9 September 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 cases in CESPHN region
In the past week (31 August to 6 September) there have been 23 new cases of COVID-19 in our region. City of Sydney (East) LGA, Randwick LGA, Sutherland LGA, Waverley LGA and Woollahra LGA are among areas identified for increased testing and surveillance.
Note that in the past week there have been positive cases at two general practices within our region and these practices have received support from CESPHN.
Practices are reminded of the importance of good hand hygiene, PPE and following strict infection control processes. If you would like support with PPE or infection control training, then please email us at coronavirus@cesphn.com.au
Check the NSW Health website for COVID-19 updates.
For local advice visit the CESPHN coronavirus webpage.
COVID-19 Telehealth Items Guide
The Department of Health has released a new COVID-19 Telehealth Items Guide. The guide includes answers to commonly asked questions from health professionals about the new telehealth items. Download the guide here
VOX POP
Vox pop with Rick Varma, a sexual health physician at Sydney Sexual Health Centre
In this week’s Vox Pop, we reached out to Sydney Sexual Health Physician, Dr Rick Varma who speaks candidly about sex and COVID-19.
LATEST NEWS
Reminder: Syphilis is Back
In October 2019, NSW Health issued an alert concerning infectious syphilis in NSW. Since then, the increase in notifications continues, with a changing epidemiology being seen.
Contact anne.lechner@ashm.org.au for information on how to enrol in the project.
Interested in Quality Improvement? Previously attended an ASHM hepatitis C course?
GPs, Practice Managers and Practice Nurses, join ASHM from 12-1.30pm Monday 14th September to find out how you and your practice can enrol in ‘Beyond the C – Hepatitis C Elimination in your practice’, an exciting new project utilising PIP QI aimed at increasing testing and treatment for hepatitis C.
Mental health under the spotlight ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day
A group of suicide prevention experts in Sydney’s East are calling for residents in the area to take part in an event with a difference to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday September 10th.
Changes to NSW Vaccine Centre online ordering process
Following a trial in several practices, NSW Health has implemented new changes to the vaccine online ordering system.
TEN – The Essential Network, an app to support Health Professionals
‘TEN’ is a mobile app from Black Dog Institute. It’s a one stop resource and help centre, providing self-assessment, self-management and treatment for stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression. At the core is an online clinic screening tool designed to recommend relevant resources and online tools based on report outcomes.
Aged Care GP Support Group
Dr Michael Murray, the geriatrician lead at Austin Health, has started a zoom GP support group with a focus on provision of care to residents in aged care facilities in the context of the COVID pandemic. The zoom meetings are attended by a large number of GPs but also include geriatricians and infectious control specialists to discuss all complexities of care.
All GPs are welcome to attend the sessions. Arrangements to join the existing weekly sessions can be made through Sachin@agedcaregp.com and there is no cost.
Expressions of Interest - Impact of COVID-19 on the viability of primary care providers
Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN) is seeking expressions of interest from researchers to partner with CESPHN to assess and monitor the viability of primary healthcare services. This research will assess the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and public health responses that may have impacted the viability of primary care providers.
Multicultural Health Week 7-13 September 2020
Call the Medicines line on 1300 633 424 for a free telephone interpreter or 131 450 for TIS.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) group therapies
All referrals must come through CESPHN Mental Health Central Intake team via: Online Service Referral Form
Groups in both Newtown and Sutherland will run from 2 October 2020 -18 December 2020 with a small break over the holiday season with the final 8 weeks resuming in 2021.
Advice for GPs with patients in aged care
To assist CESPHN GPs prepare for COVID-19 outbreaks in residential aged care facilities CESPHN have put together the following key actions guide. If you are a GP who provides care to residents in aged care facilities please take the time to review these actions and make contact with your aged care facilities.
The Stimulant Treatment Service at St Vincent’s Hospital has developed a smartphone app to help Australians manage their methamphetamine use
Applications for the RACGP AOD GP Education Program –Treatment Skills Training are open. Treatment Skills training is targeted at less experienced GPs who want to develop their skills in tackling patient AOD use.
2020 influenza vaccines – it’s not too late to vaccinate
While we have seen a record number of influenza vaccines administered in 2020, there is still an opportunity to offer the vaccine to those who have not already been vaccinated this season. The peak period of influenza season is usually June to September in most parts of Australia.
SLHD Project ECHO - General Mental Health Series
Continuing with its Project ECHO series, Sydney LHD is launching the General Mental Health program on 13 October 2020.
EVENTS
Recorded CPD education sessions
Central and Eastern Sydney PHN has a library of recorded CPD education. 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.
Our CPD program is now fully online!
Tonight Managing Medical Complications
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse series
RACGP points: 3
On: Wednesday 9 September, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs
Electronic Prescriptions Q+A session for GPs
On: Monday 14 September, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs
Men’s Health Prostate Cancer
St Vincent’s Private and St Vincent’s Clinic CPD series
RACGP Points: 3
On: Thursday 24 September, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs
Electronic Prescriptions Q+A session for Prescribers and Dispensers
On: Monday 28 September, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs and Pharmacists
Managing Liver Disease in General Practice
RACGP points: 3
On: Wednesday 30 September, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs, PNs, Pharmacists
Pain and behaviour management in the elderly
Hazlehurst CPD series
RACGP Points: 3
On: Thursday 24 September, 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm
For: GPs and Pharmacists
Getting ahead: advancements in ENT care
Prince of Wales Private Hospital series
RACGP points: 4
On: Wednesday 7 October, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
For: GPs
Direct Access Colonoscopy (DAC) and primary care
St Vincent’s Health Network in collaboration with The Cancer Institute NSW
On: Thursday 8 October, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs
ANSC Hypertension Update
RACGP points: 3
ANSC points: 3
On: Tuesday 13 October, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs
Cancer assessment, survivorship and referral pathways
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse CPD series
RACGP points: 3
On: Wednesday 14 October, 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm
For: GPs
The Early Years – the foundation for future child health and well-being
CESPHN in collaboration with the Sydney Institute for Women, children and their families
RACGP points: 3
On: Tuesday 20 October, 7.00 pm - 9.00 pm
For: GPs, PNs, AHPs
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