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AMSFocus
GPFocus
AgedCareFocus
PharmacyFocus
AlliedHealthFocus
9 10 11 13 3
February 2015| Edition 8
Healthy North Coast
practitioner newsletter
North Coast Medicare Local’s premier communication
for General Practice, Aboriginal Medical Services,
Aged Care, Pharmacy and Allied Health
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inside3.
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16.
GP Focus
AMS Focus
Aged Care Focus
Pharmacy Focus
Allied Health Focus
News
Events
17. Classifieds
Would you like a hard copy of this newsletter? If so, please email your name and postal address to
[email protected] and write “Copy of Healthy North Coast Practitioner Newsletter” in the subject line.
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GPFocus
PAL UPDATEALERT: MBS Changes
On 15 January 2015, the government announced that the changes to Level A and Level B consultations scheduled to start on 19 January 2015 would not proceed.
There are no changes to MBS consultation items and existing billing requirements for all MBS consultation items will continue to apply. The government has not yet advised on the proposed reduction in Medicare rebates for non-concessional patients for GP consultation items and after-hours, set to be operational from 1 July 2015. Visit http://ow.ly/HZIUD for more information.
In January, NCML clinical advisors spoke on local radio in the Northern NSW and Mid North Coast regions, representing the views of local GPs as they discussed issues surrounding proposed changes to Medicare. Additionally, Chair of the NCML Board, Dr Tony Lembke, met with Senator Fiona Nash, the Assistant Minister for Health and a small number of other local GPs to discuss the issues. NCML will continue to provide updates when more information is available.
eHEALTH
PCeHR Update
In December 2014, consumer registrations for the PCeHR reached the two million mark. Additionally, 7,600 healthcare provider organisations were registered, including general practices, pharmacies, aged care facilities and hospitals.
In the week of December 4 -10 2014, consumers viewed their records 8485 times, but clinical views were very low during the period, with only 560 clinicians viewing the PCeHR that week. The number of shared health summaries on the system was also low, with 38,207 on the system in mid-December; however, the number of discharge summaries uploaded had reached 85,960, along with 7083 event summaries. There were over 1 million prescription and dispense records held in the National Prescription and Dispense Repository (NPDR).
NSW Health continues to roll out the HealtheNet program, which is due to be implemented in the MNC and NNSW Local Health Districts by March 2015. The NSW Clinical Portal, a key feature of HealtheNet, is integrated with the PCeHR system. Key benefits of this will include the availability of Shared Health Summaries and eDischarge Summaries on the PCeHR and the consequent sharing of information about registered patients.
Providers who have not yet enabled PCeHR systems may contact the Provider Support and Liaison team at their local NCML office for support and information.
Medicare: Changes to NASH renewal PKI certificate process
To assist providers who have previously registered to participate in the PCeHR, Medicare has improved the process for renewing National Authentication Service for Health (NASH) certificates. As of December 2014, you will no longer be required to complete a renewal form to replace expiring NASH PKI Certificates. Instead, you will automatically receive a renewed NASH PKI Certificate in the mail about two months prior to the expiry date. With this in mind, it is important that you make sure your preferred address details are up to date on the Healthcare Identifiers Service record.
Visit http://ow.ly/HZHjK for more information.
For more statistics on electronic medication management, please see Page 11 for a summary of the recent eRx Script Exchange report.
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GPFocus
AAPM calls for feedback on eHealth
The Australian Association of Practice Managers has partnered with the National eHealth Transition Authority (NEHTA) to develop and conduct an education program to improve the use of the eHealth Record system (PCeHR). Practices are invited to provide feedback via a survey, which aims to:
• Establish current level of members’ understanding, knowledge and use of the eHealth Record system
• Understand what will help you to improve the use of the eHealth Record system
• Identify issues and opportunities that AAPM could explore to better meet the needs of members
Visit http://ow.ly/HZL9Q for more information.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Meetings and Webinars
Regular meetings and webinars are a great opportunity to meet with like-minded professionals working in general practice in your area. In the true spirit of collaboration, useful tips, tools and change ideas are often shared among participants and a broader perspective of the topic is often achieved through attending meetings.
To view the Practitioner Events Calendar and find out when the next Kaizen meeting is happening in your area, visit http://ow.ly/HZM02.
NCML Quality Improvement website
qiConnect is an innovative web portal pioneered by the Improvement Foundation. NCML has developed a Quality Improvement (QI) site within qiConnect, for your practice and others in your region to get connected to support QI initiatives.
Why get involved?
Having access to this QI site will enable your practice to submit and view practice data, benchmark improvements against Medicare Local and national averages, generate reports containing real-time graphs, analyse practice data to track improvements, and identify areas where support is required. The QI Site also provides you access to a private Medicare Local discussion forum and resources supporting your continuous QI journey.
Registration is free. To get connected, visit http://ow.ly/HZMkt.
Healthy North Coast (HNC) Network
The HNC Network provides a unique opportunity for local providers to connect online, in a secure networking environment. It includes groups for a range of healthcare professionals and support staff, as well as the Kaizen Network, which is specifically for participants of the NCML QI partnership program. It aims to function as an online communication tool for participants to express tips, tools and exchange ideas about specific topics, which can assist and enhance the QI journey.
To register for the HNC Network, visit http://ow.ly/HZMss.
Get in touch with your local Provider Assistance and Liaison team to find out how they can assist you with Quality Improvement activities.
