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15
May
2019
North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) is working with health professionals and community members on the Mid North Coast to address the high prescription opioid dependence in the region.
The Mid North Coast Kempsey-Nambucca region ranked the highest for opioid prescriptions dispensed in NSW in 2013. (NHPA 2015 Atlas)
Opioids are medicines to relieve moderate to severe pain and include prescribed drugs such as endone and oxycontin, as well as patches such as fentanyl for cancer pain and norspan for arthritis. Used skilfully they provide relief to people with acute pain, cancer patients and those who are in palliative care.
Any community member concerned about their use of prescribed opioids is advised to see their GP.
Since 2017 NCPHN has been collaborating with health professionals and community members to design strategies to address this high opioid dependence. The issue was brought into sharper focus in February 2018 when over the counter codeine medications were upscheduled to prescription only.
In response to identified needs to reduce prescription opioid use, NCPHN has provided Commonwealth funding for a number of local initiatives.
These include:
NCPHN is Seeking a Local Organisation to Deliver Youth Mental Health Services
Launch of Healthy Towns Maclean Community Action Plan & Funding Announcement
Contact for media enquiries
Sue Rogers - Manager, Pain Network, Agency for Clinical Innovation
Phone: 0436 611 400