29 January 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.
Coronavirus - Health Practitioner Update
Current situation
There are currently 4 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in NSW, and 6 suspected cases under investigation. All cases had traveled to Hubei Province, China or had contact with a confirmed case in China. All patients are currently in isolation in NSW hospitals.
NSW Health released this Updated advice for General Practitioners on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 28.
There is evidence of person to person transmission in Hubei Province, China. Cases have also been reported in other parts of China, although at this stage person to person transmission in the community has not been reported outside Hubei Province.
NSW Health is urging people who have recently returned from Hubei Province or have been in contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus infection to contact their GP, Healthdirect, or their local emergency department if symptoms develop within 14 days.
Consider 2019-nCOV infection in people with
History of travel in Hubei Province in the 14 days before illness onset, OR Close contact with a confirmed case of 2019-nCoV,
AND
Fever or history of fever and acute respiratory infection (with at least one of the following symptoms: shortness of breath, cough or sore throat).
For a patient who meets these criteria
Patients are encouraged to immediately isolate themselves and call their GP, Emergency Department or healthdirect helpline 1800 022 222 for advice.
If a patient calls you
- Ask if they have traveled to Hubei Province and if they have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
- If they report travel to Hubei Province and symptoms, call your local public health unit to discuss referral to the Emergency Department.
If a patient presents to you without calling
- Ask the patient to wear a surgical mask and move them to a separate room.
- Use standard, contact and airborne transmission precautions, including a P2 (N95) mask, disposable gown, gloves, and eye protection if available, when entering the room.
- Immediately contact your Public Health Unit who will arrange a phone risk assessment and advise on next steps. If further assessment and testing is recommended, this will generally be arranged at a hospital emergency department.
Poster for display in your practice
If you would like to display a poster in your practice regarding the above information, NSW Health have created one. You can access it here.
About novel coronavirus
A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. The novel coronavirus is closely related to SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) coronavirus and in the same family as MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) coronavirus.
The novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV) can be spread from person to person most likely by coughing or contact with respiratory secretions.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a fever. Other symptoms include cough, sore throat and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress, however there is a spectrum of disease. It is unknown at this stage how long symptoms take to present but most likely between two and 14 days.
Control guidelines
GPs should immediately notify the public health unit of suspect cases by calling 1300 066 055. Further information regarding control guidelines, case definitions and laboratory testing can be found on NSW Health website.
General Practitioners should not take samples for 2019-nCoV testing themselves unless there is no alternative option.
CDC Infection control and isolation precautions guidelines should be followed following on from suspected cases present in GP consult rooms.
Advice for parents
Parents of children who have had contact with a confirmed case of novel Coronavirus are being urged to keep their children at home and monitor for symptoms. Any child who has been in contact with a person confirmed as having novel coronavirus must not attend school or childcare for 14 days after the last contact with the infected person.
Parents with concerns can contact their local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 for advice or visit the dedicated NSW Health information page.
Further information
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.
Webinar: Heart Health Checks
Together with GPs, general practice nurses are on the frontline of caring for Aussie hearts. The new Heart Health Check MBS item provides general practitioners and primary health care nurses with an incentivised opportunity to initiate an early and continuing relationship with their at-risk patients not already known to have CVD.
The National Heart Foundation and the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) have assembled a panel of experts so you can learn more about supporting the heart health of your patients.
Date: Thursday 6 February
Time: 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm AEDT
Click here to register for this webinar.
Conference: Revisiting Aboriginal Wellbeing
The Centre for Healthcare Knowledge & Innovation is kicking off its Cultural Determinants of Health Webcast Series with a regional showcase in Yamba on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February. Register now and enjoy a showcase of culturally responsive North Coast NSW partnerships and get to know:
- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM)
- Indigenous Allied Health Association (IAHA)
- Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association (NATSIHWA)
The two day program is made up of keynote presentations, workshops, open forums and Q&As, a smoking ceremony, Indigenous dance and more. There will also be a dinner with Indigenous singer songwriter Kutcha Edwards and plenty of time for networking.
Click here for more information and to register.
