Monday Mail Monday, 06 October, 2014 e [email protected] w www.gvml.com.au t 03 5831 5399 VICTORIAN EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE RESPONSE PLAN While the risk of Ebola in Victoria is low, preparedness on the part of the health care sector and the Victorian community is important and will provide ongoing protection against other imported infectious diseases. The Department has developed the Victorian Ebola Virus Disease Response Plan. The objectives of the Plan are to protect and preserve the lives of Victorians, including health sector personnel through the following preparedness strategies: 1. Coordinated system-wide response to a suspected or confirmed case; 2. Protecting health sector capacity and capability; 3. Issuing of community, health sector, government and industry information and advice; and 4. Supporting the health and well-being needs of the community. The Plan provides guidance for individuals, health services and agencies for response to a suspected or confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease and links to further information and resources. For advice related to Ebola Virus Disease please contact 1300 651 160. For general queries related to this communication please contact [email protected]. GVML SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR PRACTICE NURSES Goulburn Valley Medicare Local is keen to support 5 primary health care nurses – one from each of the LGAs in our catchment – to attend this year’s Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) Chronic Disease (CDM) Workshop series in Melbourne on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 of October. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for nurses working in the primary health care setting to enhance their clinical expertise and better assist their community with the prevention and management of chronic diseases. It also offers valuable CPD points. GVML will pay the registration for one practice nurse from each of the 5 LGAs. Accommodation, travel, and other expenses will need to be paid for by the participant. DATE: 17 – 18 October 2014 To apply for one of the 5 sponsorships, please email [email protected] or call on (03) 5831 5399. 1|P age IMMUNISATION IN GENERAL PRACTICE Goulburn Valley Medicare Local invites practice nurses to attend this free clinical education session on immunisation in general practice. DATE: 11 October 2014 TIME: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm VENUE: Meeting room 1+2 Wallan GP Super Clinic 7-11 High Street, Wallan RSVP: 8 October 2014 To register for this event email [email protected] with your name, organisation, RACGP number, contact number and any accessibility or dietary requests or phone (03) 5831 5399. SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OPIOID PRESCRIBING This session will provide information and strategies for safer prescribing of opioids in chronic pain settings. For more information see the event flyer. Completion of this module is a pre-requisite to attend the Module 2 full day workshop on 8 November. DATE: 21 October 2014 TIME: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm VENUE: Rural Health Academic Centre 48 Graham Street, Shepparton RSVP: 17 October 2014 To register for this event email [email protected] with your name, organisation, RACGP number, contact number and any accessibility or dietary requests or phone (03) 5831 5399. REMINDER FOR GENERAL PRACTICES Due to the closure of the After Hours Medical Clinic in Shepparton some General Practices may need to change the message on their answering machine so that patients are not directed there. Clinics may like to include the After Hours GP Helpline on 1800 022 222 in their message as an option for patients. CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING – SAVE THE DATE Goulburn Valley Medicare Local is pleased to announce another Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competency session. The day will be facilitated by Aunty Robynne Nelson. DATE: 9:00 – 4:00, 21 October 2014 More information will soon be available on the GVML website. For further information or to register please contact GVML on (03) 5831 5399. APNA BRINGS ITS POPULAR WORKSHOPS TO SHEPPARTON Join Goulburn Valley Medicare Local and APNA for the Continuing Education Workshops for Nurses in General Practice in Shepparton. With a range of outstanding presenters from across disciplines, this workshop offers nurses working in general practice an engaging opportunity to network and update your expertise – all in Shepparton! DATE: 14 – 15 November 2014 VENUE: Parklake Hotel, Shepparton APNA’s Continuing Education Workshops for Nurses in General Practice include: - Two-day registration, with a comprehensive program