SHW 16 December 2020
Dear subscriber,
Welcome to this week's edition of Sydney Health Weekly.
Sydney Health Weekly is your one-stop-shop for primary health news and events within the central and eastern Sydney region.
COVID-19 UPDATE
New COVID-19 case identified this morning
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has revealed a 45-year-old man who drives international and other aircrew back and forth to the airport for a company based in Alexandria has tested positive for coronavirus this morning. This is the state's first locally acquired coronavirus infection since a hotel quarantine worker tested positive at 1.30am on Thursday, December 3. The driver was wearing a mask and taking other infection control measures. We will provide further updates as they become known.
Stay up to date with changes to COVID-19 testing clinic opening hours
As we enter the holiday season many COVID-19 testing clinics are changing their opening hours or shutting down temporarily. Check our website for the latest information.
Check the NSW Health website for COVID-19 updates.
For local advice visit the CESPHN coronavirus webpage.
Guide to Application of PPE
The Clinical Excellence Commission has released an updated version of its comprehensive guide on the application of PPE during COVID-19. The major changes relate to how COVID-19 spreads, modes of transmission, precautions to prevent transmission and guidance around respirators. Access the guide here.
VOX POP
OT and Psychotherapist at Wellbe Mascot, Teresa Cajias
Mental Health Occupational Therapist and psychotherapist, Teresa Cajias, says in the lead-up to the holiday season, it is important to minimise stressful situations and to consider updating the way we express our emotions for improved mental health.
LATEST NEWS
Respiratory illness increase in young children GP/AHP/COMM
NSW Health has highlighted an increase in cases of respiratory illness this summer.
An increase in bronchiolitis, pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses has been flagged in children aged 0-4 compared to the usual range for this time of year.
Anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms is urged to remain home from work, school or childcare, get tested for COVID-19, and pay attention to hand hygiene to reduce the transmission of other respiratory viruses.
Please visit NSW Health for more information on respiratory viruses and COVID-19.
Immunisation Update - 16 December 2020 GP
Watch the latest webinar recording now on getting your practice COVID vaccine ready.
Keep up to date with the latest immunisation news! Read about:
Immunisation First Aid and CPR requirements
New AIR guidelines
New Benchmarque Immunisation
Endorsement Program
GPCanShare: New program to support GPs managing cancer patients GP
CESPHN is funding a new cancer support service, GPCanShare, which aims to enhance cancer management in the region by strengthening integration between cancer and palliative care specialists, community services and general practices.
Patients will be managed and monitored in accordance with their care plans by their GP, supported by the specialist nurse coordinator.
If you are a general practitioner or practice nurse please express your interest in being involved in GPCanShare by emailing: s.walker@cesphn.com.au
New guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol GP/AHP/COMM
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released new national guidelines for reducing health risks from drinking alcohol.
Harms related to drinking alcohol result in more than 4,000 deaths and 70,000 hospital admissions every year.
Under the new recommendations, healthy adults should drink no more than ten standard drinks a week, and no more than four in any one day.
SPARC: New suicide prevention service launches in southeast Sydney GP/AHP/COMM
A new suicide prevention service
started by Independent Community
Living Australia (ICLA) in southeast Sydney has launched. SPARC is a support service that serves as a place for respite to avoid reaching crisis point and allows patients to take time for their own self-care.
SPARC receive referrals from GPs but also accept self-referrals from people who reach out to them directly. Staff are a mix of Peer Workers and Mental Health support workers with experience in psychosocial (non-clinical) support. The support space is located in a house with a converted garage space as a yoga studio/art/reflection/group space.
For more information please contact Naomi Chan (Team Leader) on 0466 499 596 or email sparc@icla.org.au
Online Information Session: NDIS Community Connections GP/AHP/COMM
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is hosting an online information session to raise awareness and understanding of the Community Connectors and Local Area Coordinators Program.
When: TONIGHT, Wednesday 16 December, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
This free online event is designed for people with a disability, from non-English speaking backgrounds and their supporters and community workers.
Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol support during holiday season GP/AHP/COMM
During the holiday season, many services will be hard to access. Take advantage of reliable Australian mental health websites and support lines.
Many people can benefit from low intensity interventions such as online therapy either alone or in conjunction with face-to-face therapy.
DVA survey on treatment cycle arrangements GP/AHP
In October 2019, the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) introduced treatment cycle arrangements for referrals from GPs to allied health providers for DVA clients.
These arrangements are being independently evaluated by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) at the request of DVA. This survey is an important part of better understanding the needs and experiences of veterans and health professionals.
SleepFix survey GP/AHP
Are you a general practitioner, nurse, or pharmacist? The Woolcock Institute and Sydney University invite you to participate in a short survey on digital health and test the efficacy of a novel mobile app that aims to treat insomnia.
Participants go into a draw to win a $200 gift card.
Click here to read more about SleepFix.
RACGP AOD GP Education Program GP
The RACGP is boosting the skills of GPs so that they can better address alcohol and other drug use in their communities.
Eligible RACGP members receive a grant payment on completion of the training.
PANDA launch perinatal mental health podcast series GP/AHP/COMM
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) have launched a new podcast for expecting and new parents called Survive and Thrive.
The series explores some of the feelings and changes that come with parenthood that maybe don't get talked about enough.
These free podcasts will be released every month for the next six months.
This podcast is made possible through the PANDA and NSW/ACT PHN Mental Health Network partnership.
Central and Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network is looking for directors
Are you an allied health professional who wants to see improvements in support for allied health? Central and Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network (CESAHN) is looking for new board directors. It’s a unique chance to build leadership, governance and director experience.
Please email CESAHN Board chair Trent Carruthers on trent@active8.club if interested.
EVENTS
Recorded CPD education sessions
The 2020 CPD program has now ended. We are proud to have been able to provide you with a large variety of educational webinars throughout this year.
Thank you for your support and we look forward to bringing you an exciting CPD program in 2021.
Catch up on any webinars you have missed throughout the year
We have library of recorded CPD education and practice support resources. These videos cover a range of topics and can be self-reported as CPD education. You can find these videos on the CESPHN YouTube page here.
As always, we would love to hear your thoughts. If you would like to submit an article, have content suggestions, or would like to provide feedback, please email editor@cesphn.com.au.
Central and Eastern Sydney PHN acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and Sovereign People of the Aboriginal land. CESPHN recognise their continuing connection to land, water, community and pay respect to Elders past, present and future.
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1300 986 991
info@cesphn.com.au
Tower A, Level 5, 201 Coward St, Mascot NSW 2020