Healthy North Coast Chronic Disease Clinical Society Forum 2023
Together, we can create a healthier North Coast
Chronic Disease impacts everyone involved in managing our populations health. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that in 2021 almost half of us lived with one or more chronic conditions.
These long-term conditions continue to pose a significant burden on individuals, families, North Coast communities and the healthcare system. The impact of chronic diseases extends beyond physical health, affecting mental well-being and overall quality of life.
GPs, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals and Practice Managers care for the health of North Coast communities by managing chronic diseases in their practice everyday.
Healthy North Coast warmly invites you to join us at your closest Chronic Disease Clinical Society Forum.
The forum will be held in two locations: Port Macquarie and Lismore.
What to expect:
The Chronic Disease Management Forum is a one-day education event that offers profession-specific streams for primary health professionals, catering to the unique role you play in your patient’s interdisciplinary team.
You’ll also have the chance to have interdisciplinary networking and cross-collaboration case studies.
Register now for your closest Chronic Disease Forum for:
- A vast range of chronic disease management topics
- Profession-specific streams for GP’s, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals and Practice Managers
- Interdisciplinary discussions, case studies and networking
- 6.5 CPD hours
A word from our GP Medical Educators...
"From health issues such as Long Covid, through to heart and lung disease to diabetes and arthritis, our population is struggling with a tsunami of ill health and nowhere is that more apparent than on the North Coast of NSW with our aging population.
Please join us in Port Macquarie on 4th November 2023 and Lismore of 19th November 2023, when Healthy North Coast will be hosting a whole day forum around this important issue. Learn about topics relevant to your own professional stream and then come together at the end of the day for a collaborating case study."
Agenda
9:00am - 9:15am
Welcome from Healthy North Coast
9:15am - 9:30am
Welcome to Country
Acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Birpai and Widjabul Wia-bal Nations, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. Pay your respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
9:30am
GP's
Long COVID
Nurses
Implementing Chronic Disease Management Plans and Health Assessments
Allied Health
Prevention of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Practice Managers
Leading a Practice Team
10:15am
GP's
Heart Failure
Nurses
Long COVID
Allied Health
Interdisciplinary Management of Diabetes
Practice Managers
Managing Expectations and Performance
11:00am
Morning Tea
11:30am
GP's
Diabetes
Nurses
Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Rehab
Allied Health
Utilising Chronic Disease Management Plans
Practice Managers
12:15pm
GP's
Chronic Liver Disease
Nurses
Diabetes
Allied Health
Managing Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Practice Managers
Aggression in the Workplace
1:00pm
Lunch
1:45pm
GP's
Chronic Kidney Disease
Nurses
Navigating NDIS
Allied Health
Practice Managers
Practice Accreditation
2:30pm
GP's
Nurses
Allied Health
Practice Managers
Customer service and Communication Skills
3:15pm
Afternoon Tea
3:45pm
Integrating Interdisciplinary Care Teams in the Management of Chronic Disease
4:45pm
Wrap up & forum close
*Times are subject to change
Will I get CPD Points for attending?
Healthy North Coast is seeking accreditation for GP’s through RACGP & ACRRM for 6.5 hours.
All other professions will receive a Certificate of Attendance for their self-reporting CPD.
Agenda - Port Macquarie
Welcome to Country
Acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Birpai Nation, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. Pay your respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
Welcome from Healthy North Coast
- Monika Wheeler
GP's
Long COVID
- Professor Steven Faux
- Understand the role of early rehabilitation
- Approach to diagnosis
able to undertake an N on 1 trial of treatments for long COVID - Develop strategies in approaching employers to assist with return to work after long COVID
Nurses
Implementing Chronic Disease Management Plans and Health Assessments
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Create clear guidelines and protocols for managing chronic diseases and conducting health assessments
- Empower patients in self-management of Chronic Disease
- Provide educational resources, self-care tools, and support groups to help patients understand their conditions, adhere to treatment plans, and make lifestyle modifications.
- Collaborate with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to chronic disease management through regular communication and coordination to provide holistic care to patients.
Allied Health
Prevention of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
- David Zigori
- Alison Wilson
David is a university-qualified dietitian and nutritionist. David is also a published author in the Clinical Nutrition and Health Expectations journals. HIs special interests are working with individuals with disabilities, culturally diverse communities, sports and performance nutrition, weight concerns, gastrointestinal health (IBS), diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer. David’s area of expertise is in chronic disease management and is the principal dietitian at a busy clinic (Healthier You) operating in Port Macquarie.
- Hear the latest evidence for the prevention of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Learn current approaches of dietitians and exercise physiologists in prevention of CVD and diabetes.
- Identify challenges/obstacles to providing effective preventive programs.
- Explore ideas for better multi-disciplinary approaches to integrated prevention work
Practice Managers
Managing Expectations and Performance
- Nigel Cronin
Nigel Cronin is the Associate Director for Primary Care Programs at Healthy North Coast and has a wealth of experience in education, training, management and clinical nursing. He previously worked for Sydney Local Health District, commencing as a registered nurse in ICU and then as a Clinical Programs Manager and Workforce Manager, which also saw him develop management and leadership programs. Nigel has also taught at both the University of Sydney and University of Tasmania. He has a strong passion for education and workforce development as he sees this as the cornerstone for both good patient health outcomes, and, for primary health care employee work satisfaction.
