSG, to be followed by the Sleep Apnoea Group.
April 20th.1995
We changed our name to VHORSG: 'Victorian Home Oxygen & Respiratory Support Group Inc.' to accommodate the AGM resolution.
September 1995
Easy Breathers was formed from a breathing, exercise and relaxation course, as a completely independent Respiratory Support Self-help group, meeting bimonthly in Hampton, Victoria. This group is now the second largest Respiratory Support grouip in Victoria and have a strong liaison with VHORSG. They have run educational courses, developed a phone line-up for their members, established new groups and published "Patient Talk" leaflets and their "Whiff & Wisdom" newsletter.
October 10th, 1995
An Oxygen Support Group held its inaugural meeting in Ballarat. This group is now running well with the help of Jeni Burton and Pat McCarthy
The Primary Care Div. of Dep. of Human Services under Ms. Robyn Barnes, ran an extensive 45 page evaluation of our group (which had previously been rated in the top 25 Best Practice Projects in Australia ), and their interaction with the Community Health Centre,the evaluation also included the Ballarat group.
June 1996
Jonny Brownbill of Vicnet helped me set up our home page on the internet http://vicnet.au//~vhorsg/
We received one request for 'Huff & Puff' from New York,USA. Unfortunately we haven't been able to budget for an Email address!
October 22nd.1996
Whitehorse Respiratory Support Group held their inaugural meeting in the Box Hill (Whitehorse is the new name for the extended Box Hill Council) Community Health Centre with community nurse Fay Uren presiding, supported by VHORSG and Easy Breathers.
November 1996
Dr. Peter Holmes presented two "Lung Health 96" seminars, supported by VHORSG and Easy Breathers.
May 1997
We supported the Victorian launch of 'LungNet', the Australian Lung Foundation's National Patient Support group's Networking Project.
The Springvale Group now have a permanent home at the Springvale Community Health and Rehabilitation Centre.
The Brimbank Group meets at the Community Health Centre at St. Albans.
June 4th. 1997
Our member Harry Melbourne the originator of the famous, popular, tasty, chocolate 'Freddo Frog' 50 years ago, has enthusiastically led our new fun raising project, selling huge $1.00 frogs.
March 4 1998
Dr. Worsnop of Austin Repat Medical Centre gave a very informative talk on Lung Disease, illustrated by medical sketches and photographic images, giving us a clear perception of the damages to the alveoli air sacs caused by emphysema.
Charity Week at Northlands, we had a shared stall with S.I.D.S. (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) selling craft made by our members.
April 1 1998
Outreach Museum entertained us with relics of the past: toys and household items, also photographs of life in the Thirties
May 6 1998
Respiratory nurse Marcia Lazarus gave an excellent talk on "Common Inhaled Medications in C.O.P.D."
June 3 1998
Ted Molesworth ran a Think Tank on Conserving Energy - from the moment you wake up in the morning until breakfast time after a shower.
July 1 1998
Michael Cohen gave a very interesting talk on "The World of Judaism". We found out how complicated the every day life of a devout Jew is!
August 5 1998
The Cee-Cee Variety group entertained us with a great concert.
September 2 1998
Ted Molesworth ran a Think Tank "Coping with Breathlessness Day-by-day"
We had a successful stall at the WHCHC Show-Day fete.
October 7 1998
Emilio Savle gave a particularly interesting talk on public access from the point of view of somebody in a wheel chair, from navigating stairs & narrow passages to the placement of a refrigerator in a motel with the 'frig door swinging the wrong way.
November 4 1998
Gentle exercises, then a social chat.
December 2 1998
Xmas party with spit roast, 3 deserts, Kris Kringle and entertainment by the Heidelberg All Stars variety group.
February 3rd 1999
Very hot, so just a social chat after exercises.
March 3rd 1999
AGM, Federal member for Jagajaga spoke on "Life in Federal parliament".
April 7th 1999
Christine McDonald spoke on the ARMC post pulmonary rehabilitation programme.
April 30th 1999
"Don't Huff and Puff on Your Own" Seminar -Day 1 - April 30th 1999
| Video | Operation of the Lungs | |
| Lung Disease | Treatment & Explanation
'Flu Vaccine
Pneumonia Vaccine | |
| Physiotherapy | Breathlessness
Gentle Exercises
Respiratory Rehabilitation
Domiciliary Oxygen | |
| Medications | Bronchodilators (relievers)
Corticosteroids (preventers)
Antibiotics
Mucolytics (breakdown thick mucous)
Peak Flow Meters | |
| Meet the panel | Visitors ask the experts | All |
| Social | Afternoon Tea
Discussion and Feedback | All |
"Don't Huff and Puff on Your Own" Seminar - Day 2 - May 7th 1999
| Video | Living with Emphysema
Living With Asthma) | |
| Health Services | Division of General Practice
What is it?
