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.

DVA veteran cards and health care arrangements

A series of articles have been published in DVA Provider News regarding Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Veteran Cards and health care arrangements:

• ‘New-look card shows veteran support' - This article advises health providers that they can expect to start seeing DVA clients present their new-look Veteran Cards (Gold, White or Orange) for treatments and services.
• ‘Understanding the DVA Gold Card’ -  An overview for providers about the entitlement of DVA Gold Card holders and which DVA-funded treatments they can receive.
• ‘Understanding the DVA Veteran Card – White’ - Published earlier this year, this is a handy companion to the above two articles.

Vaccine safety in Australia: AusVaxSafety summary report 2018

AusVaxSafety is a national system for monitoring vaccine safety in Australia. The latest annual report summarises information about responses following vaccination in pregnant women, adolescents and children. Results confirm that vaccines in the National Immunisation Program are very safe.
Click here for more information.

Fluad influenza vaccine expires on 30 November 2019

Fluad trivalent (TIV) influenza vaccine for people aged over 65 years expires on 30 November 2019 – ensure all doses of Fluad are discarded after 30 November to avoid administration errors.
Click here for more information.

Cervical screening services at the Rockdale Community Health Centre

The last day of operation for the Family Planning NSW cervical screening service situated at the Rockdale Community Health Centre will be 29 November 2019. The service will be closed from 30 November 2019.
Click here for more information.

More support for frontline emergency care staff

A national initiative launched last week will support the time-critical work and informed decision making of frontline hospital emergency department (ED) clinicians through the use of patients’ My Health Record. With over 22 million Australians now having a My Health Record, a suite of clinical tools and resources released last week at the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) 36th Annual Scientific Meeting 2019 will support ED staff using the system to inform clinical decision-making on the frontline of emergency care.
Click here for more information.

How to maximise the MBS for nurse clinics in general practice

Understanding how to fund a nurse clinic in general practice can be a challenge. Increase your knowledge and confidence on how to maximise the MBS for your nurse clinic with APNA's new one hour webinar. Tune in to:

• Improve your understanding of MBS items – what can be claimed for nurse clinics?
• Learn how to develop a budget for your nurse clinic
• Put it into practice – how to fund a diabetes clinic, a case study

Date: Tuesday 3 December 2019
Time: 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm AEDT

Click here for more information and to register.

Webinar: Navigating My Health Record

This webinar will focus on recent enhancements to My Health Record enabling more efficient viewing of medicines, pathology results and diagnostic imaging reports. There will be an opportunity for Q&A during this session.
Time: 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Date: Wednesday 4 December 2019
Click here for more information and to register.

Webinar: Demonstrating Alignment with NDIS Practice Standards

MHCC will host the second webinar in a series of ten as part of the ‘Embracing Change: Applying the Practice Standards in Psychosocial Disability Services’ project. These educational webinars will explore the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission’s Practice Standards and Quality Indicators, and what they mean for mental health organisations. This webinar will look at what is required of psychosocial disability providers to demonstrate alignment with the first part of the Practice Standards Core Module: Rights and Responsibilities.
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.

NDIS online guide

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is changing the way disability services are funded. Registering to be an NDIS provider will open the door to opportunities as the market grows. The NDIS understands that the new registration and working arrangements can appear a bit daunting. Click here to view learning activities that will give a high level view of the process of becoming an NDIS provider and working with participants. It should take less than two hours to read through all of the activities.

DVA veteran cards and health care arrangements

A series of articles have been published in DVA Provider News regarding Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Veteran Cards and health care arrangements:

• ‘New-look card shows veteran support' - The article advises health providers that they can expect to start seeing DVA clients present their new-look Veteran Cards (Gold, White or Orange) for treatments and services.
• ‘Understanding the DVA Gold Card’ -  An overview for providers about the entitlement of DVA Gold Card holders and which DVA-funded treatments they can receive.
• ‘Understanding the DVA Veteran Card – White’ - Published earlier this year, this is a handy companion to the above two articles.

Vaccine safety in Australia: AusVaxSafety summary report 2018

AusVaxSafety is a national system for monitoring vaccine safety in Australia. The latest annual report summarises information about responses following vaccination in pregnant women, adolescents and children. Results confirm that vaccines in the National Immunisation Program are very safe.
Click here for more information.

Digital health webinars for allied health professionals

Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) will be presenting a series of three free webinars for various allied health professions. The webinars will provide a practical overview of current digital health options and opportunities for allied health professionals. Participants may be able to claim CPD points for attendance by retaining their attendance confirmation.
Click here for more information.

More support for frontline emergency care staff

A national initiative launched last week will support the time-critical work and informed decision making of frontline hospital emergency department (ED) clinicians through the use of patients’ My Health Record. With over 22 million Australians now having a My Health Record, a suite of clinical tools and resources released last week at the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) 36th Annual Scientific Meeting 2019 will support ED staff using the system to inform clinical decision-making on the frontline of emergency care.
Click here for more information.

Webinar: Navigating My Health Record

This webinar will focus on recent enhancements to My Health Record enabling more efficient viewing of medicines, pathology results and diagnostic imaging reports. There will be an opportunity for Q&A during this session.
Time: 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Date: Wednesday 4 December 2019
Click here for more information and to register.

Webinar: Demonstrating Alignment with NDIS Practice Standards

MHCC will host the second webinar in a series of ten as part of the ‘Embracing Change: Applying the Practice Standards in Psychosocial Disability Services’ project. These educational webinars will explore the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission’s Practice Standards and Quality Indicators, and what they mean for mental health organisations. This webinar will look at what is required of psychosocial disability providers to demonstrate alignment with the first part of the Practice Standards Core Module: Rights and Responsibilities.
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.

Free educational resources in six languages

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.
Click here for more information.

Vaccine safety in Australia: AusVaxSafety summary report 2018

AusVaxSafety is a national system for monitoring vaccine safety in Australia. The latest annual report summarises information about responses following vaccination in pregnant women, adolescents and children. Results confirm that vaccines in the National Immunisation Program are very safe.
Click here for more information.

Webinar: Demonstrating Alignment with NDIS Practice Standards

MHCC will host the second webinar in a series of ten as part of the ‘Embracing Change: Applying the Practice Standards in Psychosocial Disability Services’ project. These educational webinars will explore the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Commission’s Practice Standards and Quality Indicators, and what they mean for mental health organisations. This webinar will look at what is required of psychosocial disability providers to demonstrate alignment with the first part of the Practice Standards Core Module: Rights and Responsibilities.
Click here for more information.

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.

Hazelhurst CPD Series - Paediatrics

At: Hazelhurst Art Gallery
On: Thursday 28 November 6.30 pm dinner, 7.30 pm presentations
For: GPs

CPR Workshop $66

At: CESPHN Office Mascot
On: Monday 2 December 6.00 pm dinner, 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm workshop
For: GPs, AHPs, PN, PM and PS

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.