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
Mid and North Coast HealthPathways update
A number of pathways have been reviewed and updated on the Mid and North Coast HealthPathways website, enabling primary care clinicians locally agreed information to make the right decisions, together with patients, at the point of care. Reviewed and updated HealthPathways Clinical: Antenatal Shared Care (ANSC) Action Plans ADHD Medications for Children and Adolescents Adult Sepsis
Perinatal mental health checklist in 40 languages
PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia – has released an online mental health checklist translated into 40 languages. Designed specifically for new and expecting families, it was translated in collaboration with each language group to ensure it is culturally sensitive. The checklist allows mums, dads, non-birth parents and family to self-assess how they are
Pave – a vaping cessation support app
Developed by the Cancer Institute of NSW, Pave is a digital tool to help you or, or your loved ones, become vape-free. Pave offers daily opportunities to learn and grow as you’re guided on the best way to give up the vapes. What can you do with Pave? Make a plan Track your progress Know
End-of-Life Law workshop: Essential legal insights for residential and community aged care providers
Healthy North Coast recently hosted an End-of-Life Law workshop in Coffs Harbour, where a gathering of clinicians had plenty of questions on navigating this complicated element of care. The interactive workshop, led by Katrine Del Villar (End of Life Law for Clinicians, Queensland University of Technology) and Dr Andy Williams, guided participants through a clinical
Meet Jane Moye: Supporting primary care in residential aged care
Hello, I’m Jane Moye, the Primary Care Coordinator for Residential Aged Care at Healthy North Coast. My role supports improving the capacity of GPs working in aged care, supporting residential aged care homes in connecting with new GPs and fostering stronger working relationships. I also look for ways to address any gaps in GP availability,
Keeping residents safe through preparedness and passion
When Tropical Cyclone Alfred swept through North Coast NSW, residential aged care providers rose to the challenge with exceptional preparation, dedication, and resilience. Thanks to well thought-through emergency planning, almost all residents were able to shelter in place, ensuring their safety and continuity of care. The true heroes of this response were the amazing aged
Communicating well before winter can prevent infectious disease
Older age is one of the biggest risk factors for severe illness from infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza (flu). Aged care residents are particularly vulnerable because of their pre-existing health conditions, complex care needs and close living arrangements. Regular vaccination is still the best line of defence against severe illness, hospitalisation and