What is it's role?
What is the benifit to the patient?
Community Liaison : Northern Care & Share
Success of Hospital In The Home | |
| Diet | Diet for Respiratory Conditions
Diet for Carers | |
| Occupational Therapy | Hospital Service
Home Service
Mobility Aids
Council Support Services | |
| Support in the Community |
Patient Support Group
LungNet
Transport Parking Entitlements
Federal, State & Local Services |
| Meet the panel | Visitors ask the experts | All |
| Social | Afternoon Tea
Discussion and Feedback | All |
May 5th 1999
Lung Association of Victoria Quarterly Meeting.
Debra Metcher spoke on "Respiratory Medications";
Stall at Linlithgow, Ivanhoe
June 2nd 1999
Guest speaker Ken Irvine spoke on "Public Transport Disability Services"
July 7th 1999
Guest speaker Melisa Jellis of Latrobe University Podiatry and Orthopedic Clinic spoke on "Caring for Your Feet".
August 4th 1999
Ted Molesworth of Easy Breathers ran a Think Tank :topic "Medications".
September 1st 1999
Guest speaker respiratory scientist Mr. David Johns spoke on "Lung Functions"
October 6th 1999
Guest speaker Leon O'Brien of the Office of Public Advocate spoke on "The Office of the Public Advocate".
November 3rd 1999
Guest speaker respiratory nurse David Parsons.
December 1st 1999
Song and Dance priest Father Gurry entertained us on a very hot day at our Christmas party. Our deluxe Christmas hamper was won by member Hilda Halliwell, door prizes of carved wooden bowls won by Bill Gates and Jean Brown.Great spit roast with salads, roast potatoes, sour cream, garlic bread,then deserts of pavlova, fresh fruit salad and exotic cakes.
February 2nd 2000
Guest speaker Debra Metcher of Banyule CHS spoke on "Diabetes"
March 1st 2000
AGM
April 5th 2000
Metropolitan Ambulance Service spoke on emergency calls, MICA, The Fire Brigade CPR, oxygen & defibrillator, Monash degree status training, response time. Intergraph, and ambulance service bases.
May 3rd 2000
Guest speaker physiotherapist Shadi Hanna spoke on Banyule CHC's "Physiotherapy and Post Rehabilitation Program"
June 7th 2000
Guest speaker Respiratory Psychologist spoke on "Lung Disease Psychological and Social Effects and Treatment"
July 5th 2000
Guest speaker Community Health Nurse Sue Morrison spoke on "The HACC Programme".
August 2nd 2000
Guest speaker pharmacist Denis Liubinas spoke on "Your Local Pharmacy".
September 6th 2000
Guest speaker dietician Eileen Holbery spoke on "Diet and Osteoporosis"
October 4th 2000
Guest speaker Dr. Gobind Duggal spoke on "Our GP and the Hospital", Post Accute Care, Hospital in the Home & the new Enhanced Primary Care.
Member Harry Melbourne launched his book : "The Recollections of Harry Melbourne ... and Freddo".
November 1st 2000
Guest speaker Glen Cardwell of Disability Rights Victoria spoke on the DRV state wide advocacy service for people with physical and multiple disabilities.
December 6th 2000
Our Christmas Party was catered by Christine Williams., Christmas deluxe hamper won by Olive Mullinger,second prize by Wendy Gates, door prizes won by Kath O'Hanlon and Doreen Molesworth.
February 7th 2001
Podiatrist Murray gave an excellent talk on Podiatry and care of the feet.
March 7th 2001
AGM, Cee Cee's Variety Group entertained us with song and dance.
April 4th 2001
Guest speaker Dorothy Dryburgh and member Marlene Cockle demonstrated "Low Allergy Massage".
May 2 2001
Guest speaker Respiratory Physiotherapist Katherine Hill of ARMC spoke on the role of the respiratory physiotherapist.
June 6th 2001
Guest speaker Sergrant Peter Henry of the Victorian Police Force
spoke on "Safety in the Home".
July 4th 2001
Guest speaker Museum Outreach introduced us to the study of Sea Shells.
August 1st 2001
Guest speaker parmacist spoke on "Your Local Pharmacy".
September 5th 2001
Guest speaker Dr. Russel Gouge, respiratory felow of Western Hospital spoke on "Myths and Realities of Steroids"
October 2001
Guest speaker respiratory psychologist Mr. Pieter Walker spoke on "Improving the Quality of Your Life"
November 7th 2001
Fun and Games.
