Monday Mail
Tuesday, 27 January 2015
[email protected] – www.gvml.com.au – (03) 5831 5399
ALERTS
GVML CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Vaccine Cold Chain Breach – Changes to
Reporting Requirements from January 2015
Change of Venue for Practice Nurse Network Meeting
The following cold chain breach advice relates to
the Government-supplied vaccine as of 1 January
2015.
The Immunisation Section has reviewed the cold
chain breach reporting process in-line with
vaccine management following short term, single
occasion heat breach events such as breaches
caused by a power outage.
Immunisation Providers are no longer required to
complete a vaccine cold chain breach report form
for a breach where vaccine is exposed, on a
single occasion to heat with a temperature of
less than 25o Celsius, for less than six hours.
The Government-supplied vaccine can continue
to be administered after this single event
scenario. Please determine the cause of the
breach and where possible, address this to
reduce the risk of the event reoccurring. Vaccine
must be marked with a pen to identify it in the
event the same vaccine is breached a second
time.
A cold chain breach form must continue to be
complete for all other breaches such as:
 A freeze breach
o
 A heat breach greater than or equal to 25
Celsius
 A heat breach greater than or equal to six
hours
 Vaccines breached on more than one
occasion
Visit the health.vic.gov.au website for further
information
about
vaccine
cold
chain
management and to download a cold chain
breach report form.
Ophthalmic Products Temporarily Out of
Stock
Zovirax (acyclovir) Ophthalmic Ointment and
Siguent Hycor (hydrocortisone) Ophthalmic
Ointment are currently out of stock until April
2015.
Alternative products that could be
prescribed are outlined below:
Please note that there has been change of venue for the Practice
Nurse Network Meeting being held on 3 February.
New venue Goulburn Valley Medicare Local, 226 Wyndham Street
Shepparton.
Please register if you wish to attend.
Date:
3 February, 2015
Time:
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Venue:
Goulburn Valley Medicare Local, Boardroom
226 Wyndham Street, Shepparton
RSVP:
27 January, 2015
[email protected]
For further information or to register download the registration form
or contact reception at [email protected] or on 5831 5399.
Early Intervention of Parkinson’s Disease
This presentation will look at the early diagnosis and management of
Parkinson’s disease, in particular the use of oral therapies.
Date:
5 February, 2015
Time:
6:30 pm – Registration
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue:
Cobram Barooga Golf Club
RSVP:
[email protected]
For further information or to register contact reception on
[email protected] or on 5831 5399.
Current Approaches to Prevention and Management of Mastitis
in Breastfeeding Women
Heather Harris, Midwife and Lactation Consultant, is presenting this
CPD event in Wallan. This education session will cover:
 Causes and basic management
 Types of mastitis
 When to use antibiotics and when to avoid
 Role of probiotics
 Outcomes of poorly managed mastitis and how to avoid /
manage
Date:
14 February, 2015
Time:
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Venue:
Wallan GP Super Clinic
7-11 High Street, Wallan
RSVP:
[email protected]
This event is aimed at GPs and Practice Nurses.
See the flyer for more information.
Zovirax (acyclovir) Ophthalmic Ointment out
of stock
An alternative to topical acyclovir is oral acyclovir
400 mg five times daily, which is equivalent to
topical treatment and avoids corneal epithelial
toxicity.
Alternatively (e.g. where renal
impairment may limit systemic use of acyclovir),
Ganciclovr 0.15% Ophthalmic Gel is available
under Special Access Scheme which requires a
completion of
SAS B form
prior to
commencement. The usual dose (adults and
elderly) is 1 drop of gel in each infected eye, five
times per day until healed, then three times per
day for seven days.
The SAS Category B form can be downloaded
from www.tga.gov.au.


On the form, write the product as Ganciclovir
Eye Gel 0.15%, 5g
HL Pharma and Symbion are two distributors
of this product (Virgan is the current brand of
ganciclovir ophthalmic gel)
It usually takes five business days for SAS
product approval, but the TGA have advised that
if the application form is faxed and followed up
with a phone call on 02 6232 8111, it can be
approved sooner as they are prioritising all
ganciclovir request forms.
