Crohns and Colitis Awareness Month

#IBDHasNoAge 


In Australia 1 in 250 people are affected by Crohn’s and Colitis. Today we shed some light on Inflammatory Bowel Disease, which affects both young and old. We advocate for those who are struggling or may have just been diagnosed, to raise awareness and #FlushtheStigma surrounding this difficult condition. 

The more awareness we raise about this condition, the more we assist people in seeking help and advocating for better health care and intervention in a disease that can make a person feel uncomfortable or ashamed to talk about. It is reported by many that their journey to diagnosis has been strenuous and difficult, often dismissed and exacerbated by incorrect treatment for other common gut problems. 


Crohn’s Disease can occur anywhere in the digestive system from the mouth to the Anus. And symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. And can be serious to mild. Colitis – or more often known as Ulcerative Colitis is a form of IBD that affects the large intestine and the colon. It is caused by inflammation in the gut that results in redness, swelling and pain. Ulcers may form on the surface of the intestines, leading to bleeding and increased production of mucous. Symptoms usually come in flares (times where the symptoms are more prominent than other periods and can lead to some confusion, especially when you are first seeking help and diagnosis).


Common Symptoms: 

  • Abdominal Pain 
  • Frequent Diarrhoea (sometimes with bloody stools) and an urgent need to use the bathroom. 
  • Tiredness and Fatigue 
  • Loss of Appetite and Weight 
  • Persistent Anaemia 

 

Diagnosis of IBD can often be difficult, with physicians often treating symptoms as bacterial infections or the more common Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It can take time to receive an accurate diagnosis, and this is where advocating for your body is important. Multiple tests are often required, as IBD has been seen as an illness that begins as a teen or young adult, but it is becoming more apparent that people of all ages can develop IBD, and it is not limited to starting in young age. 


 Dietary Tips to aid Gut health for those with IBD: 
Always consult with your doctor and dietitian. As symptoms vary and malnutrition is common, it is vital that a dietitian has input and can work on a plan of what your body can and cannot tolerate and when to intervene with supplements. 


Trigger Foods: 

  • Foods high in Insoluble Fibre 
  • High Lactose Foods 
  • High Fat Foods/ processed Foods 
  • Caffeine 
  • Alcohol 

 

Foods to increase your Diet: 

  •  Fruits (Bananas, raspberries, Apple Sauce) 
  • Vegetables: Squash, Carrots, Green Beans 
  • Foods Rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acid 

 

Do: 

  • Increase Protein 
  • Increase Fluids 
  • Nutrient Dense meals and Snacks 
  • Consult with your Doctor and Dietitian 

 

For additional help and resources with diet, visit Dietitians Crohn’s Colitis Australian Network


‘’I went from being a normal healthy person, to noticing some problems around my gums and teeth. Within 7 months I had dropped 40 kilograms. It baffled doctors and I struggled to advocate for myself, within the realms of health services, from running the usual gamut of tests and ruling out cancers, to having internal bleeding because I kept being susceptible to Pylori and infectious gut diseases. Months of antibiotics and scopes, I was passed from doctor to doctor. I didn’t know about IBD or how it affected the system. It was a fight to advocate that this was not some stress related side effect, as I collapsed over and over. It took a year for me to find the correct Gastroenterologist who listened to me and has empowered me to learn about my illness and to inform the healthcare sector, that even at my age, it was possible for IBD to present itself. It’s been a long journey that has involved both medical assistances, but also an awareness of how I need to treat and listen to my body – after all it is my body, and I wish I had fought harder and listened to my literal ‘gut instinct!” 

- Anon, (38 years old) 


 For support, information and resources on living with IBD and for those advocating for better health care and treatment for those with suspected IBD, visit: 

