Measles Update
Australia has experienced an increase in reported measles cases in 2019, associated with a 300% increase in cases globally, confirming the need to protect against the disease through vaccination. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends that two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are required for protection against measles. The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance
Seasonal Influenza Update
NSW Health has declared an early start to the influenza season after detecting a steep rise in influenza activity. This comes on top of unusually high influenza activity over the summer and autumn months. More than 15,000 influenza notifications have been received so far this year, including 5,013 in May. There have been 37 deaths
Health Professional Perspectives on Coordinated Discharge Planning Post-Stroke
Going home after a stroke is a significant milestone in the stroke recovery journey. To transition home successfully, patient-centred discharge planning is essential and results in reduced anxiety and depression, improved satisfaction with health care, continuity of care and general wellbeing. Successful discharge planning also improves compliance with community-based rehabilitation, and reduces length of stay,
Test for HIV in a Diverse Range of Patients
The latest NSW data shows the lowest annual number of HIV infections in 2018 since records began. However, a small cluster of HIV infections has been observed among patients not typically seen as being at risk of HIV. These recent infections show a need for health professionals to increase HIV testing among heterosexual men who
Marianne Trent’s Last Immunisation Update
A record-setting 83 nurses attended the most recent Immunisation Update held in Ballina on Wednesday 5 June 2019. Considering the event was held on State of Origin night, the attendance is even more impressive! Respected health professional Marianne Trent showed up after retiring last month as the Public Health Unit’s Immunisation Coordinator. She came along
Have Your Say: GP Wellbeing Survey
The RACGP has launched the first GP wellbeing survey designed to gain insight and opinions on GP wellbeing in Australian general practice. GPs and general practice registrars currently practising in Australia are invited to have their say and contribute. Your experience and insights will assist the RACGP in understanding the supports that are currently accessed,
Exercise as Medicine Goes Live
The goal of NCPHN’s Exercise as Medicine program is to normalise the use of exercise as an evidence-based intervention in the management of chronic health conditions. The program aims to pilot a process of contracting general practices and providing funding for both activity and for the achievement of approved physical ability for participating patients. Practice
Chronic Pain Management Webinars for Mid North Coast
Free Chronic Pain Management webinars are available for all health professionals to assist in the management of patients living with chronic pain on the Mid North Coast (priority placements will be given to those working in Kempsey, Nambucca and Bowraville). The aim of this training is to improve the assessment and ongoing management of patients experiencing
Kempsey Shire Council Launches New Community Directory
Kempsey Council is launching a new community directory. Rural Fire Services Building, North Street, Kempsey Tue 11 Jun 2019 10:00 am – 12:00 pm The launch is targeting not-for-profit groups, encouraging them to become listed in the new directory (the existing directory on the internet will be replaced). The launch and information session will showcase the
Northern NSW Shared Care Planning Project Finishing
Over the last two years, the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSW LHD) and NCPHN have been running a Shared Care Planning tool project in Northern NSW with support from eHealth NSW and the NSW Ministry of Health. The proof of concept project had a set timeframe of two years to test the “Shared Care
Order Your Winter 2019 Posters
North Coast Primary Health Network, Mid North Coast LHD and Northern NSW LHD are once again offering these local posters to help encourage flu shots and good respiratory hygiene this flu season. Place an order for your practice, organisation or school today using the form below. Click on the poster thumbnails below to see bigger
Lismore Base Hospital Respiratory Lab
The Lismore Base Hospital Outpatients Unit has re-opened its respiratory testing facilities. Referrals are welcome. Appointments will be limited to Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. A range of tests are available to assist with patient care and management: Spirometry assesses the ventilatory capacity of the lungs. Results provide information about lung capacity and airway function and
