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Aug

26

2022

Clinical societies to discuss eating disorders in September

Attend one of six regional clinical society events during September to learn more about eating disorders and the interventions that can significantly contribute to better outcomes.

Body Image and Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a national week of significance that shines a light on eating disorders. Affecting approximately 1 in 20 Australians, eating disorders can be the result of genetic, psychological, environmental and social risk factors.

A major study by InsideOut Institute for Eating Disorders reveals a widespread escalation of eating disorder symptoms during COVID-19 lockdown in Australia, with 40 per cent going undiagnosed.

While eating disorders are more likely to start in adolescence, they can affect anyone at any stage of life. To help you better understand body image issues and eating disorders, six of Healthy North Coast’s eight regional clinical societies have elected to host a clinical society event on the topic. 

Register now for for your local event below.

Coffs Harbour & Bellingen Clinical Society

Tuesday, 13 September 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:15pm

Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club

Register here

This clinical society meeting will focus on eating disorders in the local athlete population and will examine support plans and management using a case scenario. Free to attend, it includes a two-course dinner.

Speakers:

  • Dr Ashlea Broomfield, General Practitioner and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician
  • Jacqui Heward, Accredited Practising Dietician and Sports Dietician
  • Ute Morris, Eating Disorder Coordinator MNCLHD and Clinical Psychologist
  • Linda Winn, Eating Disorder Coordinator MNCLHD and Dietician

Learning Objectives:

  • understand the spectrum of disordered eating in the sport and performance sector
  • recognise and screen for the signs and symptoms of eating disorders in primary care
  • increase confidence to implement an eating disorder management plan in practice
  • identify local referral pathways and resources for managing and preventing eating disorders.

Ballina and Byron Clinical Society

Tuesday, 20 September 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:15pm

Beef and Beach Restaurant, Lennox Head

Register here

This clinical society meeting will assist you to provide best practice care for patients with eating disorders via support from the local health district.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, identify and assess eating disorders, provide medical treatment, lead the multidisciplinary team, manage MBS items, and provide ongoing recovery support.

Ask questions from the panel and others in the room, get to know local supports, and better understand the local referral options available to you. Free to attend, it includes a 2-course dinner.

Facilitated by: Deanna Bowen, Northern NSW Eating Disorders Coordinator

Speakers:

  • Dr Amit Mishra, General Physician
  • Dr David Furrows, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Anika Howard, Dietician
  • Jill Creighton, Clinical Nurse Consultant
  • Dr Rosie Hamilton, General Practitioner at Meadows Medical and headspace

Learning Objectives:

  • recognise and evaluate the signs, symptoms and clinical risks of the different types of eating disorders
  • strengthen your confidence to discuss non-judgemental and weight-neutral approaches and to implement an eating disorder management plan in practice
  • outline referral options and Medicare rebates available, and improve coordination of care for a person with an eating disorder with specialist services and community providers
  • enhance your understanding of the nutritional rehabilitation process and identify ways to limit the progression of eating disorders and improve outcomes.

Nambucca and Macksville Clinical Society

Tuesday, 20 September 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:15pm

Blue Gum Function Centre, Macksville

Register here

This clinical society meeting will use a case scenario to unpack the process of implementing an eating disorder management plan in the Nambucca and Macksville region. Free to attend, it includes a two-course dinner.

Speakers:

  • Dr Ashlea Broomfield, General Practitioner and Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician
  • Ute Morris, Eating Disorder Coordinator & Clinical Psychologist
  • Linda Winn, Eating Disorder Coordinator & Dietician
  • Jacqui Chalmers, Dietician at Soulitude Health, Macksville

Learning Objectives:

  • recognise and identify eating disorders in primary care
  • increase confidence to implement an eating disorder management plan in practice
  • identify presentations required for admission
  • identify local referral pathways and resources for managing and preventing eating disorders
  • understand carer support and information services.

Port Macquarie and Hastings Clinical Society

Wednesday, 21 September 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:15pm

Rydges, Port Macquarie

Register here

This clinical society meeting will share how eating disorders can impact patients, how to recognise them in practice, and what treatment is most suitable when implementing a patient-centred eating disorder management plan. Free to attend, it includes a two-course dinner.

