MyMedicare updates: Extensions to accreditation exemption deadline + GPACI ‘dos and don’ts’
MyMedicare accreditation exemption extended to 31 December 2026 Healthy North Coast welcomes the news from the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) announcing an extension of the accreditation exemption for non-traditional practices participating in MyMedicare. Originally set to expire on 30 June 2025, the exemption will now be available until 31 December 2026. This
BP management in primary care
Researchers from the University of Sydney are co-developing a Blood Pressure (BP) Toolkit to support patients in managing their blood pressure – designed to be sensitive and responsive to the needs of healthcare professionals in primary care. They are inviting you to take part in a 30 to 60-minute online interview and/or an in-person collaborative
Access the new Opioid Safety Toolkit – a resource for you and your patients
Clinical and allied health professionals have a critical role to play in reducing our current high rates of prescription opioid-related harm. These harms, including dependence,1,2 overdose,3 hospitalisation and death,4 are driven by one of the world’s highest per-capita rates of opioid use.5 The new Opioid Safety Toolkit is an evidence-based, Commonwealth-funded, online interactive resource designed to improve
What’s your plan?
11-17 May 2025 is National Palliative Care Week. This year, the theme is ‘What’s your plan?’ – which challenges and inspires a range of conversations: For individuals and families – it challenges them to think about their own future and quality of life, make informed choices, and decide how they want to be cared for.
Updated National Cervical Screening Program eLearning modules
In partnership with the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer has released new, improved and updated National Cervical Screening Program eLearning modules. These five individually accredited eLearning modules have been updated in line with changes to the National Cervical Screening Program Guidelines which came into effect
Preparing for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
With the National Lung Cancer Screening Program commencing in July 2025, this is the perfect time for practitioners to ensure you are equipped to support eligible patients. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Australia, but early detection can lead to more effective treatment options and improved outcomes. The National Lung Cancer
Fire ants detected in Bilinga
Fire ants have been detected in Bilinga, Southeast Queensland, which is very close to the Northern NSW border. Fire ants are one of the world’s worst invasive species, with the ability to severely impact our environment, economy, agricultural industries, health, and our Australian way of life. If you suspect a fire ant attack in NSW,
Japanese encephalitis: Free vaccine eligibility now includes part of NNSW
The free Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccine is now available to those who live and work in Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley LGAs. ​In NSW this year, five people have acquired JEV and, sadly, two of these people have died. JEV is spread by mosquitoes and can infect animals and humans. Information for health professionals
Stronger we Stand: Free online support for veteran families and carers
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide found that there exists significant ‘challenges for families trying to support and care for their loved ones who are serving or have served in the ADF’ (p.70). This program aims to address this challenge by providing flexible, online support and education that empowers families and carers supporting
headspace Grafton wins national award
headspace Grafton has won the ‘Excellence in Innovative Practice’ award at the National Work and Study IPS Awards! The award recognised headspace Grafton’s Work & Study program – highlighting the program’s strengths, outcomes for young people and fidelity improvement over two cycles. Also highlighted were their innovative ways of engaging young people, increasing awareness of
Warning about Paxlovid in transplant recipients
Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir) is recommended as a treatment for COVID-19 for patients at high risk of severe disease. However, Paxlovid significantly increases the serum concentrations of calcineurin inhibitors (e.g. cyclosporin, tacrolimus). Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are immunosuppressive medications which are commonly given in the setting of solid-organ transplantation, and certain autoimmune diseases. Locally, we have seen recent
New, free dementia education, networking + coaching
Do you need easily accessible, free dementia-specific education for you or the people who work for you? Dementia Respite Education and Mentoring (DREAM) has been designed to offer a holistic approach to dementia care education – and could be the answer for you. DREAM is a collaboration between the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre
