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

The Psychological Support Services (PSS) programme is currently at full capacity so will not be accepting referrals from Monday 2 December 2019 until Monday 6 January 2020. The Mental Health Intake Team will still be available to discuss any current referrals.

The last date that new referrals can be sent to Central and Eastern Sydney PHN will be COB Friday 29 November 2019. The last date that reviews can be sent is COB Friday 29 November 2019.

Please note that any referrals sent outside of these dates will not be actioned until 6 January 2020. 

For emergencies please call 000 or the Mental Health Access Line on 1800 011 511.

EOI now open for Central and Eastern Sydney PHN Clinical Council

Expressions of interest are now open to join our Clinical Council. The Council is made up of primary health clinicians working in the region and provides strategic advice to the Board on:

• clinical issues that are unique to the needs of the region
• opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of medical and health care services
• population health planning
• commissioning of programs and services that support local and national priorities.

Click here for more information.

Have your say in the planning of the 2020 GP CPD calendar!

2019 has been a fantastic year for CPD events. CESPHN is proud to have been able to provide a large variety of CPD opportunities throughout the year. To assist us to continue to provide informative, interesting and relevant education opportunities in 2020, please complete this short survey. We value your opinion and strive to provide an extensive range of learning opportunities to everyone.  

Enter your contact details at the end of the survey to go into the draw to win one of three $50 prepaid VISA gift cards!
Click here to take the survey.

New MBS items - eating disorders

From 1 November 2019, a new suite of 64 Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items were introduced to support a model of best practice evidence based care for patients with anorexia nervosa and other eligible patients with eating disorders.
Click here for more information.

Event: How the PHN can help your practice

Join us for an informative networking event, hear about our current programs and initiatives, and meet our team. Some of the topics we will cover include:

• How to refer to the different mental health programs
• Indigenous health
• What's new in population health
• Accreditation
• How we can assist your practice
• So much more!

This event is open to general practitioners, practice managers, practice nurses and practice staff.
Click here for more information.

After you've registered with My Aged Care - Supporting patients with the next steps

A new patient information brochure called After you’ve registered with My Aged Care is now available to support your patients with next steps once they have been referred. The brochure is available on the My Aged Care website and you can order it free through National Mailing and Marketing by emailing health@nationalmailing.com.au or calling (02) 6269 1025 quoting code 150150.
Click here for more information.

Referring patients to My Aged Care just got easier

The Department of Health together with HealthLink has developed a new electronic referral process allowing GPs to refer their patients to My Aged Care directly from their practice management systems. After an initial pilot and some improvements based on participant feedback, the new e-Referral form can be accessed from within Best Practice, MedicalDirector and Genie practice management systems. The e-Referral form is intuitive, easy to use and accessible through the patients electronic medical record. By pre-populating patient information, the focus is on screening the patient, making it the quickest and easiest way to refer patients to My Aged Care. Information on how to access the new e-Referral form, including Quick Start Guides, is also available on the My Aged Care website. For user and technical support or to enable access, contact HealthLink through their customer service email helpdesk@healthlink.net or by calling 1800 125 036.

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.

Get Healthy Service Chinese Coaching Program

The Get Healthy Service has launched the Chinese Coaching Program which is a FREE and confidential phone based service. University qualified health coaches who speak Cantonese or Mandarin offer culturally appropriate coaching and resources, helping your patients achieve a healthier lifestyle. Participants of the program have lost 2.8kg and 4.1cm on average and improved their physical activity and healthy eating behaviours.

• Click here to download a referral form

• Click here for the health professional infographic

• Click here for more information.

Keeping up with vaccinations

An article has been published by Medicine Today which aims to inform general practitioners about recent changes to immunisation recommendations including what is new, who to ask for help and where to find further information. 
Click here for more information.

Christmas flu warning

NSW Health is urging those travelling to the Northern Hemisphere this festive season to get a flu shot before they leave.
Click here for more information.

Pertussis vaccination for pregnant women

A communication campaign has been launched to promote pertussis vaccination for pregnant women, focusing on the seriousness of pertussis and its complications in young babies. The campaign reinforces the importance of receiving the free pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy to protect babies in their first months of life. 
Click here for more information.

