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
Survey: National Cervical Screening Program Renewal
Family Planning NSW is conducting a survey to explore knowledge, attitudes and practices following the renewed National Cervical Screening Program in December 2017. If you are a clinician delivering cervical screening with a practice location in NSW, Family Planning NSW would appreciate your participation in the survey. Click here to access the survey. The survey
Survey: Availability, Quality and Reliability of Internet and Telehealth Services
The Broadband for the Bush Alliance (B4BA), with assistance from the Northern Institute, Charles Darwin University and support from the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, is conducting a national survey to evaluate people’s access to internet, telecommunications services and understanding of new accredited health services available via the internet. A significant effort has been made
Mid North Coast Sexual Health Services Supporting GPs and PrEP
General practitioners can now prescribe the HIV prevention drug PrEP (Tenofovir/Emtricitabine), which is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as a streamlined authority item. Before PrEP is prescribed, renal function, HIV and hepatitis B and C status need to be ascertained. STI testing is also recommended, which includes syphilis serology and chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know that the North Coast NSW PHN region has the fifth highest rate of prostate cancer in Australia? Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with almost 20,000 diagnoses and close to 3,500 deaths each year. All men aged over 50 (or over 40 if they have a family
Upcoming Leptospirosis Information Sessions in Woolgoolga and Coffs
Two environmental physicians from Brisbane – Dr Chris Cunneen and Dr Andrew Lingwood – will present information sessions on leptospirosis on Friday 21 September 2018 between 1 and 2pm. The sessions will be held at Beach Street Family Practice in Woolgoolga and at Coffs Central Medical Centre in Coffs Harbour. The doctors have been working
Child Protection Week
National Child Protection Week (2 – 8 September 2018) is an opportunity for everyone in the community to think about how we can work together to keep all children safe. Importantly, we want to remind everyone that: We ALL have a part to play in protecting ALL children. Even small actions can help to improve
Healthy Towns Free Community Days Announced
New Palliative Care Helpline
Do you provide care for older people who may be nearing end of life? The ELDAC Helpline has been established to connect you with: Evidence-based palliative care tools, information and resources. Your local HealthPathways provider. The correct contact person or service for your query. Phone the ELDAC Helpline on 1800 870 155. Calls are free from any
Optimal Care Pathway – Quality Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Cancer
Cultural understanding and respect are key to improving Indigenous cancer care and outcomes. Cancer Australia has released a new, first of its kind Optimal Care Pathway, which identifies core approaches to ensure quality care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer and improve their cancer treatment experience and outcomes. The Optimal Care Pathway
Invasive Meningococcal Disease
The peak season for meningococcal disease is winter and spring. General practitioners and other immunisation providers need to be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease, the need for immediate treatment and, where possible, ensure that patients at risk of meningococcal disease are offered protection through immunisation. Meningococcal vaccine factsheets and frequently asked questions about