Facilitated by: Dr Andy Williams, General Practitioner

Speakers:

  • Dr Melanie Willets, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Youth and Family Mental Health Team
  • Ute Morris, Eating Disorder Coordinator & Clinical Psychologist
  • Linda Winn, Eating Disorder Coordinator & Dietician
  • Peter Clarke, Dietician, Healthier You Port Macquarie
  • Mackenzie Adams, Medical Assistant with lived experience

Learning Objectives:

  • recognise and identify eating disorders in primary care
  • increase confidence to implement an eating disorder management plan in practice
  • Identify local referral pathways and resources for managing and preventing eating disorders
  • explain the medical indicators for admission and Inpatient treatment
  • understand the impact an eating disorder has on daily life

Tweed Valley Clinical Society

Wednesday, 21 September 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:15pm

Babalou Weddings and Events, Kingscliff

Register here

This clinical society meeting will assist you to provide best practice care for patients with eating disorders via support from the local health district.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, identify and assess eating disorders, provide medical treatment, lead the multidisciplinary team, manage MBS items, and provide ongoing recovery support.

Ask questions from the panel and others in the room, get to know local supports, and better understand the local referral options available to you. Free to attend, it includes a two-course dinner.

Facilitated by: Deanna Bowen, Northern NSW Eating Disorders Coordinator

Speakers:

  • Dr David Furrows, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Casey James, Dietician and Acting Manager Nutrition & Dietetics NNSWLHD
  • Samantha Peterson, Nurse Unit Manager, Tweed Paediatric Ward
  • Zain Constantine, Psychologist, Tweed Community Mental Health
  • Dr Matthew Raine, Paediatrician, Tweed Hospital

Learning Objectives:

  • recognise and evaluate the signs, symptoms and clinical risks of the different types of eating disorders
  • strengthen your confidence to discuss non-judgemental and weight-neutral approaches and to implement an eating disorder management plan in practice
  • outline referral options and Medicare rebates available, and improve coordination of care for a person with an eating disorder with specialist services and community providers
  • enhance your understanding of the nutritional rehabilitation process and identify ways to limit the progression and improve outcomes of eating disorders.

Clarence Valley Clinical Society

Wednesday 28 September 2022 | 6:00pm – 8:15pm

Vines@139, Grafton

Register here

This clinical society meeting will assist you to provide best practice care for patients with eating disorders via support from the local health district.

Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to understand, identify and assess eating disorders, provide medical treatment, lead the multidisciplinary team, manage MBS items, and provide ongoing recovery support.

Ask questions from the panel and others in the room, get to know local supports, and better understand the local referral options available to you. Free to attend, it includes a 2-course dinner.

Facilitated by: Deanna Bowen, Northern NSW Eating Disorders Coordinator

Speakers:

  • Natasha Mann, Senior Psychologist, Clarence Valley Community Health
  • Dr James Hodges, Paediatrician, Grafton Base Hospital
  • Dr Michael Fairly, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
  • Sr Sharmini Rajenthran, Adult Psychiatrist
  • Geordy Henderson, Dietician, headspace

Learning Objectives:

  • recognise and evaluate the signs, symptoms and clinical risks of the different types of eating disorders
  • strengthen your confidence to discuss non-judgemental and weight-neutral approaches and to implement an eating disorder management plan in practice
  • outline referral options and Medicare rebates available, and improve coordination of care for a person with an eating disorder with specialist services and community providers
  • enhance your understanding of the nutritional rehabilitation process and identify ways to limit the progression and improve outcomes of eating disorders

Why be part of your nearest and neighbouring clinical societies?

Regional clinical societies foster practitioner relationships by providing a platform in which the primary health care workforce can come together to make friends, network, learn new information and have fun in a collaborative, knowledge-sharing space.

We welcome all primary care professionals working in:

  • general practice (including practice staff and admin)
  • allied health
  • Aboriginal health
  • nursing
  • pharmacy
  • medical specialities.

Can’t make it to one of these events? Stay up to date with future events and sign up to nearest and neighbouring clinical societies today.

 

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Our regional partners

  • Local Health District partners in our footprint: Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) & Northern New South Wales Local Health District (NNSWLHD)
  • Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS)
  • The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
  • Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
  • Rural Doctors Network (RDN)
  • Rural Clinical Schools & Regional Training Hubs
  • General Practitioners
  • Registrars and International Medical Graduates
  • North Coast Allied Health Association (NCAHA)
  • Local Councils
    Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA)
  • Universities including: Charles Sturt University (CSU), University of New South Wales (UNSW), Southern Cross University (SCU)

Aged Care Disaster Management Planning

Strategic Priority Area: One team

North Coast is identified as the region most likely to be impacted by climate change in Australia and also forecasted greatest growth in those 65+.

Healthy North Coast takes a lead role in ensuring the older population and the sector that supports them are prepared for, can respond to and recover from disasters and other emergencies.

We have led eight regional disaster management capacity building workshops, bringing together SES, community organisations and the aged care sector.

We have also developed disaster preparedness tip sheets for both residential and community aged care providers.