designed by nurses - Morning / afternoon tea and lunch on both days - Certificate of recognition of up to 10 CPD hours - Practical tools and resources designed for nurses working in general practice Practice nursed working in the GVML catchment are eligible for a special discount registration offer; a $150 applies to the registration cost of these nurses. To receive this discount you must register using the hardcopy registration form. DO NOT register using the online registration system. No refund can be given if you register online. Please note that spaces are limited for this discount so be quick and register today. A copy of the registration form can be found on the GVML Website. For more information please contact [email protected] or phone 1300 303 184. MENTAL HEALTH WEEK FORUM – MENTAL HEALTH BEGINS WITH ME Brought to you by the Consumer and Carer Advisory Council. DATE: 7 October 2014 TIME: 7:30 pm VENUE: Tom Collins Gallery, Shepparton Mechanics Institute Wyndham Street, Shepparton For further information email [email protected] or call 1300 369 005. CHANGES TO INTAKE PROCESSES FOR ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG SERVICES ACROSS THE REGION. The Victorian AOD reform has seen ACSO (Australian Community Support Organisation) become the intake and assessment provider for the Hume region. Services such as primary care connect can no longer take direct referrals for clients requiring AOD support. Instead, all referrals must now go via ACSO. ACSO will be continuing to deliver information about this change over the coming weeks. ACSO is aware that referrers to this service system rely on several different systems of electronic communication for referral. They will be working with these providers to look at integrating these systems where possible. They currently accept referrals via the following means: Phone: 1300 022 760 fax: (03) 9413 7189 email: [email protected] Referral via the web - web referral 2|P age PROSTRATE CANCER SUPPORT NURSE Sonia Strachan has commenced at GV Health as the Prostrate Cancer Support Nurse (PCSN). This role provides an essential local resource for men and their families who are undergoing treatment for prostate cancer and will also focus on education and awareness of early detection and treatment. Referrals can be made by phone, email, or fax. Referrals can be from a health care professional or selfreferred. Contact details for accessing the Prostrate Cancer Support Nurse: Phone (03) 5832 3777 Fax (03) 5832 2658 Email [email protected] ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME Acute coronary syndrome is any condition brought on by sudden reduced blood flow to the heart. Acute coronary syndrome symptoms are all too common patient complaint to both GP surgeries and Urgent Care Departments. An Acute Coronary workshop is to be held for general practitioners and visiting medical officers of small rural hospitals with the aim of providing knowledge around best practice of the assessment and management of patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome. Presented by Dr Ronen Gurvitch, Cardiologist. DATE: 13 October 2014 TIME: 6:00 pm VENUE: Seymour Medical Clinic 30 Anzac Parade, Seymour More information: [email protected] NEW ORAL ANTICOAGULANTS Two presentations are being held at the Rural Health Academic Centre on the 27th of October. DATE: Monday, 27 October 2014 TIME: 6:30 pm – Registration 7:15 pm – The place of NOAC’s in Stroke Prevention in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation – presented by Dr Salvatore Rametta, Intervention Cardiologist 8:00 pm – Management of NOAC Patients in a Rural Setting – presented by Professor Harshal Nandurkar, Director of Haematology, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne VENUE: Rural Health Academic Centre, Shepparton RSVP: Friday 24 October 2014 All enquiries and registrations to Stephanie Jonas 0478 315 200 or Lindy Bukuya 0417 050 783. IMMUNISATION NEWSLETTER ISSUE 71 The latest issues of the Immunisation Newsletter is now available online at the health.vic.gov website. DIABETES ESSENTIALS – GROUP EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES Diabetes Essentials is a comprehensive 4 week education program conducted by an experienced diabetes team at the NEXUS Primary Health Centres at Seymour and Wallan. It is suitable for people with a recent diabetes diagnosis, limited previous diabetes education and those seeking an update of their diabetes knowledge. To be eligible, patients must have: - Type 2 diabetes - A GP referral – (MBS Type 2 Allied Health Groups form) - A GP Management Plan in place - An exercised clearance form Cost to patients is $10 per session (total of $40) plus a $10 fee for Diabetes Australia resources and exercised