Country SA PHN would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia and pay respects to the Elders past, present and future. We recognise and respect the unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters, and seas, which continue to be important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living today.
Message from the CEO
Mark Hartigan
As the calendar flips over to the second month of the year I’d like to wish all those I’m yet to catch up with in 2025 a very Happy New Year. This year will be an interesting time politically as we soon head to the ballot boxes to cast our vote in the federal election. At Country SA PHN we look forward to continuing our focus on improving country South Australians health and well-being and bridging the gap in health inequity. Read more
Country SA PHN Activity
Primary Care and Digital Health Support
Practice Network meeting face-to-face Port Lincoln
Nurses attended a breakfast meeting which provided information about local services and the opportunity to network. Read more
Updates to the Emergency Response Planning Tool
Updates have been made to the Emergency Response Planning Tool across the ERPT platform. Read more
Children’s immunisation colouring-in books now available: order for your practice today!
Country SA PHN has funded and received copies of the ‘Lulu’ immunisation books, a great resource to encourage adherence to the immunisation schedule. Read more
Healthy Habits
A tailored wellbeing program supporting people to improve their overall health and wellbeing to create a sustainable healthy lifestyle. Read more
Aged Care and Palliative Care
Country South Australian care finder activity 2023-2024
Country SA PHN have prepared an infographic summary of activity for 2023-2024 that demonstrates the enormous breath of a care finder’s support. Read more
Department of Health and Aged Care
Andrea Kelly, Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner, has reflected on her travels with older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a video shared by the Department of Health and Aged Care. Read more
Department of Health and Aged Care- Support at Home Grant Opportunities
Aged care providers preparing for Support at Home changes on 1 July 2025 may be keen to learn about Australian Government grant opportunities via GrantConnect. Read more
Mental Health
Head to Health Centres are now called Medicare Mental Health Centres
You will notice signage at the Centres and the look of communication materials will change to show the new Medicare Mental Health Centre name. Read more
Improved referral pathways for primary mental health care
The Head to Health Intake and Referral Phone Service, delivered by Neami National, is here to make it easier for health professionals and GPs to connect clients with mental health supports. Read more
Commissioned Services
Commissioning Healthy Habits
Participants in the Healthy Habits Program have achieved significant progress thanks to a tailored approach addressing both physical and mental health challenges. Read more
Regional Primary Health Activity
Apply now! ANZMHA mental health study grants worth $5000 each If you are an Australian or New Zealand resident and a student enrolling (or already enrolled) in a course that leads to a mental health qualification then you are eligible to apply for one of three $5000 study grants. Apply before Wednesday, 26th February, 2025. More information
Workforce Incentive program: Rural Advanced Skills Stream The Workforce Incentive Program (WIP) improves access to quality medical, nursing and allied health services in regional, rural and remote areas. Its financial incentives encourage doctors to work in these areas and support medical practices to employ nurses and eligible allied health professionals. More information
BreastScreen SA is back on the road BreastScreen SA provides free breast screens every 2 years to women aged over 40. In February 2025, the mobile screening units are visiting Port Lincoln, Victor Harbor, Berri, and Gawler. Read more
National Lung Cancer Screening Program The new National Lung Cancer Screening Program will begin later this year for eligible individuals. More information
New service: With Respect FDSV Counselling Service for LGBTIQA+ people SHINE SA’s new service provides free professional and specialised counselling and support for LGBTIQA+ people who have been impacted by family, domestic or sexual violence. Read more
Medicare Benefits Schedule Quick Guide Register for a free monthly MBS Quick Guide. Sign in or create an account with AusDoc.