- Build confidence in setting and communicating performance expectations that assist the practice team to support the organisation’s operational goals and care delivery
- Explore how to integrate employee career advancement into performance management
- Improve understanding of how to manage underperforming team members, including practical methods for performance monitoring, informal and formal performance management processes.
- Enhance skills to optimise employee performance and accountability.
GP's
Heart Failure
- Associate Professor Kevin Alford (OAM) - via Zoom
A/P Kevin Alford dedicated 44 years of his medical carer to the people of the Mid North Coast of NSW. This has been recognised by the awarding of the RACP Medal for Clinical Service in Rural and remote Areas and receiving an AOM. He has been a clinical specialist, a mentor, an educator and an innovator for cardiology in the region. Now in his well deserved retirement he will once more return to our region to lead a discussion around heart failure and its management.
- Understand the New Guidelines in Heartfailure Treatment
- Use in Family Practice made understandable.
- Kevin’s secret tips as to how to apply these quickly and practically for the benefit of both doctors and patients as well as saving your patients unnecessary time and money!
Nurses
Long COVID
- Professor Steven Faux
- Understand the role of early rehabilitation
- Approach to diagnosis
able to undertake an N on 1 trial of treatments for long COVID - Develop strategies in approaching employers to assist with return to work after long COVID
Allied Health
Interdisciplinary Management of Diabetes
- Cally Sumpter
- Michelle Bushell
TBC
- Observe the current picture of lifestyle diabetes in Australia, and on the North Coast.
- Learn of evidence-based work of dietitians, diabetes educators and others in managing diabetes.
- Identify current challenges/obstacles to effective management of diabetes in North Coast communities.
- Explore ideas for better multi-disciplinary integrated care approaches to managing diabetes in the community.
“
Practice Managers
Leading a Practice Team
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Identify the key communication strategies of leading a practice team to effectively foster teamwork, collaboration and a positive work environment
- Understand and manage ones own emotions in order to build strong relationships with team members, understand their needs and concerns, and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Improve confidence in decision making and problem solving skills.
- Develop strategic thinking skills in setting goals, developing plans, and making decisions that align with the practice’s mission and objectives.
- Recognise the importance of team building in general practice for improved morale, productivity, and patient outcomes.
Morning Tea
GP's
Diabetes Update: Pharmacotherapy and Technology
- Dr Kate Gupta
Dr Katharine Gupta is a Consultant Endocrinologist working in private practice in Port Macquarie. Dr Gupta’s areas of interest include diabetes and general endocrinology with a keen interest in diabetes in pregnancy. Besides clinical work, Dr Gupta is passionate about health education with experience in Joint GP and Specialist Diabetes Case Conferencing.
Understand the Pharmacotherapy of Diabetes + Utilise Diabetes technology
Nurses
Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Rehab
- Jannie Denyer
Jannie Denyer is a Clinical Nurse Specialist 2 and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator. Jannie originally set up the Cardiac Rehabitiation service in Port Macquarie in 2004, offering a multidisciplinary team approach to supporting cardiac patients in their recovery from surgery, cardiac stenting and will review referrals of other cardiac issues. The program provides support, exercise and education that’s led by health professionals and is personalised to strengthen heart function. It helps the patient make long term lifestyle changes for a healthier life.
- Referral process and criteria for cardiac rehab service.
- Understand what the cardiac rehab program.
- Increasing your knowledge of Chest pain action plan
- Resources, services and support available in our local area.
Allied Health
Managing Chronic Respiratory Conditions
- Philip Rudd
- Kelly Eyeington
- Ingrid Sivertsen
- Kate Harris
Kelly Eyeington graduated with a Batchelor of Social Work (Hons) in 2004 and has been a Senior Social Worker at the Mid North Coast Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service for 5 years and is the Social Work Head of Department at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. Prior to working at PMBH and MNCBIRS, Kelly worked as a Sexual Assault Counsellor in Community Health, and for Correctional Services in the Northern Territory and NSW as a Probation and Parole Officer.
Katie Harris graduated with a Bachelor of International Development Studies in 2018. She went on to complete a Masters of Social Work in 2021. She has been working at Port Macquarie Base Hospital as a Generalist Hospital Social Worker since 2021 and more recently has been the designated Social Worker for the MAU/3D wards. In her role as the 3D/MAU Social Worker, she is predominantly working with medically acute patients presenting with stroke, cardiac and pulmonary diseases and the psychosocial complexities associated with such presentations. Katie has a strong focus on advocacy in her work and is dedicated to fostering care and connection with the people she works with.
Ingrid Sivertsen is a dietitian and the MNCLHD’s District Manager for Integrated Primary Care. Ingrid has worked as a dietitian in a busy multidisciplinary allied health practice on the Mid North Coast. She currently manages the Enhancing Community Care allied health team, along with the Bowra GP Clinic and integrated care projects team for the MNCLHD. Ingrid has a keen interest in promoting the role of allied health clinicians, and in advocating for integration of care between services and disciplines for the benefit of our community.
Phil Rudd is a senior Community physiotherapist and coordinator of the Osteoporosis Clinic at Port Macquarie Base Hospital. As part of his community physiotherapy role he runs the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program which provides reconditioning exercise and health management education for patients with chronic respiratory disease.
- Update knowledge of the key chronic respiratory conditions affecting the community.
- Learn about the functions/activities of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit in your region
- Gain understanding of psycho-social challenges for people with chronic respiratory conditions
- Learn of current multi-disciplinary approaches to managing chronic respiratory conditions in the community
- Identify challenges/obstacles to providing effective respiratory care programs, and explore solutions for better prevention and management.
Practice Managers
Customer service and communication skills
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Develop effective communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and clear, concise verbal and written communication, to enhance patient and staff interactions in a healthcare practice setting.
- Enhance customer service proficiency to implement strategies that improve customer service, such as handling patient inquiries and complaints, setting service standards, and creating a positive patient experience within the practice.
- Apply conflict resolution techniques and strategies to effectively manage conflicts that may arise among staff or with patients in a manner that promotes a harmonious and productive work environment.
GP's
Chronic Liver Disease
- Associate Professor Stuart Kostalas
Stuart has worked in Port Macquarie since 2013. After endoscopic training in Japan he decided to bring the people and procedures to Port Macquarie. His formal qualifications include an undergraduate medical degree, three masters degrees and fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. He is currently researching serrated polyps and serrated polyposis syndrome for his doctoral thesis.
- Aetiology of CLD on the MNC
- Management of CLD and complications of treatment
- Diagnosis and risk stratification of CLD
Nurses
Diabetes
- Wendy Ferris
Wendy Ferris is a cornerstone of diabetes education in the Forster-Tuncurry region having lived in the region for 30 years and practiced as a credentialled Diabetes Educator since 2017. With over 40 years of experience in healthcare, including roles as a physiotherapist, Allied Health Manager, and medical center manager, she joined the DAP team in March 2023. Her deep passion lies in empowering people with diabetes through self-management and incorporating the latest advancements to optimize their diabetes care, with a strong commitment to ongoing education in the field.
- Understand the process of initiating insulin to a person with diabetes
- Explain common diabetic medicines available to patients in a primary care setting
- Discuss Type 2 Diabetes
Allied Health
My Aged Care and Chronic Conditions
- Bron McCrae
- Kerry Hardey
Bron McCrae, Deputy Director Healthy Living and Ageing, HNC. Bron McCrae is a registered nurse with many years’ experience in the field and qualifications in Health Service Management, Palliative Care and Oncology. Bron is passionate about changing ageist attitudes, improving the health and wellbeing of older people and educating all generations to age well. She uses her role as Deputy Director Healthy Living and Ageing to influence the future of ageing services and promoting an ageless society.
- Build your knowledge of the My Aged Care Program and how it operates.
- Identify challenges/obstacles for allied health professionals in utilising My Aged Care for best service provision and client outcomes.
- Explore opportunities for better allied health utilization of My Aged Care to improve patient access to care.
- Consider strategies to improve multi-disciplinary care under the My Aged Care program.
Practice Managers
The Business of Primary Care and MyMedicare
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Understand the benefits and the role of MyMedicare in managing Chronic Diseases
- Optimise your practices current service delivery and prepare for future budgetary changes for general practice
Lunch
GP's
Chronic Kidney Disease
- Dr Mohan Vattekad
Dr Mohandas Vattekad is the Director of Nephology at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital along with providing renal services to Port Macquarie Private Hospital Dialysis Unit. Mohan was also the Director of Renal Services at Central Australia. His extensive knowledge around renal medicine has allowed him to provide significant support to GPs and other health professionals in our region.
Nurses
Navigating NDIS
- Dionne Riley
- Jasmine Dickers
Jasmine Vickers supports participants in Kempsey and Port Macquarie area as a Local Area Coordinator, following on from her role as Participant Experience Officer for Blue Sky Community Services. Jasmine completed a Diploma in Community Services, completing work placement with Kempsey Family Support Service. She has a passion for supporting individuals who require assistance with their current circumstances and puts a lot of heart into what she does as a LAC. Jasmine enjoys taking the time to speak to families, carers and the participants to ensure they feel heard and supported. Dionne, Lead Local Area Coordinator at Blue Sky for nearly 5 years, loves her diverse role. She’s passionate about helping people reach their goals, educating Participants, organisations, and the community, and training staff in NDIS navigation. Dionne supports them to build the capacity of people with a disability to participate in the community, improve functional independence and quality of life and reduce reliance on formal support. As a caregiver for someone with a disability, she understands the NDIS challenges and aims to help others.
- Build your knowledge of Local Area Coordinator (LAC) roles in the NDIS program.
- Explore how LACS and AHPs can work together for best participants outcomes.
- Learn about recent reforms to NDIS and implications for AHPs and their clients.
Allied Health
Utilising Chronic Disease Management Plans
- Kim Poyner
- Nathan Lynch
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Consolidate your knowledge of the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Program and how it operates.
- Identify challenges/obstacles to providing effective allied health treatment and management programs under CDM.
