National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce Website
The National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce has launched a new website to provide: Weekly updates of evidence-based clinical guidelines updated with the latest research Taskforce endorsed flowcharts Evidence under review Clinicians are invited to post questions about the clinical care of people with COVID-19 to help prioritise topics for the taskforce. The first set of
GPSA Infection Control Resource Kit
The Australian General Practice Supervisors Association (GPSA) has produced a COVID-19 infection control resource kit. The kit sets out useful examples of common workflows in general practice, including the roles and responsibilities for each team member to control for infection in day-to-day situations during the pandemic. Click here to download the kit.
Change to Telehealth Bulk Billing
There has been a recent change to arrangements for telehealth bulk billing. From 6 April 2020, the new telehealth services must be bulk billed for concession card holders, children under 16 years and patients who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Health providers may apply their usual billing practices to the telehealth items for patients who
Flip the Clinic: The Digital Approach to Mental Health Support
As the COVID-19 situation unfolds, now is the time to rethink how we do things, during this pandemic and beyond. What could a digital present and future look like for mental health? Hosted by The University of Sydney’s Brain and Mind Centre, this conversation will ask how can the mental health system to best support
Financial Assistance for General Practice
We know the COVID-19 situation has been a financial shock for general practices. There are a variety of support measures in place for general practices affected by the impact of COVID-19. These include support measures from the Australian Government, the NSW Government, tax relief initiatives via the Australian Taxation Office and support packages from Australian
Media Release: Distancing Also Helps Protect Against Flu
MEDIA RELEASE – DISTRIBUTED 3 APRIL 2020 This week, there has been a rise in the number of people calling their GP to get a flu shot. While it is great that people want to take precautions, Healthy North Coast is reminding local residents that the flu vaccine may not be here yet. Healthy North
Posters Encourage Backpackers to Test for COVID-19
Healthy North Coast (North Coast PHN) has developed and distributed new posters to display at local youth and backpackers hostels encouraging testing for COVID-19. This is in support of the Northern NSW Local Health District’s recent opening of their Byron Central Hospital’s COVID-19 Clinic. The free clinic will welcome backpackers in the Byron Shire who
Healthy North Coast Launches Local Media Campaign
Healthy North Coast (North Coast PHN) has launched a series of local paper advertisements to encourage people to keep up with their regular appointments… from a distance. Launching this weekend, the below press ad will appear in some Mid and North Coast papers. Additional mid-week advertising has also been booked for next week. Visit our
RCPA Advises Against Rapid Tests for the Early Detection of COVID-19
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) advises against the use of serological COVID-19 IgG/IgM rapid tests, such as a pin prick blood test, to detect early COVID disease. RCPA says the IgG/IgM tests have a fundamental limitation, as they rely on the detection of antibodies made by the patient in response to SARS-COV-2.
Updates to COVID-19 and Influenza Immunisation HealthPathways
The HealthPathways Team is working hard to bring you up-to-date information. The following changes have been made to COVID-19 pathways in the last 24 hours: COVID-19 Practice Preparation – no change COVID-19 Assessment and Management – Change to clinical editor’s note: “General practitioners are requested to offer testing to travellers living in backpacker or hostel
Secondary Triage System for Residential Aged Care
In-Reach Teams are provided to support residential aged care facilities (RACFs) respond to concerns about COVID-19 and other clinical matters as required. The service aims to assist and support RACFs to keep their residents at home. Click here to download a fact sheet. Visit our COVID-19 page for the latest information.
Fact Sheet for Prescribers
The Department of Health has developed a fact sheet for prescribers that outlines: Interim arrangements for prescriptions for supply of medicines Medical services for patients confined to their homes Interim arrangements for prescriptions process to support telehealth services Medicine delivery services Existing prescriptions and repeats Click here to download the fact sheet. Visit our COVID-19
