Supporting General Practice to Care for Adults with Mild COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic response in the North Coast of NSW has, to date, focused on general practitioners (GPs) providing assessment and diagnosis of COVID-19, rather than the management of illness. However, COVID-19 outbreaks in other jurisdictions have demonstrated the essential role GPs play in ensuring continuity of care for community members, and reducing demand on
New Allied Health MBS Items for RACFs
Extending Mental Health Support For Aged Care Residents During COVID-19 The Australian Government has expanded eligibility requirements for the Better Access initiative to allow aged care residents to access 20 Medicare-subsidised individual psychological services each year. The expansion recognises the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of people in residential
Updated Resources for COVID-19 Vaccination Changes
On 8 April 2021, the Australian Government adjusted its approach to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). In a statement released last week, ATAGI now recommends the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is preferred over the AstraZeneca vaccine for adults aged under 50 years. The following resources have
Changes to AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
The Australian Government has today now announced an additional 20 million Pfizer doses for expected delivery by quarter 4 this year, after negotiations since yesterday’s decision to change the COVID-19 vaccination program. Read more below and see FAQs to help manage community enquiries. The Australian Government has adjusted its approach to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout,
Ballina Respiratory Clinic — Casual Staff Openings
Due to increased testing demand in the Ballina and Byron Shires, the Ballina Respiratory Clinic is seeking expressions of interest for staff to undertake casual shifts. Positions are available for: GPs Registered Nurses Admin staff Pathology Collection Officers The clinic provides an essential service supporting our community by assessing and testing people with mild to
General Practices Prepare for Possible Outbreak
With a COVID-19 case now identified in the Northern Rivers, it is timely for general practices to review their COVID-19 patient care and practice management. HealthPathways offers a number of comprehensive pathways to support general practice: COVID-19 Practice Management COVID-19 Initial assessment and management COVID-19 Ongoing Assessment and Management COVID-19 Referrals COVID-19 MBS Items COVID-19
Aged Care COVID-19 Vaccination Update
This week we have received dates for all residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in the region starting on 19 April and finishing mid June. Please check in with your RACF colleagues for dates. 12 RACFs in the region have started their vaccination programs, and at the end of this week 10 will be completed. Clarifying
Contact Tracing Underway in Byron Bay, Plus New COVID-19 Testing Centres
Queensland Health has advised that two people who have now tested positive to COVID-19 attended a number of venues in the Byron Bay area from Friday 26 March to Sunday 28 March before returning to Queensland. Urgent investigations and contact tracing are underway. Anyone who was in Byron Bay area on the relevant dates is
Phase 1b Vaccination Rollout — Week 1 Wrap Up
General practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and GP-led respiratory clinics have begun vaccinating North Coast residents as the Phase 1b COVID-19 vaccination rollout program got underway this week. People across the region have been eager to learn more and book an appointment with their GP. We know our practices have been inundated with calls.
COVID-19 Vaccines Are Free For Everyone, Including Pre-Vaccine Assessment
The Australian Government is committed to offering every person in Australia access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines at no cost. There are 16 new MBS items now available to assess patient suitability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Assessments must be bulk billed and patients should not be asked to pay a gap fee. Co-claiming
Receiving COVID-19 Vaccine Deliveries
As general practices commence their COVID-19 vaccinations and severe weather and flooding affect our region, vaccine delivery and rollout logistics continue to be a challenge. This is a friendly reminder of what to check when receiving and accepting COVID-19 vaccine deliveries. Please check the following: Review the box packaging, check for signs of damage or
Immunisation Community of Practice Rolls Out Webinar #2
Healthy North Coast is thrilled to welcome nearly 200 North Coast clinicians who have registered to stay up to date with vaccination news through our Immunisation Community of Practice (CoP). Participants in the CoP will be invited to dial in to monthly webinars — short, informative sessions on a range of different immunisation topics. All sessions will