- Explore opportunities for better allied health utilization of CDM to improve patient care
- Consider strategies to improve multi-disciplinary care under CDM.
Practice Managers
Practice Accreditation
- Dr Paul Mara
Dr Paul Mara, AM, is a GP, serving the rural community for over 40 years. Dr Mara was a central figure in the formation of the Rural Doctors Association of NSW and founding member and inaugural Vice President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia, becoming President in 2010. Dr Mara was the inaugural Director of General Practice at the Federal AMA. He played a key role in establishing the Divisions of General Practice, vocational registration, GP training reforms and practice enhancement grants. Dr Mara is the founder and Managing Director of Quality Practice Accreditation, Australia’s only accreditation provider specialising solely in general practice.
- Key areas of focus of accreditation bodies.
- Understand the planned changes to the current accreditation standards.
- Best practice and efficiencies in meeting, documenting or evidencing the bigger core standards.
- Simple, time and cost-effective strategies for holding training sessions for staff, conducting audits, and documenting and displaying evidence.
GP's
- Dr Steven Chung
Dr Steven Chung is a Thoracic and General Physician based in Port Macquarie. He has specific interests in severe asthma, pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung diseases. He previously pioneered work on COPD with the use of endobronchial valves for advanced emphysema.
- Current COPD guidelines (GOLD)
- How did we get here?
- Update on COPD – drugs, devices and biologics
Nurses
- Ali Dridan
Service Delivery Manager – Healthy Me, Healthy Community – Feros Care. Ali is an accomplished advocate and professional in mental health and social prescribing. With a strong academic background in Psychology and Counselling, she’s a leader in innovative approaches to improve mental health outcomes. Her notable achievement includes leading Feros Care’s “Healthy Me, Healthy Community” program, which has successfully reduced isolation and loneliness while strengthening community connections in the Port Macquarie region.
- Understand Social Prescribing and its significance in preventative health.
- Understand the Healthy Me, Healthy Community Social Prescribing program.
- Understand how Social Prescribing can be adopted into practice.
Allied Health
- Dionne Riley
- Jasmine Dickers
Jasmine Vickers supports participants in Kempsey and Port Macquarie area as a Local Area Coordinator, following on from her role as Participant Experience Officer for Blue Sky Community Services. Jasmine completed a Diploma in Community Services, completing work placement with Kempsey Family Support Service. She has a passion for supporting individuals who require assistance with their current circumstances and puts a lot of heart into what she does as a LAC. Jasmine enjoys taking the time to speak to families, carers and the participants to ensure they feel heard and supported. Dionne, Lead Local Area Coordinator at Blue Sky for nearly 5 years, loves her diverse role. She’s passionate about helping people reach their goals, educating Participants, organisations, and the community, and training staff in NDIS navigation. Dionne supports them to build the capacity of people with a disability to participate in the community, improve functional independence and quality of life and reduce reliance on formal support. As a caregiver for someone with a disability, she understands the NDIS challenges and aims to help others.
- Build your knowledge of Local Area Coordinator (LAC) roles in the NDIS program.
- Explore how LACS and AHPs can work together for best participants outcomes.
- Learn about recent reforms to NDIS and implications for AHPs and their clients.
- Explore opportunities for better AHP utilization of NDIS to improve participant care.
- Consider strategies to improve multi-disciplinary care under the NDIS program.
Practice Managers
Aggression in the Workplace
- Lance Harris
Lance Harris is the Principal Inspector at WHS Regional for the Mid North Coast at SafeWork NSW.
- Explore the various ways that aggression and bullying can be experienced in the clinic
- Develop practical strategies for managing angry or aggressive people, whether in person or over the phone
- Enhance awareness of the role of SafeWork NSW and how they can assist practices to manage aggression and bullying in the workplace from a legislative and practice policy perspective, as well as via Advisory Visits to the clinic.
Afternoon Tea
Integrating Interdisciplinary Care Teams in the Management of Chronic Disease
- Andy Williams
- Ian Skinner
- Kim Poyner
Wrap up & Forum close
*Times are subject to change
Will I get CPD Points for attending?
Healthy North Coast is seeking accreditation for GP’s through RACGP & ACRRM for 6.5 hours.
All other professions will receive a Certificate of Attendance for their self-reporting CPD.
Agenda - Lismore
Welcome to Country
Acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, the Widjabul Wia-bal People of the Bundjalung Nation, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. Pay your respects to the Elders past, present and emerging.
Welcome from Healthy North Coast
- Luke Elias
GP's
Long COVID
- Matthew Green
- Rocco Mico
Rocco has over 20 years experience in the health industry and gained a variety of experience across the health services continuum in both NSW and QLD public and private sectors. Rocco has has a special interest in rehabilitation and client centred approaches to chronic disease management and service design. Currently Rocco is the Respiratory Services Mmanager for Northern NSW Local Health District, actively involved with the development of services to improve quality of life for people with chronic respiratory diseases.
