Updated COVID-Safe Guidelines for NSW Schools
The NSW Government now requires any student who is unwell or who has flu-like symptoms to be tested for COVID-19. A return to school is dependent upon a negative test result being reported. HSC students have been added to the list of people whose COVID-19 tests should be prioritised for public health purposes. This comes
RACGP Advice on Keeping Your Practice COVID Safe
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, practices have implemented a range of infection prevention and control measures in order to maintain the safety of staff and patients. As Australia moves through various stages of the pandemic, everyone must remain vigilant. This RACGP COVID-safe checklist is designed to support practices to maintain a healthy work
Queensland Border Restrictions Update
The Northern NSW health workforce and community are understandably concerned about the implications of the Queensland border restrictions. Healthy North Coast is working closely with the Northern NSW Local Health District to advocate for the needs of our practitioner community. We are in contact with Queensland Health, the Gold Coast Public Health Unit and Gold
Latest News for Electronic Prescribing Rollout
The Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) has been working with software vendors and recently established Communities of Interest (COIs) to test their electronic prescribing solution before a broader national rollout. COIs are locations involving at least one general practice and a community pharmacy in close proximity who MUST BOTH be ready to prescribe and dispense
Primary Care Impact: Final Instalment on Influenza Immunisations for 2020
The July count of recorded immunisations from data-sharing practices is now available in Primary Care Impact. It shows that data-sharing general practices across our region delivered 143,000 influenza immunisations during (despite!) COVID-19. While the data has not been adjusted for increases in the number of data-sharing practices year on year, it still looks to be
COVID-19 Telehealth Items Guide
The Department of Health has developed a COVID-19 telehealth items guide, which includes the most commonly asked questions from health professionals and responses. Examples: Click here to download the new guide Since March 2020, new temporary MBS telehealth items have been available to help reduce the risk of community transmission of COVID-19. These items, and
COPD HealthPathways Reviewed
The following COPD HealthPathways have been updated: COPD Diagnosis and Initial Management Medications in COPD Differentiating COPD from Asthma. Stable COPD Management and Review Acute Exacerbation of COPD End-stage/Palliative COPD Management The COPD HealthPathways provide best practice guidelines on how to identify COPD in your patients and offer guidance on assessment and management. The referral
Updated Guidelines for Distribution of Surgical Masks
Healthy North Coast has access to a limited supply of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile for distribution to general practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, community pharmacy and allied health providers. Guidelines for the distribution of personal protective equipment were updated on 5 August 2020 to reflect changes in advice on wearing masks
Queensland Border Closing to NSW and ACT Residents
The Queensland border will be closed to all NSW and ACT residents from 1am on Saturday 8 August. Both states have been declared ‘hotspots’ by Queensland’s Chief Health Officer. The Queensland Government has released its Border Restrictions Direction (No. 11), which will affect all persons who arrive in Queensland from a place outside of Queensland. From tomorrow, residents
COVID-19 Testing Locations
Testing is key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, no matter how mild, is encouraged to get tested. Free COVID-19 testing is available at NSW Health and general practice respiratory clinics across the North Coast. Our interactive map contains North Coast clinic locations, booking details and opening
COVID-19 Amber Alert: Advice for Private and Independent Providers
Following the adoption of amber alert COVID-19 measures by NSW Health, the Clinical Excellence Commission has published new FAQs: COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control: Response and Escalation Framework – FAQs (PDF) In short, they advise that the escalation to amber alert applies to surgical mask use within 1.5 metres of patients in all health care
Primary Care Impact: Tweed Health for Everyone PDSA on COVID-19 Patient and Staff Safety
With COVID-19 outbreaks in Victoria and Sydney, now is a very good time to review and refresh your in-practice COVID-19 strategies. Practice Manager Alana Flohr from the Tweed Health for Everyone Superclinic has shared their comprehensive and detailed PDSA and photo gallery on increasing patient and staff safety during COVID-19. The PDSA and gallery are
