A national priority
Flexible funding enables Country SA PHN to commission services in response to the identified national priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
The range of services being commissioned by the Country SA PHN include:
Holistic management
Funding has been provided to some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to deliver a more holistic Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program within their communities.
The funding provides increased access to Allied Health Professionals and Specialist Services, additional staff to existing CDM teams to assist in the coordination of health services in chronic conditions and training and development of staff in these areas, as well as Ngangkari Services.
Service Providers include:
Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding is available to Aboriginal primary health care providers inclusive of Integrated Team Care Providers. Activities aim to:
Services who receive Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding change as according to the organisations communicated needs.
For more information go to our Digital Health and Practice Support pages.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health
The activity aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and the complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, physical, social and emotional health. This is targeted at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to provide Ngangkari Services as part of a holistic health framework. It is to support the clinical activities undertaken and can serve to improve participation and engagement in lifestyle programs and education that needs to be undertaken.
Service providers who have access to these services via other funding areas include:
Supporting the Aboriginal community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services provide access to effective high-quality health care services in regional, rural and remote locations. This includes through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), wherever possible and appropriate, as well as through mainstream services delivering culturally appropriate primary health care.
This program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access to mental health services that are joined up, integrated, culturally appropriate and safe, and designed to holistically meet the mental health and healing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the local level.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and AOD programs are designed to better support substance abuse services to identify and treat coinciding mental illness and substance abuse disorders (including those involving methamphetamine or ‘ice’) by greater service integration.
The program ensures culturally appropriate use of triage systems and processes to identify clients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and where clients present with co-morbidities to integrated and coordinated care across these services.
Improving patient service navigation
The aim of the activity is to improve patient pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in systematic discharge, referral and follow-up between hospital and primary health care services.
The objective of the activity is to develop a sustainable platform which identifies and addresses barriers to Aboriginal patient navigation through primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
Country SA PHN
Need support? Contact our Team
There is a list of MBS Items available for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Primary Health Care Providers who deliver services to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander people from the Department of Health. MBS Online also provides information on specific MBS items.
Online learning resources are also available:
Cultural Awareness Training is available through your local service providers delivering the ITC program. Please contact your local provider to access this assistance.
There are some things that can your Practice can do to start moving your Practice to one that is culturally responsive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient needs which have been completed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care will be updating the standards required of health care providers in 2018. In these standards, Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People will be undertaken and will affect accreditation processes in the future. For more information please go to Improving care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Overview: Guide to better care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumers (Word 503KB)
As the first step in providing culturally safe care that is tailored to the needs of patients, you first must know whether your patients identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin. You cannot tailor care if you do not know. To do this, there are resources dedicated to assist this process. The question must be asked in the exact same manner every single time and there are different ways that it could be implemented. The strategies which are more suitable are largely dependent on your local area and your own practice context.
Indigenous Health Project Officers in your region, can assist you with Quality Improvement cycles in identification as well as providing you with local strategies that are the most appropriate.
Health Pathways South Australia is an online portal that provides general practitioners and other health professionals with easy access to comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, management, and localised referral resources for specific health conditions. HealthPathways is both a model of working; bringing together clinicians across the health care sectors to co-develop pathways, and a tangible product in the form of an online health information portal.
There are clinical care pathways that are different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across a range of health topics. Some of these are currently located in Health Pathways South Australia and are localised to the South Australian context. Different aspects to management and referral pathways are highlighted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is a specific Website that delivers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health information and resources across Australia to support practice in the delivery of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is extensive.
It contains many resources that cover a range of topics either specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context in South Australia, across other jurisdictions or nationally. If using resources that are either national or from other jurisdictions, please check with Indigenous Health Project Officers regarding local relevance of these resources.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and migrant groups from developing countries, have a higher prevalence of ARF and RHD compared to the general Australian population. ARF and RHD are notifiable under the South Australian Public Health Act 2011. For more information about the State-wide RHD Control Program, please see the SA Health website New Australian Guidelines were released in February 2020 and are available from the RHDAustralia website along with a diagnosis calculator app and accredited E-learning modules.
There are a range of resources that are available for Cancer, however, a few have been provided to assist with specific care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people- Cancer Australia Report
Quick Reference Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Cancer
There are a range of resources available to support the provision of Diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
There is a current project to deliver South Australian Aboriginal specific film resources currently underway and will be included on completion.
