HealthPathways Update – May 2020
The COVID-19 suite of HealthPathways undergo frequent review. They are updated with new information and service updates as they are advised to the team. Here are the COVID-19 pathways currently available on HealthPathways: COVID-19 Practice Management COVID-19 Initial Assessment and Management COVID-19 Ongoing Assessment and Management (new) COVID-19 Referrals (respiratory clinics added) COVID-19 Information COVID-19 Impact
New Cases Highlight Need for Continued Caution
Following three weeks without confirmed cases, two new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed this week in residents of the Northern NSW Local Health District. The new cases include one resident who acquired the illness overseas and one whose case is still being investigated in regard to the source. As we move to easing some
Respiratory Clinics in Wauchope and Kempsey
Two new general practice respiratory clinics have been established on the Mid North Coast. The Wauchope Respiratory Clinic is now open and taking appointments. Another clinic in Kempsey is scheduled to commence on Monday 18 May. These sites will complement the existing GP respiratory clinic in Nambucca Heads, along with NSW Health COVID-19 clinics across
Guidelines on Maintaining Influenza Immunisation Services
The Department of Health has released new guiding principles for maintaining immunisation services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Immunisation providers will need to adapt their procedures and practice to comply with measures in place, including physical distancing, to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Click here to download the guiding principles. (PDF)
Visual Map for COVID-19 Data
The healthdirect Healthmap is an online data visualisation tool designed and managed by Healthdirect Australia. This tool makes Australian health data easily available for population health planning at national and local levels, across different regions, population groups and time periods. The Healthmap has been updated to include COVID-19 data to support swift community responses for tackling
Update from National COVID-19 Taskforce
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has provided an update for health professionals. It includes updates to the Australian guidelines for the clinical care of people with COVID-19. Click here to read the update. (PDF)
Lung Function Testing Advice
The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation has released important guidance on lung function testing. They advise that lung function testing should only be performed on medically essential cases where treatment decisions require lung function results.
Aged Care Update
Working in a residential aged care facility? North Coast PHN will be getting in touch with residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to discuss what is known from the RACF outbreaks in Sydney. Planning is underway with the PHN, local health districts and the Public Health Unit (PHU) to provide support to RACFs should an outbreak
Interactive Map for COVID-19 Assessment and Testing
Mid North Coast and Northern NSW communities can now access free COVID-19 assessment and testing across the region. North Coast PHN has developed an interactive map outlining service options. People with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms are encouraged to attend a free respiratory clinic in their local area or visit their GP via telehealth to
GP Respiratory Clinics Now Open
Four GP respiratory clinics are now open on the North Coast at Murwillumbah, Ballina, Yamba and Nambucca Heads.
Free Alcohol and Other Drugs Treatment Online
In response to COVID-19, The Buttery has adapted its popular Community Rehab Program (CORE) to become an online program undertaken from home. CORE is an evidence-based model of intensive rehabilitation that has revolutionised the practice of addiction treatment. Many people who would benefit from a long-term stay at The Buttery or other rehab facilities are
COVID-19 Referrals HealthPathway
The COVID-19 Referrals HealthPathway is frequently reviewed and updated with new services as they become available. A recent addition to this page is the Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) In-Reach Service commenced by the Northern NSW Local Health District. The new service provides advice and clinical support with COVID-19 testing, symptom management and end of