Matt is a dedicated Exercise Physiologist and Outpatient Rehabilitation Lead at the Wesley Hospital. With over 10 years of experience in the healthcare industry, he has established himself as a trusted expert in his field. In his role as Outpatient Rehabilitation Lead, Matt is responsible for overseeing the rehabilitation programs of patients recovering from various injuries and illnesses. He works closely with a team of Allied Health professionals and specialists to develop personalised treatment plans that address the specific needs of each patient.
- Improve understanding of the frequency and breadth of symptoms resulting from post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (i.e. long COVID)
- Explore the impact that long COVID symptoms have on an individual’s functioning, both physically and mentally
- Enhance awareness of the recommended treatment strategies, including local referral options, to support people experiencing long COVID symptoms
Nurses
Implementing Chronic Disease Management Plans and Health Assessments
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Create clear guidelines and protocols for managing chronic diseases and conducting health assessments
- Empower patients in self-management of Chronic Disease
- Provide educational resources, self-care tools, and support groups to help patients understand their conditions, adhere to treatment plans, and make lifestyle modifications.
- Collaborate with physicians, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to chronic disease management through regular communication and coordination to provide holistic care to patients.
Allied Health
Prevention of Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
- Mark Roberts
- Kim Welch
Kim Welch (CCRN, RN CDE) has worked extensively across Community health, General Practice and Private Practice over the past 20 years, with a focus on the prevention and management of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Previously working in Remote Area Nursing, Emergency, ICU. and a Facilitator and Provider of the Life! Program (prevention of diabetes, heart disease and stroke). With a team of Facilitators, she runs around 30 programs a year for general communities, GP Practices, workplace and CALD communities. Kim finds great fulfilment in giving people the education and the tools to support and make changes to their lifestyle.
Practice Managers
Managing Expectations and Performance
- Nigel Cronin
Nigel Cronin is the Associate Director for Primary Care Programs at Healthy North Coast and has a wealth of experience in education, training, management and clinical nursing. He previously worked for Sydney Local Health District, commencing as a registered nurse in ICU and then as a Clinical Programs Manager and Workforce Manager, which also saw him develop management and leadership programs. Nigel has also taught at both the University of Sydney and University of Tasmania. He has a strong passion for education and workforce development as he sees this as the cornerstone for both good patient health outcomes, and, for primary health care employee work satisfaction.
- Build confidence in setting and communicating performance expectations that assist the practice team to support the organisation’s operational goals and care delivery
- Explore how to integrate employee career advancement into performance management
- Improve understanding of how to manage underperforming team members, including practical methods for performance monitoring, informal and formal performance management processes.
- Enhance skills to optimise employee performance and accountability.
GP's
Heart Failure
- Dr Thomas Butler
Dr Thomas Butler is an imaging non invasive cardiologist who studied Medicine at The University of Queensland. He has undertaken a Fellowship in echocardiography at The Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane. He has a special interest in CT calcium scoring for risk assessment as well as stress echocardiography and trans thoracic echocardiography. He has a busy private practice at All 4 Hearts Cardiology in Ballina as well as John Flynn Hospital in Tugun.
- Improve awareness of the aetiology (both ischaemic and non-ischaemic) of heart failure and the pathology, cardiac imaging and functional assessments that are involved in providing care
- Improve understanding of the medications used in heart failure management, both CHF and episodes of acute decompensation
- Explore the non-medication management options available for heart failure
Nurses
Long COVID
- Rocco Mico
Rocco has over 20 years experience in the health industry and gained a variety of experience across the health services continuum in both NSW and QLD public and private sectors. Rocco has has a special interest in rehabilitation and client centred approaches to chronic disease management and service design. Currently Rocco is the Respiratory Services Mmanager for Northern NSW Local Health District, actively involved with the development of services to improve quality of life for people with chronic respiratory diseases. .
- Improve understanding of the frequency and breadth of symptoms resulting from post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (i.e. long COVID)
- Explore the impact that long COVID symptoms have on an individual’s functioning, both physically and mentally
- Enhance awareness of the recommended treatment strategies, including local referral options, to support people experiencing long COVID symptoms
Allied Health
Interdisciplinary Management of Diabetes
- Michelle Culhane
- Emma Alley
Emma Alley is a clinical specialist Diabetes Dietitian who has been practising for nearly 20 years, primarily in the area of diabetes. She works within a multidisciplinary team supporting all types of diabetes including in-patient services and within the community setting, and across all age groups.
Emma aims to improve a persons’/carers self-management knowledge with a goal of fostering a good relationship with food working with an individual’s own health care goals.
Michelle is the Clinical Nurse Consultant for Diabetes across NNSWLHD, a role that encompasses clinical leadership and strategic planning. Michelle started nursing in 1995, and developed an interest in diabetes after completing a hospital based diabetes workshop at Royal Darwin Hospital in 1998. After working in various nursing management roles, she completed her Grad Cert in Diabetes, became credentialed and has been working full-time in diabetes across all age groups since 2006. Michelle’s goal is to work towards improving the patient journey for persons living with diabetes.
- Observe the current picture of lifestyle diabetes in Australia, and on the North Coast.
- Learn of evidence-based work of dietitians, diabetes educators and others in managing diabetes.
- Identify current challenges/obstacles to effective management of diabetes in North Coast communities.
• Explore ideas for better multi-disciplinary integrated care approaches to managing diabetes in the community.
