Department of Veterans’ Affairs Updates
Mental Health Pilot for Veterans Tunstall Healthcare has been commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to deliver a unique research pilot. The pilot is targeting younger veterans (both gold and white card holders) with low acuity mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. The veterans are provided the Clevertar app on their mobile phone
Community Survey Presentation is Now Available Online
Key findings from the 2018 North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) Community Survey were presented to locals at four public presentations during September 2018. Presentation slides, audio and speaking notes are now available online. The full NCPHN Health Needs Assessment report and a range of factsheets focusing on health priorities and different North Coast locations
Byron Bay HIV/Sexual Health Clinic Under Review
A fortnightly HIV clinic and a fortnightly nurse run STI clinic were available at Byron Central Hospital until July 2018. North Coast Sexual Health Services (Lismore Sexual Health and Clinic 145, Tweed Valley Sexual Health) is reviewing the role of this service. Currently both clinics are suspended. GPs in the area might notice an increase
Quit Smoking for Mental Health Month
Did you know that up to 75% of people with a mental health issue smoke? This is over 60% more than the general NSW population! People with a mental health issue who smoke have higher levels of nicotine dependence and smoke more frequently. Despite being as ready to quit as people without a mental health
New Resource to Help Women Find Their Perfect Contraception Partner
To mark World Contraception Day (26 September 2018), Marie Stopes Australia has created a new web resource to help women re-assess their contraception at various life stages and reflect on a broader range of contraceptive alternatives that might suit them. To help facilitate contraception information exchange between practitioners and patients, Marie Stopes Australia has created
Digital Australian Immunisation Handbook and Videos
The Australian Immunisation Handbook is now available online, along with videos about the science of immunisation and a document providing answers to common questions about vaccination. The digital handbook contains the most up-to-date recommendations for the use of vaccines in Australia. Immunisation providers can give patients the best possible advice regarding vaccine preventable diseases. Those working
New Medical Practice at Scotts Head
Pictured: Dr Marlene Pacy and Natalie Young Natalie Young is the enthusiastic Practice Manager at Mid North Coast’s newest medical practice at Scotts Head. The practice offers a range of patient-focused medical services in new, purpose-built medical facilities. Natalie has teamed up with her mother and brother to provide quality services. ‘Our service has been needed
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Port Macquarie Breast Cancer Clinic
Chris O’Brien Lifehouse will open a Breast Cancer Clinic in Port Macquarie this October. Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is one of Australia’s only two dedicated comprehensive cancer hospitals, and is located in Camperdown Sydney near the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The purpose-built cancer hospital treats some of the highest number of patients and has the largest
New Australian Immunisation Register eLearning Education Modules
The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) records vaccines given to people of all ages in Australia. The Department of Human Services has published new AIR eLearning education modules to help vaccination providers understand how to access and use the AIR site and record vaccination episodes. The five modules help with: Registering and requesting access to the
New Law Protects Against Medicine Shortages
The supply of critical and life-saving medicines will now be protected with the Federal Parliament passing landmark legislation. Under the new law, which comes into force on 1 January 2019, medicine companies will have to report shortages of important medicines as soon as they occur. In addition, if a critical drug is being removed from
Surgery & Medication Not Always the Answer for Osteoarthritis
New guidelines released by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) advise that surgery should be considered as the last resort for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and that exercise is the most effective treatment for this common condition. RACGP President-elect Dr Harry Nespolon noted the need for improved guidelines to cater for Australia’s
Free Courses on Opioid Treatment
The University of Sydney’s Discipline of Addiction Medicine has been funded to operate the Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC) and Fundamentals Training course. These free courses aim to assist medical and nurse practitioners in developing knowledge, skills and practices to support the safe prescribing of opioid pharmacotherapies. All health professionals are welcome to register for
