Dear subscriber,

Welcome to this week's edition of Sydney Health Weekly! Central and Eastern Sydney PHN aims to make this newsletter your efficient one-stop-shop for primary health news and events within the central and eastern Sydney region. We are constantly working on making your news as targeted and relevant as possible and welcome your feedback to editor@cesphn.com.au.

Featured News

New PIP QI Incentive - 1 August 2019

The Quality Improvement Practice Incentives Program (PIP) supports general practice activities that encourage continuing improvements, quality care, enhancing capacity and improving access and health outcomes for patients. The number and type of incentives available within PIP will change from 1 August 2019 when five of the existing incentives will cease and a new incentive, the PIP Quality Improvement (QI) Incentive, will commence.
Click here for more information.

New MBS items for heart health assessment services

New MBS items for heart health assessment services were introduced on 1 April 2019. The two new items are:

• Item 699 – for general practitioners
• Item 177 – for non-vocationally recognised medical practitioners

Click here for more information.

AIR Update: Adolescent vaccines on the Australian Immunisation Register

Adolescent NIP schedule vaccines Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal ACWY can now be recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, including those given in schools.
Click here for more information.

Webinar for all healthcare professionals: 2019 influenza vaccination 

NCIRS is hosting a webinar for all healthcare professionals on 1 May 2019 covering the 2019 flu vaccine, safety and effectiveness data, especially in children with chronic lung diseases and new strategies to increase flu vaccine coverage in our most vulnerable children.
Click here for more information.

Update on the National Cancer Screening Register 

The National Cancer Screening Register (the Register) is a national electronic infrastructure for the collection, storage and reporting of data for the National Cervical Screening Program. From November 2019, the Register will begin supporting the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, creating one record per participant for the two programs. From 2020, the Register will also feature integration with practice management software and online participant and healthcare provider portals.
Click here for more information.

Research on chlamydia management in general practice

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are seeking GPs, practice nurses and practice managers to participate in a telephone interview about chlamydia management in general practice. You will be reimbursed for your time with a Coles/Myer voucher. 
Click here for more information.

The GP Liason in Alcohol and other Drug Project is here to help

The GP Liaison in Alcohol and other Drug Project is here to assist you with your patients. GLAD is a new collaboration with public alcohol and other drug (AOD) services in all three Local Health Districts within CESPHN: South East Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD); Sydney Local Health District (SLHD); and St Vincent’s Health Network (SVNH).
Click here for more information.

Recovery and Wellbeing College – AOD Educational Courses

If you have patients that are experiencing mental distress and/or drug and alcohol issues, suggest the Recovery and Wellbeing College. There are eight established alcohol and other drug courses that will be co-facilitated by a Clinical and Peer Educator throughout the year around different sites across the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District catchments. 
Click here for more information.

Black Dog Institute StepCare Mental Heath Screening Tool  

The Black Dog Institute has developed an online mental health screening tool for GP practices. The StepCare tool is a self-screening tool that identifies adults with anxiety, depression, and/or high levels of alcohol consumption. The results of the screening are provided in real time to the GP thus providing timely, cost-efficient, early intervention and treatment recommendations for patients. CESPHN would like to invite you to be one of the first general practices in the central and eastern Sydney region to implement the StepCare screening tool into your practice.
Click here for more information.

Rainbow Buzz - LGBTI Inclusive Practice Training 

Rainbow Buzz will strengthen your understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people and communities to deliver more inclusive, informed and appropriate care. ACON, in partnership with Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, is providing FREE essential one day training, delivered across central and eastern Sydney for workers who support clients experiencing issues with alcohol and/or other drugs. The training will be on 21 May 2019 at the CESPHN office.
Click here for more information.

Webinar: Absolute CVD risk - a practical update

Join a multidisciplinary panel of experts for an interactive webinar discussion on absolute CVD risk assessments. 
Click here for more information.

Hospital Pathology Reports and My Health Record

Pathology reports requested by hospitals within both the SLHD and SESLHD catchment areas are now being uploaded to patient records.
Click here for more information.

New MMR vaccine recommendations 

The Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated with recommendations for MMR vaccine for children under 12 months being lowered from 9 months to 6 months, when they are travelling to countries where measles is endemic, or where measles outbreaks are occurring. The age at which MMR can be administered as PEP has also been lowered from 9 months to 6 months. 

Frontline healthcare dementia survey

The International Research Network on Dementia Prevention (IRNDP) is an Australian led initiative designed to further research on dementia prevention and dementia risk reduction. The IRNDP would like to develop information and support for dementia risk reduction in primary healthcare settings. To do this they ask that you spare a few minutes to complete a short online survey. The survey is anonymous but there is an opportunity to provide contact details if you wish to receive updates.
Click here for more information.

My Health Record Update

The latest edition of the My Health Record Newsletter for general practices and medical specialists was released on 11 April. Included in this edition are key messages, good news stories, reminders, education resources, upcoming workshops and new resources. If you haven't already, check out our webinars on how to view, upload and share a Shared Health Summary using Best Practice, Medical Director and Genie and our Shared Health Summary vs Event Summary factsheet.
Click here for more information.

