Healthy North Coast Practitioner Newsletter by Healthy North Coast

November 2015| Edition 17

Healthy North Coast

practitioner newsletter

GP Focus

AMS Focus

AgedCare Focus

Pharmacy Focus

Allied Health Focus

Newsletter Satisfaction Survey North Coast Primary Health Network is reviewing our monthly practitioner newsletter. Your responses to a quick survey will help to inform our new communications strategy. Please visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/L735882 and tell us what you would like to see in future newsletters.

inside 3. GP Focus 9. AMS Focus 10. Aged Care Focus 11. Pharmacy Focus 12. Allied Health Focus 13. News 15. Events 16. Classifieds

Would you like a hard copy of this newsletter? If so, please email your name and postal address to healthynorthcoast@gmail.com and write â&#x20AC;&#x153;Copy of Healthy North Coast Practitioner Newsletterâ&#x20AC;? in the subject line. 2

GPFocus PAL UPDATE eHealth update

MBS update

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The 1 November 2015 Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) files are now available to download as a complete MBS updated document or by category. Information is also provided via MBS online regarding new, deleted and amended item numbers. Visit http://ow.ly/TVqmL for details.

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By mid-October 2015, 2,436,982 individuals and 5182 general practices were registered in the PCEHR system. 58,695 shared health summaries, 223,060 discharge summaries and 2,570,077 prescribe and dispense documents had been uploaded.

New national eHealth taskforce Last month, Minister for Health Sussan Ley announced the committee that will oversee the rebooted personalised My Health Record system. The Implementation Taskforce Steering Committee will design, implement and oversee the transition of functions and resources from the Department of Health and the National e-Health Transition Authority to the Australian Commission for eHealth. The Australian Commission for eHealth will aim to simplify and streamline the current governance arrangements and ensure better accountability, greater transparency and improve stakeholder engagement. It will also oversee the operation and evolution of national electronic health systems and will be the system operator of the My Health Record System. Members of the Implementation Taskforce Steering Committee are: • • • • • • • • •

Independent Chair Ms Robyn Kruk Clinicians Dr Steve Hambleton and Dr Ewen McPhee Health Informatician Dr Chris Pearce Private Health Sector representative Mr Richard Royle Governance and organisational design Dr Eileen Doyle Consumer matters representative Ms Jan Donovan Information Technology and Innovation Mr Peter Cooper Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council members Mr Michael Walsh and Mr Stephen Moo Commonwealth representative Mr Paul Madden

A summary of changes is available at http://ow.ly/TVqxq. This includes information about deleted item 10986 - Healthy Kids Check. From 1 November 2015, Healthy Kids Check provided by GPs, or on a GP’s behalf by a practice nurse or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner under MBS item 10986, will no longer be available and item 10986 will be removed from the MBS. A GP may continue to provide a health assessment service for a patient, including a child, using existing MBS time-tiered general attendance items. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will continue to have access to health assessment services under item 715, which can be provided every nine months and is more comprehensive than the Healthy Kids Check. Children will still be able to receive health assessments in state and territory-funded Infant Health clinics. The Healthy Kids Check duplicates services provided by state and territory governments.

RACGP red book’s life cycle charts The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ (RACGP) Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (8th edition), also known as the red book, includes an adult and child health life cycle chart. RACGP member feedback on these charts highlights that they are an underutilised yet excellent summary resource that many GPs overlook. To gain familiarity with the adult and child lifecycle charts, RACGP members can access these free of charge online. Find the full guidelines at http://ow.ly/TVrGn.

GPFocus PAL UPDATE Helping U 2 Quit

Pregnancy and Diabetes – planning for the best start

Helping U 2 Quit is a free, evidence-based program providing quit smoking support groups run by qualified facilitators over 3-6 weeks. The program is a community health initiative being delivered by CHEGS Inc, in partnership with Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion. The program will help people who smoke to develop their own skills and knowledge about smoking, how to quit, and how to stay a non-smoker in a supportive environment. This is important because:

The NDSS has recently launched new resources on planning and managing pregnancy for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

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tobacco smoking still causes more disease than any other risky behaviour, with it damaging almost every organ of the body at least 50% of all smokers die prematurely if people can quit smoking by the time they are 30 years of age, they can avoid 97% of the risks associated with their smoking; and if they quit by 40, then they avoid 90% of the risk attending a support group is proven to increase the chances of people successfully quitting smoking

