Revised Case Definition
On 7 April, the NSW case definition was revised. Key changes include: NSW specific testing criteria has been revised to clarify testing for patients who self-identify as Aboriginal and have fever or respiratory symptoms, instead of only those who live in remote Aboriginal communities. High risk setting epidemiological criteria revised to clarify that in certain
COVID-19 and Employment Law
PwC Australia has prepared material for Primary Health Networks to offer to general practices. This information pack summarises employment law in the context of COVID-19. It gives a clear and succinct summary of your responsibilities when it comes to things like standing employees down or directing them to take leave. This may be helpful as
COVID-19 Business Planning Webinar
Our generous colleagues from the Murrumbidgee PHN, along with Medical Business Services‘Â Riwka Hagen and Kim Poyner of Medicoach, have kindly agreed to share a segment of a longer webinar they held with GPs in Murrumbidgee last week. Riwka, an experienced practice manager and practice coach, goes through each of the forms of financial support and
Byron and Port Macquarie GPs and Pathologists Advised to Lower Testing Threshold
UPDATE 16/4: Port Macquarie has now been removed as an area for increased testing and surveillance. ORIGINAL STORY 7/4: The Public Health Unit has determined that Byron Bay and Port Macquarie are areas of interest with regards to COVID-19. While community transmission has not yet been confirmed, there are some cases with an unidentified link
Out of Hours On-Call Nursing Service for Acute Oncology Patients
A triage clinic has been set up to assist Mid North Coast Cancer Institute patients (medical oncology, haematology and radiation oncology) in their care during the COVID-19 pandemic. This will help to expedite care and avoid any possible emergency department presentations. The clinic is for any issues and side effects relating to treatment. Hours of
Pulmonary Physiotherapy Risks
The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation has prepared advice regarding physiotherapy interventions that generate aerosolised droplets. These interventions should only be considered during the pandemic if they are deemed essential and all infection control guidelines can be met. Download a flyer for more information. Visit our COVID-19 page for the latest information.
How to Prepare for and Implement Telehealth: Critical Success Factors for Clinicians
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that we have had to step away from ‘business as usual’ in primary care and find alternative ways to share information and communicate. In this webinar, Australian GP Dr Amandeep Hansra and UK GP Dr David Triska will share their experiences of implementing telehealth (phone, online and video consultations) and
Webinar for Mental Health Practitioners
The next COVID-19 Response Update for Mental Health Practitioners is scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday 8 April) from 11:00 to 11:30 am. Presented by: Professor Michael Kidd AM, Principal Medical Advisor – Department of Health Christine Morgan, CEO – National Mental Health Commission Mark Roddam, First Assistant Secretary of the Mental Health Division – Department of
New Video With Dr Peter Silberberg
At a time when people are seeking trustworthy information, factual advice from local GPs is invaluable. Dr Peter Silberberg from Lennox Head sat down with us to answer more COVID-19 questions in our latest community video. Thank you, Dr Silberberg, for helping us to keep the public informed. Check out the video below, or download
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
