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Monday 19
June
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In this edition
Professional development opportunities and events read more
Tenders open for mental health services
Support consumers with severe mental illness read more
GPs, have a say in our inaugural GP Symposium
Please take 5 minutes to tell us what topics you're interested in read more
Five years sleeping rough
Support SEMPHN's CEO in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout on 22 June read more
General Practice and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
You have a key role in early detection read more
First local Doctors in Secondary Schools service starts
Rosebud Secondary College and South Coast Medical Clinic are working together read more
Demystifying the diagnosis and management of IBS
Interested in common (but challenging) functional gastrointestinal disorders? read more
Shigellosis - increased antibiotic resistance
Read this health advisory read more
Changes to patient access for medicines containing codeine
See information about the changes here read more
Victorian Pharmacy Pharmacotherapy Training Program
This is provided free to all pharmacists in Victoria read more
AAPM Victorian Networking Breakfasts
Go to an event near you on 29 June read more
Mental health resources from RANZCP
Access clinical practice guidelines and more read more
Participate in review of the National Sentinel Events list
Have your say read more
Pre-diabetes: a catalyst for positive lifestyle change
Check out the pre-diabetes management guide read more
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Tenders open for mental health services
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SEMPHN is seeking organisations to deliver a Mental Health Integrated Complex Care (MHICC) service in one or more Local Government Areas (LGAs) within our catchment.
MHICC services are designed to support consumers with a severe mental illness who have complex needs and will benefit from improved coordination of their care over long periods.
The main parts of the service are
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clinical nursing services
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family support and liaison
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care co-ordination and liaison (clinical and non-clinical services)
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improving access to psychiatrist and psychological care.
MHICC will replace the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) later this year.
MHICC services are part of our Mental Health Stepped Care Model and are in line with Australia-wide changes in mental health services.
More information
An information session about the tender will be held 8.30am-12noon tomorrow in Keysborough. If you haven't registered for the event and would like to attend, please email events@semphn.org.au. The session will be recorded and available to view on the SEMPHN website after the session.
Register your interest and apply for these tenders on SEMPHN's Tenderlink page. A separate submission is required for each LGA.
Please note, all questions about the tenders must be asked via the online forum on SEMPHN’s Tenderlink page by 28 June.
Tenders close 3pm 10 July.
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GPs, have a say in our inaugural GP Symposium
We are proposing to hold a GP symposium focusing on mental health clinical leadership towards the end of the year.
This is part of the reform of mental health service delivery across our region.
GPs, please help us make the topics and format relevant and engaging by sharing your thoughts in this five minute survey by 21 June.
Your responses are anonymous but should you wish to contribute further to the planning of this event, please provide your name and contact details at the end of the survey.
Thank you for your contribution!
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Vinnies CEO sleepout
Five years sleeping rough
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SEMPHN CEO Elizabeth Deveny is not content with just talking about assisting the vulnerable people in our community.
For a fifth consecutive year, Elizabeth will spend a Melbourne winter night sleeping rough as she participates in Vinnies CEO Sleepout.
“No matter how many Sleepouts you’ve done, a cardboard bed on a Melbourne winters night is still a confronting thought,” said Elizabeth.
Vinnies CEO Sleepout aims to raise awareness of poverty and social disadvantage — closely linked with homelessness — and raise funds by having CEOs, business and community leaders experience a night of discomfort and reflection.
“Each time I’ve done the CEO Sleepout, I’ve been moved by the stories of homeless people telling how Vinnies soup vans make such a difference,” said Elizabeth.
Over 725,000 Victorians are living below the poverty line and they need our help. Vinnies are aiming to raise $700,000 through the 2017 CEO Sleepout to support the Vinnies Soup Vans which provide social connection and essential food security to people walking the poverty line.
“I appreciate every donation, large or small! In the middle of that cold morning it’s a comfort to know that homeless people will get some of the support they need through the money I raise,” said Elizabeth. “And I appreciate the support of SEMPHN staff doing the staff sleepout at Corporate Drive on 8 June.”
