Dear subscriber,

Welcome to this week's edition of Sydney Health Weekly! Central and Eastern Sydney PHN aims to make this newsletter your efficient one-stop-shop for primary health news and events within the central and eastern Sydney region. We are constantly working on making your news as targeted and relevant as possible and welcome your feedback to editor@cesphn.com.au. 

PSS end of year closures

Due to the large number of referrals recently, the PSS programme is now closed to referrals. We will be open for referrals on Monday 6 January 2020.

If you would like to discuss referral options for your patient, please call the Mental Health Intake Team on 1300 170 554. We are available to assist you with options until Friday 19 December 2019, after which we will be closed for the CESPHN end of year closure period until Monday 6 January 2020.

For emergencies please call 000 or the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511.

GP Engagement Survey - We want to hear from you!

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is committed to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of primary health care within our region. As a general practitioner, you are a critical first point of contact between consumers and the health system, and a vital partner of CESPHN. Please take 10 minutes to complete a brief survey, which will help identify opportunities for us to better meet your needs. The survey is anonymous and confidential, with results collated by external research company, Footprints Market Research. 
Click here to take the GP engagement survey.

EOI - Small Group Learning 2020

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is seeking expressions of interest from GP members to participate in our 2020 Small Group Learning (SGL) Program which is being rolled out across the PHN region. Small Group Learning (SGL) qualifies as an RACGP Accredited CPD (Cat.1) activity and is a format of education that allows GPs to share their knowledge and discuss daily practice with peers.
Click here for more information and to submit your expression of interest.

National Cancer Screening Register now supporting National Bowel Cancer Screening Program 

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) Register operated by the Department of Human Services, has transitioned over to the National Register to create a single national record for participants of the NBCSP and the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP). Migration of NBCSP data has occurred and the National Register has commenced operating the NBCSP Register from 18 November 2019.
Contact details:

• National Register Contact Centre: 1800 627 701 (Monday - Friday, 8.00 am - 6.00 pm)
• Bowel Screening Fax: 1800 115 062
• Cervical Screening Fax: 1800 627 702

Click here for more information.

Delivering the NDIS plan: Pricing review announced

The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, announced the commencement of the NDIS Annual Price Review for 2020-21. The review will look at current NDIS price limits and related policies to ensure they continue to be appropriate to the market, to understand where changes may be required and provide recommendations. 

The Annual price review - consultation page contains more information on the Review, Issues Paper and process for making a submission. Submissions close 3.00 am AEDT on Monday 3 February 2020.
Click here for more information.

Next year marks the beginning of the 2020-2022 RACGP triennium

Next year begins the new RACGP triennium and there are some important changes. While the mandatory minimum requirements and CPD points allocation system for activities have not changed, there is now no cap on points for GP self-recorded activities. The program, which has been renamed as ‘the RACGP CPD Program’, requires GPs to attain 130 points including: 

• Two Accredited Activities (formerly Category 1 activities) 
• One Basic Life Support/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 

The RACGP has worked with GPs and CPD education providers to make the CPD Program simpler, stronger and seamless. The RACGP has also updated the CPD Dashboard making it quicker and easier to record CPD activities. The MyCPD App has been developed to help you log professional development activities as part of your daily work.   

For the latest information please visit the RACGP website.

Expanded Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service

St Vincent’s has recently expanded the Drug and Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service (DASAS) to include two Clinical Nurse Consultants (CNC) in addition to Addiction Medicine Specialists. The service is free, and is available seven days a week. The service will often respond to your enquiry immediately. If this is not possible, the service will respond within 24 hours.

• For Sydney area health practitioners - Call DASAS on 02 9361 8006
• For regional and rural NSW health practitioners - Call DASAS on free call 1800 023 687

Click here for more information.

Rabies immunoglobulin short supply 

Rabies immunoglobulin (RIg) is in short supply globally and Australia has exhausted its supply of Imogam, the registered human RIg product for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.  An alternative human RIg product, KamRAB, has been sourced for use in Australia.
Click here for more information.

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 for more information.

NCIRS report - Vaccine preventable diseases and vaccination coverage in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has released two new reports focussed on Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander immunisation. These reports highlight the positive impacts that immunisation programs have had on the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as some continuing challenges.
Click here for more information.

Launch of a new multilingual HIV resource: HIV- 'What you need to know'

The Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service is pleased to announce the launch of a new multilingual HIV resource: HIV. What you need to know. Available in eight languages – English, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese - this free booklet provides priority culturally and linguistically diverse communities with all the most up-to-date information on HIV prevention, testing and treatment in NSW. 

Developed in consultation with communities, the booklet is for anyone interested in finding out about HIV, with a particular focus on those at risk and people recently diagnosed with HIV. Recent increases in HIV notifications and late diagnoses in NSW among some culturally and linguistically diverse populations suggest a resource which provides easy to understand, current information is timely. 

For free hard copies of the multilingual booklet please complete this order form and email to info@mhahs.org.au. The booklet can also be downloaded from the MHAHS website.

