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Health alertPoisonous mushrooms growing in MelbournePoisonous mushrooms including Death Cap mushrooms and Yellow-staining mushrooms are currently growing around Victoria. Consuming a Death Cap mushroom may result in death. Unless you are an expert, do not pick and consume wild mushrooms in Victoria. Cooking, peeling or drying these mushrooms does not remove or inactivate the poison. There is no home test available to distinguish safe and edible mushrooms from poisonous mushrooms. Mushrooms purchased from a supermarket, greengrocer or other reputable source are safe to eat. Read the full health alert. COVID-19COVID-19 pages for health professionalsSEMPHN has a number of COVID-19 information pages for health professionals on our website. Follow the links to access SEMPHN's pages on: Do you know someone who would like to share a story about their health?We are looking for people who are willing to be interviewed about their health experiences. The interviews will be shown as a series of (de-identified) presentations or videos including audio interviews, quotes, and illustrations to portray stories. See Nicholas' story to the left of this article. We are looking for people with certain demographics and experiences, including:
After completing the interview, participants will be compensated for their time. I’m a health professional – how can I share this opportunity with my clients?
ReferralsUpdates links: SEMPHN now uses DocuSign for contractsLast week, we mentioned that we’re changing the way we manage contract execution, though the hyperlinks in the article lead to the wrong websites. Below are the correct links: Like to know more about DocuSign? Got any questions? PrescribingExtensions to special arrangements for prescribingAs part of the ongoing COVID-19 response, the Federal Government has extended the period that image-based prescriptions are allowed. They can continue to be sent until the end of September 2021. Also, the government will continue to subsidise the cost of SMS for electronic prescriptions until 30 June 2021. Mental healthFor advice on a patient's mental health treatment, call A&R!SEMPHN, in partnership with Monash Health and Alfred Health, has made it easier for GPs to access free psychiatrist secondary consults. To refer or for more information, call SEMPHN’s Access & Referral (A&R) on 1800 862 363, 8.30 am-4.30 pm weekdays (no faxes). GPs in Monash Health catchmentYou can access a free, 30-minute phone consultation during business hours to discuss your patient’s mental health, for example: diagnostic issues, medication options, developing safety plans and general management. The service is applicable to patients of all ages and includes generalist and subspecialist advice, including that related to child, aged persons, LGBTIQ, perinatal and intellectual disability. You will be asked to provide:
If a psychiatrist is available at the time of your call, you will be connected via phone. If not, you will be provided with an appointment time and meeting details. GPs in Alfred Health catchmentBy prior appointment, you can access a free, 45-minute consultation by video or phone to discuss your patient’s mental health treatment, for example:
This service is only applicable to patients over the age of 25. This is a non-urgent service, and clinical responsibility for the patient remains with the treating GP. You now only need the following information to book a consultation:
Webinar: STIs Essentials for Primary Care in South East MelbourneOver the last 10 years syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea rates have all increased in Victoria, and primary health care practitioners are the key to bringing these epidemics under control. This informative and interactive session will provide you with the understanding and tools required to confidently manage common STI screening and care, making sexual health a routine everyday part of your primary health care practice. Learning Objectives:
When: Thursday, 6 May 2021, 6.30 pm—8.30 pm Gain Essential Skills relating to Alcohol and Other Drugs treatmentEssential Skills Training is now available as an online learning module for RACGP members on the RACGP Learning Management System, gplearning. Essential Skills Training is free for all RACGP members and provides GPs with an overview of core AOD skills. For more information visit RACGP AOD GP Education Program Website. Are your patients looking for a walking group?Walking in nature has numerous benefits including boosting creative thinking, decreasing stress levels and blood pressure. Parks Victoria organise weekly walks at Lysterfield park, one at Churchill National Park (near Dandenong) and there will soon be walks at Coolart Wetlands and around the Frankston/Langwarrin area. To join a guided walk, or walking group, visit the Parks Victoria website to make a booking. Professional development and events
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