Health professionals can refer their clients by completing and returning a referral form (located at http://ow.ly/TVqR4). Interest in participating in a support group can be registered directly by phoning Gavin Dart on (02) 6620 2553. Referring health professionals and/or participants’ GPs will receive information about the program and participants’ progress. HealthPathway available, Smoking Cessation: http://ow.ly/U6YdP Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d

New medication list supports GPs managing terminal symptoms in people wishing to die at home GPs wishing to achieve optimum symptom control for terminally ill patients who choose to die at home now have access to a consensus-based medication list to assist their decision making. The list of medications was developed by a panel of experts, including GPs, pharmacists, nurse practitioners and palliative medicine specialists, under the direction of The Australian & New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM). The new evidence-based medication list is appropriate for dying patients who are unable to swallow, and targets symptoms including pain, dyspnoea, nausea and vomiting, agitation and delirium, and respiratory secretions. Selection criteria for the medications to be considered in the list included cost, simplicity of use, ease of storage, safety and efficacy. 4

Visit http://ow.ly/TyyEb to access the new medication list.

The NDSS Diabetes in Pregnancy National Development Programme has developed resources to help provide information for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who are planning a pregnancy now or in the future, including: • •

www.pregnancyanddiabetes.com.au, a website dedicated to pregnancy and diabetes information Having a healthy baby booklets, which contain comprehensive information on planning and managing pregnancy. Separate booklets are available for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes

The booklets can downloaded from ndss.com.au and pregnancyanddiabetes.com.au. Hard copies can be ordered by calling the NDSS Infoline on 1300 136 588. HealthPathway available, Pregnancy and Diabetes: http://ow.ly/U6YOL Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d

RACGP survey The RACGP invites GPs, practice managers and practice nurses to participate in a survey aimed at developing a snapshot of the current trends of technology adoption in Australian general practice. By having your say, you’ll be contributing your experience and assisting the RACGP in understanding what systems are being used, future investment needed, and key technology challenges faced by general practice teams. The survey can be accessed at http://ow.ly/TVskj until November 30.

ABORIGINAL HEALTH

GPFocus PAL UPDATE NSW Pap Test Register

Helping someone with gambling problems

Evidence suggests that women are more likely to have a Pap test if their doctor reminds them it is due, so GPs, as well as practice reminder letters, have a major role to play in preventing cervical cancers.

In order to improve the quality of mental health first aid techniques being taught to the public, Mental Health First Aid Australia and researchers in the Mental Health Literacy Research Team have developed guidelines on what constitutes best practice first aid, as informed by expert consensus.

In order to assist practices to more efficiently remind patients who are overdue for their 2-yearly Pap test, the NSW Pap Test Register (PTR) piloted a program of Health Level Seven (HL7) electronic reminder messages between the NSW PTR and 46 GP practices across the state. The receipt of an electronic reminder message from the NSW PTR enabled over 70% of practices to implement a sustainable cervical screening recall and reminder system. This led to a 60% increase in women being screened following receipt of a 27-month reminder letter from both the NSW PTR and their GP, compared with women who only received the NSW PTR reminder. To build on this work, the NSW PTR is extending this pilot to support any GP practice in NSW currently operating the Healthlink secure messaging application, and either Best Practice or Medical Director practice management software. All eligible GP practices registered with the NSW PTR will be contacted about this service. Practices are also able to register directly by contacting: PTRReminder@cancerinstitute.org.au.

Diploma in Child Health The Diploma in Child Health (DCH) is a one-year part-time program from the Sydney Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospitals Network and the University of Sydney that provides access to an international standard of best practice in treating children and young people. It provides 111 annually updated webcasts, monthly instructional newsletters (refining clinical reasoning), additional web-based resources and an assessment. It is available on any device and alumni have free lifetime access. Visit www.magga.org.au for additional information and online enrolments.

Helping Someone with Gambling Problems: Mental Health First Aid Guidelines are about how a family member, friend or coworker can support a person who is experiencing gambling problems. The guidelines are based on the expert consensus of international panels of gambling help professionals and researchers, and people with a live experience of gambling. Visit http://ow.ly/TPmsn to view the guidelines.

