5 February 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.
Coronavirus - health practitioner update
For up to date NSW coronavirus information visit the NSW Health webpage.
For local advice visit the CESPHN coronavirus webpage.
Bush fire response - resources
For health practitioner advice and resources regarding the NSW bushfires visit the CESPHN NSW bushfires information webpage.
Infection prevention and control workshop
Is your practice prepared to manage and prevent potentially infectious substances? Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a scientific approach and practical solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection to patients and health workers.
It is grounded in infectious diseases, epidemiology, social science and health system strengthening. Due to current concerns around infection control and viruses we have Karen Booth, the President of Australian Practice Nurse Association, a practice manager and a registered nurse, presenting on this topic.
This event is aimed at practices wishing to educate their team, meet RACGP Standards 5th edition requirements, and assist employers to prevent incidents in the workplace. Certificates of attendance will be provided for self-reporting.
Click here for more information and to register for this event.
New RACGP webinar series on child mental health
This series of four webinars, presented by Emerging Minds and RACGP Specific Interests, will focus on providing GP participants with knowledge and skills required during a child mental health assessment.
The webinars will be facilitated by Dr James Best, Chair RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person's Health, and will include GPs and specialists working in the area of child mental health. The first webinar will air on 27 February 2020.
Click here to register for the webinars.
Networking evening: Improving care coordination in aged care
CESPHN and the Australian Digital Health Agency invites you to a networking evening to present a range of emerging and complementary digital health technologies which can be utilised to improve care coordination within the residential aged care sector.
Target audience: GPs, AHPs, Medical Specialists, RACF Staff.
Click here for more information and to register for this networking event.
Upcoming STI and BBV workshop for nurses and widwives
Nurses and midwives play a crucial role in the prevention and management of blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). This intermediate level course is designed for nurses and midwives who are already providing care for patients who have or are at risk of BBVs and STIs and want to build on their existing knowledge.
This event is being held on 6 and 7 March 2020.
Click here to register for this course.
ADHA have released updated statistics on MHR usage
The ADHA have released updated numbers regarding My Health Record usage. Healthcare providers have uploaded documents to an additional 490,000 My Health Records in one month.
This takes the total in December 2019 to nearly 13 million My Health Records with information in them, up from 12.5 million in November. The total number of documents in the My Health Record system is now 1.7 billion.
Click here to read a summary of this data.
My Health Record and medical specialists
CESPHN is working closely with the Australian Digital Health Agency on connecting private medical specialists with My Health Record. If you know of medical specialists in your referral networks who could benefit from this, please refer them to Thuy Ann Vuong (t.vuong@cesphn.com.au) our dedicated project officer who is assisting with registrations.
By connecting to My Health Record, medical specialists could benefit from:
- Better access to key health information to support clinical decision making for your patients.
- Reduction in duplication of tests/scans/diagnostics.
- Less administrative burden gathering information.
- Better patient coordination of care.
Veteran Health Checks
DVA provides Veteran Health Checks for all former servicing Australian Defence Force members. The Veteran Health Check is an opportunity for veterans to gain access to a comprehensive physical and mental health assessment and establish a relationship with a civilian GP.
It is an opportunity for GPs to build an understanding of a veteran patient’s health and wellbeing and identify and address any health conditions common in the years following transition out of the Australian Defence Force.
Early intervention and targeted referrals can help veterans to enjoy better health outcomes and manage their health during the transition to civilian life.
Click here to view the Veteran Health Check flyer.
Click here to view the Veteran Health Check FAQs for providers.
Click here to view the Veteran health Check FAQs for veterans.
Research: Experiences of young people with intellectual disability
You are invited to participate in an Australian study on transitioning out of high school from the experiences of young people (17-25 years) with intellectual disability, parents, service providers and teachers.
The study aims to establish the barriers and enablers of successful transition experiences, and to develop accessible, guiding resources for young people and families. Participation will include an interview or survey.
Please click here to view the project flyer. Please click the relevant link below to find out more information on the study and to take the survey:
Use and benefits of depot buprenorphine
Depot buprenorphine is increasingly being used to treat opioid dependence in Australia. This treatment may reduce the effect of opioid analgesia and have interactions with other opioids, alcohol, gabapentinoids, antihistamines, anti-psychotics and benzodiazepines.
