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September 2024 Volume 10 Issue 5

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 Chair of the Board

Dr Simon Lockwood

October is Mental Health Month with Thursday 10 being World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme for Mental Health Month is: It’s time to talk about mental health.

As a general practitioner and the Chair of Country SA PHN, Mental Health Month brings into sharp focus what this means for our communities. How do we encourage discussions about mental health or start the conversation when you may be worried about someone you care about?
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Country SA PHN Activity



Primary Care and Digital Health Support

GoShare Plus

From September 2024, there are changes to the shingles vaccination eligibility under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
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Regional practice visits

The monthly remote Practice Manager and Practice Nurse meetings continue to see strong participation, bolstered by face-to-face visits.
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Forecasting General Practice In Aged Care Incentive Payments

New resources have been published on the Services Australia page to support providers and practices.
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GP ACI news - new error causing issues in PRODA

Many General Practices have been experiencing a new error message when attempting to link the provider to a GPACI patient in HPOS.
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Changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule items for chronic disease management

Changes have been deferred by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) from 1 November 2024 until 1 July 2025.
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Patient information about MyMedicare

Resources are available to help inform patients and their caregivers about MyMedicare, explaining its benefits and what it means for them.
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Aged Care

Whyalla Seniors’ Forum hosted by Minister Nat Cook

Country & Outback Health care finder program were invited to speak at the Whyalla Seniors’ Forum on 7 August.
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Aged Care Team visit Murray Bridge

On 12 September, Sara and Sal from our Ageing and Palliative Care Team had a busy and rewarding visit to Murray Bridge.
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MindFit at Work for primary health staff

Country SA PHN have commissioned MindFit at Work to roll out a suite of free 1 hour mental health sessions designed for all staff who work in residential aged care, general practice and primary health care.  
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COVID-19 Vaccinations in RACH

The Ageing and Palliative Care team can provide assistance in organising COVID-19 vaccinations for your residents.
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General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) for RACH

GPACI aims to help older people living in residential aged care to receive quality primary care services from their regular general practice.
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CDM Plus – online training via portal for RACH and general practice

The online portal provides access to webinars, online modules, resources, and workbooks.
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Mental Health

headspace day is the annual day to celebrate all things headspace!

headspace Day will be held on Wednesday 9 October 2024 and is a National Day of Support for the mental health and wellbeing of all young Australians.
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Mental Health Month October 2024

October is Mental Health Month, a national annual event that aims to improve community awareness and interest in mental health and wellbeing.
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HealthPathways SA

CPD for GPs using HealthPathways SA

GPs – did you know that using HealthPathways can count towards CPD hours?
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Regional Primary Health Activity


Palliative Care in Aged Care and Disability Care Network
Connect with others, learn updates from the sector and providers, share ideas and learnings, and identify collaborative opportunities. If you work in Aged Care or Disability Care (Residential or Community) and have a passion for palliative care, join our network for quarterly meetings via Teams. Email [email protected] to join.

Sunrise EMR & PAS Update - Secure messaging for letters from Sunrise Outpatient Clinic Notes
From Thursday 26 September 2024, letters generated from Outpatient Clinic Notes from public hospitals using Sunrise EMR can be sent to any nominated healthcare providers - general practitioners (GPs) and other healthcare providers - via Secure Messaging Delivery (SMD). Read more

Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant program
Cancer Australia has launched a new initiative aimed at accelerating the delivery of culturally safe cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. This national grant program will allocate up to $16.9 million over three years to support up to 20 partnerships between cancer services and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations. Applications are open until 23 October 2024.
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Neuroendocrine Cancer resources
NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia (NECA) provides support to Healthcare Professionals through access to free accredited neuroendocrine cancer education modules, In-Service Training sessions, booklets and assistance with the Optimal Care Pathway navigation.
More information

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity for us all to focus on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community. This month, BreastScreen SA’s mobile screening units are visiting four locations in country South Australia. Read more

Research project: Cancer Survivorship Care in General practice – a national survey
You are invited to participate in an anonymous survey to assess GP and GP trainee comfort with providing cancer survivorship care in adult cancer survivors. The survey should take no more than 12-15 minutes to complete. All participants are offered the chance to win one of three $100 gift vouchers of their choice. More information

MyHeart MyLife patient support program is now live
The Heart Foundation’s new MyHeart MyLife 12-week patient support program is now live and available for all adults living with coronary heart disease in Australia. The free, evidence-based digital program aims to improve the physical and emotional health and wellbeing of people living with coronary heart disease and to complement the clinical care that you provide to your patients. Read more

GP Survey: Herpes Simplex Virus serology in General Practice
Western Sydney Sexual Health Centre (WSSHC) is seeking to better understand GP knowledge, attitudes and practices with regard to ordering HSV serology with a 3-minute anonymous questionnaire. Although not remunerated, participants are able to claim RACGP/ACCRM CPD points for participation in research activities. More information

Shingles vaccination changes from September 2024
From September 2024 there are changes to the shingles vaccination eligibility under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). More information

Country SA PHN Funded
Educational Events


Face to Face

Last Aid - Berri
Tuesday 8 October 2024, 3.00pm - 7.00pm  
More information

SafeTALK Connector Suicide Prevention Training - Barossa
Monday 21 October 2024, 10.00am - 2.00pm 
More information

Skin Cancer Skills Training - Port Pirie
Wednesday 9 October 2024, 6.30pm - 9.30pm 
More information

Burns management in rural regions - Kangaroo Island
Wednesday 27 November 2024, 6.30pm - 8.30pm 
More information

Webinars / e-Learning

How to nurture compassion – PalliLEARN short course
Tuesday 15 October 2024, 12.00pm - 1.00pm
More information

CVD risks and lipid management webinar
Wednesday 23 October 2024, 7.00pm - 9.00pm 
More information

ECHO Chronic Kidney Disease
Monthly on Tuesdays, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
More information

Palliative Medication Proficiency: Mastering Syringe Drivers and Opioid Administration in Home Settings
Two hour online course for GPs, Nurses and Aged Care Workers.
More information

Self-care – PalliLEARN short course
Tuesday 15 October 2024, 10.00am - 11.00am 
More information

CKD ECHO: Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to slow CKD progression
Tuesday 12 November 2024, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
More information

CKD ECHO: Specialist referral, including specialist vs GP prescribing
Tuesday 10 December 2024, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
More information

Industry Education and Events


Health Awareness Dates

headspace Day
Wednesday 9 October 2024
More information

National Carers Week
13 - 19 October 2024 
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
An important time for NBCF to highlight why research in this area is so crucial.
More information

National Ride2Work Day
Wednesday 16 October 2024 
Register

Mental Health Month
Mental Health Month is our opportunity to encourage conversations about mental health. 
More information

Face to Face

Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling, Sleeping better two day program - Renmark
15 - 16 October 2024, 9.00am - 5.00pm 
More information

EMET Respiratory Emergencies - Streaky Bay
Friday 18 October 2024, 9.00am - 1.15pm 
More information

Intellectual Disability Awareness Workshop
Tuesday 22 October 2024, 6.00pm - 8.30pm 
More information

EMET Cardiac Emergencies - Roxby Downs
Evening Session
Thursday 24 October 2024, 6.30pm - 9.00pm 
More information

Mental Health Management - Berri
Tuesday 29 October 2024, 6.30pm - 9.00pm 
More information

Advance Care Planning Australia National Symposium
Friday 8 November 2024, 8.30am - 5.30pm 
More information

GP MBS Education Workshop 2 Day Event
Saturday 30 November - Sunday 1 December 2024
More information

EMET Respiratory Emergencies - Ceduna
Thursday 17 October 2024, 10.30am - 6.00pm 
More information

Introduction to Cost Effectiveness Analysis in Health
Tuesday 22 October 2024, 9.00am - 5.00pm 
More information

Practical Methods for Health Economic Evaluation Short Course
Wednesday 23 - Friday 25 October 2024 
More information

EMET Cardiac Emergencies - Roxby Downs
Friday 25 October 2024, 8.00am - 3.30pm 
More information

EMET Geriatric Emergencies - Victor Harbor
Wednesday 30 October 2024, 6.00pm - 10.00pm
More information

Occupational Therapy Australia’s OT Mental Health Forum 2024 - Melbourne
Thursday 28 - Friday 29 November 2024 
More information

Centre for Palliative Care Research and Education presents Walawaani Conference
Monday 2 - Tuesday 3 December 2024 
More information

Webinars / e-Learning

Falling childhood vaccination rates: current context and future strategies
Thursday 10 October 2024, 11.30am
More information

Focussed Psychological Strategies – Level 2 Mental Health Training for GPs
Zoom workshop sessions scheduled each Wednesday from 6 - 27 November 2024.
More information

Dementia Education for General Practitioners Podcast
Listen as GPs talk about dementia, its types, diagnosis, management, impacts and more. 
More information

Tackling the tough stuff - How to have the difficult conversations
Thursday 14 November 2024, 10.00am - 2.00pm 
More information

Clinical audit: Management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
The free course allows GPs to earn 6 CPD points and takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete.
More information

Published on: September 27, 2024

Last updated on: October 8, 2024

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