ABORIGINAL HEALTH Re-registration for Closing the Gap Reminder: the time for re-registering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients under the Closing the Gap program is November to February. For more information, please refer to page 9. HealthPathway available, Closing the Gap: http://ow.ly/U6Z2c Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d

GPFocus IMMUNE RESPONSE Australian Immunisation Register The Federal Government has passed legislation to establish an Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The new register, which will be progressively introduced, will capture all vaccines that Australians receive from birth to death. Here is what you need to know about the new register: • • • • • • • •

transition from current register (covering up to age seven) begins January 2016 Australian Childhood Immunisation Register will become the Australian Immunisation Register from the start of the 2017 school year, the register will cover all vaccines under 20, to cover HPV vaccination HPV Register will become Australian Schools Vaccination Register the second stage (commencing late 2016) will see expansion of the register to cover all vaccines, including Zostavax at age 70 the new register will allow healthcare professionals to access data on the immunisation status of patients at all ages vaccine register data will be checked by Centrelink to enforce the ‘No Jab No Pay’ benefits policy immunisation data will be transferable to PCEHR

MENTAL HEALTH Aberrant sexual behaviour in children Sexual abuse of children is not confined to adult perpetrators. Increasingly children and adolescents are engaging in aberrant sexual behaviours. It can often be difficult to determine whether the abnormal sexual behaviours of a child are symptomatic of sexual abuse or whether the child has developed a sexual disorder. Firstly, not all sexual behaviours demonstrated by children are aberrant. Developmentally appropriate behaviours such as touching the anogenital area and sexual play are normal, occurring in up to 73% of children by the time they are 13 years of age. Age-appropriate behaviours can be primarily managed through reassurance and education of the parent about appropriate behaviour redirection. GPs can provide guidance about common sexual behaviours in children, and by differentiating age-appropriate sexual behaviours from behaviours that may become a problem. Management should focus on appropriate parental response to behaviours, effective distraction from behaviours in social settings, and reviewing indications for further assessment. Sexual behaviour may be regarded as a sexual disorder if the behaviour develops to being disruptive, coercive, intrusive or emotionally or physically harmful. Developmentally inappropriate behaviour typically occurs at a greater frequency or at a much 6

earlier age than would be developmentally expected. The behaviour becomes a preoccupation for the child, and it recurs after adult intervention or corrective efforts. In contrast to developmentally normal sexual behaviours, problem behaviours typically involve other children and sexual contact. Examples of sexual behaviour problems in children include: • • • • • • •

behaviours that cause emotional distress, anxiety or physical pain repeated penetration of the anus or vagina with an object or digit behaviours that are persistent and the child becomes angry if distracted a variety of sexual behaviours displayed frequently or on a daily basis one child coercing another into participating explicit imitation of sexual intercourse, oral-genital contact sexual behaviours involving children several years apart in age

Some children with diagnosed behaviour disorders (e.g. conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) may also demonstrate developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviours. When considering whether sexual behaviour is developmentally abnormal, GPs may take into account other factors such as whether the child has a diagnosed conduct disorder, family dysfunction, exposure to sexual material and sexual activities of older siblings and parents plus whether there is uncontrolled access to the internet, chat rooms and adult television content. Sexual behaviour problems typically require further evaluation. Children displaying aberrant sexual behaviours can be referred to the Healthy Minds Child and Family service for assessment and counselling. To be eligible, the child’s parents or carers should hold a Health Care Card or be experiencing financial hardship. A diagnosis is not required and referrals should be supported by a Child Treatment Plan. Healthy Minds referral forms are available at http://ow.ly/TVALo. Healthy Minds provides six sessions with a mental health practitioner and a further four or six sessions may be provided on completion of a treatment review. For further information please call Healthy Minds on 1300 137 237 or visit http://ow.ly/TVALo.

