Message from the Chair
Dr Simon Lockwood
Welcome to the July edition of the Country SA PHN Newsletter.
Firstly, as Country SA PHN Chair and on behalf of the Board and our entire organisation I would like to pay tribute to Dr Philip Tideman, an eminent South Australian cardiologist who worked tirelessly for rural cardiac health, who sadly passed away this week after a long battle with bowel cancer. Read more...
Country SA PHN commissions a variety of Aged Care programs across country SA. Do you know what Aged Care programs are in your region. To find out more click here.
Care Finder Program
Care Finder program is now well underway with Country & Outback Health, Resthaven and Centacare Catholic Country SA, commissioned to deliver the program across Country SA. Care Finders provide individual, in person, intensive support to older people to access aged care and other community supports. Read more...
Prepare for MyMedicare
GPs wanting to participate in MyMedicare may need to set up systems to enrol patients with their practice for when the scheme starts later this year. General practices will be able to enrol to be part of MyMedicare from 1 July, while patients will be able to enrol with a participating general practice, with the option to nominate a preferred GP at the practice, from 1 October 2023. If you don’t have one already, doctors will need an individual Provider Digital Access (PRODA) account with Services Australia. Read more...
Head to Health Phoneline
Need help finding mental health support? Call Head to Health on 1800 595 212 and a mental health professional will help you find the most appropriate service for your individual needs. Read more...
Karen McColl appointed as Regional Suicide Prevention Coordinator
The 2022-23 Federal Budget included and investment of $43.2 million in targeted regional initiatives for suicide prevention (TRISP) across 2022-23 and 2023-24. This builds on lessons from the National Suicide Prevention Trial and expands activities across 31 PHNs nationally. This aims to support the transition and learnings from the National Suicide Prevention Trial environment towards building the capacity of all PHNs to implement evidence based, systems orientated, and community led approaches to suicide prevention across Australia. Read more...
GoShare - Palliative Care Messaging Aboriginal Community Elders
For many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples talking about ‘death or dying’ can be an uncomfortable experience. Culturally, discussing this topic can be perceived as difficult and viewing images of a person who has died or using their name in conversation can impact that person’s journey. In recognition of this, warnings are commonly added to protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from unnecessary stress. Read more...
Carer Health Pathway Now Live
HealthPathways SA has developed a new pathway that focuses on an often neglected issue; the health of carers. Many people (about 1 in 9 people in Australia) take on a caring role. Carers play an important role in health care and their work is often unpaid, informal, and unpredictable. Read more...
GoShare Healthy Weight Management
Healthily and Country SA PHN have co-designed a GoShare digital patient education program to deliver a Primary care-led approach to providing patients with education about healthy weight. With the use of GoShare Plus the aim is to deliver an efficient, targeted, measurable and culturally appropriate approach to the provision of health and wellbeing information (with a focus on healthy weight), utilising video messages from subject matter experts, and community role models. Read more...
Axel and Speckle the Robots
The Aged Care team recently visited Tanunda Lutheran Homes in the Barossa. The team were invited by CEO Lee Martin, who has undertaken digital health innovations within the home. The team were introduced to Axel and Speckle, who are robots within the Residential Aged Care Home (RACH). These robots, which are adored by residents, also have a significant role in maximising staff capacity within the RACH, with capabilities to deliver food, undertake cleaning etc. to allow staff more time to focus on residents. We would like to thank Lee for showcasing his innovation and commitment to improving outcomes in RACHs.
Electronic National Residential Medication Chart (eNRMC) adoption grant opportunity
The Government announced the Supporting Medication Management in Residential Aged Care Initiative as part of the Residential Aged Care Quality and Safety - Improving Access to Primary Care and other Health Services 2021-22 Budget measure. Read more...
New collection tube preference – Aldosterone and Renin
SA Pathology has changed tube type for blood Aldosterone and Renin testing to the Pearl top EDTA with gel. Read more...
Chronic cough clinical guidance tools
Lung Foundation Australia has published two new clinical guidance tools in the assessment and management of children and adults presenting with chronic cough. Assessment of chronic cough should be undertaken differently for children and adults. Read more...
Initial Assessment and Referral Training
The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) is an initiative of the Australian Department of Health on establishing effective systems for the initial assessment and referral of individuals presenting with mental health conditions in primary health care settings. Read more...
Amendments to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
Amendments to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) are now available on MBS online, which inlcudes item map, item descriptors and Factsheets on individual changes.
Care minutes and 24/7 registered nurse responsibility guide
Provides information about care minutes targets; the 24/7 registered nurse responsibilities from 1 July 2023; and mandatory care minutes responsibilities from 1 October 2023. Read more...
PenCS Awards
Have you nominated your general practice or Aboriginal medical service for the PenCS Awards? Read more...
Cancer screening grants
Wellbeing SA is pleased to announce that the 2023-24 cancer screening grants are now open. Read more...
Long COVID Resources
Lung Foundation Australia has developed long COVID resources to help people navigate their long COVID journey. Read more...
