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.

Bush Fire Response - Resources 

Mental Health Supports

In response to the bush fire emergency, the Australian Government has announced a comprehensive bush fire recovery package. As part of this package it is providing $76 million for immediate, short term and medium term mental health support for individuals, families and communities, including emergency services personnel, impacted by the ongoing bush fire emergency. 

MBS items under the Better Access initiative can be used for bush fire affected patients. GPs and medical practitioners can provide treatment services to their patient directly using focused psychological strategies (FPS). Health professionals must be registered with DHS to provide FPS services.

There are also items available to help GPs and medical practitioners manage a patient’s mental health condition. There is no limit to how often these services can be provided.

Click here to read more about mental health support for Australians affected by bush fires. 

• Mental Health Support for Australians affected by the 2019-2020 Bushfires Information Sheet.
• People affected by bush fires can access mental health treatment without a referral or mental health treatment plan from 17 January.
• Lifeline provides support for children and adults.
• headspace provides support to children and youth.
• HealthDirect provides information on natural disasters and your health.
• Natural disasters and community resilience: A framework for support (CFCA paper)
• Key national 24/7 crisis support telephone services include:
  • Lifeline 13 11 14
  • Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
  • MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
  • Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
• Key Youth Support Services include:
  • Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
  • headspace: 1800 650 890
  • Supporting children after natural and human-induced disasters (CFA and Emerging Minds webinar)
  • Emerging Minds trauma toolkit, including Traumatic events, the media and your child (Emerging Minds fact sheet)

Respiratory Concerns

Bush fire smoke can affect anyone but particularly people over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions, including asthma. It is important to ensure those with asthma have asthma management plans, medication on hand and that they are activating plans based on symptoms and exposure. Risks from contaminated water and spoiled food will also have a greater impact on the elderly, young children and pregnant women.

Hazardous air quality can lead to:

• Serious aggravation of health effects in people over 65, children 14 years and younger, pregnant women and those with existing heart or lung conditions.
• Serious increase in respiratory and other effects in everyone else and many people might have symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.

Please visit the NSW Health website for information on air quality during bush fires. It provides information on air quality across the state, how you can protect yourself from bush fire smoke, and lists support services available to you. 

You can also find helpful information on our website regarding useful pathways for the management of asthma in your patients.

The Acting Chief Medical Officer and State and Territory Chief Health Officers have released a statement on the use of masks for those exposed to bush fire smoke. Click here to view the statement.

NSW Health has arranged for pharmacies to issue certain medicines without prescription and distribute free face masks to assist communities hit by bushfires. Click here to read more. 

Burns Treatment

A new burn injuries pathway is now on South Eastern Sydney HealthPathways. To access the pathway please click here and use the following login details:
Username: sesydney
Password: healthcare

Disaster Support

• The NSW Government Community Support Hub is where you can find information regarding support services, loans and grants, evacuation centres, financial assistance and more.
• The RACGP provides information to GPs impacted by bush fires and how they can assist their patients.

Summer heat warning 

Heat can cause illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion, which can lead to the life threatening condition, heatstroke. Heatstroke is fatal in up to 80 per cent of cases.

Simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illness:

• Avoid the heat of the day by staying indoors and keeping cool by using air-conditioning, fans and drawing blinds and curtains closed.
• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Check on vulnerable neighbours, friends and family by telephone or in person if it is safe for them to do so.
• Plan ahead for hot days.

​​More information on being aware of the impact of heat on your health can be found on the NSW Health website.

Measles alert: Nine cases of measles in NSW since Christmas 

NSW Health is urging people to ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine following a further two locally acquired cases of the infection. A total of nine cases of measles have been reported in NSW since Christmas 2019. Both new cases occurred in Sydney in adults aged between 20-55 years, highlighting the importance for anyone born after 1965 to see their GP to check their vaccination history.

Click here to find out who is at risk and vaccination options.

New Birth Unit at St George Hospital

St George Hospital will be opening the new Birth Unit (previously named Delivery Suite) on 30 January 2020.

Click here for more information on the Birth Unit and to book a ward tour.

BreastScreen visiting Club Central Menai

BreastScreen NSW aims to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer by providing free screening mammograms to women aged 50-74. Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early. The mobile van sites for 2020 have been scheduled from January – April for women living in and around Engadine, Menai, Mascot and La Peruse.

