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Monday 8  January

In this edition

Professional development opportunities and events read more

Codeine changes coming soon
Are you ready for the February 1 rescheduling? read more

Important information about the National Cervical Screening Program
Are you aware of the recommendations for women under 25 years? read more

Webinar: Cervical screening and bowel cancer
Watch this webinar to get the latest updates read more

2017 National Report on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The National Mental Health Commission has released a report read more

Do you know someone with a lived experience of suicide in the Frankston Mornington Peninsula?
There's an opportunity to be involved in local suicide prevention activities read more

New computer prescription stationery
There's now one standard form for these health professionals.. read more

Victorian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program for pharmacists and pharmacy staff
Training is coming up this month read more

Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence
This RACGP training is on 18 February read more

Get up to speed with My Aged Care
Check out this new fact sheet for health professionals read more

Eye ointment shortage
Supplies of Chloramphenicol 1% Eye Ointment are low until February read more

Staying safe in hot weather
Share these five tips with your patients read more

Codeine changes coming soon

From 1 February, all medicines that contain low-dose codeine will no longer be available from pharmacies without a script.

All pharmacies in the catchment were sent a 'Codeine Pack' from SEMPHN at the end of December. It contains resources developed and curated by pharmacists and other health professionals to help you and your patients prepare for the codeine changes.

Three things you can do to prepare for the changes:

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Important information about the National Cervical Screening Program

Some women under 25 may present with an expectation for screening, having had previous Pap tests. However, cervical screening is not recommended in the renewed program for women under 25 years.

Pathology Laboratories are reporting that a significant number of samples are being submitted from women under 25 years of age. Medicare does not fund routine HPV screening tests in women under 25 and testing of these samples will either need to be privately funded by the patient or, with the consent of the referring practitioner, not be processed.  

Commencing screening at age 25 will reduce the investigation and treatment of common cervical abnormalities that would usually resolve by themselves. It can take 10 to 15 years for cervical cancer to develop from persistent HPV. 

Women under 25 years who are currently under clinical management for a cervical abnormality should be managed according to the recommendations on transitioning individuals in the 2016 Guidelines.

Symptomatic women at any age
Women at any age who have signs or symptoms suggestive of cervical cancer (such as abnormal vaginal bleeding) should have a HPV and LBC co-test and be referred for the appropriate investigation to exclude genital tract malignancy.

Routine cervical screening is not recommended in women under the age of 25 years.
However, for women who experienced early sexual activity at a young age (<14 years) and who had not received the HPV vaccine before sexual debut, or those that have been victims of sexual abuse, a single HPV test between 20 and 24 years of age could be considered on an individual basis.

To avoid out of pocket fees for your patients, please familiarise yourself with the Pathology Test Guide for Cervical and Vaginal Testing.

Further information on the Renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program is available here.

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Webinar: Renewed Cervical Screening and bowel cancer guidelines

Cancer Council Victoria, in partnership with SEMPHN, has developed a webinar for health professionals on the Renewal of the National Cervical Screening Program (commenced 1 December) and the new NHMRC Clinical Guidelines for bowel cancer.

The 90-minute webinar features presentations by Dr Stella Heley (Senior Liaison Physician, Victorian Cytology Service) and Professor James St. John (Honorary Senior Associate, Cancer Council Victoria).

The webinar is accredited with the RACGP QI&CPD Program  for 3 category 2 points (activity no. 118908).

Viewers are invited to complete a short survey before the webinar, and an evaluation form after the webinar.

Access the webinar here.

For more information, please contact Ashlee Taylor, Workforce Coordinator, Cancer Council Victoria on ashlee.taylor@cancervic.org.au or 9514 6427.

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2017 National Report on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

The National Mental Health Commission recently released the 2017 National Report on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

The report includes outcomes of stakeholder engagement and the work of the Commission to help shape a mental health system that can respond to peoples’ needs more effectively.

A new monitoring and reporting framework will guide future reports, including loooking at mental health and suicide prevention reform through the lens of consumers and carers, and their experiences.

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Do you know someone with a lived experience of suicide in the Frankston Mornington Peninsula region?

People with a lived experience of suicide in the Frankston Mornington Peninsula region now have an opportunity to be actively involved in suicide prevention activities.
 
Roses in the Ocean is offering a SEMPHN-funded workshop, called 'Our Voice', on February 15 and 16 in Mornington. It's free of charge for participants (spaces strictly limited).

Lived experience of suicide can be:

  • being bereaved by suicide
  • having experienced suicidal thoughts
  • having survived a suicide attempt
  • supporting someone who has been suicidal.

The workshop is designed to help people understand how their own lived experience can help to reduce the rates of suicide and its impact in a local community.

Interested participants need to read the document 'Am I ready' and then submit an Expression of Interest. They will receive a phone call from a member of Roses in the Ocean who will provide further workshop details.

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New computer prescription stationery

There is now one standard form for dentists, medical practitioners, nurse practitioners, midwives and optometrists.

There are two changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) computer prescription form.

  •  A new ‘Prescriber type indicator’ check box. It’s on the bottom left-hand side of the prescription. If you’re a nurse practitioner, midwife, optometrist or dentist, you need to tick the relevant box.
  •  Department of Human Services contact details are now on the back of the form.

Please use up your existing computer prescription forms before you reorder stationery, as they are still valid.

To order computer prescription stationery, download and complete PB229 - Order for PBS/RPBS computer prescriptions forms for all eligible prescribers.

It’s fast and secure to submit your orders through Health Professional Online Services (HPOS). Use the ‘Form Upload’ function in the HPOS Mailbox.