HIV Awareness Week 

Last week was HIV Awareness Week and NSW Health encourages health professionals to test a diverse range of patients at risk of HIV, including:

• Overseas-born men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Heterosexual identifying MSM
• Australian-born MSM

Click here for more information.

Vaccine orders and storage over Christmas and New Year

The NSW Vaccine Centre will be closed for routine deliveries over the Christmas and New Year period. Remember to place orders before cut-off times and keep in mind some consideration for optimal cold chain management during December and January.
Click here for more information.

Deadly measles outbreak in Samoa and the Pacific Islands

There is a Measles crisis in Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Fiji. Cases of measles have been reported in people returning or travelling from travel these countries. A NSW man in his late thirties was diagnosed with measles following a trip to Samoa, where a large outbreak is occurring.
Click here for more information.

Disability-related health supports information sessions

From 1 October, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will fund reasonable and necessary disability-related health supports for NDIS participants. The NDIA is running information sessions for allied health and nursing practitioners, local health district staff, community health staff, support coordinators and service providers who are delivering disability-related health supports under the NDIS.

Date: Monday 9 December 2019
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm or 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Venue: Dooley's Catholic Club, Lidcombe
Click here for more information.

Allied Health Engagement Survey - We want to hear from you!

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is committed to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of primary health care within our region. As an Allied Health Professional, you are a critical first point of contact between consumers and the health system, and a vital partner of CESPHN. Please take 10 minutes to complete a brief survey, which will help identify opportunities for us to better meet your needs. The survey is anonymous and confidential, with results collated by external research company, Footprints Market Research. 
Click here to take the allied health engagement survey.

Delivering the NDIS plan: Pricing review announced

The Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, announced the commencement of the NDIS Annual Price Review for 2020-21. The review will look at current NDIS price limits and related policies to ensure they continue to be appropriate to the market, to understand where changes may be required and provide recommendations. 

The Annual price review - consultation page contains more information on the Review, Issues Paper and process for making a submission. Submissions close 3.00 am AEDT on Monday 3 February 2020.
Click here for more information.

AHPA NDIS Registration Support Project Update

Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) is pleased to announce that it will soon be ready to launch their dedicated National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) registration support website for allied health providers. The site and associated webinar program are part of the work they are undertaking to help allied health providers to register to provide NDIS services.

These NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission-funded grant activities are intended to provide free resources and guidance to help allied health providers prepare for and complete registration and the associated third-party audit process.
Click here for more information.

Launch of a new multilingual HIV resource: HIV- 'What you need to know'

The Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service is pleased to announce the launch of a new multilingual HIV resource: HIV. What you need to know. Available in eight languages – English, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese - this free booklet provides priority culturally and linguistically diverse communities with all the most up-to-date information on HIV prevention, testing and treatment in NSW. 

Developed in consultation with communities, the booklet is for anyone interested in finding out about HIV, with a particular focus on those at risk and people recently diagnosed with HIV. Recent increases in HIV notifications and late diagnoses in NSW among some culturally and linguistically diverse populations suggest a resource which provides easy to understand, current information is timely. 

For free hard copies of the multilingual booklet please complete this order form and email to info@mhahs.org.au. The booklet can also be downloaded from the MHAHS website.

Disability-related health supports information sessions

From 1 October, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will fund reasonable and necessary disability-related health supports for NDIS participants. The NDIA is running information sessions for allied health and nursing practitioners, local health district staff, community health staff, support coordinators and service providers who are delivering disability-related health supports under the NDIS.

Date: Monday 9 December 2019
Time: 10.00 am - 12.00 pm or 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm
Venue: Dooley's Catholic Club, Lidcombe
Click here for more information.

Community Engagement Survey - We want to hear from you!

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is committed to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of primary health care within our region. Community organisations such as yours play an important role in the health sector and are valued partners of CESPHN. Please take 10 minutes to complete a brief survey, which will help identify opportunities for us to better meet your needs. The survey is anonymous and confidential, with results collated by external research company, Footprints Market Research. 
Click here to take the community engagement survey.

Launch of a new multilingual HIV resource: HIV- 'What you need to know'

The Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service is pleased to announce the launch of a new multilingual HIV resource: HIV. What you need to know. Available in eight languages – English, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Indonesian, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese - this free booklet provides priority culturally and linguistically diverse communities with all the most up-to-date information on HIV prevention, testing and treatment in NSW. 

Developed in consultation with communities, the booklet is for anyone interested in finding out about HIV, with a particular focus on those at risk and people recently diagnosed with HIV. Recent increases in HIV notifications and late diagnoses in NSW among some culturally and linguistically diverse populations suggest a resource which provides easy to understand, current information is timely. 

For free hard copies of the multilingual booklet please complete this order form and email to info@mhahs.org.au. The booklet can also be downloaded from the MHAHS website.

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.

St Vincent's Private and St Vincent's Clinic CPD Series - ENT Update

At: St Vincent's Private Hospital
On: Thursday 5 December 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For: GPs

As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts. If you would like to submit an article or have suggestions on content you would be interested in reading, 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.