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.

Featured News

ANSC GP Liaison Midwife leave

Clare Jordan, GP ANSC Liaison Midwife (RPA Women and Babies/Canterbury Hospital), is currently on leave from 25 March 2019 - 6 May 2019. There will be part-time coverage during this time by Jackie Cowan (Mon - Fri 9.00 am - 3.00 pm). Jackie can be contacted on 0425 230 662 or at Jacqueline.Cowan@health.nsw.gov.au. For key contacts and resources, please refer to the CESPHN website or SydneyHealthpathways. For any urgent clinical concerns, please contact the relevant hospital O&G registrar.

Temporary relocation of St George Hospital early pregnancy assessment service (EPAS) 

The EPAS has temporarily moved to 4North in the Ward Tower Block whilst building works are undertaken next to 1West ward. The service is available Monday – Friday, 7.30 am - 8.30 am (fax: 9113 3183).

Measles alert

Cases of measles continue to be imported into NSW from overseas. Suspect measles in those presenting with fever and rash irrespective of travel history. Isolate suspected cases immediately and call the public health unit.
Click here for more information.

NSW Health: Delivery of influenza vaccine to GP practices to commence next week

Influenza vaccine deliveries to start next week for GP practices and Aboriginal Medical Services, due to unseasonably high influenza activity and ongoing transmissions.
Click here for more information.

Free women's health clinic in Rockdale

Family Planning NSW offer a free service for women in central and eastern Sydney which includes cervical screening, sexual health checks, lifestyle disease screening, pregnancy testing and options, and contraceptive options. Women can make an appointment or simply drop in on Thursdays and Fridays at the Rockdale Community Health Centre. 
Click here for more information.

RACGP Foundation grant applications are now open

The RACGP Foundation research grants acknowledge the vital contribution GPs make in furthering medical advancements within the community. A diverse range of research grants, scholarships, fellowships and awards are available – including a research grant for diabetes management and prevention. The grant applications will close on 6 May 2019.
Click here for more information.

My Health Record Update

The latest edition of the My Health Record Newsletter for general practices and medical specialists was released on 28 March. Included in this edition are key messages, good news stories, reminders, education resources, upcoming webinar events, upcoming workshops and new resources. Be sure to check out our webinars on how to view, upload and share a Shared Health Summary using Best Practice, Medical Director and Genie and our Shared Health Summary vs Event Summary factsheet.
Click here for more information.

New Mental Health StepCare screening tool EOI 

The Black Dog Institute has developed an integrated adult online mental health screening tool for GP practices. The StepCare tool is a self-screening tool that identifies adults with anxiety, depression, and/or high levels of alcohol consumption. The results of the screening are provided in real time to the GP providing timely, cost-efficient early intervention and treatment for patients. CESPHN would like to invite you to be one of the first general practices in the central and eastern Sydney region to implement the StepCare screening tool into your practice. 
Click here for more information.

Rainbow Buzz: LGBTI inclusive practice training

Rainbow Buzz will strengthen your understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people and communities to deliver more  inclusive, informed and appropriate care. ACON, in partnership central and eastern Sydney PHN, is providing FREE essential one day training, delivered  across Central and Eastern Sydney NSW for workers who support clients experiencing issues with alcohol and/or other drugs (AOD). The training will be on 21 May 2019 at the CESPHN office.
Click here for more information.

Research on chlamydia management in general practice

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are seeking GPs, practice nurses and practice managers to participate in a telephone interview about chlamydia management in general practice. You will be reimbursed for your time with a Coles/Myer voucher. 
Click here for more information.

Treating Hepatitis C in General Practice Forum

ASHM, in collaboration with the Kirby Institute, is holding the one-day Treating Hepatitis C in General Practice Forum in Sydney this August. Scholarships are available to support general practitioners from all over Australia to attend the forum. Scholarships will be divided between GPs experienced in treating hepatitis C who submit abstracts to present at the forum, and GPs from high prevalence and priority settings who are not yet treating hepatitis C in their practice but wish to start doing so. Scholarship recipients may also apply for registration to attend the Australasian Viral Hepatitis Elimination Conference. The abstract and scholarship deadline is Friday 26 April.
Click here for more information.

Aboriginal Cultural Complementary workshop 

This two-day workshop supports non-Indigenous service providers to develop the cultural competence required to deliver mental health services within Indigenous frameworks of social and emotional wellbeing. This workshop is delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists. This workshop is on 17 and 18 June 2019 at the CESPHN office.
Click here for more information.

The Sydney Practical Diabetes Forum at RPA Hospital

You are invited to attend the inaugural METADiAB Forum. The Forum is free to attend for GPs and it has been accredited by the RACGP for 40 Category 1 CPD points. Attendees of the Forum will gain practical insights into the latest thinking and guidance in the management of diabetes and metabolic health. The emphasis will be on real-world issues and changes that can be implemented in your clinical practice following the Forum. The Forum will be interactive, case-based, and with ample time for discussion and questions.
Click here to register.
Click here for more information.