NDIS Annual Price Review Consultation
The NDIS Annual Price Review 2020–21 is now underway. This Review will examine whether the existing pricing framework and other pricing related policies under the NDIS continue to be appropriate, or whether modifications are required.
As part of this process, the NDIA aims to identify options to improve the flexibility for participants to purchase supports to meet their goals, and where possible, reduce the administrative burden for providers.
Providers, as well as participants, their families and carers, community, peak bodies and other sector representatives are encouraged to provide feedback as part of the Review.
Click here to find out how to contribute to the review.
National Disability Services - State of the Disability Sector Report
Featured in the NDS State of the Disability Sector Report for 2019 are the results from the sixth round of the Annual Market Survey, conducted independently by the University of New South Wales. 667 disability service providers responded to the survey this year, the largest number so far. The report also provides expert analysis on the major issues in 2019.
Click here to read a summary of the findings.
Workshop on the basics of the NDIS for children aged 0-8 years
Wondering what the NDIS is all about? What does it mean for a young child? The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach supports children aged 0-6 years who have a developmental delay or disability and their families/carers. The ECEI approach helps children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and achieve the best possible outcomes throughout their life. Although this workshop is designed for children aged 0 to 6 years old, the majority of information will also be suitable for slightly older children (6-8 years old).
Click here to register.
Community diabetes education – Bengali
Diabetes NSW will run a FREE Bengali education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 7 February 2020
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Lakemba Community Hub, 130 Railway Pde, Lakemba
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 342 238.
Click here to view the flyer.
Community Diabetes Education
South Eastern Sydney LHD will run a FREE education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 18 February 2020
Time: 10.30 am - 13.00 pm
Venue: Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service, HealthOne, 126 Kareena Road, Miranda NSW 2228
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 427 603.
Expression of Interest: CESPHN Small Group Learning Program
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) and is a format of education that allows GPs to share their knowledge and discuss daily practice with peers.
Click here to download the EOI.
General Practice data and Lumos
Lumos is a new partnership initiative between Central and Eastern Sydney PHN (CESPHN) and NSW Health that will map patient journeys across NSW health services and provide valuable data to improve healthcare services across LHDs.
The program securely links data across primary, ambulatory and acute care and will launch in February 2020 within the CESPHN region.
Twice a year, general practitioners will be provided with practice reports about patients at their practice which can be used to further improve the care offered.
The information provided will give your practice a unique view of patient journeys across the healthcare system and will reaffirm the value of general practice.
Click here if you are interested in participating and would like further information on the project.
EOI: CESPHN is seeking GP and Practice Nurse Representatives for Immunisation working group
CESPHN is seeking interest from members (General Practitioners and Practice Nurses) who would like to be involved in immunisation planning, review of strategies and attend two face to face meetings per year with their local Public Health Unit (SLHD at Camperdown or SESLHD at Randwick).
Click here to read more about the EOI.
EOI: CESPHN AHP Small Group Learning Program
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 to download the EOI.
Conference: Revisiting Aboriginal Wellbeing
The Centre for Healthcare Knowledge & Innovation is kicking off its Cultural Determinants of Health Webcast Series with a regional showcase in Yamba on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February. Register now and enjoy a showcase of culturally responsive North Coast NSW partnerships and get to know:
- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM)
- Indigenous Allied Health Association (IAHA)
- Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association (NATSIHWA)
The two day program is made up of keynote presentations, workshops, open forums and Q&As, a smoking ceremony, Indigenous dance and more. There will also be a dinner with Indigenous singer songwriter Kutcha Edwards and plenty of time for networking.
Click here for more information and to register.
NDIS Annual Price Review Consultation
The NDIS Annual Price Review 2020–21 is now underway. This Review will examine whether the existing pricing framework and other pricing related policies under the NDIS continue to be appropriate, or whether modifications are required.
As part of this process, the NDIA aims to identify options to improve the flexibility for participants to purchase supports to meet their goals, and where possible, reduce the administrative burden for providers.
Providers, as well as participants, their families and carers, community, peak bodies and other sector representatives are encouraged to provide feedback as part of the Review.
Click here to find out how to contribute to the review.