Ear Health is a public health issue within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population within Country South Australia. HealthPathways South Australia provides a range of relevant resources regarding Otitis Media for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
A national priority
Flexible funding enables Country SA PHN to commission services in response to the identified national priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
The range of services being commissioned by the Country SA PHN include:
Holistic management
Funding has been provided to some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to deliver a more holistic Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program within their communities.
The funding provides increased access to Allied Health Professionals and Specialist Services, additional staff to existing CDM teams to assist in the coordination of health services in chronic conditions and training and development of staff in these areas, as well as Ngangkari Services.
Service Providers include:
Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding is available to Aboriginal primary health care providers inclusive of Integrated Team Care Providers. Activities aim to:
Services who receive Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding change as according to the organisations communicated needs.
For more information go to our Digital Health and Practice Support pages
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health
The activity aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and the complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, physical, social and emotional health. This is targeted at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to provide Ngangkari Services as part of a holistic health framework. It is to support the clinical activities undertaken and can serve to improve participation and engagement in lifestyle programs and education that needs to be undertaken.
Service providers who have access to these services via other funding areas include:
Supporting the Aboriginal community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services provide access to effective high-quality health care services in regional, rural and remote locations. This includes through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), wherever possible and appropriate, as well as through mainstream services delivering culturally appropriate primary health care.
This program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access to mental health services that are joined up, integrated, culturally appropriate and safe, and designed to holistically meet the mental health and healing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the local level.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and AOD programs are designed to better support substance abuse services to identify and treat coinciding mental illness and substance abuse disorders (including those involving methamphetamine or ‘ice’) by greater service integration.
The program ensures culturally appropriate use of triage systems and processes to identify clients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and where clients present with co-morbidities to integrated and coordinated care across these services.
Improving patient service navigation
The aim of the activity is to improve patient pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in systematic discharge, referral and follow-up between hospital and primary health care services.
The objective of the activity is to develop a sustainable platform which identifies and addresses barriers to Aboriginal patient navigation through primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
Country SA PHN
Need support? Contact our Team
There are a range of resources that are available for Cancer, however, a few have been provided to assist with specific care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Quick Reference Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Cancer
There are a range of resources available to support the provision of Diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Series of video resources, featuring members of rural and remote Aboriginal communities, to capture diabetes stories that highlight challenges and successes in managing diabetes and diabetes risks and complications.
Delivering better health care to the Aboriginal Community in SA
The current National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health guides all health activities in Australia. This is likely to significantly change post 2023 to be in line with the reforms in the National Partnership Agreement delivered in 2020. The Implementation Plan has also been provided to assist further in the implementation of these policies.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023
Supporting emotional and social wellbeing
There are multiple services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being funded by Country SA PHN. The areas of funding include:
Services co-designed with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector have a strong basis in the Social and Emotional Wellbeing perspective, where physical health, while a key concern, is not the only concern and multiple factors affect physical health.
Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.
The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward.
Visit the SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease website for more information.
Country SA PHN works closely with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in the connection between Aboriginal Health research and policy.
The Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Theme provide invaluable information to support the strategic direction of Aboriginal health policy in country South Australia.
Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.
The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward. Aboriginal Health has a national policy framework that is delivered through the National Partnership Agreements between the Australian Government and the States and Territories of Australia. This agreement has a supporting National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health and guides all health activities in Australia.
Ensure research outcomes are applied within an Aboriginal context encompassing self-management and self-determination within a holistic health framework.
For further information on Aboriginal Health, please contact the team.
A national priority
Flexible funding enables Country SA PHN to commission services in response to the identified national priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
The range of services being commissioned by the Country SA PHN include:
Holistic management
Funding has been provided to some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to deliver a more holistic Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program within their communities.
The funding provides increased access to Allied Health Professionals and Specialist Services, additional staff to existing CDM teams to assist in the coordination of health services in chronic conditions and training and development of staff in these areas, as well as Ngangkari Services.
Service Providers include:
Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding is available to Aboriginal primary health care providers inclusive of Integrated Team Care Providers. Activities aim to:
Services who receive Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding change as according to the organisations communicated needs.
For more information go to our Digital Health and Practice Support pages.
Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health
The activity aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and the complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, physical, social and emotional health. This is targeted at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to provide Ngangkari Services as part of a holistic health framework. It is to support the clinical activities undertaken and can serve to improve participation and engagement in lifestyle programs and education that needs to be undertaken.
Service providers who have access to these services via other funding areas include:
Supporting the Aboriginal community
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services provide access to effective high-quality health care services in regional, rural and remote locations. This includes through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), wherever possible and appropriate, as well as through mainstream services delivering culturally appropriate primary health care.
This program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access to mental health services that are joined up, integrated, culturally appropriate and safe, and designed to holistically meet the mental health and healing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the local level.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and AOD programs are designed to better support substance abuse services to identify and treat coinciding mental illness and substance abuse disorders (including those involving methamphetamine or ‘ice’) by greater service integration.
The program ensures culturally appropriate use of triage systems and processes to identify clients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and where clients present with co-morbidities to integrated and coordinated care across these services.
Improving patient service navigation
The aim of the activity is to improve patient pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in systematic discharge, referral and follow-up between hospital and primary health care services.
The objective of the activity is to develop a sustainable platform which identifies and addresses barriers to Aboriginal patient navigation through primary, secondary and tertiary health services.
Country SA PHN
Need support? Contact our Team
There is a list of MBS Items available for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Primary Health Care Providers who deliver services to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander people from the Department of Health. MBS Online also provides information on specific MBS items.
Online learning resources are also available:
Cultural Awareness Training is available through your local service providers delivering the ITC program. Please contact your local provider to access this assistance.
There are some things that can your Practice can do to start moving your Practice to one that is culturally responsive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient needs which have been completed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care will be updating the standards required of health care providers in 2018. In these standards, Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People will be undertaken and will affect accreditation processes in the future. For more information please go to Improving care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
Overview: Guide to better care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumers (Word 503KB)
As the first step in providing culturally safe care that is tailored to the needs of patients, you first must know whether your patients identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin. You cannot tailor care if you do not know. To do this, there are resources dedicated to assist this process. The question must be asked in the exact same manner every single time and there are different ways that it could be implemented. The strategies which are more suitable are largely dependent on your local area and your own practice context.
Indigenous Health Project Officers in your region, can assist you with Quality Improvement cycles in identification as well as providing you with local strategies that are the most appropriate.
Health Pathways South Australia is an online portal that provides general practitioners and other health professionals with easy access to comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, management, and localised referral resources for specific health conditions. HealthPathways is both a model of working; bringing together clinicians across the health care sectors to co-develop pathways, and a tangible product in the form of an online health information portal.
There are clinical care pathways that are different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across a range of health topics. Some of these are currently located in Health Pathways South Australia and are localised to the South Australian context. Different aspects to management and referral pathways are highlighted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is a specific Website that delivers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health information and resources across Australia to support practice in the delivery of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is extensive.
It contains many resources that cover a range of topics either specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context in South Australia, across other jurisdictions or nationally. If using resources that are either national or from other jurisdictions, please check with Indigenous Health Project Officers regarding local relevance of these resources.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and migrant groups from developing countries, have a higher prevalence of ARF and RHD compared to the general Australian population. ARF and RHD are notifiable under the South Australian Public Health Act 2011. For more information about the State-wide RHD Control Program, please see the SA Health website New Australian Guidelines were released in February 2020 and are available from the RHDAustralia website along with a diagnosis calculator app and accredited E-learning modules.
There are a range of resources that are available for Cancer, however, a few have been provided to assist with specific care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people- Cancer Australia Report
Quick Reference Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Cancer
There are a range of resources available to support the provision of Diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
There is a current project to deliver South Australian Aboriginal specific film resources currently underway and will be included on completion.
Ear Health is a public health issue within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population within Country South Australia. HealthPathways South Australia provides a range of relevant resources regarding Otitis Media for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Delivering better health care to the Aboriginal Community in SA
The current National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health guides all health activities in Australia. This is likely to significantly change post 2023 to be in line with the reforms in the National Partnership Agreement delivered in 2020. The Implementation Plan has also been provided to assist further in the implementation of these policies.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023
Supporting emotional and social wellbeing
There are multiple services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being funded by Country SA PHN. The areas of funding include:
Services co-designed with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector have a strong basis in the Social and Emotional Wellbeing perspective, where physical health, while a key concern, is not the only concern and multiple factors affect physical health.
Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.
The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward.
Visit the SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease website for more information.
Country SA PHN works closely with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in the connection between Aboriginal Health research and policy.
The Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Theme provide invaluable information to support the strategic direction of Aboriginal health policy in country South Australia.
Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.
