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July 2024 Volume 10 Issue 3

Acknowledgement of Country

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 Chief Executive Officer of an organisation whose mission it is to bridge the gap in health equity for country South Australians, it is rewarding to see the improvements Country SA PHN is making to primary health for our communities. A significant part of this improvement is in the area of mental health.

The Department of Health and Aged Care’s Head to Health initiative is designed to make accessing mental health support and services easier. Medicare Mental Health Centres (formerly known as Head to Health centres) provide free, walk-in, immediate mental health support. Country SA PHN is currently funding and supporting a Medicare Mental Health Centre in Mount Gambier, provided by FocusOne Health and establishing another in Mount Barker to be delivered by Summit Health.
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Country SA PHN Activity



Primary Care and Digital Health Support

GoShare Plus

GoShare Plus makes it easy for Practice staff to send patients engaging, credible information relevant to preventative health campaigns and quality improvement activities.
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Regional practice visits

Monthly remote Practice Manager and Practice Network meetings continue to be well attended supported by face-to-face visiting by the Primary Care Support team.
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Practice Support project for regional and rural South Australia

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is delighted to announce a practice support bundle for South Australia’s regional and rural pharmacists working in the Country SA PHN region.
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HealthPathways SA HIV management suite of pathways

HealthPathways SA offers free access to comprehensive and evidenced based care pathways like our latest on HIV and Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
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Aged Care

First national evaluation report: care finder program

The Department of Health and Aged Care engaged Australian Healthcare Associates to evaluate the care finder program nationally, with the first report released in May.
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Country SA care finders connect, learn and collaborate

In June, country SA care finders gathered in Port Pirie with Helen Morley, Country SA PHN care finder lead, to enjoy a day of learning, connection and collaboration. 
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Palliative Care

A Message from Uncle Moogy: The Vital role of Palliative Care

Through funding from the Greater Choice for at Home Palliative Care initiative, Country SA PHN has developed a valuable resource for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
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Regional Primary Health Activity


Electronic prescriptions improving patient safety
The electronic prescribing initiative continues to evolve and improve. For patients taking multiple medications, the Active Script List (ASL) is a solution that provides further convenience and flexibility, streamlining electronic prescription management. More information

Preventive Health South Australia Better Health Coaching Service Updated Referral Form
The Better Health Coaching Service updated referral form now includes an additional field to determine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. More information 

General Practice in Aged Care Incentive
From 1 July 2024, eligible general practitioners (GPs) and practices registered with both MyMedicare and General Practice in Aged Care Incentive will be able to receive incentive payments. More information

‘Staying at Home’ Program in Regional South Australia
The program offers short-stay respite care, where the person living with dementia and their carer stay together on retreat with others for up to three days and two nights away, with 24/7 staff support. More information

Release of Grant Opportunity for alcohol and other drug treatment services and support in Ceduna
Funding will be provided to support alcohol and other drug treatment activities that complement existing services, addresses service delivery gaps, and aligns with the needs and expectations of the communities. Read more

Have you been affected by natural disasters while managing a health condition?
Macquarie University is seeking volunteers to take part in an interview about their experience of managing a health condition during natural disasters. More information

The 2024 Helen Mayo House Perinatal & Infant Mental Health Conference - Registration now open
The Conference will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 21 - 22 November 2024. Take advantage of earlybird prices and register now. More information

APNA Programs
Did you know that APNA offers a range of programs for nurses working in primary health care that also benefit busy practices like yours? Read more

Registering a patient for an Active Script List
Did you know that a patient must provide consent in order to register for an Active Script List? It is important to have a conversation with the patient where you explain what they are registering for.
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SA Health campaign to assist with hospital demand
A new SA Health public awareness campaign advises the community to call healthdirect to find the best care for their circumstances to support demand on the hospital system.
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Spot Checks to be conducted for Low COVID-19 Vaccination in Aged Care Homes
The Department of Health and Aged Care have announced that “spot check” will be conducted at Aged Care Sites will low vaccination rates. Read more

ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential for GPs
Funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care, this Credential aims to enhance the effectiveness and consistency of care for eating disorders in Australia. More information 

SHINE SA launches new campaign: ‘Get Lucky? Get Tested for Syphilis’
The campaign aims to raise awareness of syphilis as well as to encourage South Australians to practice safer sex, get tested regularly and get treated. Read more

NHMRC-funded ALIVE National Centre for Mental Health Research Translation and Australian National University
The 2024 ALIVE Lived Experience research priority-setting study is focused on the views of young people who have lived experience of mental ill-health, and/or as a carer, family or kinship group member supporting someone with mental ill-health. Read more

Research Opportunity: Promoting Oral Healthcare among women in perimenopause/menopause
Researchers from the Australian Centre for Integration of Oral Health (ACIOH), Western Sydney university invite you to participate in their study. Read more

Nominate a health professional or organisation for The National Rural and Remote Health Awards
The Awards aim to pay tribute to exceptional professionals and organisations that have significantly contributed to improving rural and remote health across Australia. Nominations close on 8 July 2024. More information

Job Opportunities


Mental Health Clinician
Medicare Mental Health Centre (formerly known as Head to Health) in Port Pirie
Apply now. For the full position description visit the Neami National website or SEEK.

Peer Support Worker
Port Pirie Head to Health Satellite
Applications close Monday 8 July 2024. For the full position description visit the Neami National website or SEEK.

Country SA PHN Funded
Educational Events


Face to Face

Skin Cancer Skills Training - Port Lincoln
Wednesday 7 August 2024, 6.30pm - 9.30pm 
More information

Webinars / e-Learning

Skin Cancer Webinar
Monday 8 July 2024, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
More information

Childhood Immunisation Schedule
Monday 12 August 2024, 7.00pm – 9.00pm
More information

Industry Education and Events


Health Weeks in July

Dry July
1 July - 31 July 2024
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National Diabetes Week
14 July - 20 July 2024
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NAIDOC Week
7 July - 14 July 2024
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National Pain Week
22 July - 28 July 2024
More information

Face to Face

Mental Health First Aid Workshop
Wednesday 24 July 2024, 8.30am – 12.30pm
and 1.30pm – 5.30pm
More information

Wound Care Masterclass
Sunday 28 July 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm
More information

Webinars / e-Learning

Electronic prescriptions and Active Script List in your practice
Free CPD accredited online training for prescribers. More information

My Health Record FAQs: for specialist practices
Grow your understanding of My Health Record by reviewing our frequently asked questions.
More information

Using My Health Record for Specialists
This module provides an overview of My Health Record and describes how specialists can use it in their clinical practice. More information

GP dementia resources, training and education support
Resources to support recognising, diagnosing and managing dementia.
More information

Supporting Children’s Resilience in General Practice
eLearning that introduces a whole-of-practice approach to supporting child mental health.
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Mental Health First Aid Digital Workshops
Tuesday 9 July and Wednesday 10 July 2024
6.30pm – 9.00pm
More information

EMET Cardiac Emergencies Victor Harbor
Wednesday 24 July 2024, 6.00pm – 10.00pm
More information

Electronic prescriptions and Active Script List (MySL) in community pharmacy
Free CPD accredited online training for dispensers. More information

Registering your organisation for My Health Record
This course is designed to help you register and prepare your organisation to access My Health Record. More information

Six Steps to Support you to Assess and Respond to Elder Abuse
Self-paced eLearning module.
More information

The Wellbeing Prescription Podcast
Insightful and practical resource for Health Professionals who are tackling the all-too-common issue of job-induced stress and burnout. More information

Identifying and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
Self-paced eLearning module.
More information

Blood Essentials: All About Bruising, Bleeding, and Iron Management
Tuesday 23 July 2024, 7.30pm - 9.00pm
More information

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