Supporting Children's Resilience in General Practice

Supporting Children’s Resilience in General Practice is a free online course created by Emerging Minds for the National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health. This course has been developed in consultation with GPs and examines the entry points and opportunities to having conversations with parents about the social and emotional wellbeing of their children. This course is accredited for six Category 2 points in the RACGP QI&CPD Program for the 2017-19 triennium.
Click here for more information.

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) - referral hotline: 1300 980 422
• Sydney Local Health District (RPAH, Concord, Canterbury Hospital) - Phone: 0436 691 533
• St Vincent’s Hospital (Darlinghurst) - Phone: 02 9361 8080 or GP Liaison Nurse: 0436 607 480
  Click here for more information.

RACGP eHealth webinar series

The RACGP eHealth webinar series presents monthly webinars to support general practice teams in their use of, understanding of and obligations relating to, the use of technologies in general practice. Webinars are developed and delivered by members of the RACGP Expert Committee – Practice Technology and Management (REC—PTM) and other eHealth experts. Webinars are complimentary for all participants and are accredited for two, Category 2 RACGP QI&CPD points for the 2017-19 triennium for those who register and attend the live sessions. Webinar recordings are available at the conclusion of each months webinars. Upcoming webinars on using personal mobile devices for clinical photos in general practice are going to be held:

• Tuesday 3 December, 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm
• Thursday 5 December, 8.30 pm - 9.30 pm

Click here for more information.

Community Diabetes Education – Vietnamese

Diabetes NSW is running a free Vietnamese 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: 25 November 2019
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Club Rivers, 32-34 Littleton St, Riverwood
Click here for more information.

Seeking GPs with drug and alcohol expertise to consult in pharmacy

Adore Pharmacy in Rozelle support a number of clients on Opioid Substitution Therapy and are seeking GPs with expertise in drug and alcohol to co-locate and assist in care of these clients, including prescribing of methadone, suboxone and Subutex. The pharmacy has consulting rooms which are available for use free of charge. In addition there is a vacant consultant suite upstairs with a waiting area, reception desk, bathroom and kitchenette facilities. The suites are ready to be used and have council approval. Ideally bring your own practice manager or Adore Pharmacy may assist with set up. For enquiries, please contact Adele Tahan (B Pharm, MPS, MPGA) ph: 0412 389 467

 Orthoptics Australia Announces 2019-2021 President

Orthoptics Australia officially appointed Jane Schuller as its 2019-2021 President at the recent Orthoptics Australia Annual Conference in Sydney. Jane has 25 years’ experience in eye health care delivery in Australia and overseas. She is an Australian and USA qualified orthoptist, Orthoptics Australia Councillor, past Victorian Branch Chair and longstanding Orthoptics Australia member. She has stated that she will continue to work diligently towards achieving the Association’s vision of ‘Striving for excellence in eye health care’.
Click here for more information.

EOI now open for Central and Eastern Sydney PHN Clinical Council

Expressions of interest are now open to join our Clinical Council. The Council is made up of primary health clinicians working in the region and provides strategic advice to the Board on:

• clinical issues that are unique to the needs of the region
• opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of medical and health care services
• population health planning
• commissioning of programs and services that support local and national priorities.

Click here for more information.

New MBS items - eating disorders

From 1 November 2019, a new suite of 64 Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items were introduced to support a model of best practice evidence based care for patients with anorexia nervosa and other eligible patients with eating disorders.
Click here for more information.

Pertussis vaccination for pregnant women

A communication campaign has been launched to promote pertussis vaccination for pregnant women, focusing on the seriousness of pertussis and its complications in young babies. The campaign reinforces the importance of receiving the free pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy to protect babies in their first months of life. 
Click here for more information.

Christmas flu warning

NSW Health is urging those travelling to the Northern Hemisphere this festive season to get a flu shot before they leave.
Click here for more information.

Referring patients to My Aged Care just got easier

The Department of Health together with HealthLink has developed a new electronic referral process allowing GPs to refer their patients to My Aged Care directly from their practice management systems. After an initial pilot and some improvements based on participant feedback, the new e-Referral form can be accessed from within Best Practice, MedicalDirector and Genie practice management systems. The e-Referral form is intuitive, easy to use and accessible through the patients electronic medical record. By pre-populating patient information, the focus is on screening the patient, making it the quickest and easiest way to refer patients to My Aged Care. Information on how to access the new e-Referral form, including Quick Start Guides, is also available on the My Aged Care website.  For user and technical support or to enable access, contact HealthLink through their customer service email helpdesk@healthlink.net or by calling 1800 125 036.