Influenza and pertussis vaccination in pregnancy

The influenza and whooping cough vaccines are provided free to pregnant women through the NIP. The most important factor associated with uptake of influenza and pertussis vaccination during pregnancy is a healthcare provider recommendation. Please take all opportunities to speak to your pregnant patients and their partners about the importance of getting vaccinated against influenza and pertussis during pregnancy. Please note that the evidence around the timing of pertussis vaccination in pregnancy has recently been reviewed and the pertussis-containing vaccine is now recommended as a single dose between 20 and 32 weeks in each pregnancy (mid 2nd trimester to early 3rd trimester), including pregnancies that are closely spaced to provide maximal protection to each infant.
Click here for more information.

Ophthalmology-optometry collaborative care research

We would like to invite you to participate in a 10 minute interview, part of a project to evaluate the new Centre for Eye Health ophthalmology-optometry collaborative care clinic at The Sutherland Hospital. The focus of this survey will be on the inter-professional expectations and experiences of staff and referrers. As a referrer (or potential referrer) we are interested to hear your views. Your answers will not be identifiable to you. 
If you would be happy to participate or to hear more about the project, please call Sean Sivieng at 81150757.

My Health Record Update

The latest edition of the My Health Record Newsletter for pharmacists and allied health was released on 28 March. Included in this edition are key messages, good news stories, reminders, education resources, upcoming webinar events, upcoming workshops and new resources. Be sure to check out our webinars on how to view, upload and share a Shared Health Summary using Best Practice, Medical Director and Genie, our Pharmacist Factsheet on when to view a patient's record and our Shared Health Summary vs. Event Summary factsheet.
Click here for more information.

Rainbow Buzz: LGBTI inclusive practice training

Rainbow Buzz will strengthen your understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual,  transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people and communities to deliver more  inclusive, informed and appropriate care. ACON, in partnership central and eastern Sydney PHN, is providing FREE essential one day training, delivered  across Central and Eastern Sydney NSW for workers who support clients experiencing issues with alcohol and/or other drugs (AOD). The training will be on 21 May 2019 at the CESPHN office.
Click here for more information.

Webinar: Navigating the NDIS Portal - Understanding the NDIS

Psychologists play a critical role not just in delivering NDIS services but in supporting the access and planning pathways. This webinar explores how psychologists can best assist participants by understanding the NDIS, the language of the NDIS and answer questions that you can’t seem to get answered.
Click here for more information. 

MBS Review Allied Health Reference Group report

The MBS Review Allied Health Reference Group report is now open for consultation until 17 May. Stakeholder input has been critical in shaping the MBS Review to date and it is integral to the processes established by the Taskforce. Consultation provides the Australian public, health professionals, health consumers and any other interested person, with the opportunity to comment on recommendations proposed by the Taskforce.
Click here for more information.

Aboriginal Cultural Complementary workshop 

This two-day workshop supports non-Indigenous service providers to develop the cultural competence required to deliver mental health services within Indigenous frameworks of social and emotional wellbeing. This workshop is delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander psychologists. This workshop is on 17 and 18 June 2019 at the CESPHN office.
Click here for more information.

Ophthalmology-optometry collaborative care research

We would like to invite you to participate in a 10 minute interview, part of a project to evaluate the new Centre for Eye Health ophthalmology-optometry collaborative care clinic at The Sutherland Hospital. The focus of this survey will be on the inter-professional expectations and experiences of staff and referrers. As a referrer (or potential referrer) we are interested to hear your views. Your answers will not be identifiable to you. 
If you would be happy to participate or to hear more about the project, please call Sean Sivieng at 81150757.

Inner West CLUBGRANTS program 

Inner West CLUBGRANTS funding is available to community groups, charities and sporting teams across NSW. Online application must be submitted until 29 April 2019. 
Click here for more information.

The March issue of our Health and Disability Interface eNewsletter is out now

CESPHN facilitates a CESPHN Disability Network, conducts ongoing CPD Education in relation to Disability/NDIS and distributes a regular Health and Disability Interface e Newsletter. For more information about joining the network, ongoing education, joining the eNewsletter distribution list and contributing to future editions please contact NDIS Transition Lead Jenny Denford on 9304 8613.

Older Persons Mental Health First Aid Training

OPMHFA MHFA Australia has developed a 12-hour face-to-face Older Person Mental Health First Aid (OPMHFA) Course for families and carers assisting people aged 65+. The aim of our Older Person MHFA Course is to train the community to respond appropriately as early as possible to older people developing mental health problems, rather than wait for a mental health crisis before taking action.   
You can register on Eventbrite for Marrickville, Campsie and Balmain.

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.