Presently only specialists can prescribe this treatment. The NSW Health fact sheet for GPs has further information on the use and benefits of depot buprenorphine.
GP Liaison in Alcohol and other Drug Project (GLAD)
GLAD is a multidisciplinary team, made up of doctors and nurses providing specialist advice to GPs for chronic and complex AOD issues. For referrals:
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (Sydney Hospital, Prince of Wales, St George and Sutherland Hospitals) - GP referral hotline: 1300 980 422
- Sydney Local Health District (RPAH, Concord, Canterbury Hospital) - Phone: 0436 691 533, ask for on call drug and alcohol doctor
- St Vincent’s Hospital (Darlinghurst) - Phone: 02 8382 1111, ask for on call drug and alcohol doctor, or GP Liaison Nurse: 0436 607 480
Click here to read more about the GLAD project.
Early Childhood Oral Health Program
All children should have their first oral health assessment by the time they are one year old. An oral health assessment is not a dental check-up. If tooth decay is found for children under six years of age, GPs can send a direct referral to the Public Oral Health Service ECOH program, who will then contact the patient's parent to make an appointment or they can visit their own private dentist. General dental treatment in public oral health clinics is free for all children under 18 years.
Click here to find out more about the service.
Click here to download an A4 poster for this service.
Click here to download the referral form.
Community diabetes education – Bengali
Diabetes NSW will run a FREE Bengali education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 7 February 2020
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Lakemba Community Hub, 130 Railway Pde, Lakemba
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 342 238.
Click here to view the flyer.
Infection prevention and control workshop
Is your practice prepared to manage and prevent potentially infectious substances? Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) is a scientific approach and practical solution designed to prevent harm caused by infection to patients and health workers.
It is grounded in infectious diseases, epidemiology, social science and health system strengthening. Due to current concerns around infection control and viruses we have Karen Booth, the President of Australian Practice Nurse Association, a practice manager and a registered nurse, presenting on this topic.
This event is aimed at practices wishing to educate their team, meet RACGP Standards 5th edition requirements, and assist employers to prevent incidents in the workplace. Certificates of attendance will be provided for self-reporting.
Click here for more information and to register for this event.
Networking evening: Improving care coordination in aged care
CESPHN and the Australian Digital Health Agency invites you to a networking evening to present a range of emerging and complementary digital health technologies which can be utilised to improve care coordination within the residential aged care sector.
Target audience: GPs, AHPs, Medical Specialists, RACF Staff.
Click here for more information and to register for this networking event.
Upcoming STI and BBV workshop for nurses and widwives
Nurses and midwives play a crucial role in the prevention and management of blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmissible infections (STIs).This intermediate level course is designed for nurses and midwives who are already providing care for patients who have or are at risk of BBVs and STIs and want to build on their existing knowledge.
This event is being held on 6 and 7 March 2020.
Click here to register for this course.
EOI: CESPHN AHP Small Group Learning Program
Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is seeking Expressions of Interest from Allied Health Professionals to participate in our 2020 AHP Small Group Learning (SGL) Program which is being rolled out across the PHN region.
The AHP SGL learning format of education allows AHPs to share their knowledge and discuss daily practice issues with peers. Allied Health Professionals will be able to self-report on their learning.
Click here to download the EOI.
ADHA have released updated statistics on MHR usage
The ADHA have released updated numbers regarding My Health Record usage. Healthcare providers have uploaded documents to an additional 490,000 My Health Records in one month.
This takes the total in December 2019 to nearly 13 million My Health Records with information in them, up from 12.5 million in November. The total number of documents in the My Health Record system is now 1.7 billion.
Click here to read a summary of this data.
Research: Experiences of young people with intellectual disability
You are invited to participate in an Australian study on transitioning out of high school from the experiences of young people (17-25 years) with intellectual disability, parents, service providers and teachers.
The study aims to establish the barriers and enablers of successful transition experiences, and to develop accessible, guiding resources for young people and families. Participation will include an interview or survey.