Read the media release: Aged Care Homes Prepare for Disasters

Voluntary Assisted Dying

Strategic Priority Area: One team

In May 2022, the NSW Parliament passed the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2022. Effective from Tuesday, 28 November 2023, eligible people have the choice to access voluntary assisted dying. 

Healthy North Coast has developed a webpage for both health professionals and consumers, with links to available information and resources.

Visit the Voluntary Assisted Dying webpage

Living with Dementia resources

Strategic Priority Area: No one is left behind

Healthy North Coast has worked with people living with dementia, their families and local service providers to develop an information booklet that will help them connect with local and national supports along their journey.

Highly regarded by a range of professional supporting those on or starting the dementia journey, the booklet includes commonly asked questions for people to ask their GP and/or specialist.

“It’s a fantastic resource and I give it to everyone on their first diagnosis. Its easy to read, so well planned and thought through and has lots of really useful information, tailored to the region.
I also find it very helpful when educating clinical staff.”

−Geropsychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Mid North Coast.

The resource is available in digital and printed copies, with more than 5,000 distributed across the region. An e-version is available to clinicians via the Dementia and Cognitive Impairment HealthPathway.

View the Living with Dementia booklet (PDF)

Deteriorating Resident Triage Tool

Strategic Priority Area: One team

Empowering aged care teams to deliver safer, more consistent care.

The Deteriorating Resident Triage Tool (DRRT) supports aged care staff to confidently recognise and respond to signs of resident deterioration. It enables timely, evidence-based decisions, strengthens communication with health services, and promotes early intervention and effective care planning, helping residents receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place. By doing so, it reduces unnecessary Emergency Department presentations and improves resident outcomes.

Developed in collaboration with a specialist geriatrician and informed by input from Residential Aged Care Managers, NSW Ambulance, GPs, and clinical experts across the Mid and North Coast Local Health Districts, the DRRT is practical, relevant, and aligned with contemporary best practice.

Aligned with the Strengthened Quality Standards:

  • Standard 1 – The Person: Respects resident preferences and Advance Care Directives.
  • Standard 2 – The Organisation: Strengthens governance and clinical oversight.
  • Standard 5 – Clinical Care: Supports early recognition and escalation of clinical deterioration.
View the deteriorating resident response tool

North Coast care finders program

Strategic Priority Area: No one is left behind

Care finders is a free service to assist older adults connect to aged care services and supports. Care finders support older people who experience significant barriers to accessing services, and walk alongside their clients at their own pace, to understand their individual situation and support them to work through the steps to address their needs. Care finders assist people with access to other supports in the community. They can provide connections both with accessing services for the first time, and with changing or finding new services and supports if their needs change.

Care finders can:

  • Provide information about local aged care services
  • Help to set up an assessment with My Aged Care to access support, and
  • Find services that are targeted and available to help.

The care finder program has been extended to June 2029 and is provided by the following organisations. Each (Lismore, Coffs Harbour, Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey, Nambucca and Bellingen) and Footprints (Kyogle, Tweed, Byron and Ballina).

Download the HNC Needs Assessment for older people.
Learn more about care finders including referral path and local providers.
icon with person and hands

Psychological services in residential aged care homes

Strategic Priority Area: Improving Lives Now

Healthy North Coast commissions two service providers to deliver psychological therapies and supports for older people with, or at risk of developing, a mental illness and who are living in residential aged care homes (RACHs).

The aim of the program is to both provide direct support to residents and their families and carers, as well as upskill the RACH workforce to respond to the needs of residents presenting with mental health concerns.

Visit the commissioned services listings to find out more, including service contact information.​

Healthy Towns. Healthy Communities.

Strategic Priority Area: Securing a Healthier Future

Connection and a sense of belonging are protective factors for both individual and community health and wellbeing. Evidence highlights that the social determinants of health play a critical role in addressing many of our regions health challenges.

That’s why Healthy North Coast has long been committed to supporting communities to strengthen and to build social health. Our initiatives, including contemporary ‘Social Prescribing’, help people to connect to activities, supports and each other, and assist communities to integrate services and bridge gaps.

Visit the Healthy Me Healthy Community service page
icon with person and hands

Telehealth in Residential Aged Care

Strategic Priority Area: Improving Lives Now

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety identified several critical areas affecting aged care residents and our health system. Key challenges include:

  • Limited access to general practitioners (GPs) and allied health professionals in aged care facilities.
  • Difficulties accessing out-of-hours services

Telehealth offers valuable opportunities to enhance support for residents living in aged care homes. Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, this initiative provides telehealth equipment and staff training as part of the response to the Royal Commission’s findings.