GPFocus MENTAL HEALTH NewAccess: Supporting men’s health on the North Coast NewAccess wants to raise awareness among men about its support service for people with mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety. General practitioners are key to providing this level of support or intervention and NewAccess is another tool to get patients, carers and families the help they need. NewAccess – a beyondblue initiative funded by beyondblue and the Movember Foundation auspiced by the North Coast Primary Health Network highlights the link between mental health and physical health. Mental health can be spoken in language like ‘not being in a great space’ and feeling ‘a bit off’. Comments from people who are stressed, sad, low, angry or more emotional or worried than usual are not always recognised, even by men themselves. The good news is there is a program to refer to on the North Coast to support people to get back on track. Simply by getting in touch with a NewAccess intake officer between 8am and 6pm Monday-Friday via phone, your patients can make an appointment to have free support sessions that will help set goals and change negative feelings. With so many barriers to receive support such as not having access to services or transport, NewAccess provides a solution that supports men (and women) to take action in their mental wellbeing. NewAccess is a FREE self-guided Low Intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program, where trained Coaches support people to develop skills in managing low mood/anxiety and life pressures. Coaches act like personal trainers for mental wellbeing. They offer education about how the mind and body respond to stress and provide tools and techniques that improve coping with life’s challenges. People over the age of 18 can self-refer, or be referred by a health practitioner. The program is offered mainly over the phone and would suit those who find it difficult to attend face-toface appointments, or who live in a remote area. Access Coaches are located from Port Macquarie to Tweed Heads across North Coast, NSW. To make a referral or find out more about NewAccess, phone 1300 137 934 or visit the beyondblue website: beyondblue.org.au/NewAccessCoach Contact NewAccess Program Manager, Jennifer Melsness for more information on 0427 026 276.

GPFocus NEW TO HEALTHPATHWAYS - OCTOBER 2015 • • • • • • • •

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) Practical Prescribing Guide Cardiac Rehabilitation Heart Failure Education Service Immunisation Catch Up Tibial Shaft Fracture Fibula Shaft Fracture Stress Fracture of the Shin

HEALTHPATHWAY OF THE MONTH Ankle and lower leg fractures Ankle injures are a common presentation in General Practice. It can be difficult to know when a patient should be x-rayed and to whom they should be referred. The pathways identify when a patient needs to be referred for acute (emergency department) or non acute (fracture clinic) management. Management The pathways classify the type of ankle or lower leg fracture and how to manage according to type of fracture. Fracture clinics The Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts run Fracture Clinics that provide the following services: • • • • • •

care plan development or review change of casts wound care or suture removal ongoing physiotherapy management mobility aid hire referral to other services if required

GPs are able to contact the Orthopaedic Registrar on call to obtain admission for patients to the clinic. Referral via the emergency department or inpatient visit is not required.

Fracture clinic locations: • • • • •

Coffs Harbour Grafton Lismore Port Macquarie Tweed Heads

FROM THE HEALTPATHWAYS HOME PAGE Getting involved There are links on: • • •

Interested in reviewing a pathway? Join a Pathway Development Team (and earn GP CPD points) Request a pathway to be localised or developed

Visit the Mid and North Coast HealthPathways website: http://manc.healthpathways.org.au Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d For further information or to suggest a future Pathway topic, please contact: Fiona Ryan (02) 6583 3600 fryan@ncphn.org.au (Mid North Coast) Kerrie Keyte (07) 5523 5507 kkeyte@ncphn.org.au (Northern NSW)

AMSFocus PAL UPDATE Re-registration for Closing the Gap The time for re-registering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients under the Closing the Gap program is November to February. Re-registration of patients is a requirement for receiving the Indigenous Health Incentive PIP. North Coast Primary Health Network has Aboriginal Outreach Workers who would be happy to assist patients with their registration paperwork. If you would like an Outreach Worker to attend your practice for one morning in the registration period, please call the appropriate number below to organise a day and time that would suit you and your recall system. Coffs Harbour: 02 6659 1800 Port Macquarie: 02 6583 3600 Tweed Heads: 07 5523 5500 Kempsey: 02 6562 1055 In addition to outreach workers, Indigenous Health Project Officers are available in Lismore. These officers can assist you with the Closing the Gap program. Call our Lismore office on 02 6627 3300. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Indigenous Health Project Officers for any enquiries regarding the PIP Indigenous Health Incentive. HealthPathway available, Closing the Gap: http://ow.ly/U6Z2c Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d

Background Artwork by Alison Williams

Helping U 2 Quit Helping U 2 Quit is a free, evidence-based program providing quit smoking support groups run by qualified facilitators over 3-6 weeks. The program is a community health initiative being delivered by CHEGS Inc, in partnership with Northern NSW Local Health District Health Promotion. The program will help people who smoke to develop their own skills and knowledge about smoking, how to quit, and how to stay a non-smoker in a supportive environment. This is important because: • • •