Please click here to view the project flyer. Please click the relevant link below to find out more information on the study and to take the survey:
Community diabetes education – Bengali
Diabetes NSW will run a FREE Bengali education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 7 February 2020
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Lakemba Community Hub, 130 Railway Pde, Lakemba
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 342 238.
Click here to view the flyer.
Veteran Health Checks
DVA provides Veteran Health Checks for all former servicing Australian Defence Force members. The Veteran Health Check is an opportunity for veterans to gain access to a comprehensive physical and mental health assessment and establish a relationship with a civilian GP.
It is an opportunity for GPs to build an understanding of a veteran patient’s health and wellbeing and identify and address any health conditions common in the years following transition out of the Australian Defence Force.
Early intervention and targeted referrals can help veterans to enjoy better health outcomes and manage their health during the transition to civilian life.
Click here to view the Veteran Health Check flyer.
Click here to view the Veteran Health Check FAQs for providers.
Click here to view the Veteran health Check FAQs for veterans.
Research: Experiences of young people with intellectual disability
You are invited to participate in an Australian study on transitioning out of high school from the experiences of young people (17-25 years) with intellectual disability, parents, service providers and teachers.
The study aims to establish the barriers and enablers of successful transition experiences, and to develop accessible, guiding resources for young people and families. Participation will include an interview or survey.
Please click here to view the project flyer. Please click the relevant link below to find out more information on the study and to take the survey:
Resources: Living and dying in comfort for diverse populations
No one should be excluded from receiving palliative care support, yet older diverse Australians may face barriers in accessing services.
ELDAC’s new ‘Diverse Populations‘ resources provide guidance for health professionals and aged care workers to support palliative care and advance care planning to improve the care of older diverse Australians.
Click here to access the diverse populations resources.
Community diabetes education – Bengali
Diabetes NSW will run a FREE Bengali education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 7 February 2020
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Lakemba Community Hub, 130 Railway Pde, Lakemba
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 342 238.
Click here to view the flyer.
To register for an event simply click the "Register Now" button on the event page.
Users can now register for events using two of the three identifiers - email address, mobile number or member number. This means that if you do not remember your member number, you can still register with the two other identifiers. You can also enter your mobile number to receive an SMS with your member number.
Each event will be identified as a member-only event or open event. If an event is for members only, you will be prompted to either become a member or pay the event fee.
If you have not renewed your membership, please refer to the membership renewal email that has been sent to all members or contact Sue Moxon at s.moxon@cesphn.com.au.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the CPD Team at events@cesphn.com.au or by calling 1300 986 991.
Recorded CPD sessions
A range of recordings of past CPD events can be found on the CESPHN website here.
Changes to MBS Items: Eating Disorders
At: Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
On: Wednesday 12 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For: GPs, PNs, AHPs
Infection Prevention and Control
At: Club Central Hurstville
On: Tuesday 25 February 6.30pm, 7.00pm presentations
For: GP, PM, PN and PS
Bright Eyes Cataract Update
At: CESPHN Office Mascot
On: Thursday 27 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For: GPs, PNs and Optometrists
St Vincent’s Private and St Vincent’s Clinic CPD Series – Caring for the Older Patient MDT Approach
At: St Vincent’s Private Hospital
On: Thursday 27 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For: GPs
Hazelhurst CPD Series- Immunology
At: Hazelhurst Art Gallery
On: Thursday 27 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.30 pm presentations
For: GPs
CPR Workshop $72
At: Canada Bay
On: Monday 2 March 6.00 pm dinner, 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm workshop
For: GPs, AHPs, PN, PM and PS
Cultural Awareness Training
At: Tradies Gymea
On: Wednesday 4 March 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm workshop
For: GPs, AHPs, PN, and PS
Prince of Wales Medical Update - Orthopaedics
At: Prince of Wales Private Hospital
On: Wednesday 4 March 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For: GPs
Child Health Update
At: CESPHN Office, Mascot
On: Saturday 14 March 12.00 pm lunch, 1.00 pm presentations
For: GPs, AHPs and PNs
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.