By improving access to primary care clinicians, specialist services, and other service providers through telehealth, we can significantly enhance health outcomes for residents, reducing unnecessary hospital transfers and emergency department visits.

The selection of telehealth equipment was guided by our Healthy Ageing Strategy (HAS), a comprehensive digital discovery questionnaire, and consultation workshops with various stakeholders. These efforts included interviews with residents to understand their attitudes toward telehealth, ensuring the initiative meets their needs and preferences.

For more information, visit the Telehealth in Residential Aged Care​ webpage
icon with person and hands

Greater Choice at Home Palliative Care Program

Strategic Priority Area: Improving Lives Now

Aims to provide people who have life limiting conditions the opportunity to exercise choice and receive high quality care at home, harnessing improved and better coordinated supports and services that meet their individual needs.

Program objectives:

  • Improve access to palliative care at home and support end-of-life care systems and services (in primary health care and community care)
  • To enable the right care at the right time and in the right place (to reduce unnecessary hospitalisation)
  • Generate and use data to support continuous improvement of services across sectors
  • Use available technologies to support flexible and responsive palliative care at home, including in the after-hours.

These objectives will contribute to achieving the following intended overarching outcomes of:

  • Improved capacity and responsiveness of services to meet local needs and priorities
  • Improved patient access to quality palliative care services in the home
  • Improved coordination of care for patients across health care providers and integration of palliative care services in their region.
Read more about the Greater Choice at Home Palliative Care Program
Download the 2023 Palliative and End-of-life Care Needs Assessment (PDF)

Education & training funding elibility

Funding is open to all primary care providers within disaster affected communities across the Healthy North Coast footprint.

References

  1. Healthy North Coast Health Needs Assessment, 2022-2025
  2. Northern Rivers Community Foundation (2023). Northern Rivers Vital Signs, 2023
  3. Northern Rivers Community Foundation Flood Impact Report, May 2023
  4. Ang, C., Abdo, M., Rose, V., Lim, R., and Taylor, J. (2023). Participatory Grantmaking: Building the Evidence. Centre for Evidence and Innovation. 
  5. Lee, G., Vine, K., Atkinson, A-R., Tong, M., Longman, J., Barratt, A., Bailie, R., Vardoulakis, S., Matthews, V., & Mizanur Rahman, K. (2023). Impacts of Climate Change on Health and Health Services in Northern New South Wales, Australia: A Rapid Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20, 6285. 
  6. Sewell, T., Stephens, R., Dominey-Howes, D., Bruce, E., & Perkins-Kirkpatrick, S. (2016), Disaster declarations associated with bushfires, floods and storms in New South Wales, Australia between 2004 and 2014. Scientific Reports (6). 
  7. Dominey-Howes, D., Bruce, E., Stephens, R., Perkins-Kirkpatrick, S., & Sewell, T. (2016). Natural disasters are affecting some of Australia’s most disadvantaged communities. The Conversation. 

Workforce Locum support and R&R funding criteria

  • Available to primary care services in disaster impacted communities within the Healthy North Coast footprint.
  • Available to support short-term workforce coverage, allowing clinicians to rest and recover.
  • Workforce-support funding in total is capped for each site, over a 12-month period:
    • $10k for GPs and/or
    • $5K for nursing and/or
    • $5k administration support and/or
    • $5K allied/pharmacy and other.
  • Funding is not to be used to fill gaps in staffing that have not been able to recruit to and not to replace existing staff.
  • Healthy North Coast will assess requirements and approve available funding directly with the service requesting support.
  • Priority will be given to sites that have immediate, short-term workforce support needs.
  • Requests will be reviewed and supported on a case-by-case basis.
  • Program funding administered via RCTI Agreement (Recipient Created Tax Invoice) to be paid monthly, or on completion of the placement (whichever comes first).
  • Practices will be required to complete a request for payment form monthly, or on completion of the placement (whichever occurs first).

Wellbeing Flexible Funding Criteria & Eligibility

  • Open to all primary care providers within disaster affected communities across the Healthy North Coast footprint.
  • Activity must be purposeful, with the aim of increasing the wellbeing of your team.
  • Requests will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with funding allocated based on team size.*
  • Following approval by Healthy North Coast, funding will be administered via RCTI Agreement (Recipient Created Tax Invoice) upon providing proof of expenses.
  • Funding cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol, or any other goods or services where the vendor cannot quote their Australian Business Number.
  • Planned activities must occur prior to 30th June 2024.
  • Funding will not be available for retrospective activities.
*Team Size
(Total staff and contractors)		Funding Available
Small (1-5)$500-$1500
Medium (6-20)$1500-$4000
Large (>20)$4000-$5000

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