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AgedCareFocus PAL UPDATE Decision Assist - phone advisory line Free specialist advice on advance care ranging from medication advice, symptom and pain management, psychosocial support and palliative care advice is available through the Decision Assist phone advisory line. The line is available for all staff working with people receiving aged care services either at home or in an aged care facility, including GPs, nurses, allied health professionals and personal care workers. This is part of the broader Australian Government-funded Decision Assist program to support aged care staff nationally. The phone line offers two streams of advice: advance care planning information and medication and symptom management information. Phone 1300 668 908 for specialist palliative care advice (available 24/7) and advance care planning advice (8 am to 8 pm, 7 days). Visit www.decisionassist.org.au for more information.

Safe staffing levels and skills mix in the aged care sector â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have your say In 2011, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation commenced a national research project examining the issue of safe staffing levels and skills mix in aged care. The project is now seeking feedback on the adequacy of current staffing arrangements and invites aged care staff, residents, friends and family and any other interested stakeholders to contribute. Register your interest in the project at http://ow.ly/TVHeX.

Subscribe to Department of Social Services aged care updates The Department of Social Services has moved electronic communication for the aged care sector to a new provider, MailChimp. This new subscription service offers any individual or organisation the opportunity to opt-in and receive important updates from the Department. There is no limit to the number of email addresses that can be subscribed for each organisation. Subscribe at dss.gov.au/ AgedCareUpdates. Contact AACEI@dss.gov.au for questions about the service.

PharmacyFocus PAL UPDATE Changes to Co-Payments for Section 100 Highly Specialised Drugs in NSW From 1 October 2015, co-payments for Section 100 (s100) Highly Specialised Drugs will be paid for by the NSW Government for residents that are patients of NSW public hospitals or authorised community prescribers in NSW. For more information on eligibility and implementation of the changes, visit the NSW Health Pharmaceutical Services website at http://ow.ly/TVI4p.

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AlliedHealthFocus PAL UPDATE Free professional development dourses for North Coast Allied Health Professionals North Coast Allied Health Professionals have access to free online professional development training thanks to a partnership between North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) and North Coast Allied Health Association. The short courses, delivered through the TAFE Now website, take around an hour to complete and are worth one CPD (Continuing Professional Development) point per hour. North Coast Allied Health Professionals will have free access to: • • •

Allied health course topics for Allied Health Professionals Healnet course topics for nurses and other similar medical professionals Generic short course topics for small businesses and self interest

All topics are peer reviewed by industry professionals and endorsed by industry associations. Regular topic reviews are also conducted to ensure they incorporate current policies, legislation and Australia-wide guidelines. North Coast Allied Health Professionals can access the NCPHN enrolment key and full course instructions at: www.healthynorthcoast.org.au/cpd

Hopping can strengthen hip bones Two minutes of hopping each day can strengthen hip bones in older people and reduce the risk of fracture, scientists have suggested. A study led by Loughborough University in England showed that bone density in the hopping leg improved after just one year. Researchers said their findings have major implications for the prevention and management of osteoporosis. Increases of up to 7% were identified in the bone mass of some parts of the outer shell (cortex) and in the density of the layer of spongy bone underneath this. Importantly, there were improvements in the thinnest areas of the bone most at risk of fracture after a fall. The Hip Hop study involved 34 men, aged between 65 and 80, performing a program of hopping exercises on a randomly assigned exercise leg only. They were told to avoid any other changes to their physical activity or dietary habits during the year-long trial. CT scans were then analysed to detect any changes in their bone density and showed clear visual differences between the exercise and control legs. ‘Hip fractures are a major public health concern among older adults, incurring both high economic and social costs,’ Dr Sarah Allison, who conducted the research, said. ‘We know exercise can improve bone strength and so we wanted to test a form of exercise that is both easy and quick for people to achieve in their homes.’ Researchers said it was important to build up any exercise gradually, and to hop with caution as falling could cause a fracture in somebody with weak bones.

HNCNews Networking Platform for Health Professionals

ealthy North Coast’s new online network allows you to communicate, network and collaborate in a private and professional environment, with colleagues from across the North Coast without leaving your office. The Healthy North Coast Network is based on the functionality of other familiar social networking platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. With over 130 regional and professionbased networks available, the Healthy North Coast Network is ready for you to join right now. Health professionals can register for the Healthy North Coast Network by visiting http://bit.ly/VsrO2s. Full instructions for the platform are available at http://bit.ly/1sJgRI7.

