Monday Mail
Tuesday, 10 February 2015
[email protected] – www.gvml.com.au – (03) 5831 5399
REFERRALS AND SERVICES
New Physiotherapist Available at Nexus
Nexus Primary Health welcomes Shea Spitty, an
experienced physiotherapist, to their team.
GVML CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Current Approaches to Prevention and Management
of Mastitis in Breastfeeding Women
Cost: Introductory flat fee of $55 per session
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
Tuning into Teens Parenting Program
Date:
14 February 2015
Primary Care Connect and headspace Shepparton
present a 5 session program for parents and carers of
young people aged 12-14 years to tune into your own and
your child’s emotions and respond more effectively to
their behaviour.
Time:
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Venue:
Wallan GP Super Clinic
7-11 High Street, Wallan
RSVP:
[email protected]
Starting on 24 February, this program will be held every
Tuesday at 12:30 pm at headspace in Shepparton.
Bookings are essential.
This event is aimed at GPs and Practice Nurses.
For further information view the flyer or contact Claire at
Primary Care Connect on 03 5823 3200.
Chronic Kidney Disease Education Event
Shea is currently accepting bookings for patients requiring
management and rehabilitation of sports injuries and other
acute musculoskeletal conditions.
Shea can accept Team Care Arrangements and will
provide out of hours appointments. HICAPS billing is
available.
For more information or appointments call 1300 77 33 52.
Healing Horses Equine Assisted Therapy Information
Equine Assisted Therapy sessions are being offered as
part of the Private Practice School Wellbeing and
Counselling service. All sessions are tailored to each
group and individual needs. Medicare rebates can be
accessed with a Mental Health Care Plan from GPs.
Further
information
can
be
found
at
www.healinghorses.com.au or download the information
here.
Navigating Life – Referral Process and Information
A reminder to all that Navigating Life requires a Mental
Health Care Plan to accept a referral.
The plan must state that it is a Mental Health Care Plan
and ideally indicate MBS Item Number 2700 / 2701 /
2715 / 2717.
The Navigating Life Referral Cover Sheet can be found
on our website.
See the flyer for more information.
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:
Theatre
The University of Melbourne, Lecture
49 Graham Street, Shepparton
RSVP:
23 February, 2015
[email protected]
See the flyer for more information.
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.
The Closing the Gap Care Coordinating and
Supplementary Services Program – Update
The aim of the CCSS Program is to contribute to
improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people diagnosed with one of 5 specific
illnesses/diseases through better access to coordinated
and multi-disciplinary care.
Advance Care Planning Community Forum
On Wednesday 4 March, a community forum is being
held at the Shepparton Youth Hall with presentations and
information 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.
Studies have found that case management including
close patient monitoring (for example, of HbA1c) has
been found to be a successful care coordination strategy,
improving outcomes for patients, especially those who
have heart failure of diabetes.
Date:
4 March 2015
Time:
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Venue:
Shepparton Youth Hall
Archer Street, Shepparton
To be eligible for the CCSS program, a person must be:
More information will be made available on the Goulburn
Valley Medicare Local website.


Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, and
Diagnosed with at least one of the diseases listed
below:
 Diabetes,
 Cardiovascular disease,
 Chronic renal (kidney) disease,
 Cancer.
The person must be willing to work with the Care
Coordinator to improve the management of their
illness/disease.
Completion of a General Practice
Management Plan (or alternative) is also required as this
directs the support the Care Coordinator provides.
The Supplementary Services (SS) funds are provided to
support clients receiving care coordination to reach the
goals established in their plan.
The funds are
‘supplementary’ to the program and are not the main
emphasis of the program. The Department of Health has
provided guidelines regarding the CCSS program. These
documents are available on the GVML website.
When considering making a referral to the CCSS
program, GPs should consider the following;

Could the client benefit from some increased support
to manage their illness/disease? For example, is
their HbA1c currently uncontrolled and some extra
support might help them to better manage?

Could the client use some help to get the health care
appointments?

Could the client benefit from increased one to one
support to manage their chronic disease?
Prescribing Opioids and Their Replacements
The training consists of 2 parts and will provide GPs with
the skills required for accreditation to prescribe
medication assisted treatment for opioid dependence
within the Victorian regulatory framework.
Module 1 – Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing
This 2 hour session will provide information and
strategies for safer prescribing of opioids in chronic pain
settings.
Date:
4 March 2015
Time:
6:15 pm – Registration and supper
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue:
Nexus GP Super Clinic
7 – 11 High Street, Wallan
RSVP:
[email protected]
See the flyer for further information.