The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward. Aboriginal Health has a national policy framework that is delivered through the National Partnership Agreements between the Australian Government and the States and Territories of Australia. This agreement has a supporting National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health and guides all health activities in Australia.
Ensure research outcomes are applied within an Aboriginal context encompassing self-management and self-determination within a holistic health framework.
For further information on Aboriginal Health, please contact the team.
Efficient, effective & coordinated health care
Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes.
Improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Measure ongoing improvement activities
The Clinical Audit Tool (CAT) suite of products, comprising CAT 4 and Cleansing CAT is a data extraction tool created by Pen Computer Systems Pty Ltd. When used effectively, CAT scrutinizes the practice’s aggregated patient information and presents it in an easy-to-understand graphical format.
The data analysis functions can be customised to suit practice needs, filtering by demographics, conditions and medications, allowing practices to target patients with particular needs or specific health risk profiles. CAT is compatible with the majority of clinical desktop software.
The Cleansing CAT module allows the easy identification of critical missing patient data by providing a set of predefined reports. These reports provide data that would otherwise require multiple filter selections and recalculation.
The reports available allow for identification of: missing demographic data missing clinical / accreditation data indicated Chronic Kidney Disease where no diagnosis is recorded indicated Diabetes where no diagnosis is recorded medication review for Diabetes with elevated HbA1c indicated Mental Health where no diagnosis is recorded indicated COPD where no diagnosis is recorded indicated Osteoporosis where no diagnosis is recorded Pen CS wishes to acknowledge the ideas and commitment to continually improving primary health care provided by Judy Evans, Manager e-health, RACGP in this project.
The PAT CAT function supports the collection of data from General Practices. This can then be aggregated by region. General Practice will receive a login, which enables them to view their data set against their aggregated regional group and all against all of the South Australian General Practice aggregated data.
The Topbar supports the individual consult with applications to identify missing data fields, prompt for MBS items and a Patient health summary overview. There is also a waiting room application which can prompt Reception staff to complete missing demographic information.
A way of measuring systematic improvement processes.
Measure ongoing improvement activities
Immediate potential benefits of using these tools in your practice may include:
Data extraction tools create a data extract that represents a snapshot of your clinical data at that point in time. Practice staff can use the data extract file at any time, without further reference to your clinical software, and it allows you to view and export (into Excel) registers or lists of identified patients.
Training
Country SA PHN staff will provide training that includes data interpretation and opportunities for improved patient outcomes. This training may be supplied via a number of mechanisms e.g. telephone support, computer-based training or on-site.
Time and resources
To get the best out of the extraction tools we suggest at least one general practitioner, nurse or practice manager, spends some time each week or month reviewing the extracted data. This could become part of your regular practice review process and the content could be presented at staff meetings to take advantage of the availability of such data.
Quarterly data share (optional)
A de-identified data extract to be sent to Country SA PHN on a quarterly basis. This is optional and will be subject to a separate Data Sharing Agreement should you agree to participate. Access to the tools is not conditional on your participation in data sharing.
CAT4 has an optional function to send de-identified encrypted data sets securely to CSAPHN, via practice-initiated FTP upload direct to Country SA PHN’s server, and can only be sent with practice consent each time this function is utilised. No data leaves the practice without the practice’s initiation, knowledge and consent. No identified patient data leaves the practice with any of the data quality tools provided by CSAPHN.
Improving health & social outcomes
The Drug and Alcohol Program provides Commonwealth funding for drug and alcohol related activities and aims to achieve improved health and social outcomes for individuals, families, and communities at risk of, or currently affected by, substance misuse in Australia.
Country SA PHN commissions a diverse range of Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) treatment services and activities across regional, rural and remote South Australia.
Providing support for those at risk of substance misuse
The Country SA PHN AOD portfolio is comprised of two funding streams
The NIAS was established in 2015 in response to increased rates of Ice use and drug related harm.
The initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of use in addition to providing early intervention and treatment options and further access to AOD services.
NGOTGP was established in 1997 as a result of the Australian Government’s commitment to improving options for those seeking treatment for their substance abuse.
The funding aims to strengthen the capacity of non-government drug and alcohol organisations to achieve improved service outcomes and to increase the prevalence of treatment opportunities.
Youth AOD Services
Services
Objective
Increase access to drug and alcohol treatment services and reduce drug related harm for individuals, families and communities targeting 13 to 18-year olds.
