Primary Care and Digital Health Support - April 2026

The IAR-DST has been developed to provide a nationally consistent and standardised approach to conduct initial mental health assessments. It supports GPs and other health professionals in determining and recommending the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking mental health support. The IAR-DST is not an assessment tool; it is a decision aid.

The IAR and IAR-DST are initiatives of the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, informed by Australian and international evidence, as well as advice from leading clinical experts.

There are two training options available to complete the program:

1. Online Live workshop – RACGP and ACCRM approved event. Please refer to National Training Workshop Schedule flyer to register for these sessions.
2. eLearning module – This flexible online format allows health professionals and intake interviewers or care navigators, including non-clinical staff, to complete the training at a time and location that best fits their schedules and operational requirements. For more information refer to the IAR for Health Professionals e-learning module video.

Provider Connect Australia (PCA™) lets healthcare organisations update their business and service information once, then automatically share it with hospitals, funders, directories, and other key partners.

Less duplication. Less admin. More accuracy.

PCA helps your practice:

• Keep information consistent and up to date
• Reduce paperwork and manual updates
• Stay connected across the healthcare system

By streamlining information sharing, PCA supports a more efficient and accessible healthcare network for both providers and consumers.

For more information, please go to Digital Health Agency website or contact the Primary Care and Digital Support team at [email protected].

My Health Record is a secure, national digital system that lets healthcare providers access key patient information - such as medications, pathology results, imaging, and hospital summaries - to support safer, more coordinated care. If your practice isn’t using My Health Record yet, or you need help getting set up, we’re here to make the process simple.

Please contact us at [email protected], or for further information and training please visit the Digital Health Agency website.

Full training will be provided to practice staff to identify the following patient cohort:

• Bowel Screening 50+
• Bowel Screening 45-49 incorporating the 45-49 Health Assessment
• Bowel Screening 715
• Cervical Screening
• Staff explainers and resources for the waiting room will also be provided. 

This activity is fully funded by Country SA PHN including the SMS messages.

Please see the expression of interest form

Country SA PHN are still offering free CDM plus corporate membership for general practices and ACCHOs. If you’re interested in accessing downloadable resources like billing sheets, templates or quality improvement planners you can access them through this portal.

If you haven’t yet registered for portal access, please email us at [email protected].  

You may still be accessing HealthPathways SA using a shared login. Please note that generic access methods have been discontinued as of 2 March 2026, and you will no longer be able to access HealthPathways SA unless you create your own personalised account.  

For more information, refer to the following links:

• HealthPathways SA
• Registering for and accessing HealthPathways for the first time

Country SA PHN Primary Care Support Officer Jane Cooper attended the opening of the Port Lincoln Country and Outback Health centre on Thursday, 5^th March. The building was open to the public for a free BBQ lunch, followed by the official opening for stakeholders in the afternoon.

The event was attended by Sam Telfer MP for Flinders, the Mayor of the City of Port Lincoln, Diana Mislov, as well as many stakeholders. 

We’re pleased to extend a warm welcome to all new Practice Managers and Nurse Managers who have recently joined general practices across our network, including: Melinda Blatchford, Practice Manager, Adelaide Road Clinic and Williamstown Medical and Celine Martins, Practice Manager, Hills Medical Service.

As part of the Country SA PHN practice support team, you are an important part of a connected and collaborative community.

We look forward to meeting you at our upcoming Practice Network Managers and Nurses Network Meeting, where you’ll have the opportunity to connect, share insights, and stay informed about key updates and initiatives.

For those who have recently commenced in their position, we’re here to help you get started. We’re happy to arrange a practice visit or a remote support session tailored to your needs.

We look forward to working with you and supporting your continued success.

If you have any questions or would like support in your new role, please contact us at [email protected].