Although progress is being made in reducing new HIV infections, many people are living with HIV in our communities. HIV is now a chronic health condition with effective and well tolerated treatments and an excellent prognosis. The average age of people living with HIV is increasing, so many people are facing health conditions related to aging rather than specific HIV-related conditions.
North Coast Sexual Health Services (Lismore Sexual Health and Clinic 145, Tweed Valley Sexual Health) provide specialist HIV care for people living with HIV. This includes consultations with a specialist, nursing care and counselling services. These services are committed to ensuring all people living with HIV have access to a GP and that GPs involved in care of people with HIV are supported by the specialist services.
Testing and treatment for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis have important roles to play in reducing STIs in our communities. North Coast Sexual Health Services aim to support GPs to provide these services and to provide services where gaps may be present or specialist services are required.
In order to improve care for people with HIV and those at risk of STIs, North Coast Sexual Health Services would like to invite GPs to express interest in two opportunities.
HIV/Sexual Health GP Interest Group
North Coast Sexual Health Services would like to invite expressions of interest for an HIV/Sexual Health GP Interest Group. The scope of the group would include:
- Input into the future of HIV/Sexual Health care in Northern NSW.
- Learning opportunities in HIV/Sexual Health.
- Flexible participation, eg. attending small group breakfasts or email/phone involvement.
HIV s100 Prescriber Training
North Coast Sexual Health Services would provide local s100 prescriber training if sufficient GPs express an interest in the training. The face-to-face course would be offered in early 2019.
Training includes an online component, followed by a two-day face-to-face course. To complete the training there is a post course activity and assessment. Successful completers of this training are awarded 40 Category 1 RACGP QI and CPD Points.
For more information about training see How to Become a HIV s100 Community Prescriber.
To express interest about either opportunity, please contact Lismore Sexual Health Service on (02) 6620 2980. Dr Natalie Edmiston, Staff Specialist is available to speak to GPs. Email:Â [email protected]