What is a support group? - By definition of Pieter Walker - Department of Respiratory Medicine Repatriation Hospital, Adelaide: "support groups provide an opportunity to learn how to cope more effectively by providing information, social comparison, reinforcement, encouragement and support in a caring environment, alleviating fears and anxieties. They provide pleasurable and enjoyable activities, changing the way people think about their disease. Such interventions are aimed at decreasing depression and anxiety, improving quality of life and reducing the length of stay on hospital admissions". (Courtesy of L.I.P.S.)

Just to keep you informed of supplier changes for HOME OXYGEN THERAPY. Air Liquide Healthcare has recently been successful in securing the State Government Home Oxygen Therapy contract managed through our three regional hospitals. Patient's whose equipment is funded through the regional public hospitals will be contacted within the next few weeks to commence the changeover of equipment. The changeover of equipment will commence firstly in the Northern Region from Monday 6th of November and will be accompanied by an information package. Air Liquide Healthcare queries should be directed to their Launceston office on 1300 363 202.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE, however, that BOC Gases still supply oxygen therapy to DVA recipients. All Oxycare queries can be directed to BOC on 1800 050 999. We would like to take this opportunity to thank BOC for their National support and sponsorship of LungNet through The Australian Lung Foundation.

I would like to congratulate L.U.S.T. in their service delivery strategy in providing hard core visual evidence to youth on the long-term effects of tobacco use. It is hoped that the visible impact and the realities in how difficult life can become will lead to changes in practice, attitude and behaviour of young people actively participating in tobacco use. I applaud L.U.S.T. for their efforts and would encourage others to consider participating in this mechanism of health promotion.