The dispensing
pharmacy will require a copy of the SAS approval
form prior to supply of the medication.
Patients can take the approval form and
prescription to their local pharmacy or a practice
can purchase directly. HL Pharma can deliver the
ganciclovir the same day in metropolitan
Melbourne (if ordered before 10:00 am) or the
following business day (Melbourne and country
wide, although some rural locations may require
two days delivery).
Distributor details:
HL Pharma Pty Ltd
(03) 9823 6228
[email protected]
www.hlpharma.com.au
Siguent Hycor (hydrocortisone) Ophtalmic
Ointment Shortage
An alternative corticosteroid ophthalmic ointment
is not currently available, so whilst intermittent
availability of this product continues until April
2015, it may be appropriate for general
practitioners and optometrists to prescribe
corticosteroid eye drops instead of the ointment.
For more information, please contact the
Pharmacy Department at The Royal Victorian Eye
and Ear Hospital on (03) 9929 8203. A product
information sheet can be downloaded here.
Chronic Kidney Disease Education Event
This interactive educational event will provide GPs and other health
professionals with specialist and general practice knowledge
regarding chronic kidney disease.
Key information will be provided about the stages of renal disease,
client needs within general practice including hypertensive and
cardiovascular care, as well as the optimal times to refer clients on
to relevant specialist care.
The presentation will also include case study discussion regarding
problem solving and practical solutions within general practice.
Date:
25 February, 2015
Time:
5:45 pm – Registrations
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Venue:
The University of Melbourne, Lecture Theatre
49 Graham Street, Shepparton
RSVP:
23 February, 2015
[email protected]
RSVP by 23 February to [email protected] with your name,
organisation, RACGP number, contact number, and any accessibility
and/or dietary requirement requests via email or phone (03) 5831
5399.
Advance Care Planning Community Forum
On Wednesday 4 March, a community forum is being held at the
Shepparton Youth Hall with presentations and inforamation stalls.
The aim of the day is to provide members of the community with
knowledge about the process and legal framework around advance
care planning.
Date:
4 March, 2015
Time:
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Venue:
Shepparton Youth Hall
Archer Street, Shepparton
More information will be made available on the Goulburn Valley
Medicare Local website.
CONGRATULATIONS
Clem Furphy Receives Order of Australia Medal
Goulburn Valley Medical Local would like to congratulate Clem
Furphy, GVML director, on receiving an Order of Australia medal for
service to health care, and to the community of the Goulburn Valley.
Clem has contributed over 30 years of executive service and
administrative service to health care and the arts. This is an
amazing achievement and his OAM is well deserved.
OTHER CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Explosion of Medicines in COPD
Did you know in 2014 there were six new medicines and two new
inhaler devices released for COPD? This certainly makes it
challenging for health professionals working with patients with COPD.
To help health professionals to support patients with this disabling
condition Lung Foundation Australia has updated the popular COPD
Online training for nurses and pharmacists. The training carries
continuing professional development (CPD) hours for nurses and
pharmacists.
For further information view the flyer or visit
www.lungfoundation.com.au.
OTHER INFORMATION
Remembering a Respected Colleague
Dr Francis Xavier Lyons passed away on Friday 9
January. A service of thanksgiving was held at
Sacred Heart Yarrawonga on Wednesday 14
January.
Frank was a GP in Yarrawonga for over 40 years.
During that time he taught many medical students
and junior doctors. On talking to doctors at
conferences and mentioning working in
Yarrawonga, many asked after FXL and had their
very own Frank story including eating full of shot
when visiting him.
Frank enjoyed fishing, shooting, and golf. He
embraced new technology, including using the
practice computers, but used to mention “his hard
drive was full and he would need to lose
something in order to add new information”.
