Date: 11 November 2008
The Business of General Practice
National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program
The National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP) round two funding opened on 8th November. Funding of up to $500,000 is available for communities with a population of less than 20,000 where the lack of infrastructure is a barrier to the establishment of new, or the enhancement of existing health services. Applications for funding close on 19 December 2008. Application forms can be downloaded from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/nrrhip-lp
Preventative Health Checks for 40-49 year age group
As you are aware there are currently two item numbers available for preventative health checks for people in the 40-49 year age group.
1. 45-49 year health check (Item 717 rebate $104.55) This is a once only check for patients in the age group at risk of developing a chronic disease. It is acceptable for a practice nurse to assist a GP to complete the health check.
Why is a health check important for this patient group?
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates that 94% of men and 89% of women in the 45-54 age range have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Most risk factors are modifiable through strategies such as supporting patients to make behavioural changes.
2. 40-49 Diabetes Risk Evaluation (Item 713 rebate $61.40). This check can be performed every three years for the target group. The AUSDRISK tool must be completed for the assessment. Patients identified as being at high risk of developing diabetes may be referred to a subsidised Lifestyle Modification Program (currently only available in Bathurst) or other interventions adopted as deemed appropriate by the GP eg. Lifescripts resources, QUIT information etc.
CWDGP is encouraging people in the target group to see their GP for a health assessment. If you would like further information or resources for your practice to undertake the health checks please do not hesitate to contact your Division liaison officer on 63326646.
8 Months to Go
..
Australia has been one of the first countries to deliver a National cervical cancer vaccination program. The program is designed specifically for young women in the 18 26 year age bracket to help protect from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) strains. The vaccinations are funded under the National Program and due to finish on 30 June 2009. Encourage young woman to start their course of 3 vaccinations NOW to fit in with the free program. The funded GP HPV program has only 8 months to run and after that young women will need to pay for their HPV vaccines. As the course of 3 injections takes 6 months, practices need to prompt young women to see their GP NOW!
Division News & Events
Division name change
The search is on for a new name for the Division. The current name is cumbersome and divisive. Many Divisions have changed their name for this reason and some examples were provided to members in a previous edition of Tues news. To members we will still be the Division providing practices with services and support but we are looking for a new name that will speak to the community and be recognized as your message in relation to health promotion and prevention. Here is your chance to put in your suggestion. A short list will then be made of preferred and available names for your vote later in the year. MY SUGGESTED NAME
FAX YOUR SUGGESTION TO 6332 6648 BY FRIDAY 21st NOVEMBER 2008.
Update in HIV Medicine
The Division is working with the Australian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) to host an Update in HIV Medicine for GPs. The session will take place on 26th November from 7-9 pm in Orange. The update will provide an overview of the epidemiology, natural history, testing and diagnosis in primary care, and an overview of treatment available for HIV. The session will involve short presentations, interactive Q&A and case discussions, and will be led by Dr Ken Hazelton. Invitations have been sent to all practices. For more information, contact Caro on 6332 6646 or at c.molson@cwdgp.org.au.
headspace Youth Mental Health Forum
NSW Central West headspace will hold a free Youth Mental Health Forum at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Monday 17th November at 5pm for 5:30pm till 7pm.
Professor Patrick McGorry will be the guest speaker for the evening. He is a renowned leader in the field of youth mental health and is the Executive Director of ORYGEN Youth Health and ORYGEN Research Centre. We will also have a young person speaking about their experience with a mental illness as well as a parent of a young person who experienced a mental illness. The forum will conclude with a panel discussion. For further information please contact headspace on 6338 1100.
Division Reminders
CPD Dates for the Rest of 2008
Date Title
Nov 19 Parkes: Asthma Cycle of Care (GPs, Nurses and Practice Managers)
Nov 26 Teleconference: Risk Management for Practice Managers
Nov 26 Orange: HIV Dinner for GPs
Nov 26 Parkes: Improving EPC Referral Pathways (for Practice Nurses)
Nov 27 Lithgow: Exercise Physiology and Team Approaches For GPs and Nurses
Dec 1 GP Teleconference
Dec 3 CPR Training, Lake Cargelligo
Dec 4 Orange: Healthy Kids Check Training for Practice Nurses
Invitations have been sent for the first two events; keep an eye open for the remaining invitations. If you have any questions about the above opportunities, please contact Caro on 63326646 or at c.molson@cwdgp.org.au
Network & Area Health Service News
A National Primary Healthcare Strategy
The Commonwealth launched this discussion paper at the AGPN conference in Darwin last week. The purpose of the paper is to generate discussion while putting forward ideas for debate. The Federal Government is committed to a change in focus in primary health care and this is your opportunity to input the reform agenda. A copy of the paper can be downloaded from www.health.gov.au/primaryhealthstrategy or you can get a hardcopy from the Division. The deadline for submitting comments is the 27th February 2009.
The Division will do a series on the papers highlights over the next two months posing key questions to members in order to do a Division response reflecting members views, however I encourage you to read the full text and do independent submissions on the critical paper which will direct our future. A copy of independent submissions to Sandra at the Division would be appreciated.
Area Health Advisory Council
GWAHS is the body which advises the Area Chief Executive, Dr Claire Blizard on policies, plans and health related initiatives in the Area. Applications are now being sought from suitably qualified and experienced persons. Member selection criteria includes clinical expertise, knowledge and experience, strong existing community, consumer or clinical links, and a commitment to improving health services in NSW. For more information and a full list of member selection criteria including application forms go to http://www/gwahs.nsw.gov.au/docdown.php?id=16 or cal Lauren Foley on 6841 2217
Other Education Opportunities
Palliative Care GP Evening
GPs are invited to a Palliative Care education evening hosted by the Dubbo Plains Division of General Practice on 18 November. The session will start at 6:30 pm at the Dubbo Plains office, and will be presented by Professor Norelle Lickiss. The session will inform GPs on the current approach to the management of bowel obstruction in patients with advanced cancer. For more information or to register, please contact Jasmine on 6884 0194.
Well Womens Screening Course
The Well Womens Screening Course conducted by Family Planning NSW is next available at Campbelltown on the 23.2.09 and Parramatta on the 28.3.09. This is a very popular course for nurses involved with well women screening and is usually fully booked well in advance. The Family Planning NSW website provides course dates and requirements. Dont forget the Nursing in General Practice project has up to $300 per nurse to assist with up skilling. As this course is not provided by the Central West Division of General Practice or GPNSW it would qualify for the $300 CPD grant.
For further information contact David Turcato on 63326646 or email d.turcato@cwdgp.org.au.
Addendum
RDN Locum Service
The Rural Doctors Network is encouraging any practices that would like to request a locum in December or January to submit a locum request as soon as possible. Please note that the number of locums that provide VMO services is limited; there are better chances of recruiting a GP only locum. To apply for a locum, go to http://www.nswrdn.com.au/site/index.cfm?display=69820 and complete the online form. For more information on the locum service, please contact Suzanne Riley, RDN Project Manager - Medical Retention on 02 4924 8060 or locums@nswrdn.com.au.
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