AOD Services
Services
Objective
Improve the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment services for individuals requiring support and treatment particularly for methamphetamine use
Aboriginal AOD services
Services
Objective
Assisting communities with an integrated package of individual client counselling, treatment and referral, staff upskilling group sessions and education, and community events.
Increase access to Alcohol and Other Drugs treatment services and reduce drug related harm for Indigenous Australians and their communities in the Outback
AOD Services
Services
Objective
Increase access to drug and alcohol treatment services and reduce drug related harm
AOD Services
Services
Objective
Improve the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment services for individuals requiring support and treatment particularly for methamphetamine use
AOD Services
Services
Objective
Increase access to drug and alcohol treatment services and reduce drug related harm for Indigenous Australians, and their communities
Aboriginal AOD services
Services
Objective
To deliver Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs prevention and treatment services to Indigenous people
Youth AOD services
Services
Objective
To deliver Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drugs prevention and treatment services to Indigenous people
Youth AOD Services
Services
Objective
Improve the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment services for individuals requiring support and treatment, by increasing coordination between various sectors and improving sector efficiency.
Youth AOD Services
Services
Objective
Increase access to drug and alcohol rehabilitation and treatment services in the Eyre – Flinders region and York – Northern Region. Improve the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment services for individuals requiring support and treatment particularly for methamphetamine use, by increasing coordination between various sectors and improving sector efficiency.
Aboriginal AOD Services
Services
Objective
Delivery of the Makin' Tracks Drug and Alcohol program across Rural and Remote South Australia.
Aboriginal AOD Services
Services
Objective
Increase early intervention/prevention to at risk clients through access to drug and alcohol counselling within the Riverland region.
For information about all alcohol and other drug treatment and support services in South Australia visit the websites below.
This website provides individuals, families and health professionals with a directory of services and information about treatment options and selecting a service.
South Australian Network of Drug and Alcohol Services (SANDAS)- providing independent, state-wide representation, advocacy and support for non-government organisations working in the alcohol and other drug sector
Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) provides statewide alcohol and other drug treatment services.
Australian Drug Foundation (ADF) an independent, not for profit organisation working to prevent alcohol and drug problems in communities
Find out the most up to date info on coronavirus
For up-to-date information on the number of cases and geographical locations visit the World Health Organisation and the John Hopkins University online tracking dashboard page.
Country SA PHN will continue to work with the Commonwealth Department of Health and SA Health to relay relevant information to primary health care providers and provide support as required.
Delivering high quality care and safety to patients
Country SA PHN will continue to work with the Commonwealth Department of Health and SA Health to relay relevant information to primary health care providers and provide support as required.
COVID-19 Vaccination update - Announcement from the Prime Minister, roll out of COVID-19 vaccine to commence February 2021. The COVID-19 National vaccination strategy can be found here
New COVID-19 public exposure locations have been identified in Victoria and New South Wales. Please continue to monitor the SA Health website for the latest information and advice at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidcontacttracing.
Commonwealth funded respiratory clinics, supported by
Country SA PHN, have been established at six sites across country SA.
The Australian Government has established GP Led Respiratory Clinics around the country to support the assessment, testing and diagnosis of community members experiencing mild to moderate respiratory symptoms. Commonwealth funded respiratory clinics, supported by CSAPHN, are being established at six sites across country SA.
Find out below if there is a GP respiratory clinic in your region and how to book an appointment.
Respiratory Clinic
COVID-19 vaccines rollout to
priority groups
The Australian Government is expecting approval of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines by the end of this month, with a rollout to priority groups beginning mid-February. In addition to being able to administer the vaccine when available, healthcare professionals will also be able to receive the vaccine in the following rollout phases:
Phase 1a
Phase 1b
On Monday, 25 January the Government announced provisional approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia for people 16 years of age and over. Two doses will be required, administered at least 21 days apart.
The Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be used initially during the Phase 1a rollout. These vaccine doses will be distributed through 30 to 50 key hospital hubs across urban and rural Australia to priority group 1a.
On Tuesday, 16 February the Government announced provisional approval of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia for people 18 years and older. Two doses will be required, administered from 4 to 12 weeks apart.
Both vaccines will progressively be distributed through an expanded number of sites, including general practice clinics, existing Commonwealth GP respiratory clinics, state-run vaccination clinics and pharmacies.
Distribution to residential aged care and disability care facilities will be done through a Commonwealth vaccination workforce in-reach program.