Immunisationupdate - February 2025 Explore key updates, resources, and educational opportunities for immunisation. Read more
PBS update - February 2025 The Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits has been updated with new, amended and deleted items. Read more
Health Workforce Scholarship Program: Rural Doctors Workforce Agency Do you want to consider applying to a health workforce scholarship program aimed at improving capabilities of health professionals including allied health, nurses, and private general practitioners? More information
Workforce Incentive Program: Practice Stream (WIP-PS)new resource A new WIP-PS resource assists general practices and Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations to meet their reporting requirements and clarify expectations when confirming WIP-PS Quarterly Confirmation Statement content, ensuring they receive the highest level of payment they are eligible for. Additional information including the WIP-PS Guidelines, FAQs, and fact sheets are available. More information
Self-collection for the Cervical Screening Test All cervical screening participants now have the choice to self-collect their own cervical screening test sample. More information
Strength for Life Program Strength for Life provides older people with individually tailored and low-cost strength and fitness classes that are led by qualified instructors. Read more
Updated GPACI MBS User Guide The latest version has been published to support your General Practice to plan their delivery of care for the GPACI and provides examples of how to use MBS items to meet the requirements of this incentive. Read more
my health app A secure and convenient way for individuals to access My Health Record. The National Health Services Directory (NHSD) is now integrated with my health app. Read more
Burns Management in rural regions - Loxton Tuesday 18 February 2025, 6.30pm - 8.30pm More information
Mental Health Management – Mount Gambier Tuesday 11 March 2025, 6.30pm - 9.00pm More information
Bringing expert wound care education to residential aged care teams Expert wound management education and clinical support to residential aged care homes. More information
Healthy Doctors Yorke Peninsula - Wallaroo Thursday 6 March 2025, 6.30pm - 9.30pm More information
Spirometry Training - Berri Saturday 15 March 2025, 9.00am - 1.30pm More information
Webinars / e-Learning
MindFit at Work for primary health staff Free 1 hour mental health sessions designed for all staff who work in residential aged care, general practice and primary health care. More information
Clinical Audit: Smoking & Vaping Cessation A 5-stage audit activity to be completed over 5 months from February - June 2025. More information
Industry Education and Events
Face to Face
What’s New in Dermatology – Port Lincoln Thursday 13 February 2025, 6.30pm - 8.30pm More information
Contraception Workshop for Nurses and Midwives Thursday 13 February 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm More information
Roses in the Ocean Voices of In-Sight Workshop - Gawler Friday 21 February and Saturday 22 February 2025, 8.30am - 4.30pm More information
2025 Sports Medicine Conference – Pathway to Podiumwith Dr David Hughes Sunday 23 February 2025, 8.30am - 5.00pm More information
Foundations of LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Wednesday 26 February 2025, 9.30am - 4.00pm More information
STI & BBV Workshop for Nurses and Midwives Wednesday 5 March 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm More information
IUD Insertion Train the Trainer Program Tuesday 25 March 2025, 6.00pm - 8.00pm More information
National Care and Support Sector Conference 2025 Friday 25 July 2025, 7.30am - 5.00pm More information
Pediatrics Autism - Mount Gambier Thursday 13 February 2025, 6.30pm - 8.30pm More information
Cervical Screening Provider Course Tuesday 18 February 2025, 9.15am - 5.00pm More information
Doctors’ Health SA Rural Retreat Program Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 February 2025 More information
Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) Training for Registered Nurses and Midwives Tuesday 25 February 2025, 6.30pm - 8.30pm More information
Sports Medicine in General Practice Course Thursday 27 February - Sunday 2 March 2025 More information
Pregnancy Choices Training Thursday 20 March 2025, 9.15am - 5.00pm More information
Certificate in Sexual Health for Registered Nurses and Midwives Monday 19 May - Friday 23 May 2025, 9.15am - 5.00pm More information
Webinars / e-Learning
The Use of AI-Based Scribing Software in General Practice: Risks and Rewards Thursday 20 February 2025, 7.30pm - 9.00pm More information
Skin Surgery Without Sutures Thursday 27 March 2025, 7.30pm - 9.00pm More information
MIA Clinical Webinar Series: Updates in management of non-melanoma skin cancer Tuesday 25 February 2025, 6.30pm - 7.30pm More information
Telehealth Clinical Skills Program Self-paced module plus Tuesday 1 April 2025 workshop. More information