New WHO meat study another reason to eat more fruit and veggies A new World Health Organization (WHO) study linking processed and red meats to cancer highlights the benefits of eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains, Cancer Council Australia said today. The review, by the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, has found that consuming processed meats (such as bacon, salami and ham) is a cause of bowel cancer and that red meat in general is probably carcinogenic to humans. It follows ground-breaking research released by Cancer Council Australia earlier this month that estimated more than 2,600 bowel cancers diagnosed in Australia in 2010 were attributable to processed and red meat consumption. Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Committee, Kathy Chapman, said red and processed meats were associated with around one in six bowel cancers diagnosed in Australia. “It might be the high fat content, the charring in the cooking process or big meat eaters missing out on the protective benefits of plant-based foods – or a combination of these factors,” Ms Chapman said. “Whatever the mechanism, eating more fruit, vegetables and whole grains can help you to moderate your intake of processed and red meats and can also help to protect against cancer.” Read the full story at http://healthynorthcoast.org.au/top-stories-382/.

HNCNews NSW Health Warns of Deadly Lyssaviruses With Start of Bat Breeding Season With the start of the bat breeding season, NSW Health has urged people not to approach or handle injured bats and flying foxes to avoid the riskof exposure to potentially fatal lyssaviruses. So far this year, more than 300 NSW residents have been given rabies post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following high-risk exposures to potentially infected animals. About one-third had been bitten or scratched by a bat in Australia, while the others had come into contact with potentially rabies-infected animals overseas. Dr Vicky Sheppeard, Director of Communicable Diseases Branch, said there had been three bats confirmed with the potentially fatal lyssavirus in NSW this year. “We are concerned that with the start of the bat birthing season in October and November, young and miscarried pups may be on the ground, prompting people to pick them up or attempt to rescue them,” Dr Sheppeard said. “Evidence of infection in several bats this year highlights the importance of avoiding bat bites and scratches. Lyssavirus infection can result in a rabies-like illness which is very serious and, if not prevented, is fatal.

The Heart Foundation is calling on all women – particularly those in rural areas – to take a moment and focus on their heart health. “Sadly, heart disease takes the lives of more than 24 females each and every day. These are our mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and girlfriends,” said Kerry Doyle, Chief Executive Heart Foundation NSW. Heart disease is the single leading cause of death in Australian women, claiming one life every hour of everyday, with an analysis showing Australian women living outside capital cities are at greater risk. Data analysed by the National Heart Foundation of Australia from the 2011/12 ABS Australian Health Survey shows women in outer regional/remote areas, compared to women in major cities, are: • • • •

50% more likely to have ischaemic heart disease 20% more likely to have high cholesterol (≥ 5.5 mmol/L) 32% more likely to be obese (BMI ≥ 30). In addition, 16% of women in regional/remote area are severe obese (BMI > 35), compared to 11% in major cities 13% more likely to be physically inactive

“There have been three cases of lyssavirus in humans in Australia – all were in Queensland – and all three people died.”

“We’re very concerned that this data shows rural women seem to be lagging behind.

Dr Sheppeard said the best protection against being exposed to lyssaviruses is to avoid handling any bat in Australia, and any wild or domestic mammal in a rabies-endemic country. This includes bats and wild or domestic dogs, cats and monkeys.

“What we know is that women living in these areas need better access to heart health support and to be made aware of the need to prioritise their heart health by getting their blood pressure and cholesterol checked by their GP,” Ms Doyle said.

Read the full story at http://ow.ly/TVKcK.

Read the full story at http://ow.ly/TVKhQ.

HealthPathway available, Rabies and Australian Bat Lyssavirus: http://ow.ly/U6ZLk Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d

NSW Rural women at greater heart risk

HNCEvents

November-December 2015 You can view the full North Coast Practitioner events calander at: www.healthynorthcoast.org.au/practitioner-events

Click the event title for more information.

