Practical QI to Tackle the Challenging Months Ahead
Healthy North Coast understands that rolling out the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines in the first half of 2021 is a challenge that may cause increased stress and anxiety in general practice. Health professionals will have to manage a range of reactions from their patients, including defensiveness, anger and fear. Our latest Primary Care Impact quality
Get Connected and Stay Up to Date with the Immunisation Community of Practice
Healthy North Coast is excited to be launching a great new initiative for our Mid North Coast and Northern NSW health workforce — the Healthy North Coast Immunisation Community of Practice. “What’s that?” we hear you ask. A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people with a shared passion who come together and
Primary Care Impact: Improve Recording and Updating of Immunisation Data
In preparation for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout and mandatory reporting to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), Primary Care Impact has introduced a new QI activity specifically designed to walk you through the steps to ensure correct and accurate immunisation reporting. In light of the recent changes in how to access the AIR, this QI activity also
COVID-19 Primary Care Vaccination Program Update
Over 50 per of all accredited North Coast general practices submitted an EOI to be a part of the first phases of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The Australian Government has indicated that over time all accredited general practices will have the opportunity to provide the vaccine. The Department of Health has clarified, however, that in
Community Pharmacies Invited to Join COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
On 31 January 2021, Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt announced that community pharmacies around Australia are being invited to join the nationwide effort to administer the COVID-19 vaccine over the coming months. All approved section 90 community pharmacies can submit an expression of interest (EOI) to participate in the delivery of the
Update on Vaccines – Aged Care Sector
The planned rollout for vaccinations by the Commonwealth will start with residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Phase 1a and the community sector in Phase 1b. All aged care staff will be vaccinated in Phase 1a. The Department of Health’s vaccination website has been updated and outlines the following for the aged care sector: Residential aged
COVID-19 Vaccine Campaign Materials
The Australian Government has begun their public information campaign to encourage Australians to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The campaign includes a series of explainer videos covering topics such as how vaccines work, priority groups, the TGA approval process and more. Check them out here. The Australian Government provides a COVID-19 vaccines newsletter that covers the
Primary Care Expressions of Interest Now Open: Participation in Phase 1b COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Mid North Coast and Northern NSW general practices* are invited to express your interest in participating in Phase 1b of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The attached documentation provides guidance on the roll-out to assist you to make your decision. This expression of interest (EOI) is intended to identify individual general practices capable of
EOI Coming Soon for General Practices Interested in Administering COVID-19 Vaccine
Further to our 14 January 2021 article on planning for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, the Australian Government will soon be seeking expressions of interest (EOIs) from accredited general practices interested in taking a lead role in the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. The EOI will include requirements for general practice and support available.
COVID-19 Vaccination Resources
On 20 January 2021, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation released advice about influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance has developed a fantastic set of frequently asked questions on COVID-19 vaccines, which is being updated regularly. Healthy North Coast will continue to provide updates as further information becomes
Spirometry Infection Control Recommendations for Primary Care
Spirometry is the most frequently performed pulmonary function test in general practice. In an infected person it carries a high risk of transmitting viral infections, even if the patient is asymptomatic. The National Asthma Council Australia has recently updated its recommendations for performing point-of-care spirometry in primary care settings. These recommendations apply where there are
Planning Underway For COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
Further to our 8 December 2021 news article on Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine National Rollout Strategy, planning is underway for our local vaccination program. The National Rollout Plan commences with vaccinating identified priority populations in Phase 1a from mid to late February 2021. We expect the involvement of primary care to significantly increase with the roadmap