Module 2 – Prescribing Opioid Replacement Therapy
A full day face-to-face skills based workshop on
prescribing Methadone and Buprenorphine.
Completion of Module 1 – Safe and Effective Opioid
Prescribing (either face-to-face or online) is a prerequisite to attend the full day workshop.
Date:
29 March 2015
Time:
8:45 am – 4:30 pm
Venue:
Networking Health Victoria
Level 4, 458 Swanston Street, Carlton
Day Time LIFE! Program Commences on 11 February
2015
RSVP:
[email protected]
Afternoon session: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
See the flyer for further information.
Prior to commencement of program, participants will
need:
OTHER CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS



Recent pathology including FBG and full lipid
profile;
LIFE! referral form;
An appointment for the LIFE! introductory session
with the nurse at Shepparton Medical Centre –
approx. 60 minutes.
Enquiries: Shepparton Medical Centre reception Ph:03
5823 3100
Women Drug and Alcohol Service and Perinatal
Emotional Health Forum
The program for this event is now available online.
Date:
10 February 2015
Time:
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Venue:
Elise Jones Education Centre, Goulburn
Valley Health
Graham Street, Shepparton
RSVP:
2 February 2015
For further information contact Bruno Giorgio on
[email protected].
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dental Health
Visits – Seymour
Adult Dental Health Assessment Day
Date:
25 February 2015
Venue:
Goranwarrabul House
Corner of Callen & Bretonneux Streets,
Seymour
Cost:
Free
Assessments will take place on 25 February, with all
dental procedures to happen on 4 March.
Children’s Dental Health Assessment Day
Date:
16 April 2015
Venue:
Goranwarrabul House
Corner of Callen & Bretonneux Streets,
Seymour
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 2
Date:
7 April 2015
Venue:
Kilmore District Hospital
Rutledge Street, Kilmore
Home Care Package
Session:
Workshop 1
Date:
15 April 2015
Venue:
Seymour Hospital
Education Centre
Session:
Workshop 2
Date:
17 June 2015
Mr Peter Maloney – Hand Surgeon – Victorian Hand
Surgery Associates St Vincent’s Hospital Fitzroy, will
commence consulting in Bendigo on a monthly basis from
20 February 2015, offering country residents
consultations closer to home.
Venue:
Seymour Hospital
Education Centre
He will practice from Bendigo Orthopaedic and Sports
Medicine with hand therapy support of Hand in Hand
Central Victorian Hand Therapy. At this stage all surgery
will be performed at St. Vincent Hospital Fitzroy and Kew.
Australia’s Healthy Weight Week
Cost:
Free
For more information on both days, including a flyer,
please contact Rebecca Welsh on 0459 802 873, (03)
5793
6341,
or
via
email
on
[email protected].
New Hand Surgeon at Bendigo Orthopaedic and
Sports Medicine
For further information or to register contact Andrea
Davy at Austin Hospital on (03) 9496 6876 or via email
at [email protected].
Dates for 2015 are as follows:
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
Dates:
Date:
Venue:
20 February 2015
17 April 2015
15 May 2015
12 June 2015
10 July 2015
07 August 2015
04 September 2015
02 October 2015
30 October 2015
27 November 2015
Bendigo Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine
176 Barnard Street, Bendigo
For further information contact Bendigo Orthopaedic and
Sports Medicine on 03 9412 8880.
RESOURCES
New Resources to Support Those Bereaved by
Suicide
Support After Suicide has just released a new book and a
range of information sheets. For more information see
their website.
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.
Date:
17 February 2015
Time:
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Presenters: Dr Paul Grinzi & Dr Hester Wilson
For further information or to register for the webinar click
here.
Sharing the Care Using cdmNet
On the 25 and 26 February, representatives from
Precedence Health Care will be visiting general practices
in the GVML area who interested in a demonstration of
cdmNet,
DVRCV Training – Responding
Experiencing Family Violence
to
Women
The Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria Centre
presents Responding to Women Experiencing Family
Violence – Including Risk Assessment.
cdmNet is an RACGP clinically endorsed, cloud based
tool that supports GPs, practice nurses, allied health,
other care providers and patients to better manage of
chronic disease.
This one day program will cover recognising, responding,
and referring for family violence and incorporates risk
assessment using the family violence risk assessment
management framework (CRAF).
Basic cdmNet services can now be used at no cost to
medical clinics, health care providers or patients. Basic
services include care plan creation, shared electronic
health record (controlled by the patient in collaboration
with the GP), and support for patient self-management.