Crohn’s and Colitis Australia 

Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Association 


Crohn’s and Colitis Helpline: 1800 138 029 

NDIS Reform : What Support Workers Need to Know

June 29, 2026
Change Is Coming — But What Does It Really Mean? The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) continues to evolve, and 2026 marks another important stage in its reform journey. With discussions around funding, eligibility, provider regulation, and service quality making headlines, it's understandable that many support workers are wondering how these changes will affect their day-to-day roles. The good news? While reforms may influence how services are delivered and managed, the heart of disability support remains the same: providing high-quality, person-centred care. Here's a closer look at the key changes and what they could mean for you. One of the major areas of reform is ensuring that NDIS funding is directed to participants who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria and receive supports that are considered "reasonable and necessary." The aim is to create greater consistency in decision-making while ensuring participants receive the supports they genuinely need. For support workers, this may result in more structured support plans, clearer participant goals, and a greater emphasis on documenting how supports help individuals achieve their outcomes. Planning That Prioritises Outcomes The NDIS is moving towards planning models that place greater importance on participant outcomes rather than simply allocating hours of support. Future plans are expected to become more streamlined, with clearer budgets and stronger links between supports and participant goals. As a support worker, this means your role extends beyond delivering care. Your observations, communication, and progress notes will become increasingly valuable in demonstrating how your support contributes to a participant's independence and quality of life. Stronger Standards for Providers The government is also strengthening provider regulation to improve safety, quality, and consistency across the disability sector. These changes include increased compliance requirements, enhanced safeguarding measures, and ongoing improvements to provider registration processes. For workers, this may mean more comprehensive onboarding, regular training, updated policies, and greater accountability in everyday practice. While this can feel like additional administration, the overall goal is to improve outcomes for participants and raise standards across the industry. Increased Accountability Across the Sector Another focus of the reforms is ensuring that NDIS funding is used appropriately and transparently. Providers are expected to maintain accurate records, demonstrate value for money, and clearly show how supports align with participant goals. As a result, support workers may notice a greater emphasis on completing shift notes, documenting progress, and maintaining high standards of communication with participants, families, and care teams. These records are no longer simply administrative tasks—they help demonstrate the quality and impact of the support being delivered. Despite the reforms, one thing remains constant: Australia continues to need compassionate, skilled, and dedicated disability support workers. As demand for disability services continues to grow, organisations are looking for professionals who communicate well, adapt to change, and genuinely care about improving the lives of others. Technology, policies, and funding models may evolve, but empathy, professionalism, and quality care will always remain at the centre of disability support. Looking Ahead The NDIS reforms are designed to strengthen the scheme, improve participant outcomes, and build greater confidence across the sector. For support workers, staying informed, embracing ongoing learning, and maintaining high standards of care will ensure you're well positioned for the future. While change can seem daunting, it also presents an opportunity to continue growing as a professional and delivering an even greater impact for the people who rely on your support every day. Further Reading For the latest information on NDIS reforms, visit: NDIS Review Final Report: https://www.ndisreview.gov.au/resources/final-report National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA): https://www.ndis.gov.au NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au

Why Sustainability in Healthcare Matters More Than Ever

By Health Staff Australia • June 1, 2026
World Environment Day | 5 June When we think about healthcare, our minds naturally go to patient care, medical innovation, and improving lives. Sustainability is not always the first thing that comes to mind. Yet increasingly, the two are becoming impossible to separate. As we mark World Environment Day on 5 June , it’s a moment to reflect on how deeply connected environmental health and human health really are. From hospitals and aged care facilities to clinics and community health services, the way we design, power, and run healthcare systems has a real impact on the world around us. The Link We Can’t Ignore Healthcare professionals are often the first to see how environmental issues translate into real patient outcomes. Poor air quality, heatwaves, pollution, and climate-related illnesses are no longer distant concerns — they are becoming part of everyday clinical reality. At the same time, healthcare itself is a resource-heavy sector. It exists to save lives, but in doing so it relies on energy, water, single-use materials, and complex supply chains that all contribute to its environmental footprint. This creates an important challenge: how do we continue delivering high-quality care while reducing harm to the environment that ultimately supports human health? More Than an Environmental Issue Sustainability in healthcare is not just about emissions or waste reduction. It also touches the human side of healthcare delivery. The environments healthcare workers operate in matter. Lighting, air quality, space design, and even access to nature or green elements can influence stress levels, fatigue, and overall wellbeing. In a sector already facing workforce shortages and burnout pressures, this becomes even more important. Sustainable design and smarter systems don’t replace clinical care — they support the people delivering it. A Shift Already Happening in Australia Across Australia, healthcare providers are beginning to rethink how facilities operate. There is growing investment in energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, improved waste management systems, and more responsible procurement practices. While change is gradual, the direction is clear: sustainability is becoming part of long-term healthcare planning rather than an optional extra.

The Human Touch in a Digital World: Why Support Workers Matter More Than Ever

April 30, 2026
The Human Touch in a Digital World: Why Support Workers Matter More Than Ever As healthcare continues to evolve, technology is playing a bigger role than ever before. From digital care records and remote monitoring systems to telehealth appointments and automated scheduling, the way care is delivered is becoming faster, smarter, and more connected. But even in this increasingly digital world, one thing remains irreplaceable — the human touch. At the heart of quality care are support workers. And no matter how advanced systems become, their role is more important now than ever before. Technology is transforming care — but it can’t replace connection Modern healthcare tools have improved efficiency and accessibility across the sector. Information can be shared instantly, care plans are more structured, and communication between providers has never been easier. However, care is not just about data, schedules, or systems. It is about people. A device can track vital signs, but it cannot offer reassurance during a difficult moment. A digital system can record needs, but it cannot interpret emotion, tone, or unspoken concerns. This is where support workers step in — bridging the gap between clinical care and human experience.