band. For information or to make a referral, please call 1300 773 352 or fax 5784 5525. BREAST SCREENING AGE TARGET TO INCLUDE WOMEN AGED 50 TO 74 The target age range for inviting women to screen has now increased to include women aged 50-74. Find out what best practice methods and tools are available to help primary healthcare professionals encourage women to have a breast screen. To read more, visit the BreastScreen Victoria website. MIND YOUR FAMILY The Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre (MAPrc) and Greater Eastern Primary Health (GEPH) come together to present a special one-day conference for GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, other allied health and primary care practitioners, and also students, dedicated to the identification, management and prevention of domestic violence. DATE: 11 October 2014 TIME: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm VENUE: Sth-1 Theatre, Building 64 Monash University, Clayton Campus Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3168 To register or for more details visit the Mind Your Family website or email [email protected] BREAST SCREENING MASS MEDIA CAMPAIGN BreastScreen Victoria’s mass media campaign will run again from 5 – 23 October. The number of enquiries about screening may increase in this period so it is good to keep up to date with current policy and procedures and know your local BreastScreen clinic. For further information visit the BreastScreen Victoria website. HUME HEALTH SERVICES PARTNERSHIP FORUM DATE: TIME: VENUE: Thursday, 13 November 2014 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Club Mulwala 271 Melbourne Street Mulwala NSW 2647 RSVP: Monday, 3 November 2014 RSVP closes on Monday, 3 November and can be completed online. For further information contact Harvey Ballantyne on (02) 6055 771 or 0419 347 566 or via email [email protected] EMAIL YOUR REFERRAL TO THE EYE AND EAR OUTPATIENTS! The Royal Victoria Eye and ear Hospital has now made it easier for you to send referrals for your patients to our Outpatient Clinics. In addition to fax and mail, you can now email your referrals to our Outpatient Clinic at [email protected]. All other requirements for referrals remain the same and all referrals will be triaged according to our Referral Guidelines. We encourage you to include as much relevant clinical information in all of your referrals to ensure that referrals are triaged in the most appropriate manner, and patients in most need are seen in a timely manner. In particular, don’t forget visual acuity for eye referrals and please also attach any Optometrist or Audiogram reports. Please refer to our Primary Care Referral Guidelines and Primary Care Management Guidelines available on the Eye and Ear website. Please not that for all other enquires regarding patient appointments and follow-up please direct your email to [email protected]. ACCESS TO FEMALE OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNAECOLOGIST NAVIGATING THE E-MENTAL HEALTH WEB – AN INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE RESOURCES FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS In the first of this e-mental health webinar series, primary health care providers will be introduced to the main mental health resources and ways they can be incorporated into mental health services. This webinar is free and funded by the Australian Government. DATE: 15 October 2014 TIME: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm For further information or queries email [email protected] 3|P age Professional Profile Dr Hervinder Kaur is an experienced and caring female obstetrician and gynaecologist with over 17 years’ experience In this field. She is based at Shepparton Private Hospital and has a consulting room at Maude St Medical Specialist Centre attached to Wyndham House Clinic. Dr Kaur was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (FRANZCOG) in September 2013. Specialist Services Dr Kaur has a wide range of expertise in obstetrics including: - Management of health pregnancy - Management of high risk pregnancy including diabetes, hypertension and other medical programs - Twin pregnancy - Previous caesarean section - Pre-conception counselling and advice Dr Kaur also practices general gynaecology with particular interest in: - Abnormal periods - Pelvic pain, fibroids and endometriosis - Infertility - Prolapse - Menopause - Contraceptive advice - Termination of pregnancy Dr Kaur’s surgical practice includes endometrial ablation, level II laparoscopic surgery as well as minor and major abdominal and vaginal surgery. From 15 October Dr Kaur will be working from a consulting room at Maude St Medical Specialist Centre attached to Wyndham House Clinic. Bookings can be made through