Practice Managers
Leading a Practice Team
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Identify the key communication strategies of leading a practice team to effectively foster teamwork, collaboration and a positive work environment
- Understand and manage ones own emotions in order to build strong relationships with team members, understand their needs and concerns, and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Improve confidence in decision making and problem solving skills.
- Develop strategic thinking skills in setting goals, developing plans, and making decisions that align with the practice’s mission and objectives.
- Recognise the importance of team building in general practice for improved morale, productivity, and patient outcomes.
Morning Tea
GP's
Type 2 Diabetes
- Dr Chelsea McMahon
Dr McMahon is an Australian endocrinologist committed to helping patients manage diabetes and other endocrine problems. She provides a personalised evidenced based approach for patients with complex endocrine diseases and diabetes.
- Identify the characteristics of type 2 diabetes, including its prevalence, risk factors and pathophysiology
- Explore the latest advancements in medications for type 2 diabetes, including oral medications, injectable therapies and emerging treatment modalities
- Discuss appropriate combination medication regimens based on comorbidities, patient preferences and therapeutic goals
- Provide diabetes management approaches that integrate pharmacological interventions with lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and weight management, to optimise patient outcomes and minimise the risk of complications
Nurses
Cardiovascular Disease and Cardiac Rehab
- Judy Thomas
Judy is focussed on ensuring patients have a voice, a clear understanding of their health condition and are included in their decisions for care.
Commencing at Concord Repatriation Hospital, Sydney in 1992 and continued at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane where Judy worked in a variety of disciplines including medical, surgical, cardiac, colorectal, hepatobiliary, burns and reconstructive plastics.
Then returning to NNSW in 2003 and since have enjoyed a varied nursing career.
- Improve understanding of cardiovascular disease and the burden that it places on the individual and community
- Develop understanding of what cardiac rehabilitation programmes involve and who can benefit from referral to this service
- Enhance awareness of local referral pathways to access cardiac rehab, including the broader role of diet and exercise as part of preventing future cardiac events
Allied Health
Managing Chronic Respiratory Conditions
- Rocco Mico
- Melanie Ward
Beginning his career as a Physiotherapist in Sydney, Rocco has worked in the health industry for over 20 years. During this time, he has gained a variety of experience across the health services continuum in both NSW and QLD public and private sectors. Rocco has a special interest in rehabilitation and client centred approaches to chronic disease management and service design.
He is currently working as the respiratory services manager for Northern NSW Local Health district and is actively involved with the development of services to improve quality of life for people with chronic respiratory diseases.
Melanie has had an evolving career in the Health and Fitness Industry over 23 years. She started out as an Athletics Sports Coach, moving onto Sports Development, as a Master Trainer working for the University of QLD at the St Lucia campus. She then shifted to Personal Training specialising in Older Adults and as a Pre & Post Pregnancy Trainer. After owning/ managing gymnasiums for 10 years she trained again to become an Allied Health Physiotherapy Assistant. In this capacity she now works at the Wellness Centre in Ballina as a Lungs-In-Action Instructor focusing on the over 65 years client group and working with a team of Exercise Physiologists.
- Update knowledge of the key chronic respiratory conditions affecting the community.
- Learn about the functions/activities of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Unit in your region
- Gain understanding of psycho-social challenges for people with chronic respiratory conditions
- Learn of current multi-disciplinary approaches to managing chronic respiratory conditions in the community
- Identify challenges/obstacles to providing effective respiratory care programs, and explore solutions for better prevention and management.
Practice Managers
Business of Primary Care & MyMedicare
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
Understand the benefits and the role of MyMedicare in managing Chronic Diseases
2. Optimise your practices current service delivery and prepare for future budgetary changes for general practice
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GP's
Chronic Liver Disease
- Dr Kevin Fagan
Dr Fagan is a UK trained Gastroenterologist who moved to Lismore Base Hospital in June 2022. He is passionate about liver disease and is keen to help develop services in the Northern NSW LHD.
After completing his undergraduate training and junior doctor training in the Wessex Deanery, England Kevin completed his Doctor of Medicine on “Biomarkers in the assessment and management of patients with chronic liver disease”, with Professor Elizabeth Powell at PAH, Brisbane during his specialist Gastroenterology training. Returning to the UK to complete his training including 13 months at the Royal Edinburgh Infirmary where he completed his liver transplant training. He took up his first Consultant post at the University Hospitals Plymouth in 2017 as a Consultant Hepatologist, during which he led the team to achieve Improving Quality in Liver disease (IQILS) accreditation.
- Explore the patient perspective on living with chronic liver disease
- Understand the burden of liver disease and the problems identifying patients with liver disease
- Review the diagnostic process of investigating cirrhosis, including staging
- Over view of the surveillance of patients with cirrhosis, including use of prognostic scores
- Enhance knowledge of the management of liver acute decompensation in patients with cirrhosis, including what can and cannot safely be managed in the community
Nurses
Diabetes
- Judy Byrne
Judy Byrne is a highly experienced registered nurse and diabetes educator with a 30-year career. Her passion lies in simplifying diabetes management, providing patient-centered communication, and preventing the development of Type 2 diabetes. She also supports patients with gestational diabetes and Type 1 diabetes, emphasizing the importance of education and early interventions to prevent complications and improve overall health outcomes.
