news

July 2022 Volume 8 Issue 7

Message from the CEO

Mark Hartigan

As Country SA PHN’s new Chief Executive Officer, I would like to introduce myself. I am grateful to be endorsed by the Country SA Board into this position and excited to lead such a dynamic organisation with a committed and talented team, into its next chapter.

I thank former Chief Executive Officer Kim Hosking for his leadership at Country SA PHN and previously Medicare Local over the past 11 years. I also thank Kim for his continuing wisdom and guidance he will generously be providing to me over the next six months. Read more...

Country SA PHN commissioned service providers

Country SA PHN commissions a variety of Mental Health Programs across country SA. Do you know what Mental Health programs are in your region. To find out more click here.

General News

Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool
Following on from the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool introduction in our June 2022 newsletter,  we would like to share over the coming months more information about the Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool and answer any queries you may have. We respect the pressures on our health workforce and are not looking to over burden with lengthy information. Read more...

Palliative Care – Have your say on yourSAy

SA Health is seeking input from the South Australian public and palliative care stakeholders for the new Palliative Care Services Plan and Model of Care.

To find out more on the consultation for palliative care in South Australia, go to youSAy Paliative Care Project.

Statewide Symposium on Supportive Care Planning in Chronic Non-Malignant Disease

This symposium will be a forum for healthcare professionals working in advanced chronic diseases to share insights and approaches to the coordination of care in advanced chronic non-malignant diseases. Read more...

Changes to PBS eligibility criteria for COVID antivirals
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended changes to the PBS eligibility criteria for both molnupiravir (Lagevrio®), and nirmatrelvir and ritonavir (Paxlovid®) effective Monday, 11 July 2022. This decision is in response to the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of the medicines, the rate of uptake since they were made available on the PBS and the changing epidemiology of the virus. Read more...

Availability of COVID antivirals at community pharmacies
All PBS registered pharmacies must either stock or be prepared to order the COVID antivirals.

If the pharmacy does not have stock on hand and a patient presents with a perscription the pharmacy may need to phone other pharmacies in the area to ascertain whether they have stock or order in stock from a wholesaler. Read more...

COVID vaccination recall program with video messages from First Nations community leaders

Provide your patients with culturally appropriate information about COVID vaccination from trusted community leaders within your region.

Country SA PHN and Healthily with the use of GoShare Plus will use CAT4 to identify eligible patients to provide General Practices and Aboriginal Medical Services the opportunity to convey culturally appropriate video messages on the importance of being vaccinated against COVID-19. Read more...

Healthcare for people from refugee background
Australia has a dedicated Humanitarian program that responds to changing global circumstances and provides resettlement for refugees. The program currently resettles approximately 13,750 people per year. HealthPathways SA supports health professionals in the assessment, diagnosis and management of health issues experienced by people from refugee background via new pathways and associated referral pages. Read more...

Preventing and Managing Frailty
Frailty is a common, clinically recognisable state of increased vulnerability in older adults, more common in those aged >80 years. HealthPathways SA supports health professionals in the assessment, diagnosis and management of frailty via new pathway and associated referral pages. Read more...

CDM Plus Webinars for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People
The aim of the MBS health assessment item (more commonly known as the health check) is to help ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive primary health care that meets their needs, by supporting their health and wellbeing, establishing their health priorities and plan for good health and encouraging early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and treatable conditions that cause morbidity and early mortality. Read more...

Practice Resources

Working with children who have experienced trauma
EmergingMinds has developed a suite of free online courses and resources to support a wide range of practitioners in their work with children, parents and families who have experienced trauma and adversity. Check them out today.

Advance Care Planning Improvement (ACPI) Toolkit
The ACPI Toolkit was developed to support the uptake and quality of advance care planning and advance care directives across Australia, ensuring that more Australians have choice and control over their future treatment decisions. Read more...

Rare Cancers Australia
Rare Cancers Australia is a nationally registered charity aiming to improve the lives and health outcomes of people living with a rare, less common or complex cancer.  Read more...

National Heart Health Check Recall Program
Following the success of the National Heart Health Check Recall Pilot in 2021, the Heart Foundation is offering 200 practices the opportunity to participate in Phase 2 of the program. Text to Detect supports targeted identification and management of CVD via an innovative SMS recall system. Read more...