Tweed Valley: 07 5523 5500Northern Rivers: 02 6622 4453Mid North Coast: 02 6659 1800Hastings Macleay: 02 6583 3600
ONLINE TRAINING
Recruitment Ready for Practice Managers
NSW Rural Doctors Network has released an online course for practice managers to assist with recruitment and retention of rural GPs. The material is broken down into six themed modules, so you can pace your learning journey to suit your workload, and easily access the specific topic you want to research.
Visit http://ow.ly/HZNjk for more information.
RDN staff can guide and assist with your recruitment efforts. Contact the Recruitment Retention Team on 02 4924 8000, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.
Palliative Care Training
Whether you work in aged care, acute or primary care, chances are you’ll find yourself at some stage caring for someone with a terminal illness. Online training is available to help health professionals who provide palliative care to aged persons in the community. The modules will help you develop your skills and confidence, so that the next person you care for at the end of their life will benefit. The training will only take 6-8 hours and CPD points are available.
Register at http://ow.ly/HZNE5 or phone Terrie Paul on 02 6162 0780 or email [email protected].
PAL UPDATE
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GPFocus
StEPS Program Referral Form Reminder
The Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening (StEPS) program is funded and managed by NSW Kids and Families and is a crucial step in identifying children at risk of preventable blindness.
GPs are an important link in ensuring that children that do not meet the ‘pass’ criteria receive further assessment and/or treatment if required. A GP may receive a StEPS referral form because the child requires treatment from a GP or requires a referral to see an eye specialist.
In managing the StEPS program, NSW Kids and Families need to collect information about children who have been referred to a GP or an eye specialist in order to monitor how StEPS is being implemented and to manage the program into the future. If a GP receives a referral form and treats this child, we ask that they complete the tear-off section at the bottom and return it to the Local Health District indicated on the form.
If the GP is simply providing a referral for the child to see an eye specialist, they do not need to complete the StEPS referral form. Instead, ask the parent or carer to take the StEPS referral form with the referral to the specialist to complete.
For further information on the program visit http://ow.ly/I3NPv, or contact the StEPS Manager, Nguyet de Mello, by phoning 9391 9483 or emailing [email protected].
Cartoon to help kids with chronic pain
An educational cartoon for children with chronic pain is now available in 22 languages. The story in the cartoon is told in easy everyday language with catchy pictures. It explains the differences between acute and chronic pain, how chronic pain develops and what can be done about it.
The animation is available at http://ow.ly/I3NrB.
In addition to the cartoon, the International Chronic Pain Network has also produced a written booklet with the scientific facts and background information regarding the content of the cartoon. Visit http://ow.ly/I3Nyc for more information.
PAL UPDATE
CLINICAL TIP
Don’t perform neuroimaging studies in patients with stable headaches that meet criteria for migraine.
Numerous evidence-based guidelines agree that the risk of intracranial disease is not elevated in migraine. However, not all severe headaches are migraine. To avoid missing patients with more serious headaches, a migraine diagnosis should be made
after a careful clinical history and an examination that documents the absence of any neurologic findings such as papilledema.
Diagnostic criteria for migraine are contained in the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
Source: choosingwisely.org
For information on smoke alarm subsidies for the deaf, blind and hearing impaired, as well as frail
aged people in NSW, see Page 10.
Reminder -Closing The Gap Program
Now is the time to re-register your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients for Closing the
Gap. See Page 9 for more information.
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IMMUNE RESPONSE
GPFocus2015 School Immunisation Program
The 2015 program starts in mid-February:
Year 7 All students will be offered HPV-3 doses, Boostrix (dTpa) and Varicella (to those that have no evidence of previous varicella vaccination or infection).
Year 8 Students that commenced HPV vaccination in Year 7, and have not completed their course, will have the opportunity to do so in Year 8.
Year 11 and 12 Students who don’t have evidence of 2 doses of MMR vaccination will be offered one dose only. Students who require the second dose will receive a letter from the Public Health Unit instructing them to obtain the vaccination from their general practice.
Note: vaccines should only be administered at general practices under the instructions of a letter from the Public Health Unit (sent to the student) or the practice should confirm that no consent card for the vaccine is held within the school program.
Reminder: vaccination notifications to ACIR
Please ensure vaccination encounters are forwarded to ACIR, so as not to disadvantage parents’ incentive payments. This is particularly important where there have been recent staff changes at your practice, or where you use Best Practice software, as it does not provide prompts.
Communicating with vaccine hesitant parents
NCML recently held two workshops on the North Coast on Communicating with Vaccine Hesitant Parents. Here are some tips from those workshops:
• Listen to the parent first.
• Provide positive recommendations, e.g. I understand that you want the best for your child - so do I.
• Address concerns with acknowledgement/listening and empathy, e.g. There is so much information and discussion about immunisation, it’s difficult for parents to distinguish correct information and misinformation.
• Be flexible, provide guidance, and don’t let your experience or knowledge come across as being confrontational, aggressive or coercive.
• Address their concerns, e.g. ask for a copy of articles they have read or details of the website they’ve consulted and guide them through the information.
• Don’t always assume that parents have knowledge of the diseases that vaccines protect against, e.g. a parent made the comment: ‘What is measles? Isn’t it just a rash?’
• Provide resources and credible websites, e.g. the Immunisation Handbook, ‘Comparison of the effects of diseases and side effects of vaccines’ (viewable at http://bit.ly/1z4pgWZ).
• Determine readiness for change.
• If a parent refuses vaccination or signs the Conscientious Objection form, let them know that they can still change their mind in the future.
Menitorix: age limit When required, Menitorix® can be used for catch-up vaccinations for either MenC or Hib in children <10 years of age.
