Winter immunity for a safer community

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

We all know people in our community who are at greatest risk of suffering severe symptoms from flu include people aged over 65, and people with a medical condition. While most residents and staff in aged care settings will already have received their annual flu shot, we can all do …

COVID-19 vaccination rates in aged care are low

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

It is important to ensure the safety of our community, especially older people. Older age continues to be the biggest risk factor for severe COVID-19. Regular vaccination is the best protection from severe illness, hospitalisation or death from COVID-19. The recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) is: …

National Bowel Screening program extended to 45-49 year olds

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

There are upcoming changes to the National Bowel Screening Program. From 1 July 2024, the Department of Health is lowering the eligible screening age for the program from 50 to 45 years of age. What does this mean for patients aged 45-49? Eligible people aged 45 to 49 can be …

Become a Cyber Warden and help keep your business cyber-safe

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

Did you know that the 2022 ransomware attack on an Australian health insurer exposed the sensitive data of 9.7 million Australians? Digital transformation in the primary care sector can unlock amazing opportunities and new ways of working, but it comes with risks that must be understood and managed. Cyber security, …

Telehealth for RACH Impact Statements

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

In 2023, many RACHs applied for Telehealth grants. If you did receive a grant, please note the extended final due date for the Telehealth Grant Impact Statement for RACH is approaching fast, with submissions due at close of business, Tuesday 10 June 2024. You also should have received a reminder …

Reminder Digital Health Maturity in your RACH

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

On 23 April, we reached out to all Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) across the region to better understand how you use digital health in your everyday operations. We were also keen to hear how we could better support your facility, with help tailored to your individual needs. While we …

GPACI and MyMedicare registration launch 1 July

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

The General Practice in Aged Care (GPACI) Incentive payments will launch Monday 1 July 2024 and will replace the current Aged Care Access Incentive. GPACI  Incentive payments are available to participating general practices supporting older people living Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) with regular visits and care planning services. The aim …

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The flu is so common, yet serious!

In News by PHN Communications

This month we are urging residents to book in for a flu shot to ensure they are protected leading into the winter flu season.  The flu is circulating earlier this year, with increasing cases reported across our regions. Queensland Health issued a Letter to GPs – over 65s COVID vaccinations[82] on …

New General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) to improve access to primary care 

In News by PHN Communications

The Australian Department of Health is developing the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) funding a $112 million investment in aged care over four years. The new program will give aged care residents better access to high-quality, continuous and person-centred primary care. GPACI will support every aged care resident to …

Enhancing Primary Sense across the region

In News by PHN Communications

Uptake of Primary Sense continues to increase, with more practices joining each month. We recently celebrated reaching 100 installations, and we are thrilled to announce that we have now surpassed 160 installations across the CCQ region! With another 43 registrations ready to commence their installation journey. Along with the existing …

CCQ is Celebrating 100 installations of Primary Sense!

In News by PHN Communications

CCQ is working diligently to improve healthcare for both general practices and their patients. Primary Sense is a population health management and clinical decision support tool that provides real-time clinical decision support for general practitioners at the point of care to give patients the right care at the right time. …

Register with Provider Connect Australia and get connected

In News by PHN Communications

  Provider Connect Australia (PCA) is operated by the Australian Digital Health Agency. It connects healthcare organisations with their business partners to streamline updates of the services they provide and the practitioners providing them. The benefits to patients include: Secure referrals Appointment booking Centralised, connected care for patients – all …

Digital Health maturity in RACH

In News by PHN Communications

CCQ wants to hear from our local Aged Care Homes to better understand the use of digital health locally.   CCQ currently provide a range of digital health support to local primary health care providers and we would like to hear how our aged care homes use digital health in their …

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Aged Care Student Nurse Placement Program

In News by PHN Communications

APNA’s Aged Care program supports second and third-year Bachelor of Nursing students wishing to experience what it is like to work in the exciting sector in aged care.   Students are supported on placements by dedicated Clinical Nurse Facilitators (RNs) funded by APNA. The facilitators ensure students meet their learning outcomes …

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Influenza season vaccinations

In News by PHN Communications

New 2024 season influenza vaccines under the National Immunisation Program are now available. Aged Care Residents and staff should get their annual influenza vaccine anytime from April onwards to be protected for the peak flu season, which is typically July to September.   Influenza vaccines can also be given on the …