Medical knowledge changed and expanded
greatly during his long time in practice but he
remained up to date, teaching himself many new
concepts. He was the quintessential Rural GP,
practicing anesthetics, Obstetrics, and some
Surgery at a time when this was seen as part of
the job and nothing special. His laconic sense of
humour, once understood, endeared him to all
who he met.
Like all rural procedural GPs, Frank was only able
to serve his community due to the support and
understanding of his wife Terry and family.
During rare time off they travelled and filled their
house with photos and souvenirs. Fishing trips
were a please shared with friends.
APNA – An Education and Career Framework Focus Group
The Australian Primary Health Nurses Association (APNA) has
received funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health to
commence the development of an education and career framework
for nurses in general practice.
Date:
10 February, 2015
Time:
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Venue:
Goulburn Valley Medicare Local
226 Wyndham Street, Shepparton
RSVP:
6 February, 2015
[email protected]
See the flyer for further information.
Women Drug and Alcohol Service and Perinatal Emotional
Health Forum
Date:
10 February, 2015
Time:
9:30 am – 4:00 pm
Venue:
Goulburn Valley Health, Else Jones Education Centre
Graham Street, Shepparton
RSVP:
2 February, 2015
[email protected]
See the flyer for further information.
Acceptance and Commitment
Adolescents and Parents
Therapy
with
Children,
This workshop is designed for psychologists, social workers,
clinicians, teachers, community workers, counsellors, GPs, and
anyone interested in using ACT theory and practice when working
with children, adolescents, and parents.
Date:
9 February, 2015
Time:
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Venue:
Mooroopna Education & Adult Centre
Written by Dr Margi Gould and Dr Clyde Ronan.
Cost:
Goulburn Valley Medicare Local would like to
express our condolences to his family and friends.
$230.00 – full cost
$100.00 – student / new graduate concession
RSVP:
6 February, 2015
Frank Lyons was a dedicated doctor who was a
teacher, mentor, colleague, and most importantly
a friend.
GP Liaison Officer – Ramsay Healthcare
Emma Clark is the newly appointed GP Liaison
Officer at Ramsay Healthcare. She covers four
private
hospitals
including
Shepparton,
Wangaratta, Murray Valley, and Albury Wodonga.
Her role for these hospitals is to promote the wide
range of Specialist and services we have
available in our local region. With an aim to work
with the GP community to open the
communication channels between GP and
Specialist, and also to arrange education events
and “meet and greats” with any new Specialists.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and
she would welcome the opportunity to come and
meet you at your practice to discuss this further.
Emma Clark’s contact details are:
More information and a copy of the registration form can be found
online.
Decision Assist Workshops
This workshop is part of a training package which aims to improve
palliative care and advance care planning services offered to older
Australians covering the range of processes involved in meeting end
of life care needs – from how best to initiate the important
conversations that need to be had, to developing an appropriate
advance care plan, understanding legal frameworks, and
implementing a comprehensive model of palliative care.
Aged Care Nurses
Session:
Workshop 1
Date:
10 February, 2015
Venue:
Kilmore District Hospital
Rutledge Street, Kilmore
Session:
Workshop 2
Date:
7 April, 2015
Venue:
Kilmore District Hospital
Rutledge Street, Kilmore
Phone: 0428 393 249
Email: [email protected]
Home Care Package
Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy
Healthed have released a video titled Influenza
Vaccine in Pregnancy.
Presented by Dr Nick Wood at the Annual
Women’s Health Update in 2014.
Dr Nick Wood is a General Paediatrician at The
Children's Hospital at Westmead and a Senior
Lecturer at the University of Sydney. He has an
NHMRC post-doctoral fellowship to examine
maternal and neonatal vaccination. He conducts a
clinic for children who have adverse events
following a vaccination.
The video is available to watch on the Healthed
website.
Free Whooping Cough Vaccine for Expectant
and New Parents
The vaccine to protect against whooping cough is
recommended for pregnant women in their third
trimester or for new parents as soon as possible
after the birth. At present a prescription from a
doctor is required.
The Victorian Government has committed to
providing the vaccine free in Victoria to these
groups as soon as possible.