Elizabeth and her fellow participants will sleep out at Melbourne University on the night of Thursday June 22.
Donate to the CEO Sleepout and support Elizabeth here.
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bowel cancer awareness month
General Practice and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
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Did you know...
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that if found early, nine out of 10 cases of bowel cancer can be successfully treated?
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that a recommendation from you is an important motivator for people to do bowel cancer screening?
June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - a great time to promote bowel cancer screening and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
How does the program work?
Eligible 50-74 year olds are mailed bowel screening kits to complete at home. From 2019, all eligible people aged 50-74 years will be invited to screen every two years. An online eligibility calculator is available here.
How can you support participation in the program?
How can general practices support better reporting?
The annual NBCSP Monitoring Report includes data on participation, positivity and diagnostic assessment rates. Reporting from health care professionals is critical to monitoring outcomes. GPs are asked to:
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submit the GP Assessment Form electronically or by post or fax to notify the program register of referral/non referral for colonoscopy or other bowel examination for participants with a positive result. Provision of information will attract a payment.
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Indicate whether a patient referred for colonoscopy is a NBCSP participant to assist with reporting to the program register. Program stickers are available by calling the information line on 1800 118 868.
For more information please email nbcsp@health.gov.au
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First local Doctors in Secondary Schools service starts
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Rosebud Secondary College and South Coast Medical Clinic, our region is the second in Victoria to see a GP start delivering care under the state funded Doctors in Secondary Schools program.
Particular praise goes to Lisa, South Coast Medical Clinic's practice manager, and Clorinda, Rosebud Secondary College's student wellbeing coordinator.
To learn about the program, go to our website or contact Vignesh in the provider support team on drsinschools@semphn.org.au or 0424 656 308.
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Demystifying the diagnosis and management of IBS
Interested in common (but challenging) functional gastrointestinal disorders?
A full-day course has been developed by the Alfred Health Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Service.
The educational program is aimed at GPs and designed to be engaging, informative and interactive with high participant involvement.
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challenges in managing IBS
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when it’s appropriate to refer to a specialist
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approaches to choosing the correct therapeutic strategy for individual patients
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effective bi-directional communication between multi-discipline clinicians.
When: 15 July 2017, 9am – 5pm
Where: AMREP lecture theatre, Alfred Hospital, Prahran
Cost: Early bird special $120 until 30/6 (after that $150)
More information and registration.
This course is accredited with the RACGP for 40 Category 1 points.
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Shigellosis - increased antibiotic resistance
The Deputy Chief Health Officer (Communicable Disease) has released the following health advisory:
Key messages
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Shigella bacteria are commonly resistant to some antibiotics, however, increasing antibiotic resistance associated with recent Shigella infections has been observed, particularly in men who have sex with men.
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Be alert for shigellosis in high risk populations including men who have sex with men and travellers from overseas.
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When testing for shigellosis, ensure stool samples are sent for culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing in order to guide appropriate antibiotic treatment.
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The overall number of shigellosis cases in Victoria has increased in recent years, from 442 in 2015 to 600 in 2016.
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Medical practitioners must notify the department of all cases of suspected and confirmed shigellosis, and should advise confirmed cases who are food handlers, child care workers and health care workers not to work pending further advice from the department.
Notifications can be made online, via telephone on 1300 651 160 or faxed on 1300 651 170.
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Changes to patient access for medicines containing codeine
From 1 February 2018, medicines that contain low-dose codeine will no longer be available without prescription in pharmacies.
For information about the changes, visit here. There are consumer facts sheets and information about Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plans and Team Care Arrangements (TCA).
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Victorian Pharmacy Pharmacotherapy Training Program
This training is designed to provide pharmacists and pharmacy support staff with the knowledge, skills and tools required to deliver a safe and consumer focused opioid replacement therapy service.
