Changes to Reduce Harms from Prescription Opioids
Carers NSW is running a new program to help older carers understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and how to best use it.
The National Community Connector program commenced on 1 June 2020. It is for carers aged 65 plus who are looking after someone with a disability.
The program is also available to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50 years who are caring for a relative or friend with a disability under the age of 65 years.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is funding the program. On the North Coast a Community Connector Project Officer, Karren Graham, is located in Coffs Harbour.
New Changes to the National Immunisation Schedule
From 1 July 2020, the National Immunisation Program schedule will be updated to improve protection against meningococcal and pneumococcal disease. These changes are: Introduction of meningococcal B vaccination and changes to meningococcal ACWY vaccination. Pneumococcal vaccination schedule will change to reflect the current best clinical evidence in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults and in people
Primary Care Impact Update
Nurse Led Cervical Cancer Screening Service Danielle Midgley, Practice Nurse at Tweed Coast Medical, has successfully implemented a nurse-led cervical cancer screening service. She has kindly shared her PDSA with you. We have added a new QI topic to the list in Primary Care Impact: Increase cervical cancer screening through a nurse-led screening service This
Pneumovax 23 Vaccine Out of Stock
Due to unprecedented demand, Pneumovax 23 vaccine (23vPPV) is now out of stock until further notice. Orders placed from 28 April 2020 to 11 June 2020 that were in back order will be delivered this week. Please do not schedule appointments until you have received your vaccine delivery. If your practice had a back order
Research Study on NDIS Disability Services
Do you know someone with a physical disability who receives services under the NDIS in rural Australia? The University of Newcastle is conducting a research project examining the experiences of people who receive services under the NDIS who reside in a rural area. The research team is hoping to conduct an interview, either face to
Coffs Cardiologist Is Setting the Pace
Coffs Harbour’s Dr Austin May has established the North Coast’s first pacemaker implantation service. Dr May is an interventional cardiologist and cardiac devices specialist. He grew up in Coffs Harbour and has recently returned to the area. He will be implanting pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as performing coronary stent procedures, at Baringa Private Hospital.
Influenza Vaccination Program – Distribution Update
NSW Health has sent updated information to all immunisation providers about the supply and distribution of 2020 influenza vaccines. This includes advice on ordering, stock availability and delivery of routine orders. Click here to read the 21 May update. (PDF)
Survey on the Availability of Influenza Vaccines
NSW Health is inviting immunisation providers to complete a short survey to record your availability of influenza vaccine stock. Information you provide will be included in a list published here. The list will enable individuals to contact you to arrange vaccination when you have influenza vaccine in stock. The existing list needs updating and new
Applications for the 2020 PC4 Training Award Now Open
The Primary Care Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group (PC4) is offering up to $5,000 for nurses, GPs, clinicians and researchers who have a new research idea relating to cancer in primary care. With the goal to support research development skills, the money can be used to undertake a systematic review, early intervention design or a
Guidelines on Maintaining Influenza Immunisation Services
The Department of Health has released new guiding principles for maintaining immunisation services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Immunisation providers will need to adapt their procedures and practice to comply with measures in place, including physical distancing, to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Click here to download the guiding principles. (PDF)
BreastScreen NSW Set to Resume
BreastScreen NSW is now taking calls and preparing to resume screening from 18 May 2020. Screening will resume at the Tweed Heads, Lismore, Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie centres, and via the mobile van in Bowraville. BreastScreen NSW has advised that women who had their appointments cancelled will be prioritised and contacted directly, as soon
Update on Flu Vaccines
NSW Health is advising that all influenza vaccine orders placed from 22 April onward are now on back order for: Aboriginal people aged five years to 64 years Those who are medically at risk Pregnant women Orders will be filled when more influenza vaccines stock becomes available in June 2020. Orders for persons aged 65 years
