Continued Access to Medicines During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The Australian Government has approved temporary changes to medicines regulation to ensure continued access to Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines as the COVID-19 outbreak unfolds. New temporary measures will improve access to medicines, reduce the burden on GPs and support social distancing and self-isolation. The measures include: Continued dispensing arrangements for the ongoing supply of
Dental Emergency Directory
Thousands of patients will need emergency dental care during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The Australian Dental Association New South Wales has developed a new directory to help people find the nearest dentist offering emergency treatment. Restrictions due to COVID-19 mean many dentists have to limit opening times or temporarily close their doors. The emergency directory can
New COVID-19 Clinic at Byron Central Hospital
Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is setting up a new COVID-19 clinic at Byron Central Hospital. The clinic will be operational from Thursday 2 April, and will be open from 10 am to 4 pm, seven days a week. The free clinic will welcome backpackers in the Byron Shire who have any COVID-19-like symptoms, even
COVID-19 Update Webinar for Allied Health Practitioners
The Department of Health’s next COVID-19 update webinar for allied health practitioners is set for tomorrow (Thursday 2 April) from 11:30 am – 12:10 pm. Hosted by Professor Michael Kidd AM, the webinar will cover the latest information for allied health practitioners and answer questions from participants. Once the webinar commences you will be able to
COVID-19 Update Webinar for GPs
The Department of Health’s next COVID-19 webinar for GPs will take place tomorrow (Thursday 2 April) from 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm. Hosted by Professor Michael Kidd AM, the webinar will cover the latest information for GPs and answer questions from participants. Once the webinar commences you will be able to submit your questions via the
New Podcast for Practice Managers
RACGP NSW/ACT is developing podcasts for general practitioners (“Just a GP“) and practice managers (“Practice THAT“). We posted two very interesting podcasts for you last night. A new podcast for practice managers is now available: Reception Infection Control with Penny Burns It goes for eight minutes and is well worth a listen. Visit our COVID-19
Running a Flu Vaccination Clinic
This year, flu vaccination clinics will coincide with the COVID-19 response. Immunisation providers should continue to offer immunisation services with enhanced infection control measures. NSW Health has developed guidelines to assist with planning and managing vaccination clinics. Vaccination providers will have to consider their operational process based on staffing, physical layout of venues, fittings and resources.
Temporary Cessation of Viral Pathology Tests
Due to current circumstances, NSW Health Pathology is required to: 1. Temporarily cease PCR testing on most superficial (skin and mucous membrane) specimens for: Herpes simplex Varicella-zoster Cytomegalovirus Adenovirus Enterovirus Perinatal and eye swabs will continue to be tested. Cytomegalovirus PCR testing from blood will continue. PCR tests on CSF will not be affected. 2.
Level 3 Dental Restrictions
Due to COVID-19, the Australian Dental Association has advised dental practices to operate under level 3 restrictions, which limits treatment to urgent cases only. Practitioners are encouraged to contact the relevant dental service prior to referral to ensure referrals can be accepted. Click here to visit the HealthPathway for Dental Referrals. For a list of
Podcasts for General Practitioners and Practice Managers
RACGP NSW/ACT is developing podcasts for general practitioners (“Just a GP”) and practice managers (“Practice THAT”). These are short, sharp messages that can be listened to easily. Some recent highlights include: MBS with Brett McPherson – Recorded 30 March 2020 How we do it? with Dr Wally Jamal – Recorded 17 March 2020 (this talk is still
New North Coast Telehealth and MBS Resources
With the Australian Government announcement of a universal telehealth model, North Coast primary health care providers are now able to deliver essential Medicare-funded services remotely to ensure continued access to primary care during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. The telehealth model involves the adoption of video and phone consultations to create a ‘safe zone’ for delivering primary
Webinar Recording for Mental Health and Allied Health Providers
Last week, North Coast PHN held an information session for local mental health and allied health service providers. A recording of this webinar is now available. Check out the video to gain information about: The emerging COVID-19 situation within the North Coast region. Measures that providers can undertake to minimise the risk of spreading infection