The product information (PI) for Menitorix® states that it should be given in accordance with available official recommendations, usually from the age of 12 months onwards and before the age of 2 years. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends that Menitorix® can be used for catch-up vaccinations for either MenC or Hib in children <10 years of age. Although there is limited data on the use of the vaccine in children beyond the second year of life, Menitorix® is considered likely to be safe and effective when immunisation against Hib or MenC is required in children from 2 to <10 years. The number of doses and the interval between catch-up vaccinations required for MenC and Hib in children <10 years of age is outlined in the Immunisation Handbook 10th edition. The use of Hib vaccine is not recommended in individuals who are ≥5 years of age, unless they have certain immunocompromising conditions (such as asplenia) and a Hib dose has not previously been given, or if the primary course of Hib vaccine is incomplete.
Visit http://ow.ly/HZORT for more information.
Vaccine storage self audit
Vaccination providers should complete a vaccine storage self audit once every 12 months. The Strive for Five (2nd edition) booklet has a self-audit section on pages 42-45.
Note: it is recommended that all vaccine storage fridges have a data logger as well as a thermometer.
Visit http://bit.ly/1z4owRQ for storage guidelines.
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MENTAL HEALTH
GPFocus
Assisting vulnerable groups to access Mental Health services
Mental illness is one of the top three leading causes of burden of disease and injury in Australia, with at least one in five Australians experiencing mental illness in any given year. The prevalence of mental illness is even greater among vulnerable groups in our community, such as those suffering from social and economic disadvantage.
Due to the complexities of mental illness, successful treatment requires regular access to mental health care services. However, with only an expected 35% of those experiencing mental illness seeking treatment, we are seeing an alarmingly large treatment gap.
Some of the common barriers to mental health care access in Australia include:
• Limited availability and affordability of services
• Limited knowledge and understanding of mental illness
• Stigma and the varying cultural perspectives of mental health
• Inability to travel to access services
• Difficulty navigating mental health systems
GPs play a central role in the provision of health care in Australia, usually being the sole point of entry into mental health care for consumers. Therefore it is important for GPs to be aware of the programs that are available for their patients to utilise, including those from vulnerable groups.
Healthy Minds is a free service that aims to overcome the barriers that prevent vulnerable people in our communities from accessing the best quality psychological support for a range of common, mild to moderately severe emotional and behavioural difficulties. These include depression, anxiety, substance misuse and eating disorders. The target groups include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, children, people at risk of homelessness, and people at risk of suicide.
An easy to use Healthy Minds referral form for your practice software is available from the NCML website. For more information, please contact Manpreet Kooner, Intake Officer for Healthy Minds, on 1300 137 237.
Back to basics for fatigue: a diagnostic approach
Fatigue is a common complaint in primary care. The 2011/2012 Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health (BEACH) data shows that 1.4% of presentations to primary care were for weakness or tiredness. Other studies have shown that around 20% of patients report the symptom of tiredness or weakness during GP visits.
Fatigue is a symptom that can be caused by many conditions, from the benign to life-threatening. However, most fatigue resolves without intervention and has no identifiable underlying cause. In spite of this, pathology is ordered for nearly 7 in 10 presentations for fatigue, and, on average, four tests are ordered each time.
Although the rate of presentation for fatigue has remained stable, the rate of pathology ordering has steadily increased. In 2000/02 there were 177.9 tests/batteries of tests ordered per 100 encounters; by 2006/08 this had risen to 233, and in 2011/12 it had grown further to 398.2.
Of the tests ordered in 2006/08, one-third were either not supported or had unclear support from guidelines, and 6 in 10 pathology tests were ordered at the first encounter.
NCML, in partnership with NPS MedicineWise, is offering educational visits and small group case studies on the topic of fatigue from February 2015. This provides an opportunity to discuss quality use of medical tests and management of patients presenting with fatigue and to promote awareness of Australian Therapeutic Guidelines.
To book a visit, please contact the NPS Facilitator at your local branch:
NATIONAL PRESCRIBING SERVICE
Tweed Valley: Jill Hayward [email protected] 5523 5500
Northern Rivers: Margaret Hewetson [email protected] 6622 4453
Mid North Coast: Michael Driscoll [email protected] 6659 1800
Hastings/ Macleay: Lesley Burrett [email protected] 6562 1055
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GPFocus
NEW TO HEALTHPATHWAYS – JANUARY 2015
• Paediatric Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
• Palliative Care Referrals• UTI in Children• Bereavement Support• Chronic Disease Management Items• Closing the Gap (CTG)• Varicella and Pregnancy• Child and Young Person Vision
Assessment• Vaccine Storage and Cold Chain
Breaches• Care Coordination & Supplementary
Services (CCSS)
HEALTHPATHWAY OF THE MONTHUrinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Children
Incidence
UTIs in children are reasonably common and can range from quite mild to serious cases. UTIs can be difficult to diagnose and management can be complicated as there are many variables to consider.
The Mid and North Coast HealthPathways team has localised the UTI in Children HealthPathway. You will find the latest diagnostic, management and local referral information for patients.
Visit the Mid and North Coast HealthPathways website:
http://manc.healthpathways.org.auUsername: manchealthPassword: conn3ct3d
CURRENT WORKGROUPS
Mid North Coast – Antenatal, Mental Health, Musculoskeletal, Paediatrics, Cardiology & Cancer
A number of workgroup meetings will be held in February to progress Mental Health Depression and Anxiety pathways. Musculoskeletal are working on Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis and Acute Lower Back Pain. The Cardiology workgroup are progressing Atrial Fibrillation, Chest Pain and Heart Failure pathways and the Cancer Workgroup are working on Prostate Cancer. Paediatrics are progressing Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips and Child with a Limp pathways.
