COVID-19 update

Read about:

• COVID-19 cases in the region
• Should we still wear masks? Yes!
• Antiviral treatments for COVID-19
• Boosters
• MBS Item Update
• Upcoming webinars
• and more...

Immunisation update

Read about:

• Influenza Vaccine 2022
• NSW Health Exemption Form
• Boosters required for up-to-date status
• Appointment Translation
• Tree of Community
• Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
• and more...

"Let's do this together" - Kylie Scott on why intellectual disability health training is important

Do the test - Bowel cancer screening campaign 

Research shows that a primary health care provider recommending or endorsing bowel cancer screening increases participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Unfortunately, only 40 per cent of eligible people in NSW are doing the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program test when they receive it in the post. 

• Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer.
• If detected early, bowel cancer can be successfully treated in more than 90 per cent of cases.
• A bowel cancer screening test will be posted to people aged 50-74 every two years.
• Do the test when it comes in the post.

The GP Cancer Support Line supports GPs and practice nurses to seek information on cancer services and general clinical advice on cancer related care. Call 1800 GP LINE (1800 47 5463) Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 6.00 pm (including public holidays).

Resources for specialists  

Adoption of digital health tools can help specialists and their teams when delivering health services across Australia. 

Webinar: My Health Record - Aged Care Case Study 

My Health Record provides clinical information uploaded by a range of providers (GPs, hospitals, pharmacists), which may facilitate care coordination, reduce potential medication misadventures, and ultimately improve health outcomes. 

This webinar will explore the benefits of using My Health Record through a case study demonstrating how aged care healthcare providers may use the various clinical documents in everyday workflow/practice.

Stay strong to keep moving 

Educating and changing patient’s attitudes about physical activity and exercise can be challenging. That’s why Arthritis NSW, Diabetes NSW & ACT, the Heart Foundation and COTA NSW have brought a range of programs together under the banner of “Stay Strong to Keep Moving” to help patients make physical activity a regular part of their life. 

GP Liaison in Alcohol and Other Drugs (GLAD)  

GLAD is a collaboration with public Alcohol and other Drug services in South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney Local Health District and St Vincent’s Health Network. The multidisciplinary team of doctors and nurses, experienced in the management of alcohol and other drug problems, understand the challenges of managing complex multi-morbidity. Assistance is available to help patients to improve their health and wellbeing through advice, support and information, the referral consultation clinic and education.

GLAD staff can visit your surgery and run training and/or information sessions. All people 18 years and over in the CESPHN area, with risky or hazardous substance use or substance use disorders, are eligible for these services. 

Text to detect – National Heart Health Check Recall program   

Would you like to be involved in one of the largest quality improvement programs in Australian primary care? Taking the learnings from the pilot in 2021, which reached over 42,000 Australians, Phase 2 of the program, which aims to increase the number of Australians who visit their general practice for CVD risk screening, will soon be launched. Text to Detect is National Heart Health's Check Recall program and aims to support general practice with the targeted identification and management of CVD via an efficient recall system. Recall activities will be supported by GoShare Plus, an SMS recall tool that is embedded within CAT4. Practices will also be supported by practical tools and resources that will help them conduct and streamline Heart Health Checks.

Publication of the national guidance for doctors assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust   

The National Guidance for doctors assessing workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust with specific reference to the occupational respiratory diseases associated with engineered stone has been finalised. The guidance is designed to help GPs and medical practitioners identify and assess people at risk of silicosis caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RSC) dust. Nearly one in four workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust from engineered stone before 2018, have been diagnosed with silicosis.

Free International Women's Day event 

International Women's Day 2022 is a day for coming together, connecting and inspiring others. The global theme for 2022 is #BreakTheBias. If you have been struggling with motivation, feeling disconnected or lonely, or simply just looking for a fun social event (that is highly-considerate of COVID safety) then this is the event for you!

Date: Wednesday 16 March
Time: 10.30 am
Location: Oatley RSL Club
What's happening? Scrumptious brunch while listening to interesting speakers, learning and connecting.

Appointment Translation Tool 

The NSW Multicultural Health Communication Service's online Appointment Reminder Translation Tool allows providers to translate appointment details into the patient’s language.

Check your NASH PKI expiry date and renew on time  

Current NASH SHA-1 certificates are being transitioned to more secure SHA-2 certificates. All current SHA-1 certificates expire on 13 March 2022.

If your NASH PKI certificate expires you will no longer be able to access or upload documents to My Health Record and you may not be able to issue or dispense an electronic prescription. If you are unsure about your NASH status, please contact us.

View NASH Renewal Quick Guide here. (For GPs)
View NASH Renewal Quick Guide here. (For pharmacists)

Click here for step by step instructions for how to renew a NASH PKI certificate.

Webinar: Consumer involvement in research 

Join Guest Chair Prof Sarah Lewis, FMH A/Dean Research Performance and an expert panel of speakers to explore the importance of involving consumers in health research. At this lunchtime webinar, we will hear from consumers with first-hand experience, as well as panelists from The University of Sydney, Health Consumers NSW, Sydney Health Partners and WentWest PHN. Find the latest resources, build your toolkit for involving consumers in research and learn about how to get started or strengthen your approach in this important area.

When: Tuesday, 22 March, 1.00 pm - 2.00 pm

Chronic pain: advancements in management 

Assessing and managing patients with chronic pain and identifying different treatment options and referral pathways. Part of Chris O'Brien Lifehouse CPD series.

When: Wednesday, 9 March 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm
Where: Online webinar
Target audience: GPs, AHPs, nurses
RACGP points: 3

Rheumatology and joint pain including case study analysis of the joint replacement surgery journey 

Specialists from St Vincent's Private Hospital and St Vincent's Clinic will join us for an interactive, online workshop to discuss the assessment and management of rheumatic conditions and common hip, knee and shoulder complaints.

When: Thursday, 17 March 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Where: Online webinar
Target audience: GPs, AHPs, nurses
RACGP points: 2

Infection prevention and risk management whilst still seeing patients 

Join us for a pandemic infection prevention and control update, presented by Margaret Jennings, a microbiologist, antimicrobial, infection prevention and educator.

When: Thursday, 3 March 7.00 pm – 8.15 pm
Where: Online webinar
Target audience: Allied health professionals working in private practice

Triage 2022 for general practice 

Presented by Karen Booth, RN, President of Australian Practice Nurse Association (APNA) and educator, this Triage education webinar is essential for non-clinical staff for telephone and walk in presentations.

When: Monday, 7 March 7.00pm – 8.00pm
Where: Online webinar
Target audience: Practice staff, practice managers, practice nurses, reception and allied health reception.