This Victorian State Government-funded program is free to all pharmacists in Victoria.
Upcoming dates:
Part 1 & 2 face-to-face training
25 June, Werribee Mercy Hospital 300-310 Princes Hwy, Werribee
2 July, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Princes Highway, Traralgon West
Part 2 live webinar training
Thursday 22 June
Monday 14 August
Monday 16 October
Access the Part 1 online module and register for the above events here.
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AAPM Victorian Networking Breakfasts
Join your local Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM) Victorian network host for one of their popular get-togethers.
This is your chance to spend time with some AAPM members
and colleagues to share ideas, knowledge and experiences. People new to practice management or wanting to find
out what AAPM can offer are welcome.
When: 8-9am, 29 June
Cost: Complimentary. Tea/coffee/breakfast at own cost.
Bookings are essential here by COB 27 June.
Locations:
Belgrave. Earthly Pleasures Cafe, 1627 Burwood Hwy
Host: Tania Worrell
Berwick. Primary at Pioneers Park, 1-11 Peel Street
Host: Angela Webber
Dandenong. Beletti's, 159 Lonsdale Street
Host: Cathy Hermans
Oakleigh. Pipperilli's Cafe, 18a Haughton Road
Host: Linda Osman
If there's no networking group in your local area, you could join the AAPM members and host your own networking group. For more information email events@aapm.org.au.
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Mental health resources from RANZCP
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The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) produce a range of guidelines, information and advice for clinicians, patients and families.
RANZCP has recently published a series of clinical practice guidelines covering:
The guidelines are all available as interactive PDFs, making them easy to navigate and giving mental health professionals quick access to the full list of clinical recommendations.
Fact sheets, information and advice
Your Health in Mind is a new mental health information site and psychiatrist directory for consumers and carers.
Patients and their families can find:
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easy-to-read fact sheets about mental illnesses, treatments and the health system
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videos to help explain what it’s like to visit a psychiatrist or a psychiatric hospital
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the RANZCP’s ‘Find a Psychiatrist’ directory of psychiatrists working in private practice in Australia
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answers to frequently asked questions
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links to recommended services and support organisations.
The Your Health in Mind website complements Mental Health Compass, the navigation and information tool about services in Melbourne's South East.
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Participate in review of the National Sentinel Events list
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) is undertaking a review of the National Sentinel Events list on behalf of the states, territories and the Commonwealth.
A sentinel event is a particular type of serious incident that is wholly preventable and has caused serious harm to or death of a patient.
A survey has been developed to gather feedback from the Australian public and health sector on the draft revised National Sentinel Events list.
The results of the survey will be used to refine the list and definitions that have been specified for each proposed sentinel event.
Do the survey here by 25 June.
If you have any questions about the Commission’s Review of the National Sentinel Events List, please email sqis@safetyandquality.gov.au.
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Pre-diabetes: a catalyst for positive lifestyle change
Two million Australians are living with pre-diabetes.
With no obvious signs or symptoms, many are unaware of the condition. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in up to 58 per cent of people through lifestyle changes including a healthy diet, regular exercise and weight loss.
Enjoying a wide variety of nutritious food is associated with a reduced risk of chronic disease. Despite misconceptions,
evidence indicates milk, cheese and yoghurt, including regular fat varieties are not linked with type 2 diabetes risk or weight gain.
Check out the the pre-diabetes management guide developed
by Foods That Do Good and reviewed by Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.
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Making it easy to share end of life wishes
Palliative Care Australia has released two new online resources to make it easier for people to record and share their care wishes and preferences at the end of life.
The online Dying to Talk discussion starter and card game (which expands on the printed version) is an easy, interactive and accessible way for people to work out what's most important for them at end of life.
It includes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific deck to provide culturally appropriate options such as visiting or dying on country.
After you put in your answers you can download, print or e-mail them, making it easy to share your wishes with your loved ones, carers or healthcare professionals.
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