COVID-19 vaccines will be free for everyone living in Australia and the Government has made it clear that COVID-19 vaccination will be voluntary – but it is strongly encouraged. More information about training for health professionals will be available in the coming weeks that will cover vaccine specific information, multi-dose vials, infection control, wastage, and adverse event reporting.
More information about the approved COVID-19 vaccine approach is outlined in:
The Department of Health developed a new vaccine website this website is regularly being updated with more information as it becomes available. Information will also be available in 63 languages.
Subscribe to the COVID-19 vaccines updates to ensure you receive the latest updates available on the website.
The Australian Government has appointed Aspen Medical, Healthcare Australia, International SOS, and Sonic Clinical Services to supplement the existing immunisation workforce for Phase 1a rollout as required. This surge workforce will help provide immunisations.
The Australian College of Nursing has been appointed to lead the development of the mandatory training materials for COVID-19 immunisation providers. Healthcare professionals will not be able to administer any COVID-19 vaccines without having first completed the training modules.
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination. But at this time AHPPC does not recommend mandating COVID-19 vaccination for the aged care workforce at this stage. For more information on the AHPPC decision visit the Department of Health website.
Supporting your practice
With the emergence of COVID-19 across many countries, there is a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators.
As a first step in releasing PPE from the National Medical Stockpile, the Australian Government has provided a limited supply of surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators for general practices (including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services) and community pharmacies with a demonstrated need.
Surgical masks supplied in tranche are intended to be provided to general practices and, when no local commercial supply is available, allied health and community pharmacies:
There is no need for the general public or health workers to wear masks unless they are dealing with symptomatic patients. Further guidance on the use of surgical masks can be found at: Department of Health information on the use of surgical masks
With the emergence of COVID-19 across many countries, there is a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), including surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators. As a first step in releasing PPE from the National Medical Stockpile, the Australian Government has provided a limited supply of surgical masks and P2/N95 respirators for general practices (including Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services) and community pharmacies with a demonstrated need.
See the Department of Health Guideline for Distribution of PPE through PHNs for full details.
Any queries regarding masks are to be directed to:
Country SA PHN general practices, pharmacies and allied health practices can request masks by completing the Surgical Mask Request Form.
As there is a limited supply, a default allocation of 50 masks will be sent per request. If a larger allocation is required, please provide additional information to support the request in the comments section of the form.
Complete the form here
Australian Government - Department of Health
SA Health
SA Pathology
SA Pathology
Doctors Health SA
RACGP
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia
HealthPathways SA
HealthDirect
Surgical masks supplied in tranche are intended to be provided to general practices and, when no local commercial supply is available, allied health and community pharmacies:
There is no need for the general public or health workers to wear masks unless they are dealing with symptomatic patients. Further guidance on the use of surgical masks can be found at: Department of Health information on the use of surgical masks
PHNs have been given the role of distributing surgical masks
Community pharmacies are eligible to access the supply for the use of their staff when there is no available commercial supply and they have significant contact with people presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms. Masks distributed through PHNs cannot be sold as commercial stock.
Anecdotal reports have suggested that NMS stock is being sold. If CSAPHN is aware that anyone is selling NMS stocks, provision of masks to this pharmacy will be ceased and cost recovery sought.
Allied health professionals are now eligible for limited access to the supply of surgical masks for the use of their staff when there is no available commercial supply and they are working in higher-risk clinical areas, and with higher risk vulnerable patients.
Given the diverse nature of the allied health sector, when determining whether allocation of masks is appropriate, PHNs have been asked to consider:
There remains an assumption that allied health professions will, where possible, not see patients with respiratory symptoms or at a higher risk of COVID-19 unless required to as part of their core business (for example: an optometrist can defer seeing a patient with respiratory symptoms until that person is well).
Detmold have been in contact with Country SA PHN today and confirmed they can support the health care industry seeking to purchase locally manufactured surgical masks with discount codes to reduce the cost per unit.
Visit the Detmold website and use the discount codes to purchase your mask.
Safe specimen collection in general practice
As part of the continued response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department of Health supplied PHNs with a very small allocation of P2/N95 respirators.
For routine primary care procedures, including specimen collection, surgical masks are considered to be effective when specimen collection is undertaken they should be worn with other PPE as appropriate (gown, gloves and eye protection). P2/N95 respirators are only required for aerosol generating procedures or where there is uncontrolled coughing.