Hastings-Macleay 6 November - Dementia and depression in the elderly: correlations and pharmacological treatments, Port Macquarie 10 November - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, Wauchope 12 November - Smoking Cessation Workshop for GPs and Pharmacists, Port Macquarie 16 November - Wound Care Update for Registered Health Care Professionals from Primary Health and Aged Care, Port Macquarie 17 November - Wound Care Update for Registered Health Care Professionals from Primary Health and Aged Care, Kempsey 19 November - Respiratory Workshop for Medical and Nursing Staff involved in clinical emergencies, Kempsey 25 November - Essential Dialogue with your Patients about End of Life, Port Macquarie 3 December - The Future of Health is in Your Hands: Research Driving Better Outcomes, Port Macquarie

Northern Rivers 7 November - Menopause Essentials Update, Byron Bay 12 November - RRISK Drug and Alcohol session, Lismore 17 November - Women and Suicide, Ballina 19 November - Anaphylaxis Recognition and Treatment Simulation Workshop, Lismore 19 November - Art & Science of Relaxation, Byron Bay

Mid North Coast 7 November - Asthma & Respiratory Management Seminar for Practice Nurses, Coffs Harbour 11 November - Smoking Cessation Workshop for GPs and Pharmacists, Coffs Harbour 14 November - Practical Solutions to Patient Boundaries, Coffs Harbour 18 November - Wound Care Update for Registered Health Care Professionals from Primary Health and Aged Care, Coffs Harbour 28 November - Spirometry Training Course for GPs and Practice Nurses, Coffs Harbour

Tweed 4 November - End of Life Care, Currumbin 5-8 November - The Border to Bay Walk for Clinicians, Kingscliff 6 November - Pedorthic Bracing and Prefabricated AFO Fitting, Gold Coast 17 November - Asthma Device Techniques for Pharmacists & Practice Nurses, Tweed Heads 18 November - NSW Industrial Relations: Workplace Issues for the Health and Medical Industry, Tweed Heads 24 November - RRISK Drug and Alcohol session, Murwillumbah

Other Events

19 November - Accidental Counsellor, Lismore

9 November - National Allied Health Conference, Melbourne

30 November - IV Cannulation Simulation workshop for JMOs and RNs, Lismore

9 November - Eating Disorders Essentials Course, Brisbane 14 November - Advanced Training in Suicide Prevention, Randwick

HNCclassifieds GP WANTED, MULLUMBIMBY An exciting opportunity exists for an enthusiastic and qualified GP to join a thriving community practice in the Byron Hinterland. 10 minutes from the beach and rainforest and 30 minutes from both Ballina and Gold Coast airports. Enjoy cafes, organic markets, a vibrant live music scene and festivals galore. With world famous surf beaches, world heritage listed forests and acclaimed fine dining galore, there is something for everyone in Byron Bay. Our clinicians receive the highest GPRIP incentives available in the area (Modified Monash Level V), which should make a ‘sea change’ even sweeter. An ideal candidate holds an FRACGP qualification or equivalent and is seeking around eight sessions weekly. The opportunity exists in the region for involvement in on-call emergency, general medicine low acuity in-patient care or obstetrics, but does not form a mandatory requirement of this role.

GPS WANTED, PORT MACQUARIE headspace Port Macquarie is seeking passionate and experienced General Practitioners who are eligible to provide services under the MBS to young people. Benefits include: • • • • •

Main Duties • •

We are anxious to find the newest member of our team, so if you’ve been looking to start living your dream, please get in touch. jjennings@meadowsmedical.com.au (02) 66 84 2300

SLEEP APNEA TREATMENT AVAILABLE IN KEMPSEY Sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment is now possible from the comfort of home due to the Australian Pharmacy Sleep Services and Kempsey Amcal Max. Patients can sign up for the program themselves at the pharmacy or be referred by their doctor for a home sleep study to determine diagnosis. Patients then begin a four-week trial using a sleep apnea machine to define the best treatment pathway for them. All steps along the way are shared with the patient’s local GP. For more information contact Greg Hollier, Head Pharmacist at Kempsey Amcal Max, by phoning 02 6562 4266.

flexible working hours central location in Port Macquarie full administrative support (including billing and appointment bookings) working with a multi-disciplinary team referral base with co-located Allied Health Practitioners

Providing high -quality primary health care services to those accessing headspace Port Macquarie Responding to medical/health concerns presented by patients, including taking history, diagnosis, investigation, treatment and referral as appropriate

