Changes to Antenatal Pertussis Vaccination Recommendations
The National Health and Medical Research Council has updated recommendations on the timing of pertussis vaccination for pregnant women, expanding from 28-32 weeks to 20-32 weeks gestation. Pertussis vaccine is provided free under the National Immunisation Program for pregnant women during each pregnancy to provide protection to the infant by the transfer of antibodies through
Cancer Treatment Resources
eviQ is a free online resource of cancer treatment protocols developed by multidisciplinary teams of cancer specialists. eviQ provides evidence-based information to support health professional in the delivery of cancer treatments. It is part of the Cancer Institute NSW suite of websites. Their resources include GP fact sheets and they have just added four new
Attitudes of Health Professionals to Older Person Health Assessments
Dr Eleanor Mitchell and Mr Sai Ram Ramisetty from Monash University are conducting research into the attitudes of health professionals to older person health assessments. You are invited to participate if you are a general practitioner or practice nurse who has, or could potentially conduct, Medicare-funded older person health assessments. This online survey should take
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and the Hajj
Approximately 3,000 Australians travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia each year for the annual Islamic pilgrimage (Hajj, Aug 9-14).The Kingdom is experiencing an ongoing outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), associated with infections in health care facilities and exposure to camels and camel products. MERS is a viral respiratory illness caused by MERS
Chronic Pain Advice Line for GPs
The Royal North Shore Hospital Department of Pain Medicine is offering a free advice and consultation service for GPs and pharmacists on the Mid North Coast. You can contact the service for advice on the management of patients with chronic pain. Pain specialist, Dr Jane Standen, will answer your questions about: Opioid prescription dependence (for
Cold Chain Management
New Cold Chain Toolkit for Immunisation Providers NSW Health has developed a Cold Chain Toolkit and checklist to support immunisation providers with their cold chain management. The toolkit and checklist can be downloaded here. For further information, contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055. Cold Chain Management Training Module Each practice must
Diabetes Foot and Exercise Assessment Clinic
The Southern Cross University Health Clinic at Bilinga offers members of the community with diabetes the opportunity to have an inter-professional assessment for risk of diabetes-related complications. Consultations are led by students studying towards a degree in Podiatry or Exercise Physiology, and overseen by an experienced Registered Podiatrist and Accredited Exercise Physiologist. Podiatry students will
Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Changes to Allied Health Referrals
From 1 October 2019, there will be a change to the way that referrals are made to allied health providers for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) clients. Under existing DVA arrangements, a GP may refer a client to allied health services for up to a year at the DVA’s expense. Under the new arrangement, the
Northern NSW Sexual Health Services – Working with General Practice
With daily medication, people with HIV are living full and healthy lives. Having a GP to provide general health care is important. Northern NSW Sexual Health Services have a multidisciplinary team approach to HIV care and general practitioners are key members of this team. As part of providing HIV specialist care, Northern NSW Sexual Health
Southern Cross University Student-Led Exercise Physiology Clinic
By Mike Climstein, Southern Cross University The medical management of chronic disease and chronic conditions typically focuses upon pharmacological and/or surgical (procedural) interventions. However, there is substantial evidence from high-quality studies (ie. RCTs, systematic reviews and meta-analyses) that has shown evidence-based exercise can significantly offset the many adverse effects associated with a number of chronic diseases
Immunisation Update
Strive for 5 The National Vaccine Storage Guidelines Strive for 5 3rd edition is now available. ‘Strive for 5’ refers to 5 degrees Celsius (°C) – the midway point between +2°C and +8°C which is the temperature range recommended for vaccine storage. Many vaccines are damaged or destroyed at temperatures outside this range. This resource
Top 5 for Patients with Dementia and Other Disabilities
The Mid North Coast Local Health District is raising awareness about the use of TOP 5 for people with cognitive or communication problems. TOP 5 is a simple tool that is used to collect knowledge from carers. This information can assist LHD staff to support patients during their admission and deliver personalised care. Carers simply