See the relevant factsheet. If GPs are unable to undertake appropriate contact and droplet precautions for clinical assessment and specimen collection from patients with suspected COVID-19 through lack of appropriate PPE, they should refer cases to appropriate collection centres or Emergency Departments. See SA Health: Information for health professionals for more information.
Distribution of P2/N95 respirators is limited to general practices, including ACCHOs, who need to assess suspected COVID-19 cases because of the unavailability of nearby dedicated respiratory clinics or Emergency Departments.
Such practices need to have isolation facilities and other appropriate infrastructure, staff competent in use of PPE, and a pandemic plan. P2/N95 respirators should only be used with other PPE (gowns, gloves and eye protection).
Need support? Contact our Support Team
Support for Nurses
Enhance contact tracing and keep our community COVID safe
The South Australian Government is introducing COVID SAfe Check-In, to enhance contact tracing and keep our community COVID safe. If someone in South Australia tests positive to COVID-19, the COVID SAfe Check-In enables SA Health to quickly contact others who may have been exposed to the virus and stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID SAfe Check-In is a new feature that has been added to the free mySA GOV app. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store.
If you already have the mySA GOV app, make sure you have the latest version, which may require you to download the app update.
Businesses with a COVID Safe Plan will receive a new COVID Safe Plan via email that includes a poster with a unique QR code. This should be printed and displayed in a prominent location within the business.
Improve the quality of healthcare delivered to practice patients
The new COVIDSafe app is completely voluntary. Downloading the app is something you can do to protect you, your family and friends and save the lives of other Australians. The more Australians connect to the COVIDSafe app, the quicker we can find the virus. Download from Apple Store or Google Play.
Supporting practices with the implementation of telehealth
CSAPHN are providing access to two telehealth platforms:
CSAPHN can provide support with registration, implementation and training.
Need support? Contact our Support Team
World-first 'living guidelines' for Australian healthcare professionals caring for people with COVID-19 have been launched by the National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce.
To report a suspected breach of quarantine or isolation orders, community are directed to contact:
A COVID-19 Gateway, linking to relevant information on State and Federal government websites, has been established: https://www.sa.gov.au/covid-19
Please see our helpful resources below. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to support@countrysaphn.com.au.
Provides information and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19) from an Australia wide perspective.
Offers local information and advice on general COVID-19 information for South Australians. Operates from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm every day.
Provides information on immunisations from medical officers.
Provides assistance with such things as personal hardship support, accommodation support for people unable to achieve self-quarantining and accommodation for emergency services.
Find information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during this time.
This service will be available from 5:00pm to 11:30pm, 7 days per week.
Virtual Support Network is a network of specialist services based locally in South Australia.
Check eligibility and apply for a Household Relief Loan Without Interest
Available Monday to Friday, except public holidays, from 8.30am to 6.00pm (AEST).
Coronavirus (COVID-19) mental health to support the community during this period. Life in Mind at Everymind has worked with the suicide prevention and mental health sectors.
12 month trial of a 24/7 support line has been established to provide assistance to GPs, palliative care teams, and medical and nursing staff.
Provides specialised advice regarding the care of a person with disability diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Offers a free and anonymous telephone service that provides senior Australians with the opportunity to chat with a volunteer. The services is available 24/7 between 10.00am and 8.00pm.
For mental health support by phone and video in relation to COVID-19, contact the SA COVID-19 Mental Health Support Line by calling 1800 632 753, available 8.00am to 8.00pm, 7 days a week.
Primary Health Network for Country South Australia.
Country SA PHN is the primary health network covering the country regions of South Australia.
Established by the Federal Government, PHNs are now operating Australia-wide. The key objectives of the PHNs are to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and to improve the coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.
A core set of priorities has been set at a national level by the Government, priorities include:
These indicators reflect government priorities:
Bridge the gap of health inequity
Our mission is to bridge the gap of health inequity and access in rural South Australia by building a collaborative and responsive country SA health care system. We are committed to improving the patient ‘experience’ of the health system. We will;
Country SA PHN covers all of South Australia, apart from the Adelaide metropolitan area. This means Country SA PHN covers 99.8% of the State geographically and approximately 30% of SA’s total population. The Country SA PHN boundaries align with the six rural Local Health Networks (LHNs).
Documents about us
Find our popular publications below.
Closing the gap in health inequity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Country SA PHN is required to develop work plans for each financial year and submit these for approval to the Department of Health.
Our strategic plan is focused on providing better value, better care, better health care outcomes.