COVID-19 UPDATE

As of Friday, 12 February, several restrictions were eased across NSW. Masks are only mandatory when travelling on public transport, although they are encouraged in indoor venues, particularly when one can not socially distance themselves from others. All venues (excluding gyms) will allow one person per two square metres and both weddings and funerals have a maximum of 300 attendees allowed.  

View the NSW Health website for more information on restrictions  

Check the NSW Health website for COVID-19 updates.

For local advice visit the CESPHN coronavirus webpage.

This week's update covers:

• Print and video resources
• COVID-19 in residential aged care
• Astra Zeneca has been approved for use in Australia
• EOI for pharmacists to deliver vaccine

HealthPathways: Sydney
HealthPathways: South East Sydney 

WEEKLY VIDEO

CESPHN launches second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 

On Friday 12 February, on the eve of the 13th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, we are proud to have launched our second Innovate Reconciliation action Plan (RAP). We had close to 60 people present at the launch including members of our Reconciliation Action Plan working group, executive staff, Board members and Aboriginal Advisory Committee. 

Immunisation update 

• Mandatory reporting to AIR
• Updated CESPHN Immunisation website
• Pfizer & AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine update
• COVID-19 vaccine: Advice for providers
• COVID-19 vaccine program: for providers and support staff

NEW CPD webinar series for 2021: St George Hospital education program 

We are excited to announce a new partnership with St George Hospital to deliver a monthly education series for GPs. This partnership will promote hospital services and local HealthPathways and encourage networking and open communication between referring GPs, St George Hospital and its specialists.

This St George CPD series will commence on 9 March and run as a breakfast webinar session. 

The first session will be: Managing chronic kidney disease in general practice.

When: Tuesday, 9 March 2021 | 7.30 am - 8.30 am
Where: Online
RACGP points: 2
Target audience: GPs and Practice Nurses

SUcceSS: Surgery for spinal stenosis study - now recruiting! 

The SUcceSS study is recruiting both private and public patients over 50 years of age with central spinal canal stenosis for a world-first, placebo-controlled surgical study for spinal surgery. 

NSW recruiting sites are Prince of Wales Public and Private Hospitals, Concord General Repatriation Hospital and Sydney South West Private Hospital.

Please contact: 
ibjr.success@sydney.edu.au for further information.

EVENT: Resuscitation skills for general practice (BLS-CPR) 

Basic CPR skills for General Practice. Presented by Medics for Life.

When: Monday, 12 April 2021 | 6.00 pm - 9.00 pm
Where: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN (EIS Health Ltd) - Tower A, Level 5, 197 - 201 Coward Street MASCOT

RACGP points: 5
Target audience: GPs, Allied Health Professionals, Practice Nurses, Practice Managers and Practice Staff

Looking for a better referral experience? 

Using the HealthLink SmartForm platform GPs can refer securely and smartly using the embedded functionality in their Best Practice, Genie and Medical Director Practice software to over forty Sydney Local Health District services at Canterbury, Concord and RPA Hospitals as well as a number of community services. 

Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Assist survey 

The new CESPHN DFV Assist service aims to build the skills and knowledge of primary care providers to identify and appropriately respond to domestic and family violence. It will do so by providing training, support and a simple referral pathway. 

CESPHN is inviting primary care providers to complete a survey to help inform the design and implementation of the DFV Assist service. Survey respondents will go in the draw to win a $50 gift card. 

For more information contact Lauren Gecuk, DFV Assist Educator.

EOI: Person-Centred Medical Neighbourhood Advisory Committee members 

The Person Centred Medical Neighbourhood (PCMN) is a program that supports general practices in Central and Eastern Sydney to adopt an evidence-based model of care that is person-centred, holistic, accessible and improves the coordination of team-based care. Using data to achieve continuous quality improvement, this program focuses on Bodenheimer’s 10 Building Blocks of High Performing Primary Care.

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is seeking individual expressions of interest for membership of the PCMN Advisory Committee for the following positions (click for appropriate EOI form):

• GP
• GP Chair

The Advisory Committee will provide advice, insights and assist with addressing program issues and risks as well as the sharing of ideas and feedback on PCMN approaches in the primary care setting.

International Family Drug Support Day 

International Family Drug Support Day first started in 2016 to draw attention to the importance of families affected by alcohol and/or drugs. This year an event will be held on February 22 at 11.00 am at Henry Carmichael Theatre - Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, 80 Pitt Street, Sydney. Please ensure you have booked your tickets.

Click here to download the flyer. 

New resource for health professionals to find mental health training  

The Central and Eastern Sydney Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Regional Plan aims to improve the mental and physical health and wellbeing of people with (or at risk of) mental health issues or at risk of suicide.

A priority area of the Regional Plan explores actions to ensure the workforce is skilled, experienced, and supported to deliver high-quality mental health care and support in a way that is valued by consumers, carers and family members and results in optimal recovery outcomes.

Click here to view resources. 

HETI Higher Education Professional Development courses 2021 

The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) provides professional development opportunities for health professionals working across a range of settings and organisations across NSW.

HETI has recently announced that their short units (each 50 hours duration) are now available to support skill development in working with clients with mental health issues across the lifespan.

Research opportunity - the TANGO study 

People aged 65+ who currently experience low back pain, or hip or knee osteoarthritis are needed for a study.

Researchers from the University of Sydney would like feedback on two leaflets designed to help older people reduce their use of opioid medications via an online survey.

