Mandatory QR code check-in at health facilities

As we reported previously, all businesses and workplaces are now required to have a NSW Government QR code for staff and visitors to check in via the Service NSW app. Service NSW has now published an exception for patients entering health and medical facilities (other than pharmacies). Staff and other visitors still need to check

MediCoach – free quality improvement support for your general practice

‘Most people know what they need to do to change, they just want someone to walk alongside them, be their champion for change, and listen to what they are saying.’ – Kim Poyner, MediCoach Director MediCoach is dedicated to helping healthcare teams provide better health outcomes and improve cost efficiency. With more than 20 years’

COVID-19 vaccination update

Community pharmacies to join COVID-19 vaccination rollout The Australian Government has announced that from 26 July 2021 onward, more than 3,900 community pharmacies who expressed interest in joining the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and who have previously been found suitable, will be invited to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination program. Participating community pharmacies will administer AstraZeneca

Updated COVID-19 Patient Triage Flowchart

Due to the ever-changing nature and recent threat of COVID-19 in our region, we have updated our Patient Triage Flowchart to support general practice staff in their screening process. The updated flowchart and additional COVID-19 information and resources are available via our COVID-19 Health Professionals webpage. Healthy North Coast understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult

COVID-19 in our community

There are currently 2 COVID-19 case locations on the NSW North Coast – one in Chinderah and one in Coffs Harbour. As case locations are regularly updated, check the NSW Health website for new locations. The Chinderah alert is for the Ampol service station just off the northbound M1 from 8:30 pm Tuesday 13 July

North Coast COVID-19 update

With confirmed COVID-19 positive cases in Chinderah and a confirmed case from today’s Sydney numbers reportedly having visited venues on the Mid North Coast last week, North Coast clinicians are encouraged to visit the NSW Health website. NSW Health is currently undertaking urgent case investigations and further information will be provided as soon as it is available. Where venues

Managing anxious and demanding patients in general practice during COVID-19

Healthy North Coast understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for our community, and can cause increased stress and anxiety in general practice. At times, community demand for a COVID-19 vaccine has been higher than the current supply. Mid North Coast and Northern NSW residents are being asked to be patient as vaccine supplies

Recommended AstraZeneca dosage interval during a COVID-19 outbreak

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has released a statement clarifying the dosage interval for COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca in the context of a COVID-19 outbreak. Key points include: The recommended interval between first and second doses of AstraZeneca is between 4 and 12 weeks. In non-outbreak situations, the preferred interval between doses remains at 12 weeks. 

HealthPathways update – July 2021

Have a look through the new pathways we have added to our Mid and North Coast HealthPathways website: Abuse and Neglect of Older People Drug Allergy and Adverse Reaction Housing Assistance and Homelessness MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy) Preterm and Low-birth-weight Infants Gynaecomastia Hospital Switchboards Just a reminder that our COVID-19 vaccination HealthPathways are regularly updated as

National framework for advance care planning documents

Do you ever need to help patients with advance care planning documents or facilitate conversations around this topic? Advance care planning is a process of planning for future health and personal care where a person’s values, beliefs and preferences are made known. This information can guide decision-making if that person is later unable to make

Nicotine vaping products become prescription only from 1 October

Scheduling changes for nicotine vaping products will take effect from 1 October 2021. From that date, a prescription will be required for Australians to legally access nicotine e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping products for any purpose, including importing from overseas online retailers. Under the new arrangements, prescribers will be able to seek authorisation from the Therapeutic

Department of Veterans’ Affairs health updates

COVID-19 telehealth arrangements extended for DVA clients Telehealth services and other temporary COVID-19 arrangements for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients have been extended until 31 December 2021. Providers are able to continue delivering telehealth services for general practitioner (GP), allied health, specialist and community nursing services; and hospital-based mental health and rehabilitation day programs