Wyndham House Clinic (03) 5820 3400. COMMUNITY UPDATE ON PATIENT SAFETY AND QUALITY The 2014 3rd edition of the Community Update on Patient Safety and Quality has been released. To access, visit the Clinical Excellence Commission website. ADVANCE CARE PLANNING ONE DAY WORKSHOP – NORTHERN HEALTH Health Professionals are invited to register for the Advance Care planning one day workshop. This one day workshop focuses on the key elements of advance planning including: ACP in 3-steps – A Appoint an Agent. C Chat and Communicate. P Put it on Paper. This workshop is suitable for those health professionals who want to know: - What advance care planning is about - How to introduce the subject to other people - How to assist people with advance care planning decisions - How to complete the advance care planning documents DATE: 28 October 2014 TIME: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm VENUE: Bundoora Extended Care Centre Conference Room Register online or contact Anne Marie Fabri (Program Manager) on (03) 9495 3235 or Karen Overall (Administration) on (03) 9495 3140. Email: [email protected] PROSTATE CANCER DETECTION, PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER AND THE MANAGEMENT OF VISIBLE HAEMATURIA Peter MacCallum Centre Centre, in partnership with Cancer Council Victoria, invite you to attend a 4|P age professional development workshop for GPs with latest advice on prostate cancer detection, prevention of cervical cancer, and the management of visible haematuria. DATE: 11 November 2014 TIME: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm VENUE: Jack Brockhoff Lecture Theatre Level 3 Smorgan Family Building Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre St Andrews Place, East Melbourne RSVP: 5 November 2014 For further information on this event please call (03) 9514 6430 or register online. IMPROVING LUNG CANCER OUTCOMES IN VICTORIA Lung cancer clinicians are invited to attend a summit meeting to identify priorities for improving outcomes for people with lung cancer. This clinician-led summit will identify priorities for improvement and agree on goals and measures for the next two years. The local lung cancer multidisciplinary teams and Integrated Cancer Services will support the work on improvements that arise from the summit. The lung cancer summit is the second of a series of tumour specific summit meetings hosted collaboratively by Victoria’s Integrated Cancer Services and Cancer Council Victoria. Accessing appropriate and accurate data is vital to the success of the lung summit. A working party of medical and radiation oncologists, respiratory physicians and surgeons will present data to provide a comprehensive state-wide picture of lung cancer treatment. DATE: 14 November 2014 TIME: 9.00 pm – 4.30 pm VENUE: RACV Club 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne For more information call Carmel Vermeltfoort on (03) 9496 3322 SMOKING CESSATION COURSE Presented by the Lung Health Centre at The Alfred, this evidence-based course aims to give health professionals the knowledge and skills to treat and manage nicotine dependency and help people addicted to smoking to quit. DATE: 20 – 21 November 2014 Further information and resources can be found on the Lung Health website or by contacting the Lung Health Promotion Centre at The Alfred on (03) 9076 2382. LIVING WITH LYNCH SYNDROME (HNPCC) An education opportunity for individuals and families living with Lynch Syndrome (HNPCC). This event will review medical updates with experts, talk about challenges unique to families with Lynch Syndrome, and look at managing medical care, reducing cancer risk, and discussing current research. DATE: 22 November 2014 TIME: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm VENUE: Cancer Council Victoria 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004 COST: $40.00 For further information email [email protected] MANAGING COPD The Lung Health Promotion Centre at The Alfred presents this course for health professionals who wish to improve their understanding of and update their knowledge in the current treatment and management of COPD. DATE: 23 – 24 October 2014 Further information and resources can be found on the Lung Health website or by contacting the Lung Health Promotion Centre at The Alfred on (03) 9076 2382. SPIROMETRY PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE This extensive, small group course is for health professionals who wish to be able to accurately perform and interpret spirometry tests. DATE: 27 – 28 October 2014 Further information and resources can be found on the Lung Health website or by contacting the Lung Health Promotion Centre at The Alfred on (03) 9076 2382. HEALTHCONNEX CONFERENCE – THE FUTURE OF HEALTH CONNECTIVITY The inaugural HealthConnex conference is for customers of TCM, CCW, Communicare, Argus, ConnectingCare.com, and Directory Services and focuses on health connectivity and consumer centred health. DATE: 30 – 31 October 2014 VENUE: The Langham Hotel, Melbourne COST: $150 – one day registration $210 – two day registration For further information and to register visit the HealthConnex website. ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TREATMENT FURTHER AMENDMENT ACT 2014 The Assisted Reproductive Treatment Further Amendment Act 2014 was passed by Parliament on 21 August 2014 and received Royal Assent on 2 September 2014. The Amendment Act enables people who were conceived from gametes donated prior to 1 July 1988 to obtain identifying information about their donor, where available and with consent of the donor. A copy of the letter from the Minister of Health, the Hon David Davis MP, is available on the GVML website. REVIEW OF THE NATIONAL REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION SCHEME – DISCUSSION PAPER FOR COMMENT The Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council has appointed Kim Snowball to undertake a “Review of the National registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Professions”. Kim Snowball is now seeking input into: - Complaints and notifications; - Public protections; - Mandatory notifications; - Workforce reform and access; - Assessment of overseas trained practitioners; - Governance of National Scheme; 5|P age - Cost and sustainability of National Scheme; Proposed changes to the National Law. The consultation paper is available www.ahmac.gov.au. at FIRST EVER SUVEY OF GPs ATTITUDES ABOUT CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE Kidney Health Australia is collaborating with the Hunter Research Foundation (HRF) to conduct the first ever study of current clinical practice in relation to CKD detection, management, and continuing professional education. The HRF will randomly select 4,000 Australian GPs to take part in this important national study. Participation involves a 15 minute time commitment to complete a short paper or online survey about current practice, knowledge and experiences in the area of CKD. By completing the survey, the selected GPs are eligible to enrol in an Individual Research Quality Improvement (QI) activity, and can earn RACGP QI & CPD 40 Category 1 points for the 2014-2016 triennium. GPs who choose to enrol in the additional QI activity will receive support from Kidney Health Australia to complete the research activity. Participant packages will be mailed to selected GPs in October 2014. Please be on the lookout for these envelopes at your clinic and devote 15 minutes to a good cause. For more information about this study please contact Dr Marie Ludlow at [email protected]. 6th ANNUAL ALMA LIFESTYLE MEDICNE CONFERENCE The Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society (ANZOS) and the Australian Lifestyle Medicine Association (AMLA) invite you to attend the 2014 ANZOS / ALMA Annual Scientific Meeting. This meeting will be held in Sydney and will bring together a diversity of researchers and practitioners who are focussed on the prevention, treatment, and management of obesity as well as the promotion of health lifestyle behaviours. DATE: 16 – 18 October 2014 A copy of the conference program is available online. For further information visit the Lifestyle Medicine website. HEALTH GAP FOR DISADVANTAGED PEOPLE “DISTUBRING” – MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE The University of Adelaide have released a media release on the health gap for disadvantaged people. To view the press release, visit the University of Adelaide website. A NEW GUIDE TO PALLIATIVE CARE Palliative Care is pleased to offer Medicare Locals and GPs a new information resource – Living, Dying & Grieving well – a Guide to Palliative Care. This easy-to-read booklet is written for people who have no prior understanding or experience of palliative care and answers questions such as: - What is palliative care? - How do I care for my family? - Who do I want to make decisions for me if I can’t? - Can palliative care help me die at home? General Practitioners can provide this booklet to patients with a life-limiting illness and their families to help them understand the benefits of palliative care. They can also use this booklet in conversation with their patients and enable them to access the services and support they need to live, die and grieve well. For further information email [email protected] or call (03) 9662 9644. SMART PHONE APPS CAN HELP PROVIDE GOOD CARE Two apps described in the general practice media recently highly the potential for smart phone apps to enhance the provision of