December 5th 2001
Christmas Dinner at the Watsonia RSL.
February 6th 2002
Gentle exercises, social meeting.
March 6th 2002
AGM, Guest speaker Vicky Ward on behalf of Jenny Macklin gave a report on Parliament and the Austin Hospital campus of ARMC.
April 3rd 2002
The Cee Cees Variety Group entertained us with their lively song and dance routines.
May 1st 2002
Guest Speaker Peter Cox of the SES
June 5th 2002
Guest Speaker Royal Melbourne Zoo
July 3rd 2002
Guest Speaker ARMC respiratory physiotherapist Catherine Hill.
August 7th 2002
Old Time Dance
September 4th 2002
Guest Speaker Respiratory Specialist Dr. Peter Holmes
October 2nd 2002
Guest Speaker Outreach Museum
2002
Crazy Whist
2002
Christmas Party at Watsonia RSL
The Future
To expand our Internet Home Page, run Lung Information seminars, help establish new groups in Melbourne suburbs, provincial cities and interstate.
Educational Programmes & Activities
- Application of essential oils
- Birthday cards sent to all financial members
- Blood-Oxygen Testing
- Carer education
- Chronic Lung Disease
- Community resources
- Concerts
- Coping with house fires and smoke
- Dangers of gas stoves and smoking when wearing oxygen nasal cannula.
- Disabled parking stickers.
- Domiciliary Nursing Care Benefits
- Early signs and symptoms of the common cold
- Emergency management
- Exercise and controlled breathing
- Funerals of members or their carers attended by group
- Members to give support in tragic times.
- Get-Well cards sent to cheer up the Sickies.
- Government concessions
- Homeopathy
- Humour
- Influenza shots
- Knowledge of equipment
- Life in Rhodesia
- Life Membership certificates
- Lung Information Days
- Lung pathophysiology
- Lung physiotherapy
- Massage techniques
- Motorised wheelchairs
- Multi-Purpose taxi scheme
- Nebuliser
- Newsletter "Huff &Puff"
- Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
- Oxymatic equipment [Oxygen conservation]
- Patient education: exercises, physiotherapy.
- Puffer
- Respite Care
- Quit smoking programme availability.
- Spacer
- Travelling with oxygen in cars and planes.
- Trips to other Respiratory Support Groups
- Turbohaler
- Video Tapes: "Joe's Lung", "Living with Emphysema", etc.
- Fun and Fellowship programmes
- Beef-on-a spit party
- Easter bonnet competition
- Flower lotto
- Free chrythanthemums on mother's day
- Outreach museum: shells, Australian fauna, Reminiscing
- Plays, Zap Community Theatre
- Raffles
- Sing-a-longs,with the Cee Cee group.
- Trading table and stalls to raise funds.
- Surprise bus trip and BBQ
- Xmas party & Xmas hamper raffle
Past and Present Committees
Inaugural Committee
1991 - 1992
| President |
Ivan Mejac [Dec.] |
| Secretary |
Joyce Lees |
| Treasurer |
Roma Beach [Dec.] |
| Ass. Secretary |
Mrs. Margaret Hauser [Dec.] |
| "Huff & Puff" Editor |
Leslie Smith[Albury] |
| Public Officer |
Joyce Lees |
| Webmaster |
N/A |
| Committee |
Clarice Hawting [Dec.]
Edith Bourke [Dec.]
Jean Gowans [Dec.]
Bruce Collyer [Dec.]
Norm English [Dec.]
Lillian Trevithick [Dec.]
Kath O'Hanlon [Active]
|
|
Current Committee
2000 - 2001
|
Acting President |
Max Beach |
|
Vice President |
Ron Green |
| Secretary |
Max Beach |
| Treasurer |
Graeme Caufield |
| Auditor |
Eve Debus |
| Huff & Puff Editor |
Max Beach |
| Public Officer |
Max Beach |
| Webmaster |
Max Beach |
| Committee |
Ron Blackburn
Marlene Cockle
Teddy Cohen
Fr. Jim Muirhead
Betty Tydeman
|
|
|
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Huff and Puff Victoria Inc.
Melbourne, Australia.
Secretary [Webmaster] Max. S. Beach
Phone: 0011 61 3 9435 5731
FAX : 0011 61 3 9444 7540
Email :huffpuffvic@optusnet.com.au
Previous update: 20 October 2002
Last updated: 15 March 2003
© All Rights Reserved :
Max.S. Beach 1999 : 2003
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