12 February 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
For up to date NSW coronavirus information visit the NSW Health webpage.
For local advice visit the CESPHN coronavirus webpage.
Bush fire response - resources
For health practitioner advice and resources regarding the NSW bushfires visit the CESPHN NSW bushfires information webpage.
Accessing the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
Health professionals with a Medicare provider number can now delegate their AIR access to another person, for example a practice manager or practice nurse, to act on their behalf.
This delegation is set up using the delegations function in Health Professionals Online Service (HPOS) and mirrors the process for Medicare access.
Click here for more information and instructions on becoming a delegate.
Measles case confirmed in infant traveller too young to be vaccinated
An infant traveller from overseas has become the tenth confirmed case of measles in NSW this year. The infant was too young to receive their routine measles vaccine.
Click here to find out the locations visited by the infant and for more information.
NSW Vaccine Centre disruption to vaccine orders
All routine vaccine orders placed from Friday 31 January onwards have been delayed in NSW due to a major IT system issue. Life-saving vaccine orders (e.g. rabies) have not been affected.
Click here for more information on this disruption.
Widespread power outages – have you checked your vaccine specific fridge?
Due to the intense storms over the weekend, many areas have been affected with widespread power outages. Was your vaccine specific fridge affected by the power outage?
Click here for more information on how to protect your vaccines from power outages.
Topbar and the coronavirus
If you are a general practice that uses Pen Cs and have downloaded Topbar, you can now access the latest information and updates on the coronavirus directly from CESPHN.
Click here for instructions on how to access this information.
Free telehealth chronic disease coaching for your patients
The 'Staying Healthy Living Well' Telehealth program is funded by CESPHN and focuses on helping clients to understand more about their health. The program enables clients to monitor their vital signs daily while receiving complimentary health education and support from a Telehealth Nurse.
Click here for more information about the program and how to refer.
NSW Government IVF Affordability Package
The NSW Government announced late last year, a $42 million package to improve affordability and access to IVF services across NSW.
The package expands access to lower-cost IVF treatment, assists with out-of-pocket medical expenses and gives hope to young cancer survivors wanting to start a family in the future.
Click here to find out more about the package and which patients would be eligible.
Are you aware of the latest PSS updates?
As you may be aware by now we are busy making changes to the mental health referral processes at CESPHN. PSS has re-opened for 2020 and has been non-stop.
Please note that the Suicide Prevention Program (SPS) under PSS is still currently on hold but we are working on building capacity to restart this important program by mid-February 2020.
Click here to read about the latest updates from PSS.
Masterclass in youth mental health
As a GP, you’ve probably had a lot of experience with young people and know how rewarding it can be to work with them. However it’s not always easy, and young people can present with complex needs from drug use to gender dysphoria.
Come to our Masterclass in Youth Mental Health to discuss challenging situations and find solutions with a panel of experts.
Click here to register for this event.
BreastScreen is visiting Club Engadine RSL in February
BreastScreen NSW aims to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer by providing free screening mammograms to women aged 50-74. Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early.
The mobile van sites for next year have been scheduled from February – April for women living in and around Engadine, Mascot and La Peruse.
Click here to view the full upcoming local van schedule.
Opportunity to get involved in Yaralla House primary care
The Clinical HIV/AIDS Services at Sydney Local Health District are seeking expressions of interest from practices or individuals (preferably close to Concord and/or the Inner West Sydney area), who may wish to take over the provision of primary medical care to the residents of Yaralla House.
Click here for on more information on how to get involved.
GP research on atrial fibrillation screening and detection
Are you a GP who does work on detection, diagnosis or management of atrial fibrillation? Researchers from the University of Wollongong want to talk to you about atrial fibrillation screening practices and direct-to-consumer technologies (e.g. Apple Watch ECG) used for detection. You will be offered a $150 shopping voucher for your time.