- Improve participants’ awareness of the importance of health literacy for patients with diabetes.
- Highlight the importance of integrating lifestyle measures into chronic disease management.
- Define classes and actions of diabetes medications and be able to communicate risks and benefits to your patients
Allied Health
Utilising Chronic Disease Management Plans
- Kim Poyner
- Chiron Weber
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
Chiron Webber is the Practice Manager of Mullumbimby Comprehensive Health, a large multidisciplinary team of GPs and Allied Health Professionals operating with 35 FTE on site. Chiron is also a current Director of Mullumbimby Psychology and Coastal Podiatry Mullumbimby. Chiron is passionate about integrating healthcare for improved health outcomes and practitioner satisfaction while ensuring services remain accessible and financially viable. He continues to implement multidisciplinary case conferences as part of Chronic Disease Management within the practice.
- Consolidate your knowledge of the Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Program and how it operates.
- Identify challenges/obstacles to providing effective allied health treatment and management programs under CDM.
- Explore opportunities for better allied health utilization of CDM to improve patient care
- Consider strategies to improve multi-disciplinary care under CDM.
Practice Managers
Aggression in the Workplace
- Ian Shepherd
Ian has been an investigator, inspector, and manager of investigators and inspectors for more than 45 years in the public sector. He spent approximately 26 years in the Department of Fair Trading (and Consumer Affairs before that) and has been an Inspector with SafeWork NSW since January 2006. He is currently a Senior Inspector in the Work Health and Safety Regional Team operating out of the Ballina Office of SafeWork NSW.
- Explore the various ways that aggression and bullying can be experienced in the clinic
- Develop practical strategies for managing angry or aggressive people, whether in person or over the phone
- Enhance awareness of the role of SafeWork NSW and how they can assist practices to manage aggression and bullying in the workplace from a legislative and practice policy perspective, as well as via Advisory Visits to the clinic
Lunch
GP's
Chronic Kidney Disease
- Dr Sanjeev Baweja
Dr Baweja is senior staff specialist in Renal Medicine at Northern NSW LHD and Senior VMO at St Vincents Hospital. As well as running clinics in Lismore and outreach clinics in Ballina, Maclean and Graton and accepts General Medicine patients at St Vincents Hospital.
Dr Baweja has been living and working in the Northern Rivers for over 10 years.
Nurses
Navigating NDIS
- Martelle Geurts
- Lynda Hope
Martelle Geurts is the Senior Manager at Social Futures for Local Area Coordination services in Northern NSW. Martelle leads 4 teams from Tweed Heads to the Clarence Valley delivering Local Area Coordination to 5000 NDIS participants. Martelle has worked with Social Futures your NDIS partner in the community since it began in 2017.
Lynda Hope has over 17 years’ experience working in the community services sector, primarily across disability inclusion, community development and child safety. For the past 4 years Lynda has led the Capacity Building and Engagement team as part of Social Futures’ NDIS Local Area Coordination services. This team deliver a range of community capacity building projects across NSW that support schools, businesses, government, and community services to improve their disability confidence and promote community inclusion for people with disability.
- Build your knowledge of the NDIS program, eligibility criteria and how it operates
b. Learn about recent reforms to the NDIS and the implications for practice nurses - Explore opportunities for better utilisation of the NDIS to improve patient access to care, including how it fits into chronic disease management
- Consider strategies to improve multidisciplinary care under the NDIS program
Allied Health
Navigating MyAgedCare for Chronic Disease
- Ash Childs
- Kerry Hardey
Ashleigh Childs is a Registered Nurse with a background in aged care and intensive care. She has undertaken post-graduate studies in Chronic Disease Management and is currently working within the Healthy Living and Ageing team of Healthy North Coast, supporting the local aged care sector and working on quality improvement ageing reform projects.
Kerry Hardey is a physiotherapist who studied at the University of Salford in the UK. With over 10 years’ experience in aged care across VIC, ACT and NSW, her primary focus is assisting clients in achieving their personalised health goals. She has earned recognition for her dedication with an allied health aged care scholarship and is currently in the process of completing a Master’s in Ageing and Health at Charles Sturt University.
- Build your knowledge of the My Aged Care Program and how it operates.
- Identify challenges/obstacles for allied health professionals in utilising My Aged Care for best service provision and client outcomes.
- Explore opportunities for better allied health utilization of My Aged Care to improve patient access to care.
- Consider strategies to improve multi-disciplinary care under the My Aged Care program.
Practice Managers
Practice Accreditation
- Brenda Allan
Brenda has extensive administration experience in both public and private hospitals transiting to General Practice over 25 years ago.
She transitioned to Practice Management in both private general practice and corporate GP super clinics acquiring a wide range of skills enriching her perspective of the workplace, and where she gained a keen interest in Accreditation and became an Accredited AGPAL Surveyor.