View the flyer for upcoming van sites or visit the BreastScreen website to book a mammogram.

2019 review of the NDIS Act and the new NDIS Participant Service Guarantee

The Australian Government has committed to developing an NDIS Participant Service Guarantee to support positive participant experiences with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

From 1 July 2020, the Guarantee will set new standards for the time it takes for key steps in the NDIS process. This means there will be shorter, agreed timeframes for people to receive a decision on whether they will be covered by the NDIS, to receive an NDIS plan and to have a plan reviewed.

To develop the Guarantee, the Government commissioned a review of the NDIS Act to identify opportunities to make NDIS processes simpler and more straight-forward, and remove legislative barriers to positive participant and provider experiences with the NDIS.

The review was undertaken by an independent expert, Mr David Tune AO PSM. People with disability, family members, carers, advocates and providers from around Australia shared their experiences and ideas through community workshops, an online survey and by making submissions. The review report was handed to Government in December 2019.

Click here to read the full article. 

Health and NDIS interface webinar on psychosocial supports

The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation Networks (Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Intellectual Disability) are hosting the second health and NDIS interface webinar on Thursday 13 February from 12.00 pm –1.00 pm.

Click here for more information and to register for the webinar.

Choosing the right early childhood intervention 

A new guide is now available for parents of children with a disability or delay who are seeking a NDIS early childhood intervention (ECI) provider.

The guide aims to help parents:

• Ask the right questions
• Be clear about the supports their child needs
• Make an informed decision

Visit Cerebral Palsy Alliance to download your free guide. 

The criminal justice system issues paper

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released The Criminal justice system issues paper – the latest in a series of publications about key areas of inquiry.

The Criminal justice system issues paper states that people with disability, including young people and First Nations people, are over-represented across the criminal justice systems in Australia and are at heightened risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Royal Commission encourages responses from individuals and organisations to the issues paper by 20 March 2020, although submissions will also be accepted after that date.

Click here to read the issues paper and for information on providing a response.

RACGP Alcohol and Other Drugs GP Education Program

The RACGP will develop and deliver the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) GP Education Program which aims to strengthen the capacity of GPs to address the alcohol and other drug use in their communities. The program will be tailored to meet the needs of GPs in different communities and settings. There are incentives for being a part of the education program with options for accessing the training. 

The RACGP are looking for GPs to get involved in the program delivery by completing an EOI.

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 to read more about the GLAD project.

Evaluation of the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program

What are your views about your role and capabilities in supporting children and young people’s mental health, and the mental health services available to help support your work?

Researchers at the University of Queensland are inviting clinicians and non-clinicians who work with children and/or young people to complete a web-based survey about their views of their role and capabilities in supporting children and young people’s mental health.

Click here to view the survey.

Mental health webinar for StepCare in your practice

This webinar has been designed as a mental health skills training. It has also been designed to help you easily integrate the StepCare screening tool into your daily practice routine. This session, developed by the Black Dog Institute, is facilitated by Dr Kathy O'Grady.

The webinar will be held on 30 January 2020 at 1.00 pm

Click here for more information on the webinar and to register.

My Health Record and Medical Specialists

CESPHN is working closely with the Australian Digital Health Agency on connecting private medical specialists with My Health Record. If you know of medical specialists in your referral networks who could benefit from this, please refer them to Thuy Ann Vuong: t.vuong@cesphn.com.au, our dedicated project officer who is assisting with registrations.

By connecting to My Health Record, medical specialists could benefit from:

• better access to key health information to support clinical decision making for your patients.
• reduction in duplication of tests/scans/diagnostics.
• less administrative burden gathering information.
• better patient coordination of care.

GP Input Requested - COPD Patient driven Actions within a Concordant Evidence based agenda (PACE) in Primary Care

The COPD PACE in Primary Care study aims to promote patient-provider engagement for better management of COPD in primary care. Interested GPs will be required to attend a 1-hour workshop and be provided with a $150 shopping voucher as recompense for their time. If you are interested in participating, please email the project lead Prof Sheree Smith at Sheree.Smith@westernsydney.edu.au

Click here to download the GP flyer.
Click here to download COPD PACE Invitation to General Practice Letter.
Click here to download the patient flyer.

Are you interested in joining the GP Antenatal Shared Care Program with RPA Women and Babies/Canterbury Hospital? 