Northern NSW – Renal, Mental Health & Drug & Alcohol
Northern NSW has a growing number of requested topics for workgroups which are being prioritised and will commence work over the coming months. Presently, The Mental Health workgroup are progressing a Psychosis and Anti-Depot Medication pathway. The Renal Workgroup has held their first meeting and Drug & Alcohol are forming their workgroup membership.
If you would like to become involved as a workgroup member or are interested in Clinical Writing for Pathways, please contact either Dr Dan Ewald, Clinical Advisor, NCML on 02 6618 5400 or Kerrie Keyte, HealthPathways Project Officer, NCML on 07 5523 5500.
Live HealthPathways Updated With Northern Content
The Northern HealthPathways Team have been working towards updating established HealthPathways with Northern content and local services information. Below is a list of pathways that have been signed off by Northern NSW and are endorsed for use by Northern GPs, specialists and clinicians.
• Heart Murmur in Children• Developmental Milestones• Enuresis in Children• Medications in Pregnancy and
Breastfeeding • Oral Rehydration Therapy• Continence Clinics• Croup• Unsettled Infant• Gestational Diabetes Management
Schedule• Issuing of Medical Certificate of
Cause of Death• Bell’s Palsy• Immunisation – Child• Rabies & Australia Bat Lyssavirus• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)• Immunisation - Adolescent• Travel Vaccination• Diabetic Eye Disease Screening• Immunisation – Adolescence• Tetanus Prone Wound Management• Safe Medication Use: Staying Active• Gastroenteritis in Children• Measles For further information, or to suggest a future pathway topic, please contact:
Fiona Ryan(02) 6583 [email protected] (Mid North Coast)
Kerrie Keyte(07) 5523 [email protected] (Northern NSW)
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AMSFocusBackground Artwork by Alison Williams
PAL UPDATEReminder - Closing The Gap Program
November to February is the time for re-registering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients under the Closing the Gap program. Re-registration of patients is a requirement for receiving the Indigenous Health Incentive PIP.
NCML has Aboriginal Outreach Workers who would be happy to assist patients with their registration paperwork. If you would like the Outreach Worker to attend your practice for one morning in the registration period, please call the office number below to organise a day and time that would suit you and your recall system.
In addition to Outreach Workers, Indigenous Health Project Officers are available to assist you with the Closing the Gap program:
Tweed Heads: Susan Parker Pavlovic [email protected] 5523 5500
Lismore: Kim Gussy [email protected] 6622 4453
Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Valley: Helen Lambert [email protected] 6659 1800
Port Macquarie and Kempsey:Annie [email protected] 6583 3600
NewAccess: an avenue of support for sufferers of Chronic disease What is NewAccess?
NewAccess is a low intensity Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) program for people experiencing mild to moderate depression and/or anxiety. NewAccess provides up to six sessions of low intensity CBT with a trained Access Coach. The sessions focus on strategies for managing depression, anxiety, low mood and life stresses.
How would NewAccess be helpful to patients on a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP)?
People with a CDMP can experience depression and anxiety as a result of their illness and this can impact on their capacity to manage their illness. Some patients may be reluctant or not ready to access mental health services, or not require a higher intensity intervention. NewAccess is an early intervention program providing support and strategies to these patients.
How does NewAccess work?
Patients are offered an assessment session either in person or by phone. If a patient is suitable for the program, a plan is developed in consultation with the client for a guided series of low intensity CBT sessions. The Access Coach contacts the client by phone on a regular basis (usually weekly) and together they work through the program tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Modules offered include Behavioural Activation, Dealing with Worry, Problem Solving, Goal Setting or a combination of these.
What are the criteria for clients?
NewAccess is an early intervention program for people over eighteen who are experiencing emotional stress and who are not currently accessing other mental health supports.
How is the program funded?
NewAccess is a beyondblue program, funded by The Movember Foundation and beyondblue. The target group is men and people who are hard to reach or may have never accessed services before – although the program is available to anybody meeting the criteria.
What is the referral process to NewAccess?
Clients can self-refer by phone on 1300 137 934 or online at http://ow.ly/I418r. Clients can also be referred by their medical practitioner, mental health worker or other community agency by phoning the same number.
Healthy Minds is another program which may be of assistance to your patients. The target groups include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, children, people at risk of homelessness, and people at risk of suicide. For more information about this free service, see Page 7.
MENTAL HEALTH
For an update on eHealth, including the latest PCeHR
statistics, see Page 3.
For an overview of NCML’s Quality Improvement partnership
program, see Page 4.
For a summary of key points from the 2015 School Immunisation
Program, tips on communicating with vaccine hesitant parents,
advice on the age limit for Menitorix and more, see Page 6.
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AgedCareFocusPAL UPDATEGuide to Aged Care Law
The Department of Social Services has released the Guide to Aged Care Law. Developed as an online resource, it is designed to be an easy to use, plain-English text to assist approved providers in understanding their responsibilities and obligations under the Aged Care Act 1997. This Guide replaces the Residential Care Manual.
Visit http://ow.ly/I3WYi for more information.
Legal Aid NSW
Legal Aid NSW has published a 2015 diary containing important legal information of particular interest to older people. It covers a broad range of subjects from wills, pension and aged care issues to consumer and family law matters – 12 topics overall, one for each month of the year. The diary contains light-hearted quotes about getting older, interesting tips and facts and a foreword from Professor the Hon Dame Marie Bashir AD CVO. It is a great resource which gives readers guidance on how to tackle many of the issues they may face. The diary is available free across NSW.
Copies of the diary can be ordered online at http://ow.ly/I3Xcl.
Palliative Care Training
Whether you work in aged care, acute or primary care, chances are you’ll find yourself at some stage caring for someone with a terminal illness. Online training is available to help health professionals who provide palliative care to aged persons in the community. The modules will help you develop your skills and confidence, so that the next person you care for at the end of their life will benefit. The training will only take 6-8 hours and CPD points are available.
Register at http://ow.ly/I3XDn or contact Terrie Paul by phoning 02 61620780 or emailing [email protected].
Smoke Alarm Subsidy Schemes
SASS, the NSW Smoke Alarm Subsidy Scheme for the deaf, blind and hearing impaired, is a joint initiative between the Deaf Society of NSW and Fire and Rescue NSW. This scheme makes specialist smoke alarms that include a strobe light and pillow shaker available for $20 (lowering the cost from $500).
Applications to receive a smoke alarm through the scheme can be made at http://ow.ly/I3XYO. You can also check out this video for more information on how to apply: http://bit.ly/1wzOhLy.
SABRE, the Smoke Alarm and Battery Replacement Scheme, is current for NSW Residents who have limited domestic support and are living in their own or privately rented home. Frail aged people
(aged over 65), people with disabilities, or people who are already receiving community assistance and services are eligible. Visit http://ow.ly/I3Y7e for more information.
My life story – a new app for people with dementia
A Perth-based occupational therapist has developed a new app for people with dementia that can record their life stories and be used as a tool to guide person-centred care. It allows users to create a photo slideshow accompanied by music and voice recordings and loaded onto touchscreen devices like the iPad. It can help to improve understanding of the individual with dementia, support care staff to get to know patients and the patient to share information about themselves, particularly when they have difficulty communicating.
Visit http://mylifestoryapp.com to access the app.
Did you know?
Dementia Respite Care is available in the Hastings area through the Dementia Respite Care Centre in Port Macquarie. Health providers are invited to attend an information session introducing the organization, innovative day programs and referral process. Please email the managers, Julie Dunn or Margaret Allen, at [email protected] by February, 2015 to express your interest and a suitable day and time.
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PharmacyFocus
eRx Script Exchange report highlights eHealth progress
A report published by eRx Script Exchange in December 2014 shows that 80% of all prescriptions are now dispensed electronically rather than manually. Since the launch of eRx in 2009, it is now used by 87% of pharmacies and 72% of doctors to send and dispense 80% of all community pharmacy prescriptions.
The electronic sharing of medication information through electronic prescriptions significantly reduces prescription errors and highlights the success of eHealth in providing connections between health providers, thereby increasing patient safety. Visit http://ow.ly/I3YHd for more information.
The National Prescription and Dispense Repository (NPDR) in the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record has also seen strong uptake in 2014. As of mid-December, there were over 1 million prescription and dispense records held in the NPDR.
For more recent PCeHR statistics, as well as an update on NASH PKI certificates, please go to the PCeHR update on Page 3.
Pharmacy Board of Australia Reminders
Following on from several notifications involving expired medicines being dispensed to patients last year, the Pharmacy Board of Australia reminds pharmacists in 2015 that the expiry date of every dispensed medicine must be checked to ensure that the medicine is in date for the expected duration of treatment. You also need to leave the manufacturer’s expiry date visible when labelling a dispensed medicine. To further minimise the risk of supplying an expired medicine, processes should be in place in the pharmacy for the periodic checking of expiry dates of stock, easy identification of near-outdated stock, and appropriate disposal of any expired stock.
Errors in dose administration aids (DAAs) have also been the subject of notifications to the Board. The role of packing a DAA can be delegated to a suitably-trained person, but the pharmacist is responsible for checking the packed DAA before it is supplied to a patient. The Board’s Guidelines on specialised supply arrangements address the provision of DAAs by pharmacists, and provide guidance on how to minimise errors when undertaking this activity (http://ow.ly/I3YVn). You should also refer to the DAA service standards and guidelines issued by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (http://ow.ly/I3Z7m).
PAL UPDATE
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PharmacyFocusPAL UPDATE
Pharmacists’ Support Service
• Are there times when you wish you could pick up the phone and talk to someone about issues that are stressing you?
• Have you been victim to a hold-up?
• Have you lost interest in your job?
• Are you feeling overworked?
• Are you anxious and stressed?
• Are you concerned about your drug and alcohol use?
• Do you have mental health concerns?
• Do you have concerns about personal and family issues?
• Are you feeling out of control or experiencing business pressures?
• Are you uncertain about your future?
The Pharmacists’ Support Service is a free service run by pharmacists for pharmacists, supported by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. The Service is available 365 days of the year from 8am to 11pm. Phone 1300 244 910 for the cost of a local call, or visit http://ow.ly/I3ZsI for more information.
ONLINE TRAINING
Pharmacy Guild’s new course
Pharmacist Only Health Solutions is an online training course designed to assist pharmacists improve outcomes for both their customers and the pharmacy business with Pharmacist Only Medicines.
The course is free to all Guild members and their employee pharmacists, and available to non -members for $250, payable upon enrolment.
To register for or access myCPD, visit www.mycpd.org.au. Lung Foundation Australia
Lung Foundation Australia has updated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Pharmacy Online training to help pharmacists keep up to date with the six new medicines and two new inhaler devices for COPD released last year. It carries continuing professional development credits through the Australian Pharmacy College.