This training is aimed at professionals working in support
services who come into contact with women and children
who may be experiencing family violence.
cdmNet fees are only charged if a practice wants to fully
utilise the cdmNet tool. Full use includes using cdmNet
billing support for Medicare rebates. Fees are still minimal,
with general practice cost-benefit analysis indicating
cdmNet supports increased income for practices utilising
the tool.
Details of fees are available at:
precedencehealthcare.com.
Goulburn Valley Medicare Local is interested in facilitating
the introduction of cdmNet in the GVML region.
Information about cdmNet can be found on the GVML
website.
For more information or to discuss a visit by Precedence
Health Care, contact Katherine Stephens, Primary Care
Liaison Officer (Allied Health) on 5831 5399.
Refugee Health Resources
The number of refugees settling in Victoria is currently
around 4,000 people per annum in addition to the
unprecedented increase in asylum seekers on bridging
visas settling in the Victorian community, currently
estimated at around 10,000 in Victoria.
Victoria receives about one-third of all refugees and
asylum seekers entering Australia, more than any other
state or territory. The new arrivals often locate in places
that already have community members with the same
origins, history and/or culture.
Most refugees and asylum seekers have experienced
traumatic events such as physical and psychological
trauma or torture, deprivation and prolonged poverty,
periods in immigration detention and poor access to
health care, including limited access to immunisation. As
a result, many refugees have multiple and complex
physical and psychological health problems on arrival.
The Victorian Refugee Health Network provides a range
useful resources to support general practices to respond
to these complex and chronic health and wellbeing issues.
This includes a guide for GPs and other practice staff, as
well as updates through their regular e-bulletin.
Please be reminded that all Victorian-based refugees and
asylum seekers, regardless of Medicare status, are
eligible to receive funded vaccines as per the Free vaccine
Victoria - criteria for eligibility.
Every health care
encounter provides an opportunity to assess their
immunisation needs and offer catch-up vaccines, as
recommended.
People who have previously attended CRAF training do
not need to attend this session.
Date:
19 February 2015
Time:
9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Venue:
Lakeside Community Centre
Located within Benalla Show Grounds
Car parking via Arundel Street
Cost:
Free
RSVP:
Online
Registrations close 12 February 2015
See the flyer for further information or contact DVRCV
Training Coordinator, Philippa Bailey on 03 9486 9866 or
via email on [email protected].
The MHS Summer Forum – Men’s Mental Health
The MHS Summer Forum is coming up in three weeks
and this year they will be talking about enhancing mental
health awareness and improving mental health services
among men to create a better future for men’s health.
Date:
19 – 20 February 2015
Online registration is now open.
Further information can be found on themhs.org website.
Integrated Care for Older People Seminar
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.
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
New Website Explains Pathology Tests to GPs and
Clients
A new website and app is available that explains
pathology tests.
Access is open to everyone.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Report
Available on Medical Director and Best Practice
GPs can now upload the National Bowel Cancer
Screening Program (NBCSP) GP Assessment Report
template to Medical Director or Best Practice software
systems. The template will automatically populate the
patient’s details providing complete information following
a positive FOBT result through the program.
On
completion, the form is submitted to the NBCSP Register
with an associated payment of $7.70.
To download the templates, visit the Victorian
Department of Health’s bowel cancer screening
webpage. Manual forms can be downloaded and printed
from the NBCSP website.
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, clinicians, researchers, managers, and anyone
else involved in health who wishes to make informed
decisions.
The course will consist 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
Breast Screening - Referring Appropriately
BreastScreen Victoria is receiving an increased amount
of inappropriate referrals at BreastScreen clinics
throughout the state. A simple infographic has been
developed by BreastScreen to help GPs better
understand when to refer for screening or other
assessment.
BreastScreen Victoria provides free screening
mammography to asymptomatic women over 40 and
urges GPs to encourage women in the target age range
of 50 – 74 to screen every 2 years.



The BreastScreen Victoria program is for
asymptomatic women only
A GP referral is not required for the BreastScreen
Victoria program – recommendation pads can be
ordered here
Women with symptoms must be referred to a
diagnostic imaging service for targeted tests and
quicker results
Asymptomatic women can make an appointment with
BreastScreen Victoria online at breastscreen.org.au or by
calling 13 20 50.
For further information visit the BreastScreen Victoria
webpage for health professionals or contact Health
Promotion Officer John Lee at BreastScreen Victoria.
VIDEOS AND MEDIA
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 please email [email protected].