National Disability Services - State of the Disability Sector Report
Featured in the NDS State of the Disability Sector Report for 2019 are the results from the sixth round of the Annual Market Survey, conducted independently by the University of New South Wales. 667 disability service providers responded to the survey this year, the largest number so far. The report also provides expert analysis on the major issues in 2019.
Click here to read a summary of the findings.
Workshop on the basics of the NDIS for children aged 0-8 years
Wondering what the NDIS is all about? What does it mean for a young child? The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach supports children aged 0-6 years who have a developmental delay or disability and their families/carers. The ECEI approach helps children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and achieve the best possible outcomes throughout their life. Although this workshop is designed for children aged 0 to 6 years old, the majority of information will also be suitable for slightly older children (6-8 years old).
Click here to register.
Community diabetes education – Bengali
Diabetes NSW will run a FREE Bengali education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 7 February 2020
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Lakemba Community Hub, 130 Railway Pde, Lakemba
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 342 238.
Click here to view the flyer.
Community Diabetes Education
South Eastern Sydney LHD will run a FREE education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 18 February 2020
Time: 10.30 am - 13.00 pm
Venue: Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service, HealthOne, 126 Kareena Road, Miranda NSW 2228
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 427 603.
Conference: Revisiting Aboriginal Wellbeing
The Centre for Healthcare Knowledge & Innovation is kicking off its Cultural Determinants of Health Webcast Series with a regional showcase in Yamba on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 February. Register now and enjoy a showcase of culturally responsive North Coast NSW partnerships and get to know:
- Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM)
- Indigenous Allied Health Association (IAHA)
- Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC)
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association (NATSIHWA)
The two day program is made up of keynote presentations, workshops, open forums and Q&As, a smoking ceremony, Indigenous dance and more. There will also be a dinner with Indigenous singer songwriter Kutcha Edwards and plenty of time for networking.
Click here for more information and to register.
NDIS Annual Price Review Consultation
The NDIS Annual Price Review 2020–21 is now underway. This Review will examine whether the existing pricing framework and other pricing related policies under the NDIS continue to be appropriate, or whether modifications are required.
As part of this process, the NDIA aims to identify options to improve the flexibility for participants to purchase supports to meet their goals, and where possible, reduce the administrative burden for providers.
Providers, as well as participants, their families and carers, community, peak bodies and other sector representatives are encouraged to provide feedback as part of the Review.
Click here to find out how to contribute to the review.
National Disability Services - State of the Disability Sector Report
Featured in the NDS State of the Disability Sector Report for 2019 are the results from the sixth round of the Annual Market Survey, conducted independently by the University of New South Wales. 667 disability service providers responded to the survey this year, the largest number so far. The report also provides expert analysis on the major issues in 2019.
Click here to read a summary of the findings.
Workshop on the basics of the NDIS for children aged 0-8 years
Wondering what the NDIS is all about? What does it mean for a young child? The Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach supports children aged 0-6 years who have a developmental delay or disability and their families/carers. The ECEI approach helps children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and achieve the best possible outcomes throughout their life. Although this workshop is designed for children aged 0 to 6 years old, the majority of information will also be suitable for slightly older children (6-8 years old).
Click here to register.
Community diabetes education – Bengali
Diabetes NSW will run a FREE Bengali education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 7 February 2020
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Lakemba Community Hub, 130 Railway Pde, Lakemba
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 342 238.
Click here to view the flyer.
Community Diabetes Education
South Eastern Sydney LHD will run a FREE education program for people at risk of or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (and are not using insulin). This program will increase participants’ knowledge and confidence in managing diabetes.
Date: 18 February 2020
Time: 10.30 am - 13.00 pm
Venue: Sutherland Hospital and Community Health Service, HealthOne, 126 Kareena Road, Miranda NSW 2228
For bookings and enquiries, call 1300 427 603.
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
Changes to MBS Items: Eating Disorders
At: Chris O’Brien Lifehouse
On: Wednesday 12 February 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For: GPs, PNs, AHPs
Infection Prevention and Control
At: Club Central Hurstville
On: Tuesday 25 February 6.30pm, 7.00pm presentations
For: GP, PM, PN and PS
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
Prince of Wales Medical Update - Orthopaedics
At: Prince of Wales Private Hospital
On: Wednesday 4 March 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentation
For: GPs
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.