Dr Simon Lockwood Rural Health Innovation Fund As Chair of the Board of Country SA PHN it gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of our new health and wellbeing initiative – the Rural Health Innovation Fund. A first of its kind for Primary Health Networks, the Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) offers an exciting opportunity to enhance country South Australians health and wellbeing. I would like to congratulate Country SA PHN CEO Mark Hartigan for his vision to create and support RHIF. The Fund is a stand-alone charity made possible by Country SA PHN who will enable RHIF to accomplish its vision for better health and wellbeing for all country South Australians. Read more...
Country SA PHN commissioned service providers
Country SA PHN commissions a variety of Aboriginal Health programs across country SA. Do you know what Aboriginal Health programs are in your region. To find out more click here.
General News
Initial Assessment and Referral The Initial Assessment and Referral (IAR) is an initiative of the Commonwealth on establishing effective systems for the initial assessment and referral of individuals presenting with mental health conditions in primary health care settings. CSAPHN has an IAR Training and Support Officer to provide training to GPs and clinicians in country SA to learn about, use and embed the IAR Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) into clinical practice. Read more...
Rural Procedural Grants Program The Department of Health and Ageing will be extending the temporary online claiming arrangements for the Rural Procedural Grants Program (RPGP) to 31 December 2023. This extension will see current claiming rates maintained ($1000 per day, capped at 10 days for procedural GPs and three days each for emergency medicine and emergency mental health. Read more...
Practice visits in the Limestone Coast Our Primary Care Team visited practices in the Limestone Coast Region last week. Discussions, support and training occurred with general practitioners, practice managers and practice nurses. For support please email [email protected] and a member of the Primary Care & Digital Support Team will contact you. Read more...
AGPT Program Applications for the 2024 GP training program are now open. Your clinical skills and confidence will grow through dedicated supervision and teaching, with diverse opportunities to explore and develop your subspecialist interests. Read more...
New VAD Referral Pathway HealthPathways SA has developed a new pathway to assist health professionals to understand their potential role as well as the legal rights and obligations in relation to voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and the recent change in legislation. Read more...
Practice Network Meetings The Primary Care Support Team hold a monthly network meeting providing general practice staff the opportunity to network and discuss matters such as workforce issues. GP shortage, workforce turnover and staff burn-out are issues the Primary Care Team often hear and this information is provided to the Board who are eager to be aware of the current situation in country South Australia. The team are always available to support regarding workforce issues or imminent practice closures and can be contacted at [email protected]
Women’s Health @ Hawkins Medical Clinic In January, Hawkins Medical Clinic opened a specialised Women’s Health Clinic to cater for women during each stage of their lives. The clinic covers specific women’s health issues from contraception, preconception counselling, antenatal and postnatal care to pelvic pain, perimenopause, and menopause.The new Women’s Health clinic aims to cater for the broader Limestone Coast area and will provide crucial support to women in the region. Read more...
Leading with lived experience Darren is undertaking CHC43515 Certificate IV in Mental Health Peer Work in Port Lincoln. The nationally recognised training is delivered by Centacare’s Registered Training Organisation, in partnership with Mental Health Coalition of South Australia’s Lived Experience Workforce Program, and with funding support from Country SA PHN (CSAPHN). With the continued funding support of CSAPHN, Centacare is now offering the qualification in Port Augusta and Mount Gambier. Read more...
National Cancer Screening Register The National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR) plays a vital role in supporting the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and the National Cervical Screening Program. GPs who use Medical Director, Best Practice and Communicare can now link to the NCSR through PRODA to access their patient’s bowel and cervical screening information. Read more...
Student Nurse Placement Attention nurses! Are you looking to develop your leadership skills and showcase Primary Health Care? Look no further than APNA's Student Nurse Placement Program. The program offers student nurses the chance to gain their clinical placement hours alongside experienced registered nurses. This is a chance to shape the next generation of nurses. Plus, there’s a payment for each student placed in a clinic. Join APNA in making a positive impact on the future of nursing. Check out our webpage for more information and to register your interest today.
Practice Resources
Strong Born Campaign The National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) has launched the Strong Born campaign. Read more...
Family and carer participation under the Better Access Initiative From 1 March 2023, 48 new time-tiered MBS items were made available to allow providers to deliver up to two Medicare-subsidised services per calendar year, to a person other than the patient, under Better Access. Read more...
Strengthening GP Care for Indigenous Australians The Practice Incentives Program – Indigenous Health Initiative (PIP-IHI) has been updated and improved and will boost quality of care and outcomes for Indigenous people living with chronic health and mental health conditions. Read more...
COVID Vaccination update - Frequently Asked questions COVID-19 vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep you, your family, friends, and the community safe. Read more...
Shingles vaccination fact sheet Immunisation protects you from a specific infectious disease and its immediate complications. Immunisation can also provide protection against long term complications from infections such as human papilloma virus which can lead to cancers and infection from the chickenpox virus, which can result in shingles later in life. Read more...
ELDAC’s new Home Care App The Home Care App has information and practical tips on how to confidently care for a client as their health declines, and their care needs change. Read more...