Vaccine is in short supply and the Department of
Health and Human services is currently seeking
suppliers.
When a supply of vaccine has been secured the
program will commence. This may take up to six
months.
Eligible Victorians will be notified when the free
pertussis vaccine program is ready to commence.
Immunisation providers will be kept informed of
progress in planning and implementing the
program, and will be notified in advance of the
free pertussis vaccine program commencing.
Immunisation Updates from Department of
Health and Human Services
2015 Immunisation Schedule Released
The updated 2015 Immunisation schedule for
Victoria is now available on the health.vic.gov.au
website.
2015
Enhanced
Released
Immunisation
Scheduled
Session:
Workshop 1
Date:
15 April, 2015
Venue:
Seymour Hospital
Education Centre
Session:
Workshop 2
Date:
17 June, 2015
Venue:
Seymour Hospital
Education Centre
For further information or to register contact Andrea Davy at Austin
Hospital on (03) 9496 6876 or via email at
[email protected].
World of Wounds 2015 Education Sessions
La Trobe University World of Wounds present their 2015 education
sessions on wound care.
World of Wounds offers a variety of programs relating to wound
management, with programs being delivered either face-to-face or
with a combination of online modules.
A list of the upcoming education sessions can be found online.
For further information or to register visit the La Trobe University
website or contact Melinda Brooks on (03) 9479 5956 or
[email protected].
Australia’s Healthy Weight Week
Run by the Dieticians Association of Australia, this important week is
all about getting the right advice and supporting those looking to be
a healthy weight
Date:
16 – 22 February, 2015
Australia’s Healthy Weight Week falls at an ideal time with many
Australians aspiring to eat better in the New Year. The 2015
campaign aims to get more people cooking at home and eating the
right foods in the right portions.
For more information visit www.healthyweightweek.com.au
Helping Your Patients Who are Drinking at Risky Levels
Alcohol kills 15 Australians every day and 5,554 each year. It
hospitalises 430 Australians daily and 157,132 over the year. This
harm is entirely preventable. GPs are uniquely placed to identify
and intervene with patients whose alcohol use is hazardous through
screening and brief interventions.
This webinar provides the opportunity for GPs to ask questions on
how to screen for and conduct brief interventions around risky
drinking.
A new resource for 2015 is the “Enhanced
Schedule” is available on the health.vic.gov.au
website.
Date:
17 February, 2015
Time:
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Free Vaccine Eligibility Criteria
Presenters: Dr Paul Grinzi & Dr Hester Wilson
The Free Vaccine Eligibility Criteria can be found
on the health.vic.gov.au website.
For further information or to register for the webinar click here.
Position Vacant – Practice Manager
Integrated Care for Older People Seminar
An established medical practice in Shepparton is
seeking a practice manager to work 9am – 4pm,
six days per fortnight. Full time will be considered
for the right applicant. This exciting role involves
working with reception staff, nursing staff, and
GPs in the practice. The practice manager’s role
also involves relating with patients and
coordinating and supervising the general running
of the practice.
The Respecting Our Loved One’s Wishes: Delivering Integrated,
Consumer Directed Where, When, and How It’s Needed is on 26
and 27 February 2015 at Melbourne Olympic Park.
Skills and experience required:



Previous practice manager experience or
extensive experience working in a medical
setting
MYOB and basic account skills
Good working knowledge of the Medicare
system
A competitive remuneration package is on offer
based on the successful applicant’s experience.
For further information and to discuss the
application process please phone 0400 155 498.
Dietitians Association of Australia Media
Release – 2.3 Million Aussies are on a Diet, but
Nutrition Fads Not the Answer
According to Australia’s latest National Nutrition
Survey, more than 2.3 million Australians (13%)
aged 15 years and older say they are on a diet to
lose weight and improve their health.
The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is
encouraging Australians to ditch fad diets this
year and focus on achieving health eating habits
and a healthy weight by making changes they can
keep long term.