For GPs wishing to join the GP Antenatal Shared Care Program with RPA women and Babies/Canterbury Hospital, we will be holding the next Orientation Session on Monday 9 March 7.00pm - 9.00pm, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Camperdown.

GPs wishing to join the program need to register by completing and returning the Application Form and attend the Orientation Session. Confirmation will be provided by the Maternal Health Project Officer once the Application Form has been received.

Further information is located on CESPHN website. 

Click here for overview of GP ANSC program 

Click here for Application Form. 

New additions to free educational resources available in six languages

Culturally and linguistically diverse community members are often unsure of how to access the right health care at the right time — Sydney LHD and Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD have both observed that people from culturally diverse backgrounds are more likely to present to emergency departments for health issues which could be better managed by other types of health services including general practice.

In response, Healthdirect Australia has developed a range of free translated resources to help vulnerable communities better understand the Australian health system — they explain the role of general practice and other health services and when it is appropriate to use emergency departments.

For links to free educational resources visit the healthdirect website.  

Measles alert: Nine cases of measles in NSW since Christmas 

NSW Health is urging people to ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine following a further two locally acquired cases of the infection. A total of nine cases of measles have been reported in NSW since Christmas 2019. Both new cases occurred in Sydney in adults aged between 20-55 years, highlighting the importance for anyone born after 1965 to see their GP to check their vaccination history.

Click here to find out who is at risk and vaccination options.

BreastScreen visiting Club Central Menai

BreastScreen NSW aims to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer by providing free screening mammograms to women aged 50-74. Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early. The mobile van sites for 2020 have been scheduled from January – April for women living in and around Engadine, Menai, Mascot and La Peruse.

View the flyer for upcoming van sites or visit the BreastScreen website to book a mammogram.

2019 review of the NDIS Act and the new NDIS Participant Service Guarantee

The Australian Government has committed to developing an NDIS Participant Service Guarantee to support positive participant experiences with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

From 1 July 2020, the Guarantee will set new standards for the time it takes for key steps in the NDIS process. This means there will be shorter, agreed timeframes for people to receive a decision on whether they will be covered by the NDIS, to receive an NDIS plan and to have a plan reviewed.

To develop the Guarantee, the Government commissioned a review of the NDIS Act to identify opportunities to make NDIS processes simpler and more straight-forward, and remove legislative barriers to positive participant and provider experiences with the NDIS.

The review was undertaken by an independent expert, Mr David Tune AO PSM. People with disability, family members, carers, advocates and providers from around Australia shared their experiences and ideas through community workshops, an online survey and by making submissions. The review report was handed to Government in December 2019.

Click here to read the full article. 

Health and NDIS interface webinar on psychosocial supports

The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation Networks (Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Intellectual Disability) are hosting the second health and NDIS interface webinar on Thursday 13 February from 12.00 pm –1.00 pm.

Click here for more information and to register for the webinar.

Choosing the right early childhood intervention 

A new guide is now available for parents of children with a disability or delay who are seeking a NDIS early childhood intervention (ECI) provider.

The guide aims to help parents:

• Ask the right questions
• Be clear about the supports their child needs
• Make an informed decision

Visit Cerebral Palsy Alliance to download your free guide. 

The criminal justice system issues paper

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released The Criminal justice system issues paper – the latest in a series of publications about key areas of inquiry.

The Criminal justice system issues paper states that people with disability, including young people and First Nations people, are over-represented across the criminal justice systems in Australia and are at heightened risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Royal Commission encourages responses from individuals and organisations to the issues paper by 20 March 2020, although submissions will also be accepted after that date.

Click here to read the issues paper and for information on providing a response.

Evaluation of the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program

What are your views about your role and capabilities in supporting children and young people’s mental health, and the mental health services available to help support your work?

Researchers at the University of Queensland are inviting clinicians and non-clinicians who work with children and/or young people to complete a web-based survey about their views of their role and capabilities in supporting children and young people’s mental health.

Click here to view the survey.

My Health Record and Medical Specialists

CESPHN is working closely with the Australian Digital Health Agency on connecting private medical specialists with My Health Record. If you know of medical specialists in your referral networks who could benefit from this, please refer them to Thuy Ann Vuong: t.vuong@cesphn.com.au, our dedicated project officer who is assisting with registrations.

By connecting to My Health Record, medical specialists could benefit from:

• better access to key health information to support clinical decision making for your patients.
• reduction in duplication of tests/scans/diagnostics.
• less administrative burden gathering information.
• better patient coordination of care.