Visit http://ow.ly/I3ZM1 for more information.
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Health and community help needed with musculoskeletal project
Musculoskeletal conditions are conditions of the bones, muscles and their attachments (e.g. joints and ligaments), and are the most common chronic diseases in Australia, affecting 6.1 million people or 28% of the population. MSK conditions contribute significantly to Australia’s burden of disease with direct health care costs of $5.7 billion.
The Mid North Coast is one of only three trial sites in NSW to implement the Musculoskeletal Initiative for Primary Health Care pilot, led by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation. NCML and the Mid North Coast Local Health District have joined the pilot, which will trial the implementation of three evidenced-based models of care pertaining to:
1. Osteoarthritis Chronic Care Program (OACCP)2. Osteoporotic Refracture Prevention (ORP)3. Management of Acute Back Pain (MABP)
An MSK symposium will be held on the evening of 5 February, 2015 (6pm-9pm) at NSW University, Port Macquarie, with guest speaker Prof. Lyn March (Professor of Epidemiology and Rheumatology University of Sydney, Lead Musculoskeletal Burden of Disease World Health Organization) headlining the event. GPs, specialists, health professionals and consumers with an interest in musculoskeletal health are encouraged to attend, and to become part of this project.
Visit http://ow.ly/I40vp for a registration form.
For further information, contact Project Officers:
Coffs HarbourFiona O’Meara [email protected] 613 976
Port MacquarieMartin [email protected] 316 648
PAL UPDATE
For information on an educational cartoon for children with chronic
pain, see Page 5.
AlliedHealthFocus
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HNCNews
Healthy 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 profession-based networks available, the Healthy North Coast Network is ready for you to join right now.
Health professionals can register forthe Healthy North Coast Network byvisiting http://bit.ly/VsrO2s. Full instructions for the platform are available at http://bit.ly/1sJgRI7.
Networking Platform for Health Professionals The North Coast Public Health Unit is reminding residents and visitors to protect
themselves against mosquitoes as the number of people diagnosed with Ross River Virus is already above average for this time of year.
“Ross River virus is passed to people by mosquitoes and, so far in November and December, we have seen more people infected than usual on the North Coast,” said Tony Kohlenberg, Senior Environmental Health Officer.
“The mosquito numbers will increase now that we’ve had some more rain, which forms puddles and ponding where mosquitoes prefer to breed,” Mr Kohlenberg said.
Compared to the rest of NSW, people living on the North Coast are five to eight times more likely to be infected with Barmah Forest virus and three to five times more likely to be infected with Ross River virus.
Over the past decade an average of 475 people living on the NSW North Coast were diagnosed each year with either Ross River virus or Barmah Forest virus.
Read the full story at: http://healthynorthcoast.org.au/top-stories-228/
Time to Cover Up as Mosquito Season Hits
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HNCNews
There’s always one in a crowd, a sort of harbinger of the oncoming mosquito onslaught: a person mosquitoes seem to target more than others. What is it about these unlucky chosen few that makes them mosquito magnets?
There are hundreds of mosquito species and they all have slightly different preferences when it comes to what or who they bite. But only females bite; they need a nutritional hit to develop eggs.
Mosquitoes are stimulated by a number of factors when seeking out a blood meal. Initially, they’re attracted by the carbon dioxide we exhale. Body heat is probably important too, but once the mosquito gets closer, she will respond to the smell of a potential blood source’s skin.
Studies have suggested blood type (particularly type O), pregnancy and beer drinking all make you marginally more attractive to mosquitoes. But most of this research uses only one mosquito species. Switch to another species and the results are likely to be different.
There are up to 400 chemical compounds on human skin that could play a role in attracting (and perhaps repulsing) mosquitoes. This smelly mix, produced by bacteria living on our skin and exuded in sweat, varies from person to person and is likely to explain why there is substantial variation in how many mozzies we attract. Genetics probably plays the biggest role in this, but a little of it may be down to diet or physiology.
Read the full story at:http://healthynorthcoast.org.au/blog-151/
In October 2014, a 41-year-old man in the goldfields region of Western Australia collapsed and died within an hour of being bitten by the brown snake he was trying to capture.
While such deaths are infrequent, around 580 Australians are hospitalised for snakebites each year. But compared to centuries past, we now have a much better understanding of this bush hazard and how to combat venom toxicity.
In the 19th century, the treatment for a snakebite was at times more dangerous than no treatment at all. Health authorities promoted intravenous ammonia and strychnine (the latter is now recognised as a poisonous pesticide) as antidotes against the effects of snake venom. This resulted in the death of at least one child in Victoria.
It was only in 1930 that Australia finally developed our own, “homegrown” snake antivenom. This horse-based product, for human use, is now made by bioCSL in Melbourne and provides an antidote against the venom of all the major dangerous snakes.
Antivenoms act as molecular sponges, mopping up and helping eliminate venom in the blood so it can’t do any further damage. Such toxins can attack the blood clotting and cardiovascular system, the nerves, muscles and kidneys.
Most snakebite deaths and hospital admissions in Australia are due to brown snakes. This is because the six species of brown snake are more widely distributed than any other of the five major Australian land snakes: tiger, death adder, black snakes and taipans.
Read the full story at:http://healthynorthcoast.org.au/blog-146/
Health Check: why mosquitoes seem to bite some people more
Explainer: what should you do if you’re bitten by a snake?