EOI: CESPHN GP Engagement Strategy – Consultation Roles

Are you interested in strengthening the PHN’s role in supporting general practice? Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is seeking expressions of interest from general practitioners to partake in consultations for our new GP Engagement Strategy. This strategy will deliver better engagement and will offer a targeted approach to general practice needs. For more details, please contact Win Yee Tan.
Click here for more information.

Save the date: How would you improve the NDIS ARF?  

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is redesigning the Access Request Form (ARF) and is seeking feedback from health professionals at a face-to-face feedback and education session on Tuesday 30 April. Feedback will be used to inform improvements to the ARF, ensuring the form is easy for potential participants and their practitioners to understand and complete. This is an opportunity to have your say and meet members of the NDIS Access team.
Click here for more information.

Sutherland Hospital launches RADIUS

Sutherland Hospital has launched an Australia-first model of care known as RADIUS. The Rapid Assessment, Diagnosis and Intervention Unit Sutherland (RADIUS) is an alternative pathway to the emergency department for people aged 16 years and over who present with complex medical conditions and are not critically unwell. The unit provides rapid and responsive care and links patients with relevant community services after assessment. Patient referrals are accepted from Sutherland Hospital’s ED, community health and GPs. Contact 9540 8321 for more information.
Click here for more information.

Helping your patients manage their alcohol dependence

This session covers the medications used to manage alcohol detoxification and relapse prevention for alcohol dependent patients. This session is for GPs, practice nurses and other allied health clinicians working in primary care, and will assist them to understand the principles of detoxification, relapse prevention and aftercare for patient with alcohol dependence and will help equip them with the skills to identify, treat and or refer for detoxification and manage relapse prevention and aftercare with their patients in the course of usual consultations.
Click here for more information.

Introducing the Community Trauma Toolkit

Infants and children depend on the adults around them for safety and security. During a disaster or traumatic event, infants and children will need reassurance, care, and opportunities to share their feelings. The Emerging Minds Community Trauma Toolkit is a suite of resources to help support children and families before, during, and after a disaster or traumatic event, tailored for GPs and health and social service practitioners.
Click here for more information.

Introducing the Community Trauma Toolkit

Infants and children depend on the adults around them for safety and security. During a disaster or traumatic event, infants and children will need reassurance, care, and opportunities to share their feelings. The Emerging Minds Community Trauma Toolkit is a suite of resources to help support children and families before, during, and after a disaster or traumatic event, tailored for GPs and health and social service practitioners.
Click here for more information.

My Health Record Update

The latest edition of the My Health Record Newsletter for pharmacists and allied health was released on 11 April. Included in this edition are key messages, good news stories, reminders, education resources, upcoming webinar events, upcoming workshops and new resources. If you haven't already, check out our webinars on how to view, upload and share a Shared Health Summary using Best Practice, Medical Director and Genie, our Pharmacist Factsheet on when to view a patient's record and our Shared Health Summary vs. Event Summary factsheet.
Click here for more information.

Helping your patients manage their alcohol dependence

This session covers the medications used to manage alcohol detoxification and relapse prevention for alcohol dependent patients. This session is for GPs, practice nurses and other allied health clinicians working in primary care, and will assist them to understand the principles of detoxification, relapse prevention and aftercare for patient with alcohol dependence and will help equip them with the skills to identify, treat and or refer for detoxification and manage relapse prevention and aftercare with their patients in the course of usual consultations.
Click here for more information.

Rainbow Buzz - LGBTI Inclusive Practice Training 

Rainbow Buzz will strengthen your understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people and communities to deliver more inclusive, informed and appropriate care. ACON, in partnership with Central and Eastern Sydney PHN, is providing FREE essential one day training, delivered across central and eastern Sydney for workers who support clients experiencing issues with alcohol and/or other drugs. The training will be on 21 May 2019 at the CESPHN office.
Click here for more information.

Mental Health Matters Rainbow Inclusion Award

Nominate your organisation or one you know is doing great work for LGBTIQ+ communities for the Mental Health Matters Rainbow Inclusion Award. The winner of each award category will receive $1000, an engraved award plaquette and a specially created promotional video. Nominations for the Mental Health Matters Awards will close 5pm, Friday 7th June 2019. 
Click here for more information.

Update on the National Cancer Screening Register 

The National Cancer Screening Register (the Register) is a national electronic infrastructure for the collection, storage and reporting of data for the National Cervical Screening Program. From November 2019, the Register will begin supporting the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, creating one record per participant for the two programs. From 2020, the Register will also feature integration with practice management software and online participant and healthcare provider portals.
Click here for more information.

Free From Stigma! We're losing our patients 

Every hour, an Australian loses their life to lung cancer. This disease takes more lives than any other cancer, yet it receives the least funding. Lung Foundation Australia’s recent national campaign calls on the government to fund 25 new clinical nurse specialists.
Click here for more information.

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts. If you would like to submit an article or have suggestions on content you would be interested in reading, please email editor@cesphn.com.au.