Healthdirect Australia is pleased to announce the extension of the healthdirect Video Call COVID-19 GP Program
The Department of Health and Aged Care has extended the healthdirect Video Call COVID-19 GP Program to 31 December 2022. Read more...

HIPS Mobile
HIPS Mobile allows clinicians in the hospital setting to have mobile device access to patient My Health Record information while engaging with patients in ward and bed-side settings or remotely off-site. Read more...

National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) Launch of self-collection eligibility expansion
Anyone eligible for a Cervical Screening Test under the NCSP will have the choice to screen either through self-collection of a vaginal sample using a simple swab (unless a co-test is indicated), or clinician-collection of a sample from the cervix using a speculum. Read more...

Every Moment Matters
Australian research has found that people who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding want health professionals to ask them about alcohol consumption, and want clear and accurate information about the risks. Read more...

COVIDKids
COVIDKids is a dedicated virtual service providing specialist support for infants, children and young people diagnosed with COVID-19 0-18 years. COVIDKids team virtually assess infants, children and young people with COVID-19 and offer support and medical advice to families in their own home. Read more...

My Health Record gives patients immediate access to flu test results 
On 24 June a change was made to My Health Record to give patients faster access to common respiratory infection test reports, such as influenza. Read more...

GP Cancer Screening Education Packs
We know cancer screening saves lives, but only around 50% of Australians eligible for the national cancer screening programs (BreastScreen Australia, National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and National Cervical Screening Program) complete the tests. Read more...

Job Postings

McRitchie Surgery – Whyalla GP Position
We are a solo GP Practice seeking a General Practitioner to join our friendly team here at McRitchie Crescent Surgery in Whyalla, South Australia. Read more...

Littlehampton Medical Centre - GP Position
A rewarding  opportunity exists for a  General Practitioner  FT/PT at Littlehampton Medical Centre, a well established, spacious, purpose built medical practice. Read more...

Medical HQ Group - GP Position
An exciting opportunity exists for a GP (VR) to join the team and provide exceptional health care to patients across rural and high-need locations across SA. Read more...

ABC Surgery - Register Nurse Position
ABC Surgery looking for a Registered Nurse to join their practice. Read more...

Professional Development

For more professional development opportunities go to www.countrysaphn.com.au

Face to Face

Intellectual Disability Awareness and Inclusion Workshop - Nuriootpa
Tuesday 9 August 2022, 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Register Here

Cardiac Emergencies - Mount Barker
Tuesday 9 August 2022, 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Register Here

Cardiac Emergencies - Victor Harbor
Wednesday 10 August 2022, 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Register Here

Contraceptive Implant (Implanon NXT) Training for Doctors - Woodville
Tuesday 16 August 2022, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Register Here

Cardiac Emergencies - Nuriootpa
Tuesday 23 August 2022, 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Register Here

IUD Insertion Train the Trainer Program - Woodville
Tuesday 23 August 2022, 9.30am - 11.30am
Register Here

Cardiac Emergencies - Murray Bridge
Tuesday 30 August 2022, 6.00pm - 10.00pm
Register Here

Intellectual Disability Awareness and Inclusion Workshop - Murray Bridge
Tuesday 30 August 2022, 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Register Here

Cervical Screening Provider Course - Woodville
Wednesday 31 August 2022, 8.45am - 5.00pm
Register Here

A weekend getaway with a difference: Prehospital trauma care for rural clinicians
Friday 16 September 2022 to Sunday 18 September 2022
Register Here

APNA Conference Roadshow
Wednesday 28 September to Thursday 29 September 2022
Register Here

Webinars / e-Learning

Consultation for the South Australian Sexual Health Review
Thursday 4 August 2022, 6.30pm - 8.00pm
Register Here

HIV Nursing Webinar - Anal Cancer
Tuesday 23 August 2022, 7.30pm - 8.30pm (AEST)
Register Here

Supporting people with intellectual disability – a team approach
Wednesday 7 September 2022, 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Register Here

Pain Management - Hospital to General Practice
Thursday 15 September 2022, 7.00pm (AEST)
Register Here

HIV Nursing Webinar - Risk Management: Substance Use - Drug And Alcohol Issues
Thursday 15 September 2022, 7.30pm – 8.30 pm (AEST)
Register Here

National Paediatric Palliative Care Conference
Thursday 13 October to Friday 14 October 2022, 8.30am - 4.30pm
Register Here

Working with children who have experienced trauma online courses
Register Here

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.

Country SA PHN gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

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