3D Health
The Women's and Children's Health Network's 3D Health offers support to young people living with disability or complex health needs. Support is also provided to parents and carers, and community services. Read more...
Remote Practice Network Meeting
The next Practice Network meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 August at 12.30pm. A Webex invitation will be sent shortly. For “Good news stories” or information to be shared on the day please email support@countrysaphn.com.au.
Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) Program
Learn how this program helps organisations trial new ways of providing primary care in rural and remote communities. Read more...
Carer Gateway - new resources available
Carer Gateway is a free Australian-wide service dedicated to supporting Australia’s 2.65 million carers. Delivered in partnership with a network of service providers, Carer Gateway supports unpaid carers in a variety of ways, including with day-to-day activities, planning for the future, and carer wellbeing. Read more...
Latest changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule
From 1 July 2023, changes to the National Immunisation Program came into effect. This includes listing Vaxelis as an alternative vaccine for children of a certain age, and the meningococcal B catch-up vaccination program for First Nations children under two years of age will be ongoing, originally due to end on 30 June 2023. Read more...
Quality Improvement Accreditation
Support PenCS provides training and recorded webinars to support general practice staff in Quality Improvement activities and support in Accreditation. Read more...
My Aged Care fax number
My Aged Care fax number (1800 728 174) will be decommissioned on 31 July 2023. This change is in line with the Australian Government's Digital Strategy to have all government services available digitally by 2025. Read more...
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
From 31 October 2022, providers can bulk order and issue kits to eligible patients through the National Cancer Screening Register. Read the short guide on the alternative access to kits model before you order kits for the first time to help you implement and promote screening in your practice. Read more...
The Rural Health Alliance Australia Report
The Rural Health Alliance Australia urges increased investment to address this disparity and provide equitable health care services in rural areas. Bridging this gap is crucial for improving the health and well-being of rural Australians. Read more...
Living Well with Dr. Wilson - GP and Health Professional Positions
The Living Well with Dr. Wilson practice is looking for a GP and Health Professional to join their clinic. Standard consulting hours are Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm. You will have the opportunity to negotiate a schedule that works for you. Read more...
Doctors on Norrie - GP Position
Doctors on Norrie is looking for a Full time VR or non-VR GP to join their team. Based in Whyalla, they pride themselves in being a family orientated, bulk billing practice with accreditation through AGPAL. Standard work hours include 10 sessions per week. Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm. Read more...
For more professional development opportunities go to www.countrysaphn.com.au
HOW2 LGBTIQ Inclusion Training - Woodville
Thursday 3 August 2023, 9.30am - 4.30pm
Register Here
Let’s Talk About Sexual Health: Aboriginal Focus - Woodville
Wednesday 9 August to Thursday 10 August 2023
Register Here
Women in General Practice Retreat - Hahndorf
Saturday 12 August to Sunday 13 August 2023
Register Here
Drug and Alcohol Services SA Education Evening - Mount Gambier
Wednesday 16 August 2023, 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Register Here
Introduction to point-of-care ultrasound for rural GPs - North Adelaide
Friday 25 August 2023, 8.30am – 4.30pm
Register Here
RDASA Masterclass 2023 - Adelaide
Saturday 26 August to Sunday 27 August 2023
Register Here
Introduction to Chronic Disease Management - Adelaide
Thursday 31 August 2023, 9.00am - 4.00pm
Register Here
Perinatal Mental Health Conference 2023 - Adelaide
Thursday 7 September to Saturday 9 September 2023 Register Here
2023 Changes to the NIP: A New Paediatric Solution
Tuesday 1 August 2023, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
Register Here
Lung Health in First Nations Children modules
Thursday 3 August 2023, 5.30pm - 6.30pm
Register Here
RACGP Webinars
A variaty of webinars are available on the RACGP website. Read more...
ASHM Online Training
ASHM provides free online training to the Australian health workforce. Read more...
Understanding Dementia
Learn about the diseases that cause dementia, how the condition affects the person with dementia, and how we can provide the best quality care. Register Here
Innovator Training Program
The free training is designed to provide you or your team with tools and skills to use available knowledge and evidence to solve a problem in your workplace. Read more...
End of Life Law for Clinicians
This training program for medical practitioners and students, nurses and allied and other health professionals focuses on the law relating to end of life decision-making. Read more...
GPs wanted to co-design Young Stroke Service
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is building Australia’s first Young Stroke Service (YSS); developing care pathways and a digital platform of GPs, Allied Health, and Neurological services. Read more...
Co-creating Safe Spaces Survey
The purpose of this particular part of the study is to evaluate the acceptability and accessibility of safe spaces to the public and whether those who attend or do not attend these services are representative of the possible population of safe space guests. Read more...
ARE THE KIDS OK?
Parents of kids ages 6-17yrs are invited to participate in the online Australian Kids’ Mental Health & Wellbeing Services Study. Parents from culturally and linguistically diverse families are especially encouraged to participate. Read more...
National Study of Electronic Health/Medical Record Usability
Uni Tasmania would like to invite clinician colleagues to participate in this research project to measure the impressions of the usability of electronic medical record systems used in the Australian healthcare sector. Read more...
