SEMPHN COVID-19 update
DHHS testing updates and COVID safe plans SEMPHN Board applications now open
Three positions available, apply by 6 September Responding to the pandemic with digital health tools (webinar)
Meet our Digital Health team this Wednesday! Face-to-face infection control and PPE training for the aged care workforce
Use this online booking system to schedule a training at your facility Looking for (translated) community COVID-19 resources?
Communications available for wearing masks and staying healthy Sexual healthcare program in Clayton open for referrals
Service includes: STI screening, treatment and consults What is the role of a carer?
Explore the Carer Awareness in General Practice online education kit Professional development and events
A list of upcoming education events
DHHS: Testing updates- DHHS testing bulletin (dated 10 August) provides an update on: Freight industry workers – the current Testing Advice and Information, and Meat and poultry industry testing approach.
- DHHS have established a Rapid Response Testing Team (RRTTs). Read
the overview and protocols here.
A new Call-to-Test service will provide in-home coronavirus testing to Victorians who would otherwise be unable to get tested. For eligible callers located in Melbourne, testers will visit within 48 hours. People can call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 675 398 and select option 9 to find out if they are eligible.
COVID Safe PlansAs part of the Stage 4 Restrictions, businesses must have a COVID Safe Plan in place.
SEMPHN Board applications
now open
Our Board is one which embraces alternative thinking, innovation, strategy, influence and strong governance. We are seeking to enhance the diversity of our board to compliment the skills and experience required for the effective oversight and governance of SEMPHN’s activities. Applications are now invited for three Board positions, two generalist non-executive board directors and one General Practitioner non-executive board director.
Non-executive board directors (2)We are seeking experienced people with broad skills and expertise, with strong finance or commercial experience, strategy creation or policy development, amongst others. People working in primary care in the SEMPHN region who have a strong governance background are encouraged to apply for these positions. General Practitioner non-executive board director (1)We are seeking a suitably qualified General Practitioner non-executive board director
and in line with SEMPHN’s priority areas, we are particularly interested in applications from GPs with an interest or specialty in mental health, alcohol and other drugs, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, population health, health workforce, digital health and aged care.
SEMPHN is committed to diversity in our workforce and board members, where we can learn from life experiences and the perspectives of our people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation. Knowledge and experience in best practice corporate and clinical governance structures, policies and processes (particularly in the not-for-profit context) will be welcome.
Interested parties must complete the Board Application form and the Board Skills Matrix and supply a resume of no longer than four pages by 6 September. Additional information about the process is available here.
Responding to the pandemic with digital health tools (webinar)
Pictured: SEMPHN's Digital Health team
In response to the rise of telehealth, SEMPHN's Digital Health team has put together a webinar for general practice staff to respond to the pandemic using digital health tools. Join us this Wednesday!
Topics include: - Technology-enabled care for supporting vulnerable patients
- Maintaining engagement with your patients and supporting their mental health and well-being
- Effective and efficient use of available digital health tools
- Streamlining practice workflows
Speakers - Brendon Wickham, Digital Health Manager
- Vignesh Lingam, Team Leader - Digital Health Projects
- Lindy Dell, Senior Digital Health Officer
- Carol Wildey, Peer Facilitator Simple Telehealth (Nellie)
- Angela Eklund, Digital Health Projects Officer
When:
Wednesday, 19 August 2020, 12.30pm - 1.30pm
Cost: Free
Face-to-face infection control and PPE training for the aged care workforce
Free face to face infection control training is available for workers in residential aged care (clinical and non-clinical) in Victoria, delivered by Monash University.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided for hands-on practice.
Where: Onsite training at your facility (where physical distancing can be maintained, otherwise a local venue will be arranged)
Who should attend: this course is available for all levels of staff at residential aged care facilities in Victoria
When: 1.5 hour session, day and time to be booked to suit your facility
Train the trainer: an extra 30 minutes of training will be provided for people nominated to be Facility Champions. This will include access to resources and support.
Bookings and further information
To make a booking for your facility, click here. Before you attend the training, it is recommended that you complete one of the following online training courses:
Looking for (translated) community COVID-19 resources?
To help slow the spread of coronavirus, Victorians must wear a face covering when leaving the house. General practices and health services have direct connections to community members from various backgrounds. We’re asking for your support encouraging everyone to wear a face covering by sharing the information below. Sharing the translated material from the list will help ensure everyone knows what their responsibilities are, and how they can do their part. To download all the resources, click here.
Sexual healthcare program in Clayton open for referrals
MediClinic is piloting a sexual healthcare program with Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. They now provide: - A nurse assessment, and GP consultation
- Screening tests for sexually transmitted infections for people without any symptoms
- Testing and treatment for people with sexually transmitted infections including: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and genital warts
- Check ups
for people working in the sex industry
- Prescriptions for (HIV) PEP and PrEP
This pilot is part of a Victorian government initiative to increase sexual health services across Melbourne. For queries, to refer a patient or to book an appointment, call 9544 1555 or email mmash@mediclinicclayton.com.au
Did you know there are local sexual health pathways on the SEMPHN Pathways pages? Access them here.
What is the role of a carer?
It is estimated that one in ten patients in any general practice is a carer. Carers provide a vital role, and enable patients to maintain their independence, wellness and quality of life. However, carers themselves can experience a range of negative health, social and financial impacts as a result of their caring role. The new Carer Awareness Education offers guidance for GPs to identify and support patients who are carers. Carer Awareness Education covers: - Recognition of the carer role
- Identifying and supporting
carer needs
- Involving the carer in patient care
Many carers consider general practice the place to point them in the direction of support and services. Explore the Carer Awareness in General Practice online education at vtphna.org.au/carers
Professional development and events
18 August: Webinar series: Managing recurrent, residual and metastatic cancer
General practitioners, cancer clinicians, Aboriginal health workers and practice nurses 19 August: Webinar: Responding to the Pandemic with Digital Health tools
General practitioners, practice nurses, practice managers 20 August: Immunisation Update: NIP Changes
General practitioners, practice nurses, pharmacists 20 August: Here4U Bystander training
General practitioners, allied health 25 August: Webinar series: End-of-life cancer care.
General practitioners, cancer clinicians, Aboriginal health workers and practice nurses 25 August: Integrated Care, Community of Practice: Vulnerable communities & COVID
All 28 August: Webinar: Alfred Health August GP Education Session – Psychiatry Update
General practitioners, mental health clinicians
For an overview of all events, visit SEMPHN's event calendar.
For more information, contact events@semphn.org.au
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