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Preparedness Packs The Australian Government is continuing to support the aged care sector to prepare and protect older Australians against COVID-19 and influenza ahead of winter by deploying bulk winter personal protective equipment (PPE) packs to all residential aged care homes. If you are not contacted by DHL by 30 April 2023, please contact the Department by email [email protected]
RACGP myCPD RACGP myCPD app allows you to easily log your hours, browse through hundreds of quality, relevant CPD activities, and keep track of your progress. Read more...
Interactive Syphilis Decision Making Tool New interactive syphilis decision making tool set to boost syphilis care, with specific advice for treating pregnant women and people. Read more..
Vaccine Storage and Cold Change Management Vaccines MUST be stored between +2°C and +8°C. They can be destroyed if they are stored outside +2°C and +8°C or exposed to light. Read the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines: Strive for 5 to ensure you understand the requirements for adequate vaccine management and storage.Watch this interactive training by HETI.
New My Health App Released The Australian Digital Health Agency has launched its first consumer mobile application, my health, powered by My Health Record. Read more...
Influenza Factsheet Influenza is a highly contagious virus that causes widespread illness every year. Immunisation and practising prevention measures are the best ways we can protect against the flu. Yearly flu immunisation is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over. Read more...
Pain Revolution Programs Pain Revolution is targeting Southeast South Australia and Western Victoria for the delivery of our world-leading health professional capacity building and community outreach programs. Read more...
The Healthy End of Life Program (HELP) App The HELP App was developed following 10 years of research by La Trobe University’s Public Health Palliative Care Unit (PHPCU). A strengths-based implementation framework was used to explore the availability of services and assets that can improve end-of-life care outcomes for all Australians. Read more...
Wounds Education & Training and Wounds Research Directories The Wounds Education & Training Directory and Wounds Research Directory are a comprehensive source of ongoing courses and information in wound care and related fields. Together, they aim to improve information sharing and collaboration between researchers and make it easier for healthcare professionals to source quality professional development.
Migraine Factsheets Migraine Australia has just released a series of 18 factsheets (two translated into Arabic and Simplified Chinese) that explore migraine management, the phases and symptoms of migraine, migraine types, and how to find support. Read more...
End-of-Life Essentials: New training resources A new set of free Training Resources are now available from End-of-Life Essentials (EOLE). Tailored for short and focused in-service training sessions, EOLE offers a variety of assets including seminar presentations, templates, videos, and quizzes. Read more...
Job Postings
Open Door Health - GP and Allied Health Positions Open Door Health in Mount Gambier is seeking General Practitioners and Allied Health Professionals (Physiotherapist, Dietician, Podiatrist, Psychologist, Speech Therapist) to support strong patient demand at their medical centre. 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 General Practitioner 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 til 5pm. Read more...
RN Clinical Research Coordinator position - Whyalla/Port Augusta The SA/NT Regional Clinical Trial Coordinating Centre (SA/NT RCCC) in the Department for Health and Wellbeing is currently recruiting for the position of RN Clinical Research Coordinator in Whyalla/Port Augusta. Read more...
Mental Health Education for Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives - Berri Thursday 13 April 2023, 7.00pm - 9.00pm Register Here
ReturnToWorkSA Psychological Claims Management - Port Lincoln Thursday 13 April 2023, 5.30pm - 9.00pm Register Here
EMET Cardiac Emergencies - Jamestown Wednesday 3 May 2023, 10.00am - 5.15pm Register Here
EMET Cardiac Emergencies - Orroroo Thursday 4 May 2023, 9.00am - 12.00pm Register Here
EMET Cardiac Emergencies - Peterborough Thursday 4 May 2023, 1.30pm - 4.30pm Register Here
TOO HOT TO TOUCH Burns management in rural regions - Ceduna Tuesday 23 May 2023, 6.00pm - 8.30pm Register Here
Mental Health Education for Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives - Port Augusta Thursday 18 May 2023, 7.00pm - 9.00pm Register Here
Mental Health Education for Allied Health Professionals, Nurses and Midwives - Port Lincoln Thursday 1 June 2023, 7.00pm - 9.00pm 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 Oceanic Palliative Care Conference - Sydney Wednesday 13 September to Friday 15 September 2023 Register Here
Webinars / e-Learning
Seasonal Respiratory & Other Challenges: Influenza & RSV Monday 17 April 2023, 6.30pm Register Here
Cyber Security for your Practice Tuesday 18 April 2023, 1.00pm - 2.00pm Register Here
Supporting Telehealth Services in Residential Aged Care Facilities: The case for My Health Record Monday 24 April 2023, 2.00pm - 2.30pm Register Here
Talking About Suicide in General Practice Friday 5 May 2023, 9.00am - 12.00pm AEST Register Here
What can I upload to my patient’s My Health Record The Digital Health Agency is holding several sessions to gain confidence in uploading documents to My Health Record. Register Here
The Changing Face of Head and Neck Cancer Learn how to identify and support Head and Neck Cancer patients. Register Here
Thursdays @ 3 Thursdays @ 3 is a new 30-minute podcast created by Palliative Care Australia. Released every Thursday at 3pm on Spotify.
Your Opinion Matters
TERRACOTTA Study - Monash University Monash Univeristy is seeking Expression of Interest (EOI) from primary care clinics who have practice nurse(s) to participate in TERRACOTTA. This study focuses on a practice nurse-led model of care targeting treatable traits in COPD. The goal is to improve quality of life in patients with COPD and reduce hospitalisations. Read more...