Tackle the Issue: Ice, Alcohol and Other Drugs Forum
With the support of the Victorian Government and a
number of local community partners, the Australian Drug
Foundation’s Good Sports program is proud to be holding
a series of 19 forums around Victoria to help you learn
how your club or group can support members, families
and the whole community to prevent and tackle drug use.
These forums will be hosted by experts in drug
prevention and treatment who will help you understand
practical ways that can reduce drug problems and help
clubs and groups to get informed about what they can do
to help reduce the impact drugs have on their members,
players, club and the whole community.
Vaccinations While Breastfeeding
Greater Shepparton City Council will be hosting a forum
as detailed below:
Presented by Dr Nick Wood at the Annual Women's
Health Update, Sydney 2014.
Date:
3 March 2015
Time:
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Venue:
Sir Ian McLennan Sports Centre
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 postdoctoral fellowship to examine maternal and neonatal
vaccination. He conducts a clinic for children who have
had adverse events following a vaccination.
The video can be found online at the healthed website.
Corner of Echuca Road and McLennan
Street, Mooroopna
RSVP:
Online
For further information see the flyer or visit:
www.goodsports.com.au.
EPPIC Forum
OTHER INFORMATION
Changes to District of Workforce Shortage (DWS)
Ratings
Recently announced changes have seen the DWS rating
of some towns in the GVML change. Those towns with a
changed status are listed below:
Now DWS
Broadford
Kilmore
Murchison
Nathalia
Numurkah
Tatura
Wallan
Wandong
No Longer DWS
Alexandra
Eildon
Marysville
Puckapunyal
Seymour
Information about the new rural classification reform can
be found here. The new system uses the latest Australian
Bureau of Statistics (ABS) geography and population data
and the most recent medical workforce statistics (derived
from Medicare billing data). Town based information
regarding DWS and other related information is available
by using the map.
For recruitment and other GP workforce support, practices
are advised to contact RWAV on 9349 7800.
Rethink Sugary Drinks - You Wouldn’t Eat 16
Teaspoons of Sugar, So Why Drink It?
A new video has been created to highlight the serious
health impacts associated with sugary drinks and to
encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in
Victoria to go for water instead.
With around 16 teaspoons of sugar in a 600ml bottle of
soft drink, the video stresses how much sugar is loaded
into sugar sweetened beverages and how drinking them
regularly can lead to not only oral health problems but
weight gain and health problems such as type 2 diabetes,
heart disease and cancer.
This exciting gathering of Australian and international
experts, hosted by Professor Patrick McGorry, will draw
on local and international experiences to challenge 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 Credentialed Diabetes
Educator, is for enrolled and registered nurses. The day
will cover contemporary 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:
February)
$220.00 – early bird registration (before 20
$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]
The video has been developed by the health organisation
behind Rethink Sugary Drink in partnership with the
Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health
Organisation Inc (VACCHO). The Smiles 4 Miles
program proudly supported the development of this video
and hopes its messages will help the community to
choose tap water and plain milk over sugary drinks.
OTHER CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS CONTINUED
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 Hepatitis 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 further information about the workshop or to book a place in one of the sessions, visit the Centre for Culture,
Ethnicity & Health website.
Connection Asthma Care – 2015 Australasian Asthma Conference
Asthma Australia is excited to announce that discounted Early Bird rates to the Connection Asthma Care Conference
will now be accepted up until Friday 13 February, giving you two additional weeks to get your registration in.
The 2015 Asthma Australia Connection Asthma Care Conference will bring together key national and international
researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to explore everything asthma.
For further information visit the Asthma Australia website.
Skin Cancer Workshop for GPs
Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc in association with the Department of General Practice, Monash University presents a
two day workshop developed and taught by specialist dermatologist educators. The workshop is suitable for all GPs
and GP registrars regardless of level of experience and is a perfect opportunity to upskill.
Day 1: Lecture series includes a course on dermoscopy diagnosis of skin cancers and management of melanoma
and non-melanoma skin cancers.
Day 2: Hands-on Pigskin workshop includes planning for surgery, biopsy techniques, simple ellipses, flaps and grafts,
and dealing with complications.
Date:
2 May 2015 – Day 1
3 May 2015 – Day 2
Register online for one or two days (including RACGP CPD & QI points). Early bird discount is available until 30
March 2015.
For further information visit www.skincancer.asn.au.
APNA National Conference 2015 – Brave to Bold
Registrations are now open for APNA National Conference 2015 – Brave to Bold.
Date:
14 – 16 May 2015
For further information or to register, visit www.apnaconference.asn.au.
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 empirically 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)