Grab your Grab Bag. They're great.

Healthcare Grab Bag initiative launched to support emergency preparedness in Oberon

A new community health initiative aimed at improving emergency readiness for residents across the Oberon region will be launched on 19 June 2026 outside the Oberon Council Administration Office.

The Healthcare Grab Bag project was developed by the Oberon Health Committee as a practical tool to support residents during unplanned medical events or hospital transfers. The initiative has been funded by the Oberon Rotary Club, with strong support from Oberon Council.

Created in consultation with NSW Health, Oberon Medical Centre, aged care providers, NSW Ambulance Service and the Oberon Multi-Purpose Service (MPS), the Healthcare Grab Bag ensures essential medical information is stored in one easily accessible place and can travel with a patient during emergencies.

“In stressful medical situations, having accurate information ready to go can make all the difference,” said a spokesperson for the Oberon Health Committee. “The Healthcare Grab Bag helps residents, families, and emergency workers by keeping vital details together and easy to find.”

More than 500 bags have been produced to ensure broad community access. Following the official launch, bags will be available at the Oberon Pharmacy, Oberon Medical Centre, Council Offices, NSW Ambulance Service and the MPS.

The project has already received strong community support through a soft launch at local organisation meetings, with further distribution and awareness activities planned.

Contact

Mrs Kathy Sajowitz
Oberon Health Council
Mobile:   0428 543 693

Healthcare Grab Bag – Project Overview

The Healthcare Grab Bag initiative was developed by the Oberon Health Committee as a practical, community-focused project to improve emergency preparedness. Funding was secured through the Oberon Rotary Club, and Oberon Council has provided ongoing support.

Purpose of the Grab Bag

The Grab Bag is designed to ensure that during an emergency or unplanned hospital transfer, essential health information is stored in one place, easy to locate, and ready to travel with the patient. This reduces stress for individuals and families and assists emergency workers in making timely, informed decisions.

Development and Consultation

The contents and design of the bag were developed over several months in collaboration with:

• NSW Health
• Oberon Medical Centre
• Local aged care providers
• NSW Ambulance Service
• Oberon Multi-Purpose Service (MPS)

This consultation ensured the bag's contents are practical, accurate, and genuinely useful in real world emergency situations.

What's Inside the Bag

Each Healthcare Grab Bag includes:

• Patient transport checklist - capturing medical history, medications and their location, allergies, emergency contacts, implanted devices, and optional items such as Advance Care Directives or emergency care plans for dependents.
• Medication zip lock bag - ensuring medications travel with the patient.
• Informational flyers - providing guidance on health preparedness.
• Location sticker - to help emergency workers quickly identify where the bag is stored.

The outside of the bag includes quick reference questions that can be filled in to assist ambulance officers with rapid assessment.

A small white sticker with a red cross is included to mark the bag's storage location in the home - commonly on top of fridge door or in a drawer.

Usage Recommendations

• Each household member should have their own bag.
• Information should be reviewed and updated regularly.
• Family members or carers should know where the bag is stored.

Distribution Strategy

A soft launch has already taken place through presentations to community organisations, with strong positive feedback. Following the official launch on 19 June at 10am, bags will be available at:

• Oberon Pharmacy
• Oberon Medical Centre
• Oberon Council Offices
• NSW Ambulance Service
• Oberon MPS

Further distribution channels will continue to be explored to maximise community reach.