Click here for more information or contact Joanna Prior.

Access to HealthPathways has just got even easier 

If you’re one of the many GPs and practitioners that use both the South Eastern Sydney and Sydney HealthPathways websites you now only have to remember one username and login. If you currently use the Sydney username and password it will now open up the South Eastern Sydney website and vice versa.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Webinar: Cannabis - 23 February 

This webinar series, as a part of the Drug and Alcohol Addiction Education Program, is delivered in an interactive Q&A format and led by drug and alcohol addiction experts. The webinars will focus on key clinical areas and outcomes from the face-to-face and online learning courses to build your core knowledge with the opportunity to explore case examples.

The upcoming webinar on cannabis use will be held on Tuesday, 23 February at 6.30 pm.

Carers NSW - Better Start Program Initiative NDIS information sessions 

The NDIS information sessions have been developed by Carers NSW for parents and guardians of children aged 0-12 with disability or developmental delay who are looking for support with:

• Starting their child’s NDIS plan; or
• Using their child’s existing NDIS plan more effectively.

​The information session topics include understanding your child’s NDIS plan, making changes to the plan, plan reviews, self-management tips, finding and choosing providers, and the importance of self-care.

These sessions can be facilitated either on the phone or via Zoom and can be done in group sessions with numerous parents/guardians together or as individual sessions for parents/carers, depending on preference.

All of the sessions are free to attend. 

ONLINE EVENT: Harnessing the power of data - Lumos GP information webinar 

GPs and practice managers will be introduced to the LUMOS project.

When: Thursday, 25 February | 12.00 pm – 12.45 pm
Where: Online
RACGP Points: Attendees can self-report this activity as CPD with their governing body
Target audience: GPs and practice managers

Psychological Support Service (PSS) - bushfire support funds  

Recent bushfires in the country may trigger a trauma response in your patients.

If they or someone they know has been affected by bushfires or other natural disasters, please refer your patients to PSS Bushfire Support, if they would benefit from speaking to a qualified mental health professional.

Referrals to PSS can be made via our online referral form (preferred pathway) or via Secure Messaging (HealthLink) and select the “Bushfire related referral” selection in the dropdown menu under serviced groups.

Please contact the CESPHN Mental Intake Team on 1300 170 554 if you have any questions.

Eligibility criteria for PSS can be found on the CESPHN website.

ONLINE EVENT: Direct Access Colonoscopy (part of Hazelhust CPD series) 

This webinar is part of the Hazelhurst CPD series in collaboration with SESLHD.

When: Thursday, 25 February | 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
Where: Online
Target audience: GPs, AHPs, nurses

New NDSS registration form changes 

From 1 August 2020, Practice Nurses (enrolled and registered nurses) can now complete the certifier section of the following NDSS forms:

• NDSS Registration form
• Blood Glucose Monitoring Strip Six Month Access form
• Syringe or Pen Needle Access form (previously known as Medication Change form). 

These NDSS forms are available on the NDSS website at ndss.com.au/forms.

This business process is optional for each GP or medical practitioner / clinic, and a practice nurse is not required to certify a form unless it is within their scope of practice, knowledge and experience to do so.

Click here for more information.

ONLINE EVENT: Update on electronic prescribing for pharmacists 

An update on electronic prescriptions and an introduction to Active Script List for pharmacists.

When: Wednesday, 24 February | 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Where: Online
Target audience: All pharmacists and dispensary technicians

EOI: Co-Chair Central and Eastern Sydney PHN Disability Network  CESPHN is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals who wish to make a significant difference to people with disabilities, their families and carers, living within our area.

Our Disability Network, established in September 2016, has a membership of over 250. It provides strategic advice to our Board and brings together key leaders from across the sector to support the NDIS in the CESPHN region.

We seek a co-chair to assist in leading the network into the future, building on the success achieved to date.

The successful applicant will be a general practitioner operating within our catchment, with an interest and understanding of current disability reforms and the primary health care sector. Previous experience chairing multi-sectoral networks or working groups would be advantageous.

Click here for the Disability Network's current Terms of Reference.

To submit your interest please send a one-page cover letter along with your CV to j.denford@cesphn.com.au or call 02 9304 8613 for further information.

Expressions of interest close Monday, 15 March 2021.

ONLINE EVENT: Cardiac care in the COVID era (part of Prince of Wales Private Hospital CPD series) 

Join us for this online webinar on cardiac care in the COVID era.

When: Wednesday, 3 March | 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm
Where: Online
RACGP Points: 4
Target audience: GPs

Sexual health update: Spotlight on syphilis 

Syphilis notifications are increasing across NSW and this essential update will provide primary care providers with the information they need to know to address this. In this interactive webinar, Dr David Baker will provide an introduction to syphilis testing, diagnosis and basic management in South Eastern Sydney LHD. It will give useful pointers for starting conversations about sexual health, contact tracing and partner notification.  
 

This education is a CPD activity under the RACGP CPD Program. This education has been approved by ACRRM for 02 Educational Activity PDP hours. 

When: 25 March 2021, 7:00pm – 8:30pm (AEDT) 
Where: Online
RACGP Points: 3
Target audiences: GPs, nurses, and other healthcare workers practicing in South Eastern Sydney

Funded by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District. 

Click here to download the flyer. 

EVENTS

GENERAL PRACTICE JOBS