30 December 2004

Tsunami relief update

Two more medical teams will be dispatched from Sydney today to assist victims of the Asian Tsunami disaster.

"NSW health officials are continuing to play a key role in the nationally co-ordinated response to ensure that appropriate medical relief reaches areas where it is needed most," Health Minister Morris Iemma said today.

The focus of the medical relief today will be on Australians returning from Thailand as well as sending additional medical relief crews.

"NSW Ambulance officers as well as South Eastern Sydney Area Health Service medical staff and mental health specialists will be at Sydney Airport this morning to greet passengers returning from Thailand on board a special Qantas flight bringing tourists and survivors from the disaster zone," Mr Iemma said.

NSW Health has also set up a 24 hour counselling support telephone line to help people cope with the shock and emotional effect of the tragedy.

The Tsunami Mental Health Support Line connects those in need with a 24-hour trauma and grief counselling service.

"This is not only for those returning home from the tsunami zone but for relatives and families who may be suffering distress as they await news of friends and loved ones living in affected countries.

"Calls to the Tsunami Support Line (Freecall 1 - 800 - 201 - 123) are answered by professional mental health counsellors," Mr Iemma said.

"These professionals act as initial contact points for individuals who are seeking support or counselling. The mental health team also provide links to other resources, including specialist NSW Area Health Service mental health teams.

"Many people who may have returned from overseas this week, or returning in the next few days, may be feeling distressed by the tragic event or someone may be concerned about the reactions of a friend or family member now that the initial shock of the tsunami is over," Mr Iemma said.

Mr Iemma said as more Australians head home from the affected regions there is a need to place mental health teams at Sydney Airport.

"The mental health teams will be available to meet arriving aircraft, make an initial contact with passengers and then offer advice on how to access mental health services closer to their homes."

Later, two additional medical relief teams comprising medical and public health experts from around Australia will depart for the disaster zone.

One team is expected to depart to provide assistance in the Maldives, a second smaller group of public health and infectious disease experts is expected to depart to join a World Health Organisation team working in Sri Lanka.

NSW officials continue to work in conjunction with other states as part of the Commonwealth co-ordinated response.

The NSW Health 1 - 800 - 201 - 123 Support Line is a mental health counselling and support service only.

People requiring any other kind of assistance can contact the Department of Community Services (DoCS) State Disaster Recovery Centre on (02) 8855 5111.

The Department of Foreign Affairs hotline is 1 - 800 - 002 - 214.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au