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 to read more about the GLAD project.

EOI - Allied Health Small Group Learning 2020

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is seeking Expressions of Interest from Allied Health Professionals to participate in our 2020 AHP Small Group Learning (SGL) Program which is being rolled out across the PHN region. The AHP SGL learning format of education allows AHPs to share their knowledge and discuss daily practice issues with peers. Allied Health Professionals will be able to self-report on their learning.

Click here for more information.

Measles alert: Nine cases of measles in NSW since Christmas 

NSW Health is urging people to ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine following a further two locally acquired cases of the infection. A total of nine cases of measles have been reported in NSW since Christmas 2019. Both new cases occurred in Sydney in adults aged between 20-55 years, highlighting the importance for anyone born after 1965 to see their GP to check their vaccination history.

Click here to find out who is at risk and vaccination options.

The National Redress Scheme

The National Redress Scheme is for people who have experienced institutional child sexual abuse, including people with disability. People with disability may be eligible to apply for Redress if they meet certain criteria.

Click here  to find out the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

BreastScreen visiting Club Central Menai

BreastScreen NSW aims to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer by providing free screening mammograms to women aged 50-74. Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early. The mobile van sites for 2020 have been scheduled from January – April for women living in and around Engadine, Menai, Mascot and La Peruse.

View the flyer for upcoming van sites or visit the BreastScreen website to book a mammogram.

Health and NDIS interface webinar on psychosocial supports

The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation Networks (Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Intellectual Disability) are hosting the second health and NDIS interface webinar on Thursday 13 February from 12.00 pm –1.00 pm.

Click here for more information and to register for the webinar.

Choosing the right early childhood intervention 

A new guide is now available for parents of children with a disability or delay who are seeking a NDIS early childhood intervention (ECI) provider.

The guide aims to help parents:

• Ask the right questions
• Be clear about the supports their child needs
• Make an informed decision

Visit Cerebral Palsy Alliance to download your free guide. 

The criminal justice system issues paper

The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability has released The Criminal justice system issues paper – the latest in a series of publications about key areas of inquiry.

The Criminal justice system issues paper states that people with disability, including young people and First Nations people, are over-represented across the criminal justice systems in Australia and are at heightened risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.

The Royal Commission encourages responses from individuals and organisations to the issues paper by 20 March 2020, although submissions will also be accepted after that date.

Click here to read the issues paper and for information on providing a response.

Koorana's Sibs Club supports children who has a sibling with disability

Koorana’s Sibs Club has a capacity to enrol new children into the program for 2020. The Sibs Club is for children aged 7-12 years who have a sibling with a disability. Families can self-refer or workers can refer on their behalf. If you are interested you can contact the club on 0448 463 398.

Visit the Koorana Sibs Club website for more information on the program.

Raising Children - a resource for parents

The raisingchildren.net.au website provides free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help families grow and thrive together. Designed for busy parents and full of practical tips, the content is easy to find and use. We have the answers to hundreds of parenting questions, where and when families need them. The website is funded by the Australian Government and reviewed by experts.

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.

Recorded CPD Sessions

A range of recordings of past CPD events can be found on the CESPHN website here

Lifehouse CPD Medical Update - Eating Disorders

At: Chris O’Brien Lifehouse 
On: Wednesday 12 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations 
For: GPs

Immunisation Practice in Primary Healthcare 

At: CESPHN Office Mascot 
On: Thursday 21 February October 9.00am – 1.00 pm presentations 
For: PNs

Bright Eyes Cataract Update 

At: CESPHN Office Mascot 
On: Thursday 27 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For: GPs, PNs and Optometrists 

St Vincent’s Private and St Vincent’s Clinic CPD Series – Caring for the Older Patient MTD Approach

At: St Vincent’s Private Hospital
On: Thursday 27 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations 
For: GPs 

Hazelhurst CPD Series- Immunology

At: Hazelhurst Art Gallery
On: Thursday 27 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.30 pm presentations 
For: GPs 

CPR Workshop $72

At: Canada Bay
On: Monday 2 March 6.00 pm dinner, 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm workshop
For: GPs, AHPs, PN, PM and PS 

As always, we would love to hear your thoughts. If you would like to submit an article, have content suggestions, or would like to provide feedback, 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.