Criteria • •

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Current registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency (AHPRA) Registered as a Medicare provider (as a GP with headspace Port Macquarie your remuneration will be derived directly from the MBS) Professional Indemnity insurance Ability to actively engage and work collaboratively with young people, their families and significant others

If you are ready to join a fantastic multidisciplinary team and really make a difference to the lives of young people, please contact headspace Port Macquarie Service Manager, Nicole Kosseris. Phone: (02) 6588 7314 Email: nicole.kosseris@each.com.au

Would you like to post a local classified ad in this newsletter? Email the details to healthynorthcoast@gmail.com before the 25th of each month. There is no cost associated with these ads. 16

HNCclassifieds PRACTICE NURSE WANTED, MACKSVILLE

VR GENERAL PRACTITIONER WANTED, LISMORE

Star Street Medical Centre in Macksville is seeking a Practice Nurse for our six-doctor Family Medical Centre. Immunisation accreditation, experience with health assessments, care plans and wound care experience preferred.

Lismore clinic is seeking a VR General Practitioner to join their friendly team. The GPs have been a part of this clinic for over 20 years and the practice is well known for its loyal patient base with onsite pathology, dietitian and a diabetes educator. The practice currently has 10 General Practitioners and 20 staff including full time RN support and a hands-on admin team. We are looking for someone who can contribute to a great team culture while maintaining the clinic’s reputation for quality service and patient-focused care.

We are a teaching practice on the North Coast of NSW, close to beaches and with ample access to private and public schools. Apply to reception@starstmedical.com.au or phone 02 6568 1288.

COFFS HARBOUR GASTROENTEROLOGIST ON INDEFINITE LEAVE Dr Yvonne Guttner from the Coffs Harbour Health Campus Gastroenterology & Hepatology Department is now on indefinite leave. Patients will need to be referred to a private provider in Port Macquarie or Lismore. Referral details are available at HealthPathways http://ow.ly/TYh8k using the username manchealth and password conn3ct3d.

The practice offers well-equipped procedure rooms, is fully computerised for billing and patient records and is complemented by on-site pathology and strong relationships with allied health in the region. There is an opportunity to visit patients at three large aged-care facilities, the nearby base hospital and a large private hospital. Our opening Hours are Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, with some appointments to 7pm. The clinic provides an afterhours service including a doctor and receptionist on Saturday mornings. Requirements: •

To continue in the public system, please contact Port Macquarie Base Hospital on 02 5524 2000 or Lismore Base Hospital on 02 6621 8000.

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In addition, due to overextended waiting times for clinic appointments and procedures, Dr Guttner will not be accepting new referrals until January 2016.

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General Practitioner with Vocational Registration Unrestricted AHPRA registration Experience in an Australian general practice and post-graduate qualifications such as FRACGP or FACRRM is highly regarded. A caring and friendly disposition, with the ability to build excellent relationships with patients and local medical professionals

While our preference is for a full-time assistant or associate, part-time or flexible hours to cater for work/lifestyle balance will be considered.

PRACTICE NURSE WANTED, PORT MACQUARIE Practice nurse needed for an exciting new GP clinic opening soon at the Grange Medical Centre in Port Macquarie. Please call Dr Adam King on 02 6587 4446 and leave your details or email thegrangeclinic@gmail.com with your resume.

For more information or to apply, please contact the Practice Manager Jodie McLean on 02 66212 502 or email jmclean@lismoreclinic.com.au.

Contact NCPHN Head Office Suite 6, 85 Tamar Street Ballina NSW 2478 Phone: 02 6618 5400 Fax: 02 6618 5499 Email: enquiries@ncphn.org.au Northern Rivers Tarmons House St Vincentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campus 20 Dalley Street East Lismore NSW 2480 Phone: 02 6622 4453 Fax: 02 6622 3185 Email: nr@ncphn.org.au Tweed Heads Level 3, 145 Wharf Street Tweed Heads NSW 2485 Phone: 07 5589 0500 Email: tv@ncphn.org.au

Hastings Macleay 53 Lord Street Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Phone: 02 6583 3600 Fax: 02 6583 8600 Email: hm@ncphn.org.au Mid North Coast Suite 6, 1 Duke Street Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450 Phone: 02 6659 1800 Fax: 02 6659 1899 Email: mnc@ncphn.org.au