Seeking Proposals for a New Headspace Centre in Kempsey
North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) is seeking proposals from a suitably qualified organisation to establish and become the lead agency of a headspace centre for Kempsey and the surrounding communities. The primary aims of the headspace Kempsey initiative are to address the mental health needs of Kempsey’s youth population by providing access to no
Visit ADHA’s New Web Pages for the Latest Electronic Prescribing Information
Under the National Health Plan for COVID-19, the Australian Government has accelerated the delivery of electronic prescribing. The rollout of the token (or QR barcode) solution will be progressively available from the end of May 2020. Over the coming weeks, North Coast PHN staff will be working with general practices, AMS and pharmacies to help
Testing Criteria Widened in NSW
NSW Health has issued an update on widening the testing criteria. There is now laboratory capacity to double the volume of testing for COVID-19 in NSW. This will increase from 4,000 tests to 8,000 tests per day over the next week. All people with symptoms of an acute respiratory illness should get tested. This is
New Telehealth Guidance for Practitioners
New guidance outlines expectations on how registered health practitioners will use telehealth in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance from AHPRA and the National Boards discusses how the code of conduct is applied to consultations carried out via phone or video. Click here to download telehealth guidance for practitioners. Visit our COVID-19 page.
Update on Flu Vaccines
NSW Health is advising that all influenza vaccine orders placed from 22 April onward are now on back order for: Aboriginal people aged five years to 64 years Those who are medically at risk Pregnant women Orders will be filled when more influenza vaccines stock becomes available in June 2020. Orders for persons aged 65 years
Drive-In Immunisation Clinics
NSW Health has developed guidelines to support practices considering drive-in immunisation clinics. Drive-in immunisation clinics are not routinely recommended, due to safety concerns for patients who may experience a rare adverse event following immunisation. Immunisation providers considering this option after reviewing existing advice for maintaining and implementing vaccinations clinics during COVID-19 should consider the guidelines.
Advice on Post-Vaccination Observation Time
The Australian Technical Advisory Group On Immunisation (ATAGI) has released advice on post-vaccination observation time in the context of COVID-19. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that individuals who receive a vaccination should remain under observation for at least 15 minutes. This allows for the observation of possible adverse effects, such as anaphylaxis and fainting. Where an
Update on Cancer Screening Programs
The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting each cancer screening program differently. National Cervical Screening Program The National Cervical Screening Program is encouraging health care providers to continue routine screening and follow up. Overarching guidance to assist with clinician decision-making on screening appointments including deferral and rescheduling, depending on individual patient circumstances. Guidance for the management of
GP Respiratory Clinic Open in Murwillumbah
The Murwillumbah General Practice Respiratory Clinic is now open to support the North Coast COVID-19 response.
Media Release: Don’t Drop Regular GP Appointments
People with medical conditions or due for routine screening should not let their regular doctor appointments slip due to COVID-19 fears. North Coast Primary Health Network’s lead clinical adviser Dr Dan Ewald is concerned some people may be risking their health by cancelling appointments. “General practices generally now have plenty of capacity for consultations,” Dr
Secondary Triage System for RACFs
A reminder that the Ministry of Health has put in place a secondary triage system to support older people living in residential aged care facilities to remain ‘at home’ wherever possible during the pandemic. This is being supported through different models implemented by the local health districts. More information is available on our COVID-19 page.
Expanded Testing Criteria in Lismore
The Lismore Base Hospital COVID-19 Fever Clinic testing criteria has been widened to include all respiratory symptomatic patients. The reasoning is to ascertain if there has been an increase in COVID-19 cases due to Easter.
