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Legionnaires’ disease linked with Cranbourne East areaThe department is investigating an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in the Cranbourne East area. Two cases have been notified as of 18 August 2020. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which are widespread in our environment. A person may catch Legionnaires' disease by breathing in fine droplets of water that contain the bacteria. You cannot catch it from another person or by drinking contaminated water. People who have been in the Cranbourne East area from the start of August and develop flu-like illnesses should seek immediate medical attention. Advice for general practiceHealthcare professionals should be alert for Legionnaires’ disease in patients with influenza-like symptoms, particularly those with severe pneumonia who have been around the Cranbourne East area since the start of August. Consider alternative diagnoses to COVID-19 for respiratory infections and undertake appropriate investigations. If you suspect Legionnaires’ disease, request urinary antigen testing through your normal pathology provider. As a priority, order Legionella culture on sputum, and undertake serology on blood at symptom onset and 4-8 weeks later (as paired sera). Legionnaires’ disease is an urgent notifiable condition that requires notification upon initial diagnosis or clinical suspicion (presumptive or confirmed) as soon as practicable and within 24 hours on 1300 651 160. Read the full Alert: Legionnaires’ disease linked with Cranbourne East area Interested in joining SEMPHN's Board? Apply by 5 September!We are seeking to enhance the diversity of our board to complement the skills and experience required for the effective oversight and governance of SEMPHN’s activities. Applications are now invited for three non-executive board director positions. How to applyInterested applicants for Board membership must complete:
It is strongly advised that all candidates read SEMPHN's constitution prior to applying. Apply for Board membership through Ethical Jobs. Applications close Sunday, 5 September 2021. If you would like more information about being a member of our Board, please contact Bruce Harvey at cosec@semphn.org.au or visit our Board Applications page. Join other local general practices that screen for latent tuberculosisDid you know the spread of (latent) tuberculosis infection (LBTI) is sometimes called "the forgotten pandemic"? Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is an asymptomatic condition that may progress to active tuberculosis (TB), sometimes decades after exposure. Many people are unaware of LTBI, but around 1 in 6 people born outside of Australia are estimated to be infected*. Most people with active TB in Australia have not had recent contact and have been unaware of their risk. Since 2018, the Victorian Tuberculosis Program (VTP) and SEMPHN have collaborated in implementing tuberculosis screening, management and prevention in General Practice across the SEMPHN region. Participating clinics are listed here. Management of latent tuberculosis, including testing and treatment where appropriate, is available through these clinics, with support provided by the VTP. Join the effort to screen for LTBI at your general practice. If your clinic is interested in finding out more, please contact:
Help keep your staff and patients safe: use the Infection Prevention HelplinePlease remember that the free Infection Prevention Helpline is available on 1800 312 968 or 03 9956 1046 between 9 am–5pm, weekdays Access infection prevention and control advice including:
The service is free for general practices, community pharmacies, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and nurse practitioner owned or led primary care practices. You can also view the APNA webinar recording on infection control or view the pharmacy video. Free wellbeing support for general practice staffGeneral practice staff across the region are working hard to support the community with COVID-19 support or the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. Thank you for your crucial role in supporting the community. SEMPHN is offering general practice staff in the South Eastern Melbourne catchment access to its Employee Assistance Program (EAP). SEMPHN's EAP provides up to four free short-term professional counselling sessions and can be done virtually or over the phone. We have two experienced psychologists available for appointments. Click here for more information. General practice staff invited to Calvary Bethlehem's Redevelopment WebinarCalvary Health Care Bethlehem is coming to Caulfield and is holding an information session for general practice staff on the significant changes to its services and facilities in September. Calvary Bethlehem Health and Retirement Precinct in Caulfield South is an integrated development bringing together:
Due for completion in late 2022, the development includes an opportunity for integrated primary health services to help support residents to live well within the precinct community and connect with the health care services. Come along to this webinar learn more about the redevelopment of the site, its new services and opportunities for general practice. When: Wednesday, 1 September, 12 pm—1pm Expert advice for Victorians wondering about palliative careThe new Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS) gives Victorians an opportunity to access expert advice on life-limiting illness, palliative care and end of life care. The advice service allows health professionals and the general public/community to speak with a palliative care nurse or doctor about any aspect of a life-limiting illness. Funded by the Department of Health and delivered by the Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service (PCAS), auspiced by The Royal Melbourne Hospital, this state-wide service is run by a team of palliative care experts with in-depth local knowledge of our health system, giving tailored advice on palliative care. Delivered by The Royal Melbourne Hospital, the state-wide Palliative Care Advice Service operates from Have your say on general practice accreditation arrangementThe Department of Health has commissioned an independent review of general practice accreditation arrangements. The purpose of this consultation is to seek stakeholder feedback on the strengths and limitations of general practice accreditation and its intersection with educational accreditation. The contribution of diverse perspectives, experiences and knowledge of all stakeholders are valued and respected. This feedback will inform a final report to be delivered to the Department in October 2021. The survey will close at midnight, on 8 September 2021. If you have any queries about completing the survey, please email ngpasreview@health.gov.au. Complete the survey here. Professional development and events
For an overview of all events, visit SEMPHN's event calendar. |