Upgraded CareSearch website supports palliative care needs
CareSearch, an Australian organisation dedicated to supporting palliative care, has recently upgraded its website. The revamped CareSearch website provides evidence-based information and resources in palliative care. The changes include the addition of three centres relating to: community health professionals evidence. The website also now has a section specifically designed to support health professionals providing palliative
Free online module for health professionals on voluntary assisted dying laws
The End of Life Law for Clinicians online training program has released a new free online module for GPs, primary care nurses and other health professionals about Australian laws on voluntary assisted dying. Designed by clinicians and experts in end of life law, the module discusses the key information health professionals need to know about
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine provisionally approved as booster for young people aged 16 and 17
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as a booster for young people aged 16 and 17 years old. Dosing in this age group is the same as the adult population – a booster dose may be administered intramuscularly after the completion of a COVID-19 vaccine primary series (2 doses).
ATAGI statement on the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, also known as Nuvaxovid, has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in a primary course of vaccination in people aged 18 years and older. Following this approval, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has published recommendations on the use of Nuvaxovid. In addition, the Australian Government Department
Important changes to Gold Coast Health outpatient referrals for NSW patients
As part of the Queensland COVID-19 response, Gold Coast Health is now required to redirect clinical and support staff to a range of frontline services. There will be temporary limitations on NSW patients accessing outpatient services at Gold Coast Health facilities, unless clinically urgent and not available in NSW. Due to these limitations during the
Working group to improve LGBTIQ+ inclusiveness in MNCLHD services
The Mid North Coast Local Health District is looking for expressions of interest from sexuality and gender diverse people who have used mental health or alcohol and other drug services who can help bring a lived experience perspective to the Allies working group. The Allies working group is a group of staff and community members
Cycle of care is key for diabetes management
The Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA) is reminding GPs about the importance of completing an annual cycle of care for people with diabetes. The diabetes annual cycle of care is a checklist for reviewing diabetes management and general health. It aims to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. A 2018 University of Sydney study found
Fourth COVID-19 vaccine approved
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has given approval for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine. The Novavax vaccine will be available to people 18 years and over. It will be given in 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. The Novavax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. Protein vaccines use a non-infectious component of the coronavirus. After vaccination, immune
Project helps people newly diagnosed with dementia find their way forward
Around 60,000 Australians are diagnosed with dementia each year. Dementia is outpacing cancer as the most feared disease. Many people feel overwhelmed when first diagnosed with dementia. They despair of their future, lose hope and don’t know what to do next. People newly diagnosed are often not ‘ready’ for traditional aged care services following diagnosis,
Holiday arrangements for ordering COVID-19 vaccines
With the holiday season fast approaching, practices should begin planning for the number of COVID-19 vaccines needed from mid-to-late December 2021 to mid-January 2022. When ordering, consider the additional stock and consumables needed to meet demand over the holiday period. The table below provides key dates for ordering and deliveries over the Christmas/New Year period.
TGA provisionally approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has provisionally approved the Comirnaty Paediatric (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds. The TGA’s provisional approval of the vaccine was based on a careful evaluation of available data to support its safety and efficacy among this age group. The paediatric vaccine dose is one-third the size approved for people
Building your service capacity to work with LGBTQ+ people
Here are some resources to build your service capacity in working confidently and competently with LGBTQ+ community members. Say It Out Loud is a website that encourages LGBTQ+ communities to have healthy relationships, get help for unhealthy relationships and support friends experiencing abuse. Say It Out loud outlines practice considerations for service providers about supporting