Four leading health groups are calling on the new Federal Health Minister, Sussan Ley, and the Government to take decisive action to end the widespread marketing of junk food and drink to children after a new poll reveals widespread unease about unhealthy diets.
More than 80 per cent of Australians say unhealthy eating habits are a major problem for children. More than three quarters fear that if Australians don’t lower their intake of fatty, sugary and salty foods, today’s children will live shorter lives than their parents.
In the wake of these findings of a nationwide poll, the Consumers Health Forum, the Heart Foundation, the Obesity Policy Coalition and the Public Health Association of Australia have urged the Federal Government to take decisive action to stop promotion of unhealthy food, particularly to children.
Read the full story at: http://healthynorthcoast.org.au/top-stories-232/
Leading health groups call for decisive action to tackle obesity
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HNCEvents
Tweed
Northern Rivers
10/2/15 - Working with Clients and Families Living with Dementia, Alstonville
12/2/15 - Ballina Byron Kaizen Meeting (for all general practice staff), Ballina
13/2/15 - Pharmacology for Advanced Practice Clinicians, Lismore
17/2/15 - Fatigue: outlining a diagnostic approach (for Pharmacists), Wollongbar
17/2/15 - Ballina Byron Clinical Society (for GPs and Specialists – Ballina), Byron Bay
18/2/15 - Lismore Kaizen meeting
11-12/3/15 - Youth Mental Health First Aid, Alstonville
12/3/15 - ISBAR Workshop Series: Falls Prevention in Aged Care, Ballina
14/3/15 - Inflammatory Arthritis is a medical emergency, Byron Bay
15/3/15 - Senior First First Aid for Primary Health Care Workers, Byron Bay
17/3/15 - Leadership frameworks for social development, Goonellabah
18/3/15 - ISBAR Workshop Series: Falls Prevention in Aged Care, Lismore
25/3/15 - ISBAR Workshop Series: Falls Prevention in Aged Care, Casino
26/3/15 - Making funding proposals fly, Goonellabah
2/4/15 - Autism Awareness Expo, Goonellabah
4/4/15 - Shared Medical Appointments and how they increase efficiencies and outcomes: all you wanted to know, Byron Bay
Hastings-Macleay
5/2/15 - Musculoskeletal Symposium, Port Macquarie
12/2/15 - Stroke Identification and Management, Port Macquarie
14/3/15 - Q&A Forum Dying with Dignity, Port Macquarie
17/3/15 - Immunisation Update, Port Macquarie
26/2/15 - Partners in Prevention: Creating Supportive Environments to Improve Health of our Community, Coffs Harbour
9-14/3/15 - Eating Disorders Essentials, Course Coffs Harbour
11/3/15 - Immunisation Update, Coffs Harbour
26/3/15 - ISBAR Workshop Series: Falls Prevention in Aged Care, Grafton
27-29/3/15 - NSW RDN/RDA Summer Refresher Conference, Coffs Harbour
Mid North Coast
Other Events
21/2/15 - Annual Women’s Health Update, Kensington
16/2/15 - Treating Depression Online
February - April 2015You can view the full North Coast Practitioner events calander at:
www.healthynorthcoast.org.au/practitioner-events
11/2/15 - Tweed Valley Clinical Society (for GPs & Specialists), Tweed Heads
17/2/15 - Better Provision of Service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People for Pharmacy staff, Tweed Heads
7-8/3/15 - Minor Surgery Skills for Nurses, Gold Coast
10/3/15 - ISBAR Workshop Series: Falls Prevention in Aged Care, Kingscliff
19/3/15 - ISBAR Workshop Series: Falls Prevention in Aged Care, Kingscliff
28/3/15 - Anatomy Wetlab Workshop for Primary Care Practitioners: Head and Neck, Gold Coast
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HNCclassifiedsGP VACANCY -
TWEED BANORA MEDICAL CENTREExciting Opportunity – North Coast NSW
• seeking one to two VR GPs• flexible hours if required• new purpose-built modern medical centre• fully computerised• nurse and administrative support• access to onsite allied health• excellent beach side location• must be willing to share roster, including after
hours and nursing home visits
A new medical centre is seeking one or two new partners to join the practice. The Family Medical Centre will be located at the Southern end of the Gold Coast in the Tweed Shire, one of the most desirable locations in Australia and the world. This opportunity enables a relaxed enjoyable working environment to compliment the coastal lifestyle enjoyed in Australia’s fastest and most consistently growing region of NSW outside of Sydney.
We are seeking one or two partners who will be vocationally registered, with a minimum of five years’ experience in general practice, including at least two years in Australian general practice.
The new partners will have good communication skills including English, and show a willingness to share in the roster including weekends, evenings and home and nursing home visits. The partners will place a high value on being part of a caring team providing continuity of care of a high standard for their patients.
Contact:
Mr Brian Eddy Beachside Family Medical Centre - Cabarita Beach3/33 Tweed Coast RoadCabarita Beach, NSW, 2488Ph: 02 6674 4505
GPs WANTED - CABARITA
GP LOCUM AVAILABLE
Tweed Banora Medical Centre in Tweed Heads South is a fully computerised, modern, state of the art medical centre providing the following services and support structure: full time nursing support, treatment and procedure rooms, ECG testing, pathology, radiology and pharmacy on site.
The general practitioner will provide general practice services in an extended hours, comprehensive mixed-billing centre. The doctor will maintain clinical independence and enjoys stimulation from a varied patient mix. The practice provides a steady flow of patients.