care. For example, a person trying to take charge of their diet related behaviour may benefit from playing NoGo, a game designed by the University of Wollongong. Its aim is for people to practice impulse-control in a fun environment. The game may be particularly suitable for people who like to play games on their smart phones and is free to download. HIV iChart is a useful app for medical practitioners who provide care for people who live with HIV. Because current treatment regimen are effective, have low levels of viral resistance, and are well tolerated, the life expectancy of people living with HIV is almost be same as for people who do not live with the virus. However, antiretroviral medications can have potent drug interactions with commonly used drugs such as statins. This app, designed by pharmacologist from the University of Liverpool, gives users a traffic light indication of whether it is safe to prescribe a drug in light of the existing antiretroviral combination treatment. ARE YOU USING THE CURRENT NATIONAL DIABETES SERVCES (NDSS) REGISTRATION FORM? To date, the take up of the new NDSS Registration form has been slower than expected. We strongly encourage all health professionals to use the new form only and to destroy any previous versions of the form. To access the new registration form: - Download from the NDSS website. Have the form mailed out. To request this Phone 1300 136 588, fax 1300 536 953 or send an email specifying how many copies you need. UPDATE – THE NEW TAC AND VICTORIAN WORKCOVER AUTHORITY CERTIFCATE OF CAPACITY Just two months after being introduced, GPs using the new Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) Certificate of Capacity are seeing an impact on return to work by focusing on what their patients can do. “A TAC client who had their accident two years ago has been certified fully unfit since that time,” said Dr Shaun Salimi, General Practitioner. “Introducing the new certificate with the functional capacity assessment has clearly identified what the 6|P age patient can do, and has resulted in his GP certifying him with some capacity. This is a big step forward after not working for so long,” he said. “In this case, understanding what the patient can do such as standing, sitting or lifting, will really help the employer, claims manager and occupational rehabilitation provider to find suitable employment,” he said. This week, more than 5000 GPs will receive a kit in the mail, reiterating how to access and complete the new certificate. This complements other resources such as user guides and an online learning module with instructional video. The certificate is available as a template in most clinical software packages, under the title ‘Victorian WorkCover & TAC - Certificate of Capacity’ or ‘VIC WorkCover & TAC – Certificate of Capacity’. With the TAC and the VWA receiving more than 200 new certificates each week, health professionals are encouraged to send feedback to [email protected]. Feedback will be monitored during the current transition stage, with the TAC and VWA expecting to move fully to the new certificate in early 2015. Visit www.tac.vic.gov.au/certificate or www.vwa.vic.gov.au/certificate for more information, including an online copy of the GP kit. HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAFE WORK E-LEARNING MODULE This e-learning module is RACGP and ACRRM accredited and outlines the evidence about the health benefits of safe work and includes practical case studies which look at how to implement the evidence into clinical practice. This includes demonstrating how to complete the new TAC/VWA Certificate of Capacity for compensable patients (available from 1 July 2014). Access the e-learning module here. BUILD YOU PRACTICE SEMINAR This all-day seminar is targeted at medical practitioners either considering or planning to build or renovate their own private medical practice, and for those who are seeking to understand current best-practice standards for addressing operational requirements when managing a medical practice. If you are interested in the construction side of establishing a practice then choose the construction sessions to hear more from experts in this field. If it is more operational processes you need guidance with, then you can choose to hear from experts in the operation stream sessions. This choice allows you to tailor the seminar experience according to what you need. DATE: Saturday, 18 October 2014 TIME: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm VENUE: Melbourne Convention Centre Registration is discounted for AMA Victoria Members – places are limited. Group discounts available. Register online or call (03) 9280 8722 to secure your place.
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