Relocating to Lismore from Queensland two weeks prior to the February 2022 floods for the role of Health Clinic Manager at Southern Cross University, meant Brenda immediately set to work in collaborating with many stakeholders to manage evacuees, displaced clinicians and provide ongoing health opportunities for the Lismore community in the Health Clinic space. She transitioned to Practice Management in both private general practice and corporate GP super clinics acquiring a wide range of skills enriching her perspective of the workplace, and where she gained a keen interest in Accreditation and became an Accredited AGPAL Surveyor. Relocating to Lismore from Queensland two weeks prior to the February 2022 floods for the role of Health Clinic Manager at Southern Cross University, meant Brenda immediately set to work in collaborating with many stakeholders to manage evacuees, displaced clinicians and provide ongoing health opportunities for the Lismore community in the Health Clinic space.
- Key areas of focus of accreditation bodies
- Understand the planned changes to the current accreditation standards
- Best practice and efficiencies in meeting, documenting or evidencing the bigger core standards.
- Simple, time and cost-effective strategies for holding training sessions for staff, conducting audits, and documenting and displaying evidence
GP's
- Dr Joe Churton
- Dr Joe Duncan
Dr. Joe Churton is a Respiratory and Sleep Physician originally from the south coast of NSW. Dr. Joe Churton is a Respiratory and Sleep Physician originally from the south coast of NSW.
Dr. Joe Duncan is a Specialist Respiratory and Sleep Physician with a focus on Severe Asthma. He completed his training at Royal North Shore Hospital and relocated to the Northern Rivers in 2019. Dr. Duncan also serves as a Clinical Lecturer at the University Centre for Rural Health and specializes in Interventional Pulmonology, pulmonary diseases, and sleep medicine, including Non-Invasive Ventilation and Respiratory Infections.
- Current COPD guidelines (GOLD)
- How did we get here?
- Update on COPD – drugs, devices and biologics
- Consolidate the assessment process, including spirometry and PFTs, in the diagnosis of COPD
- Expand knowledge of non-medication based therapies for managing COPD
- Improve understanding of the available medications used to manage COPD, including advice regarding inhaler choice and technique
- Enhance awareness of sick day planning and the management of infective exacerbations of COPD in primary care
Nurses
- Megan Barnes
Megan Barnes is an advocate for social prescribing, backed by her degree in Public Health and Health Promotion. With a strong background in prevention and early intervention public health initiatives, Megan is experienced in implementing community programs.
In addition to the Healthy Me Healthy Community Social Prescribing program, Megan’s current portfolio includes Community Aged Care Social and Volunteer Programs, including the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme, Virtual Social Centre, and Social Groups.
- Explore what social prescribing involves and who can benefit from it
- Enhance awareness of how to embed social prescribing in the care of people with chronic diseases, both physical and mental, and how this complements traditional care models
- Develop knowledge of referral options for people wishing to utilise social prescribing in their care
Allied Health
- Lynda Hope
- Martelle Geurts
Martelle Geurts is the Senior Manager at Social Futures for Local Area Coordination services in Northern NSW. Martelle leads 4 teams from Tweed Heads to the Clarence Valley delivering Local Area Coordination to 5000 NDIS participants. Martelle has worked with Social Futures your NDIS partner in the community since it began in 2017.
Lynda Hope has over 17 years’ experience working in the community services sector, primarily across disability inclusion, community development and child safety. For the past 4 years Lynda has led the Capacity Building and Engagement team as part of Social Futures’ NDIS Local Area Coordination services. This team deliver a range of community capacity building projects across NSW that support schools, businesses, government, and community services to improve their disability confidence and promote community inclusion for people with disability.
- Build your knowledge of Local Area Coordinator (LAC) roles in the NDIS program.
- Explore how LACS and AHPs can work together for best participants outcomes.
- Learn about recent reforms to NDIS and implications for AHPs and their clients.
Practice Managers
Customer service and Communication Skills
- Kim Poyner
Kim is a highly accredited health coaching and chronic disease management professional, training health professionals nationally. She’s a renowned keynote speaker in change management and team-based care, receiving the 2015 Australian Best Practice Nurse award. Kim also holds director roles in healthcare organisations to promote excellence.
- Develop effective communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and clear, concise verbal and written communication, to enhance patient and staff interactions in a healthcare practice setting.
- Enhance customer service proficiency to implement strategies that improve customer service, such as handling patient inquiries and complaints, setting service standards, and creating a positive patient experience within the practice.
- Apply conflict resolution techniques and strategies to effectively manage conflicts that may arise among staff or with patients in a manner that promotes a harmonious and productive work environment.
Afternoon Tea
Integrating Interdisciplinary Care Teams in the Management of Chronic Disease
- Dr Elizabeth Hicks
- Kim Poyner
- Karin du Plessis
- Rebecca Blakeney
Wrap up & Forum close
*Times are subject to change
Will I get CPD Points for attending?
Healthy North Coast is seeking accreditation for GP’s through RACGP & ACRRM for 6.5 hours.
All other professions will receive a Certificate of Attendance for their self-reporting CPD.
Register for your region's Chronic Disease Clinical Society Forum now!
The Chronic Disease Clinical Society Forums are developed by Healthy North Coast in collaboration with North Coast Allied Health Association and HealthPathways
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundjalung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nations, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.