The full-time/part-time position is to be filled as soon as possible. The remuneration is very attractive and negotiable. All applications will be dealt with in strict confidence. Apply today!
Contact:
Annette AltmiksGP Liaison for Primary Health CareTweed Banora Medical Centre, Tweed Heads South0424 011 [email protected]
Dr Mark Rathbone:
• 30 years experience• Unconditional registration• Coastal or inland practices
Available 9 March 2015 to 17 April 2015.
Phone: 0429 979 921 Email: [email protected]
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HNCclassifieds
Dr Riton Das, MB BS FRACP FRCPA, will be joining Mid North Coast Haematology in February. He will also be working at PMBH and with Laverty Pathology. Referrals can be made to:
Ph: 65814228Fax: [email protected]
The Mullumbimby Medical Centre is looking for a casual practice nurse to join our team of 4 RNs. Fridays + holiday coverage required. Scope to increase set hours in the near future. Email CV to [email protected] or call practice manager Chiron Weber on 02 6684 1511 for further information.
The Mid North Coast Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service (MNCBIRS) in Coffs Harbour is commencing a Concussion Clinic for children and adults, aged 5-65, who have sustained a concussive injury. The clinic will be staffed by a Neuropsychologist and an Allied Health Professional. Follow up will be offered over a 3-month period. This pilot clinic is available until August 2015 with thanks to funding from the Motor Accidents Authority.
The clinic operates weekly on Tuesday mornings. For telephone bookings, please contact MNCBIRS reception on 6659 2300.
CONCUSSION CLINIC
MID NORTH COAST HAEMATOLOGY
Campbell Street Surgery in Wauchope would like to advise that all doctors have now closed their books to new patients.
CAMPBELL STREET SURGERY
MULLUMBIMBY MEDICAL CENTRE
A permanent part -time registered nurse position is available at Moonee Beach Medical Centre. Previous experience in general practice is essential.
Please send your resume to: [email protected] by 20/02/2015.
MOONEE BEACH MEDICAL CENTRE - COFFS HARBOUR
Would you like to post a local classified ad in this newsletter? Email the details to [email protected] before the 25th of each month. There is no cost associated with these ads.
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HNCclassifieds
The Nambucca Heads Collaborative Redevelopment is the result of a partnership between UnitingCare Ageing and the Nambucca Heads Uniting Church. The church now includes office space for Uniting Care Ageing Community Care staff, a new meeting room/function space for the congregation and the UnitingCare Ageing Healthy Living for Seniors program, an activities area, a covered outdoor space and new bathroom facilities. For enquiries about any of the new services, contact Community Care Direct on 1800 486 484.
UnitingCare Ageing and the Nambucca Heads Uniting Church take pleasure in inviting you to celebrate the Redevelopment:
Wednesday 25 February 201510:30am (light lunch to be served from 12pm)44 Ridge Street, Nambucca Heads NSW 2448
RSVP by Sunday 1 February 2015 to: Roanne: [email protected] or Bronwyn: [email protected]: 02 6582 8205
UNITING CARE NAMBUCCA HEADS DEMENTIA RESPITE - INFORMATION SESSION
Dementia Respite Care Centre in Port Macquarie invites health providers to attend an information session introducing the organisation, innovative day programs and referral process. Please email the managers, Julie Dunn or Margaret Allen, at [email protected] by the 6th of February to express your interest and a suitable day and time.
EOIs INVITED - THE WINSOME HEALTH OUTREACH CLINIC
NCML, in partnership with Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD), the St. Vincent de Paul’s Society and The Winsome, has been providing an outreach health service on-site at The Winsome, a large facility owned and run by the Lismore Soup Kitchen Inc. The Winsome is a highly regarded community-based service providing valuable support for some of the Northern Rivers’ most vulnerable people. The Winsome provides accommodation for up to 17 men and daily meals for all people in need. Every Wednesday morning, an Outreach Health clinic is held on-site, providing free GP and clinical nursing services. NNSWLHD provide a Community Nurse each week. The Clinic is well-established and well-utilised. Seventy-seven patients accessed the clinic over the last 12 months, with nearly 400 occasions of service occurring. In the next six months, NCML and St Vincent de Paul are working to construct a purpose built clinic on the ground floor of The Winsome comprising of a doctor’s room, a nurse’s room and a reception/waiting area.
North Coast NSW Medicare Local is calling for expressions of interest from general practitioners and nurses to provide medical services at the Winsome Health Outreach Clinic in Lismore. Please contact Monika Wheeler, Program Manager on (02) 6622 4453 or via email at [email protected].
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Northern RiversTarmons House, St Vincent’s Campus 20 Dalley Street, East Lismore NSW 2480Phone: 02 6622 4453Fax: 02 6622 3185Email: [email protected]
Tweed Heads 8 Corporation Circuit,Tweed Heads South NSW 2486 Phone: 07 5523 5501Email: [email protected]
Hastings MacleayOffice Location: Postal Address 53 Lord Street, PORT MACQUARIE NSW 2444 Phone: 02 6583 3600Fax: 02 6583 8600Email: [email protected] Mid North Coast Suite 6, 1 Duke Street, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450Postal: PO Box 920, COFFS HARBOUR NSW 2450Phone: 02 6659 1800Fax: 02 6659 1899Email: [email protected]
Head OfficeSuite 6, 85 Tamar Street, BALLINA NSW AUSTRALIA 2478
Postal: PO BOX 957, BALLINA NSW AUSTRALIA 2478Phone: 02 6618 5400
Fax: 02 6618 5499Email: [email protected]
Contact NCML
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