Public Health Alert

Please note: Port Macquarie has now been removed as an area for increased testing and surveillance.

Response Framework for Aboriginal Communities on the North Coast

The COVID-19 Response Framework for Aboriginal Communities on the North Coast provides guidance to health care providers to best support Aboriginal communities.

Mental Health Support During COVID-19

People needing mental health support can now receive counselling by phone or ‘telepsychology’. Telepsychology sessions use a smartphone, tablet or computer. Temporary MBS item numbers for these telehealth services are available until 30 September 2020. Telehealth reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission and protects patients and health care providers. The item numbers are general and

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Introducing the New Mobile-Friendly HealthPathways

We are pleased to introduce a new, mobile-friendly HealthPathways platform. Whether you’re in a clinic, a hospital or out in the community, HealthPathways can now be accessed and used on a variety of computers and devices. The new look and navigation style will make it even easier to find the information you are looking for. Click

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Update on Telehealth Bulk Billing

Telehealth services must be bulk billed for Commonwealth concession card holders, children under 16 years old and patients who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.

Free NBN Upgrade for GP Clinics

In response to the COVID-19 situation, NBN Co is upgrading Australian GP clinics to 50 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload connections at no extra cost for a period of six months. This should enable clinics to deliver multiple telehealth consultations simultaneously. To access the upgrade, contact your internet provider. Click here to read the

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Update on Point of Care Testing

Further to previous advice on point of care testing for COVID-19, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd has advised that “while research is being done to validate the performance of serology tests and to provide clear guidance on interpretation of results and use, we advise against the general use of these tests in primary

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Media Release: A Positive Experience With Telehealth

The new world of telehealth is proving a positive experience for medical clinics and their patients, according to Northside Health Clinic in Coffs Harbour. Phone and video appointments enable patients to follow social distancing guidelines while still receiving quality health care, said Karen Jackson, practice manager. “The patient feedback so far has been universally positive,”

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Hospital Discharge Summaries, More Important Than Ever

The current COVID-19 situation is placing enormous pressure on global health systems. Now more than ever, strong communication processes that help to optimise continuity of care and information flows within the health system are critical. While it may not be the single solution to all our communication improvement needs, the Service Registration Assistant (SRA) platform

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HealthPathways: An Essential Tool

By Dr Renee Strazzari We hear often that the COVID-19 pandemic and its global impact is unprecedented. It’s true that fundamentally COVID-19 has changed the whole health care ballgame and with so many changes it can be hard to keep up. That’s why I strongly encourage healthcare professionals to take advantage of the Mid and

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HealthPathways Redesign Coming Soon

On 17 April, HealthPathways will soft launch a new look and navigation style. This will make it even easier to find the information you are looking for. Plus, the new design will be fully mobile optimised, making it more user-friendly from your phone and tablet. Access remains unchanged: https://manc.healthpathways.org.au/index.htm Username: manchealth Password: conn3ct3d Once you

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Recruitment Opportunities for Casual Workforce to Boost COVID-19 Response

The Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSLWHD) is bolstering its workforce in response to COVID-19. A range of casual positions are now being advertised for nurses, allied health professionals, security, cleaners and wardsperson roles. NNSLWHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said the district is encouraging anyone who has experience to come forward and apply. “We have

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