For more information please contact Dr Patti Shih at afib-study@uow.edu.au or on 4221 4546.
Click here to view the survey.
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.
Free Dental Care for Children
This article provides information for referrals to Public Oral Health Service Early Childhood Oral Health (ECOH) program. General dental treatment in public oral health clinics is free for all children under 18 years. All children should have their first oral health assessment by the time they are 1 year old. An oral health assessment is different to a dental check‐up.
Click here to read more and download the referral forms.
Free telehealth chronic disease coaching for your patients
The 'Staying Healthy Living Well' Telehealth program is funded by CESPHN and focuses on helping clients to understand more about their health. The program enables clients to monitor their vital signs daily while receiving complimentary health education and support from a Telehealth Nurse.
Click here for more information about the program and how to refer.
AHPA webinar series: complaints and incidents management
AHPA’s webinar series on NDIS registration continues to be rolled out. Have you registered for next weeks session on complaints and incidents management yet?
These webinars are designed to support the resources on AHPA’s NDIS Registration Support website and are a great opportunity to get expert advice on the NDIS registration process.
Click here to register for the webinar.
BreastScreen is visiting Club Engadine RSL in February
BreastScreen NSW aims to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer by providing free screening mammograms to women aged 50-74.
Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early. The mobile van sites for next year have been scheduled from February – April for women living in and around Engadine, Mascot and La Peruse.
Click here to view the full upcoming local van schedule.
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.
NSW Government IVF Affordability Package
The NSW Government announced late last year, a $42 million package to improve affordability and access to IVF services across NSW. The package expands access to lower-cost IVF treatment, assists with out-of-pocket medical expenses and gives hope to young cancer survivors wanting to start a family in the future. IVF treatment can be expensive and challenging. Prior to IVF commencing, testing is required to ascertain suitability for IVF treatment.
From 1 January this year, a woman with a fertility issue can apply for a $500 rebate for out-of-pocket expenses related to pre-IVF fertility testing, available through Service NSW. Fertility issues are defined as: under 35 years, having not conceived in 12 months or longer; or over 35 years, having not conceived in six months or longer.
Click here for more information on the affordable IVF initiative.
Community awareness for Bangladeshi and Nepali families
Members of the community are encouraged to come and learn about their child’s speech development and active play. The session will include information about physio, speech and occupational therapy.
When: Wednesday 28 February 2020
Time: Bangla session - 10.00 am - 11.30 am, Nepali session - 12.00 am - 1.00 pm
Location: The Kogarah Storehouse, Corner of Gray and Kensington St, 16-18 Gray St
Click here to view the flyer.
Free telehealth chronic disease coaching for your patients
The 'Staying Healthy Living Well' Telehealth program is funded by CESPHN and focuses on helping clients to understand more about their health. The program enables clients to monitor their vital signs daily while receiving complimentary health education and support from a Telehealth Nurse.
Click here for more information about the program and how to refer.
NDIS Community Access Network
These workshops will help provide information to people who need support with their NDIS plan or who want to learn with others about the NDIS to build their confidence.
Click here to view the flyer for mandarin speaking community events.
Click here to view the flyer for arabic speaking community events.
BreastScreen is visiting Club Engadine RSL in February
BreastScreen NSW aims to improve the survival rates of women with breast cancer by providing free screening mammograms to women aged 50-74. Breast screening saves lives by finding breast cancers early. The mobile van sites for next year have been scheduled from February – April for women living in and around Engadine, Mascot and La Peruse.
Click here to view the full upcoming local van schedule.
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 MDT 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
Cultural Awareness Training
At: Tradies Gymea
On: Wednesday 4 March 6.30 pm dinner, 7.00 pm – 9.30 pm workshop
For: GPs, AHPs, PN, 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
Child Health Update
At: CESPHN Office, Mascot
On: Saturday 14 March 12.00 pm lunch, 1.00 pm presentations
For: GPs, AHPs and PNs
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.