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Victorian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program For pharmacists and pharmacy staff

This Pharmaceutical Society of Australia training provides pharmacists and pharmacy support staff with the relevant knowledge, skills and tools required to deliver a safe and consumer-focused Opioid Replacement Therapy service in their pharmacy.

The Victorian State Government funded program is free to all pharmacists in Victoria, and consists of two parts:

Part 1: Four modules delivered via online self-directed program and face-to-face sessions, with the first face-to-face session in 2018 happening on 11 February.

Part 2: A case-based workshop in which the concepts learned from Part 1 are reinforced through real life scenarios and group discussions led by the workshop facilitator. It is delivered as both an interactive live webinar and a face- to-face workshop. The first Part 2 live webinar training for the year is on 23 January, and the face-to-face training is on 11 February.

Register here.

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Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD)

The first RACGP Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) Module 2 training for 2018 is on 18 February.

Module 2 is a full day interactive workshop for prescribers with a need to prescribe pharmacotherapy to more than five patients with opioid dependence.

Eligibility criteria to attend this training:

  • Attendees must have completed online Module 1
  • Be registered with AHPRA prior to registering for this session.

Learning outcomes:

  1. Outline the potential benefits and risks associated with opioidprescribing.
  2. Recognise, prevent and respond to problematic pharmaceutical opioiduse.
  3. Identify the legal issues regarding the prescribing of buprenorphine andmethadone.
  4. Implement safe and effective opioid and or methadone prescribing aspart of a broader pain management plan.
  5. Safely and effectively prescribe buprenorphine and or methadone foropioid dependence.

The education is presented by MATOD specialist GPs and is accredited for 40 Category 1 RACGP QI&CPD points for the 2017-2019 triennium.

Access Module 1 (online) and register for Module 2 here.

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Get up to speed with My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the single entry point for older Australians to access subsidised aged care.

As a health professional, you play a key role in supporting patients to access these services.

The Department of Health has published a new fact sheet to help you better understand your role in My Aged Care, and how you can help your patients.

The fact sheet includes an overview of:

  • how to refer a patient for an aged care assessment via the online referral form, phone or fax
  • the process for assessing care needs undertaken by the My Aged Care assessment workforce
  • the referral pathway to access services following an assessment
  • some common questions or scenarios you might face, and how to respond.

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Eye ointment shortage

The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital has advised that there is a current shortage of Chloramphenicol 1% Eye Ointment until February. 

The shortage is due to a change in production line and delay in obtaining TGA approval to release a batch of Chloramphenicol 1% Eye Ointment. 

The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital has advised to refrain from any routine prophylactic use of Chloramphenicol eye ointment (eg, post eye surgery) and consider an alternative product where appropriate. For example:

  • Consider Chloramphenicol 0.5% Eye Drops if clinically appropriate (Chloramphenicol eye drops 0.5% are often adequate to treat common bacterial eye infection)
  • Consider eye lubricants (e.g. Poly-Visc and Refresh Night Time Eye Ointment) if lubricating ointment is required.

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Staying safe in hot weather

More people have died during extreme heat than in any natural disaster.

In the 2009 Victorian heatwave, 374 people died. Around 80 percent of these people were over 65 years of age.

With heatwaves becoming a regular feature of the Victorian summer, please let your patients know these simple things they can do to stay safe in the heat:

  • Drink water - even if you don't feel thirsty, drink water. Take a bottle with you always.
  • Hot cars kill - never leave kids, adults or pets in hot cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
  • Keep cool - seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
  • Plan ahead - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
  • Help others - look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.

For more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

23
Jan
  Victorian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program- Part 2 
Pharmacists
Webinar- attend via through live streaming on mobile phone, tablet or computer.
Details and registration
 
31
Jan
  Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Workshop
Relationship Counsellors
Dandenong
Details and registration
 
3
Feb
  Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Workshop
GP, Practice Nurse
Dandenong
Details and registration
 
6
Feb
  Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention training workshop
Practice Administration, Practice Managers
SEMPHN Dandenong
Details and registration
 
6
Feb
  Codeine Rescheduling - Practical Tips for GP, Pharmacy & Practice Readiness
Allied Health Professional, GP, Practice Nurse, Pharmacist, Practice Manager
Glen Waverley
Details and registration
 
8
Feb
  SANE Suicide Prevention Workshop
Mental Health Workers
Mornington
Details and registration
 
9 - 10
Feb
  Contemporary Chronic Disease Management Workshop
Nurse
Melbourne
Details and registration
 
11
Feb
  Victorian Opioid Pharmacotherapy Program- Part 1
Pharmacist
Cranbourne
Details and registration
 
13
Feb
  Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Workshop
Relationship Counsellors
Pakenham
Details and registration
 
15
Feb
  St Kilda Practice Networks
Practice Nurse, Practice Managers
St Kilda
Details and registration
 
15
Feb
  Our Voice: Empowering lived experience to save lives
Anyone with a lived experience of suicide who lives, works or studies in the Frankston/Mornington Peninsula region.
Mornington
Details and registration
 
15
Feb
  The power of primary care in prostate cancer
GP, Practice Nurse
North Melbourne
Details and registration
 
18
Feb
   Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence (MATOD) - Module 2
GP
East Melbourne
Details and registration
 
20
Feb
  Exercise is Medicine Workshop
Allied Health, GP, Nurse
Dandenong
Details and registration
 
20
Feb
  SANE Suicide Prevention Workshop
Mental Health Workers
Pakenham
Details and registration
 

For more information about events contact Stephenie Cook ph: (03) 8514 6609 or events@semphn.org.au

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