A copy of the Dietitians Association of Australia’s
media release can be found here.
This practical seminar focuses on integration for older people and
respecting their wishes in terms of where, when, and how their care
is delivered.
Date:
26 – 27 February, 2015
Venue:
Melbourne Olympic Park
Further information including registration information is available at
www.changechampions.com.au
Introduction to Cost Effectiveness Analysis in Health
This is a one day course that provides an introduction to applying
cost-effectiveness analysis in health, including in the evaluation of
health programs.
It is useful for policy makers, clincians,
researchers, managers, and anyone else involved in health who
wishes to make informed decisions.
The course will consisit of short lectures, case studies, and practical
class exercises.
Modules include an introduction to health
economics, cost measurement, outcome measurement, and the
interpretation of economic evaluation results for decision-making.
Lunch, morning tea, and afternoon tea will be provided.
Date:
27 February, 2015
Venue:
Graduate House, University of Melbourne
Price:
Bookings made before 27 January will be at a
discounted early bird price
$395.00 – for people working in the public sector
(including university and DHSS employees)
$550.00 – for people working in the private sector
Normal prices (non-early bird price)
$450.00 – for people working in the public sector
(including university and DHSS employees)
$650.00 – for people working in the private sector
For more details visit the University of Melbourne website.
Bookings are available via ecart.
If
you
have
any
questions
[email protected].
please
email
health-
OTHER CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS CONTINUED
EPPIC Forum
This exiciting gathering of Australian and international experts, hosted by Professor Patrick McGorry, will draw on local
and international experiences to challenage and grow our understanding of working with young people with emerging and
early psychosis in diverse clinical settings.
Date:
6 March, 2015
For further information call (03) 9342 3744 or email [email protected], or visit the Orygen website.
Diabetes Study Day for Enrolled and Registered Nurses
This study day, with Kathy Mills, a Credentialled Diabetes Educator, is for enrolled and registered nurses. The day will
cover contemproary and evidence based research on dietary, exercise, psychological and pharmacological management
of diabetes mellitus.
Date:
6 March, 2015
Time:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Venue:
Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local
6 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East
Cost:
$220.00 – early bird registration(before 20 February)
$250.00 – full registration
RSVP:
[email protected]
This study day is eligible for 6 hours professional education.
Morning tea, lunch, and notes are provided.
For further information download the flyer or contact Kathy via email at [email protected]
Hormones and Female Cancers – Clinical Controversies
Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) would like to welcome you to the Hormones and Female
Cancers- Clinical Controversies conference. They have endeavoured to put together a stimulating program with speakers
who are renowned in Australia and internationally in their field.
Date:
21 March, 2015
Time:
8:30 am – 6:00 pm
Venue:
The Rydges
701 Swanston Street, Melbourne
For further information download the flyer or visit the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service website.
B-Informed – Hepatitis B Workshop
In collaboration with St Vincent’s and Hepatis Victoria, the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health will be holding workshops
for the B-Informed – Addressing Hepatitis B Within a Community Context.
Date:
24 March, 2015
26 May, 2015
25 August, 2015
Time:
9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Venue:
Training Room – North Richmond Community Health
23 Lennox Street, Richmond, 3121
For futher information about the workshop or to book a place in one of the sessions, visit the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity
& Health website.
A Practitioner’s Guide to Care of the Dying
This workshop is designed to help medical practitioners and mental health professionals incorporate theoretically sound
and empiricially derived principles into sensitive and effective care of dying patients and their families.
Program 1
Date:
18 May, 2015
Venue:
Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens
13 Spring Street, Melbourne
Program 2
Date:
19 May, 2015
Venue:
Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens
12 Spring Street, Melbourne
Full workshop outlines and learning outcomes can be found at www.grief.org.au.
www.gvml.com.au
226 Wyndham Street Shepparton VIC 3630
PO Box 1074 Shepparton VIC 3632
(03) 5831 5399 – (03) 5831 5396
[email protected]
Goulburn Valley Medicare Local (ABN 35 062 463 097)