23 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 In the past week (14 September to 20 September) there have been 4 new cases of COVID-19 in our region. Randwick LGA, Waverley LGA and Woollahra LGA remain areas identified for increased testing and surveillance. Check the NSW Health website for COVID-19 updates. For local advice visit the CESPHN coronavirus webpage. ![]() ![]() VOX POP Get involved in our CESPHN Vox Pops We are looking for people working in health and related services in our region willing to be interviewed and filmed for our weekly eNewsletter. If your service is located in the Central and Eastern Sydney area, please contact communications@cesphn.com.au ![]() LATEST NEWS GPs working in residential aged care We have received lots of questions as to whether GPs who attend an RACF where there is a COVID-19 case are able to continue working in their practice or visiting patients in other RACFs. PSS in high demand PSS is currently receiving a large number of referrals therefore processing times may be impacted. PSS funding is capped therefore during periods of high demand the program can reach capacity. The CESPHN Intake team will notify you if your referral cannot be accepted and discuss alternative options. The National General Practice Accreditation Scheme – The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has announced the recommencement of accreditation site visits for general practices with a low risk of COVID-19 transmission from 26 October 2020. Black Dog Institute TEN – The Essential Network for Health Professionals during COVID-19 Many healthcare professionals are experiencing high levels of stress due to COVID-19 and are left wondering, what steps can I take to manage this pressure and continue to provide the best quality care for my patients? To support the mental health of Australia's essential frontline health workers, Black Dog Institute is proud to share TEN - The Essential Network. Introduction of vaccination reminder letters for older Australians In line with the 1 July 2020 schedule changes, Services Australia will send a reminder letter to adults who are eligible for a pneumococcal and/or shingles vaccination. New guidelines on the rights of people with disability in health and disability care during COVID-19 The Australian Human Rights Commission has released Guidelines on the rights of people with disability in health and disability care during COVID-19 to assist people working in health care and disability services. Download this practical resource to support you in providing the best possible care. Immunisation services during the COVID-19 pandemic Immunisation is an essential health service during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health professionals must maintain routine immunisation services and ensure on-time vaccination according to the current recommended schedules. New report: Mortality patterns among people using disability support servicesPeople using specialist disability services in Australia had a mortality rate 4.7 times as high as the general population. Among service users, the rates and causes of death varied by type of disability, age and sex. The rate of potentially avoidable deaths was 3.6 times as high for service users compared with the general population, with coronary heart disease and suicide being the leading causes of deaths deemed potentially avoidable. NSW Health releases new Immunisation Toolkit for general practice This General Practice Immunisation Toolkit has been developed to support general practices to implement the NSW Immunisation Program. Staying Healthy Living Well Program The Staying Healthy Living Well Program is a FREE 12-week telehealth program, aimed at helping patients become more confident in monitoring and managing their health and well being. GPs who refer patients to the program are supported by a registered telehealth nurse for escalation of any health concerns. Contacting GP ANSC Liaison Midwife (RPA Women and babies/Canterbury Hospital) For various department/unit contact details see HealthpathwaysSydney site. Clare Jordan , GP ANSC Liaison Midwife for RPA Women and Babies/Canterbury Hospital is on leave from 21 September until 12 October. An SLHD midwife will respond to messages regarding GP ANSC care. Urgent clinical concerns should be directed to the on- call O&G Registrar at the relevant hospital. Wearing a mask can help stop the spread of COVID-19 ![]() Wear a mask if:
![]() 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! ![]() Tomorrow - Men’s Health Prostate Cancer St Vincent’s Private and St Vincent’s Clinic CPD series Tomorrow - Management of pain and behaviour difficulties, delirium in aged care Hazlehurst CPD series Managing Liver Disease in General Practice RACGP points: 3
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