Hepatitis Queensland has launched a new two part webinar series looking at hepatitis C epidemiology, transmission, testing and treatment. The webinars are targeted towards non-clinical alcohol and other drugs workers, social workers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers among others. The first webinar in the series outlines hepatitis …
Nambour General Hospital redevelopment confirmed
In a letter to stakeholders, the Board Chair and Chief Executive have confirmed a multimillion dollar redevelopment of the Nambour General Hospital. Construction on the $86 million project is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2019 and will be completed in December 2022. The redevelopment will deliver: expansion …
What is your response to ‘digital health’?
For many GPs, the term ‘digital health’ elicits a middle digit response. From My Health Record to electronic referrals, there can be frustration over the point of it all. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The planets are beginning to align. Clinical information produced by various …
Buderim practice wins AGPAL Small Practice of the Year
A Sunshine Coast general practice, based in Buderim has been recognised with the top award for small general practices in this year’s Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) awards. Steve Jones, a nurse practitioner with Medicrew Buderim said their model of health care had helped them stand out among a …
MBS Item remains available for general practice
In a response to the AMA, the Department of Health have confirmed that GPs will not be prevented from accessing MBS item 30202. The recent recommendations of the MBS Taskforce were misreported on the MBS Taskforce’s website. The website incorrectly reported a change to MBS item 30202, which would have …
safeTALK workshops delivering suicide prevention the Sunshine Coast
Lifeline are delivering a series of workshops across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions and anyone over the age of 17 is invited to attend. The safeTALK workshops provide valuable skills to help individuals keep their friends and family safe from suicide. The workshops provide a safe environment to …
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service not accepting patient referrals for Wet Macular Degeneration
The Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service is advising that it will continue the current practice of not being able to accept any new Wet Macular Degeneration patient referrals until the 1st of November 2018. The Caloundra ophthalmology unit will continue to see patients which we have already accepted referrals …
My Health Record opt out date announced
Every Australian will be offered a My Health record, unless they choose not to have one during the three month opt out period that will run from 16 July to 15 October 2018. A pack will be sent to all general practices prior to the opt out commencement, which will …
GP networking coordinators needed on the Sunshine Coast
Network coordinators are needed in the following areas: South Sunshine Coast (Caloundra & surrounds) Central Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour) Gympie Growing a connected community of GPs – The PHN is committed to helping GPs connect with each other through: Educational events Peer networking Advocacy for the profession The PHN …
RACGP releases new mental health support for GPs
The RACGP are encouraging general practitioners and other health professionals to take care of their own physical, mental, emotional and social health and to seek support when required. There are multiple barriers that may prevent health professionals accessing mental health services. However self-care and mental health resources and services specifically …
Last week to integrate online mental health services into your practice
According to the Black Dog Institute, in 2007 only about one third of those experiencing some mental health difficulties (1 in 5 Australians) have received access to some sort of professional support. Online therapies are an essential clinical tool to help overcome access barriers like stigma, time constraints, costs/availability for …
New round of My Health for Life provider applications opens today
Health providers across the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay are invited to complete an Expression of Interest and apply to become a provider under the My Health for Life program. My health for Life is a Queensland integrated risk assessment and behaviour modification program that aims to assist participants to …
How will the new child care package affect your family?
There’s not long to go before the New Child Care Package is introduced on 2 July! Whether you’re a new parent considering your child care options or your family’s already part of the system, the new Package will overhaul the current child care fee assistance to provide more support for …
New toolkit to help you engage with women who are under-screened
Did you know that 80% of Australian women who develop cervical cancer are under screened or have never screened. The Department of Health has developed a new toolkit to assist healthcare providers to engage under-screened and never-screened women in cervical screening, and to support them should they choose to participate. …
New research to explore whole person care
Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Primary Care Clinical Unit are seeking GPs or GP registrars willing to participate in a short interview about their views on and experiences providing “whole person” care. “Whole person care” is a core feature of general practice, however exactly what this involves is not …
Emergency medicine research grant EOIs open
The Emergency Medicine Foundation (EMF) is running a Rural and Remote Research Program grant round, offering up to $50,000 to support a collaborative research project in the field of emergency medicine for the benefit of rural and remote patients within Australia. Further funding for additional grants may be available. Why …
Evidence-based smoking cessation care for pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
The SISTAQUIT research trial aims to improve provision of timely, evidence-based smoking cessation care (SCC) for pregnant Indigenous women attending Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS), General Practices and other health services. The multi-component, culturally appropriate SISTAQUIT intervention is based on RACGP guidelines, and trains multidisciplinary teams (e.g. GPs, Aboriginal Health Workers …
Support available for GPs to manage sexual health
Following the reported case of multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea in Queensland last month, all GPs are being urged to contact their local Sexual Health Service if they suspect a patient may present with vaginal or urethral discharge. Drug-resistant gonorrhoea exists in many countries, including Australia. However, these latest cases and a …
EOIs open to deliver new mental health screening pilot program
The PHN is working in partnership with Black Dog Institute to offer 10 practices in the Sunshine Coast and Gympie area an innovative mental health pilot program. The program will use digital health technology to screen patients in the waiting room and offer treatment options and make recommendations to the …
Nurses and GPs role in e-mental heath interventions
Evidence strongly suggests that Electronic mental health services are effective in managing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Primary care providers are in a privileged position to embed these technologies into their practice and offer new services to their patients. The benefits of e-mental health services are diverse for both, …