After you've registered with My Aged Care - Supporting patients with the next steps

A new patient information brochure called After you’ve registered with My Aged Care is now available to support your patients with next steps once they have been referred. The brochure is available on the My Aged Care website and you can order it free through National Mailing and Marketing by emailing health@nationalmailing.com.au or calling (02) 6269 1025 quoting code 150150.
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.

 Orthoptics Australia Announces 2019-2021 President

Orthoptics Australia officially appointed Jane Schuller as its 2019-2021 President at the recent Orthoptics Australia Annual Conference in Sydney. Jane has 25 years’ experience in eye health care delivery in Australia and overseas. She is an Australian and USA qualified orthoptist, Orthoptics Australia Councillor, past Victorian Branch Chair and longstanding Orthoptics Australia member. She has stated that she will continue to work diligently towards achieving the Association’s vision of ‘Striving for excellence in eye health care’.
Click here for more information.

EOI now open for Central and Eastern Sydney PHN Community Council

Expressions of interest are now open to join our Community Council. The Council comprises consumer and community representatives living or working within the CESPHN region and provides strategic advice to the Board on:

• decisions, investments, and innovations are person-centred, cost effective, locally relevant and aligned to local care experiences and expectations
• service gaps
• the integration of consumer, carer and community views into levels of primary health service operations, planning and policy development
• advocacy on behalf of the community, consumers and carers
• how to increase consumer, carer and community participation in the Central and Eastern Sydney PHN region.

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.

HIV Awareness Week - 23-30 November

During HIV Awareness Week NSW Health encourages health professionals to test a diverse range of patients at risk of HIV, including:

• Overseas-born men who have sex with men (MSM)
• Heterosexual identifying MSM
• Australian-born MSM

Click here for more information.

Community Diabetes Education – Vietnamese

Diabetes NSW is running a free Vietnamese 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: 25 November 2019
Time: 9.30 am - 12.30 pm
Venue: Club Rivers, 32-34 Littleton St, Riverwood
Click here for more information.

NDIA Board announces new CEO

Following a comprehensive search, the Board of the National Disability Insurance Agency has announced that Mr Martin Hoffman has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the NDIA. Mr Hoffman took up his three year appointment on 4 November 2019. 
Click here for more information.

After you've registered with My Aged Care - Supporting patients with the next steps

A new patient information brochure called After you’ve registered with My Aged Care is now available to support your patients with next steps once they have been referred. The brochure is available on the My Aged Care website and you can order it free through National Mailing and Marketing by emailing health@nationalmailing.com.au or calling (02) 6269 1025 quoting code 150150.
Click here for more information.

Pertussis vaccination for pregnant women

A communication campaign has been launched to promote pertussis vaccination for pregnant women, focusing on the seriousness of pertussis and its complications in young babies. The campaign reinforces the importance of receiving the free pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy to protect babies in their first months of life. 
Click here for more information.

Christmas flu warning

NSW Health is urging those travelling to the Northern Hemisphere this festive season to get a flu shot before they leave.
Click here for more information.

Social Inclusion Week

Held from November 29, Social Inclusion Week aims to help all Australians feel included and valued, giving everyone the opportunity to participate fully in society. 
Click here for more information.

Festival of Inclusion

You are invited to attend the Centre for Disability Studies Festival of Inclusion which is being held on 20 and 21 November 2019. The purpose of the festival is to showcase good inclusion through a series of invited lectures, workshops and interactive activities.
Click here for more information and click here to view the program.

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.

Building your Allied Health Business - Marketing

At: CESPHN Office, Mascot
On: Wednesday 20 November 6.00 pm dinner, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm workshop
For: AHPs

Strengthening Teamwork Across the Primary and Tertiary Care Continuum 

At: Canterbury Hospital 
On: Thursday 21 November 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations
For: GPs, PMs, PNs, AHPs

Engaging with Children 

At: CESPHN Office Mascot
On: Thursday 21 November 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations 
For: AHPs

How the PHN can help your practice

At: CESPHN Office Mascot
On: Tuesday 26 November 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations 
For: GPs, PMs, PNs, PS

Bright Eyes Cataract update

At: CESPHN Office Mascot
On: Thursday 28 November 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm presentations 
For: GPs, PNs, Optometrists

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.