We would like to welcome you to our brand new publication called Sydney Health Weekly! Following a successful 2017, we took feedback on board to create a more streamlined publication that is a consolidation of the Weekly Update, GP eNews and AHP eNews. Sydney Health Weekly will be distributed each Wednesday with news covering the central and eastern Sydney region, general practice, allied health and upcoming education events. 

We hope that you will enjoy the new look and feel of the publication. Should you have any feedback or like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact us at editor@cesphn.com.au.

Expression of interest - use of emerging technology to help older people live at home
CESPHN is seeking expressions of interest from organisations capable of being commissioned to provide innovative, person-centred technology-based solutions to assist frail elderly people retain their independence and remain living at home.

CESPHN is specifically interested in services for frail, community-dwelling elderly people over the age of 70, with one or more chronic conditions and heightened risk of premature morbidity. Potential patients will be recruited from participating general practices in the CESPHN region, in consultation with the successful tender. 

Your opportunity to drive real improvements in primary health care for our primary health network
Would you like to drive real improvements to primary health in the CESPHN region? The EIS Health Limited Board is welcoming expressions of interest to join our Community Council and Clinical Council. The councils have an important role in considering current issues within the PHN region and provide advice on how Board strategy may be implemented more efficiently and effectively. 
Click here for more information. 

Public Health Unit Newsletter
The Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit has released its January newsletter discussing: 

• Hepatitis A outbreak in NSW
• Vaccination requirements for childcare
• Human Papilloma Virus - Gardasil 2018
• Air pollution and health impacts

Click here for more information. 

Digital health PIP: Nov-Jan quarter
This PIP quarter is finishing on 31 January 2018. Remember to upload My Health Record shared health summaries to meet your practice's requirements. Each quarter your practice must upload five shared health summaries for each 1,000 Standardised Whole Patient Equivalent (SWPE). Your practice SWPE is featured on your PIP statement. If you do not meet your practice quota, you will not receive your dPIP payment or it will be reduced.

Change or be changed - bridging the gap in diabetes management forum
This forum aims to bring together SESLHD acute, community and primary health staff, along with NSW Health Pillars, and the Primary Health Network and Diabetes Australia to develop innovative new ways of providing diabetes care and looking for opportunities to link with research. The forum will look at current diabetes services as well as provide insight into other models being used elsewhere.
Click here for more information and to register. 

Two new hereditary haemochromatosis resources available
Two new resources are now available for nurses and general practitioners on the topic of hereditary haemochromatosis. The resource for nurses aims to provide an understanding of haemochromatosis, including symptoms, diagnosis and management. The GP resource helps to develop an approach to the pateitn with possible iron overload and outlines the role of genetic testing. 
Click here for more information. 

Polycystic Kidney Disease Workshop
CESPHN has partnered with Kidney Health Australia to present newly released GP education on ‘Polycystic Kidney Disease’. Professor Gopi Rangan is the keynote speaker and is Australia’s top nephrologist expert in the PKD area. He is an Associate Professor at Westmead Institute for Medical Research and leads a team researching treatments for kidney failure due to Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Click here for more information.

Information for pharmacists on the upcoming changes to codeine access
A big change is coming in February around codeine access and it is important that you use your clinical knowledge to help people find appropriate alternatives. All medicines containing codeine will require a prescription from 1 February 2018. Patients respond best when conversations are framed as protecting them from opioid-related harms and when you acknowledge that you have their best interests in mind.
Click here for more information.

CESPHN is excited to announce the launch of Active Living classes in Riverwood
Active Living classes are designed for those with chronic heart and lung conditions to help maintain the benefits of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. The free classes are now being held at Riverwood and are run by friendly and qualified exercise physiologists and physiotherapists. It is a comfortable environment for people to maintain their fitness and build their confidence. 
Click here to view the flyer.

2017 was a successful year for our education program! We held 157 education events, which were attended by more than 4,900 health professionals at venues across our region. More than 84 per cent of surveyed health professionals found the topics helpful. 

As we move into 2018, we have created an exciting event calendar based on feedback we received from health professionals in the central and eastern Sydney region. 

Recall and Reminders

At:    Ashfield Office, L1 158 Liverpool Rd
On:   Tuesday 13 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For:  GPs, AHPs, PMs, PNs, practice administrative staff

Chris O'Brien Lifehouse - Changes to National Cervical Cancer Screening Program and Women's Health Update

At:    Education Centre, L5 Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, 119-143 Missenden Rd, Camperdown
On:   Wednesday 14 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For:  GPs, PNs

NDIS - Mental Health Psychosocial Disability

At:    Ashfield Office, L1 158 Liverpool Rd
On:   Thursday 15 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For:  GPs, AHPs, PNs

Rehabilitation - Hip and Knee Replacements

At:    Wolper Jewish Hospital, 8 Trelawney St, Woollahra
On:   Tuesday 20 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For:  GPs, AHPs

Polycystic Kidney Disease Workshop

At:    Canterbury Leagues Club, 26 Bridge Rd, Belmore
On:   Wednesday 21 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For:  GPs

Hazelhurst CPD Series - Neurology

At:    Hazelhurst Gallery, 782 The Kingsway, Gymea
On:   Thursday 22 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.30 pm presentations
For:  GPs

Practice Managers Networking - HR Appraisals

At:    Ashfield Office, L1 158 Liverpool Rd
On:   Tuesday 27 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For:  PMs

Practice Nurse Clinical Wound Care

At:    Kogarah Office, L3 15 Kensington St
On:   Wednesday 28 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For:  PNs

St Vincent's Private CPD Series - Interventional Cardiology

At:    St Vincent's Clinic, L4 Function Room, Barcom Ave, Darlinghurst
On:   Wednesday 28 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For:  GPs

Mental Health in Immigrant Populations

At:    Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club, 20-26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park
On:   Thursday 1 March 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For:  GPs, PNs, psychologists, pharmacists

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.