CONNECT MAY 2019
Connect | Page 2
3
Closing the Gap Event in Review
4
Priority Care Centres
6
HealthPathways: Pathways Update
8
Commissioning Matters
12
Get Screened GP Packs
14
AdMental 2019
16
Engagement & Sponsorship Highlights
18
Primary Care in Action
24
IN THIS ISSUE
CEO Foreword
The front cover image of Connect May 2018 features Port Willunga beach which can be found in the southern Adelaide PHN region
from the CEO We certainly hope you were all able to have some much needed down time over the Easter to Anzac Day period – we’re well into autumn now! Lots of great initiatives are happening in the primary health care space and some great co-design partnerships are shaping up. We have an exciting co-design opportunity with SA Health and general practice, with the announcement of their proof of concept for Priority Care Centres across the 2019 winter period. Early in April we co-hosted four information sessions across the region. These sessions were well attended, saw great input from general practice, and significant enthusiasm for the concept. We look forward to being part of the final co-design process. Anything that assists people in our community to access primary health care services and reduce demand on our EDs has to be a good thing! We have continued to roll out our GP Round Table Workshops – the November 2018 and March 2019 workshop summaries are already on the consultation reports page of our website. The report from our final workshop in the series (held on 8 May) will be up soon. We are looking forward to summarising all three forums and commencing our work on the identified areas of action in the coming months. It’s great to see such enthusiasm from local health professionals who have been talking to us about what general practice wants and needs from Adelaide PHN.
With only five weeks to go, our second Primary Health Care Conference, delivered in partnership with Country SA PHN, is fast approaching! We have received a huge level of engagement from health professionals across the state. With over 700 delegates registered across the two days, this event is now full! A reminder to all GPs that registration to the GP-only mental health category 1 workshop is still open, but be quick to secure your spot. We have a record number of sponsors and exhibitors at this year’s conference, as well as a great range of speakers lined up. Please visit saphnconference.com.au for more information. We continue to work with SA Health to develop HealthPathways South Australia. Visit the project site here to register or to login to the portal. HealthPathways is the perfect way to find comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, management and localised referral resources all in the one place. We welcome your feedback, comments and questions - either via the feedback button or by emailing the team. As always, if you would like to know more about any of our services or would like one of our team to visit your practice or organisation – please contact us. We would be delighted to engage with you. Warm regards,
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CLOSING THE GAP DAY DRAWING BIG CROWDS & SUPPORTING ABORIGINAL HEALTH Along with Nunkuwarrin Yunti and SA Health’s Watto Purrunna, Adelaide PHN was proud to support the annual Closing the Gap Day event on Wednesday 27 March 2019. This free-all ages event, hosted by Sonder, exceeded expectations once again and truely earned it’s name as one of South Australia’s largest health event for Aboriginal people and communities. The event attracted over 2000 people and kicked off with a Welcome to Country, performed by Michael O’Brien. Event goers were entertained allday with MC Michael O’Loughlin, Sydney Swans legend and AFL Hall of Fame Member, guiding attendees through a range of live performances including music from The Merrg, Vonda Last and dance performances from the Dusty Feet Mob, whilst Joshua Warrior had the crowd in hysterics with his comedy routine. Attendees were able to receive free general health checks at the event, including measurements of blood pressure and blood glucose from SA Health’s Watto Purrunna and the University of South Australia’s Mobile Health Clinic, consults with Ngangkari Traditional Healers, and free immunisations from the SA Immunisation Hub (a partner project of Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN.
Aboriginal health is a key priority for Adelaide PHN and we are very pleased to continue funding this event. The ITC Closing the Gap program is funded across the Adelaide region by Adelaide PHN, find out more about this program via Sonder’s website. Explore what else Adelaide PHN is doing to support Aboriginal Health on our website here.
Deb Lee, Adelaide PHN CEO
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PRIORITY CARE CENTRES TRIAL AIMING TO EASE PRESSURE ON OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS THIS WINTER Patients with non-life threatening injuries and illnesses will soon be able to get the care they need without needing to go to a hospital emergency department via the establishment of community treatment sites across metropolitan Adelaide. April 18 saw the Hon Stephen Wade MLC announce the upcoming trial of four Priority Care Centres across the 2019 winter period in an attempt to provide more timely treatment for patients and reduce long waits in emergency departments. The centres will be co-designed by GPs, SA Health and Primary Health Networks and will offer a model of care as an alternative to attending a public hospital emergency department. “We all know that winter is a busy time for our hospitals. This year, there will be an enhanced focus on hospital avoidance, preventing deterioration, and out of hospital services,” Minister Wade said.
“We are improving South Australia’s health services to deliver high quality care, while at the same time easing pressure on our emergency departments and delivering care closer to home.” “It’s better for the patient and it’s better for our busy hospitals.” A feature of the Priority Care Centres will be timely access to onsite treatment, community-based support services, SA Health telehealth facilities, and radiology, pathology and pharmacy services. The centres will be GP-led and managed with support from local hospital staff trained in acute assessment and care to ensure any person with more complex
PRIORITY CARE CENTRES needs receives the treatment they require, including direct admission to hospital. The target cohort will be lower acuity adult patients such as those presenting with minor sprains and strains, suspected fractures, sporting injuries, minor cuts and wounds, general pain, early pregnancy complications, urinary tract infections and mental health issues. Minister Wade indicated “As part of the pilot, patients who are deemed to be clinically stable and not needing hospital care may be encouraged to attend one of the Priority Care Centres. “The centres will be located in ‘hot spots’ in the north, outer north, south and west regions of metropolitan Adelaide. These priority areas were selected based on SA Health data indicating high levels of emergency department presentations. “The data shows that about 70 per cent of people who present to EDs do not need to be admitted to hospital, however the number of people presenting to EDs continues to grow. A significant proportion of people presenting do not require acute care and can be safely treated in a community setting”. Adelaide PHN CEO, Deb Lee, said the centres will present an opportunity to work collaboratively with SA Health. “The Priority Care Centres will link excellent levels of health service across acute and primary care to create a more integrated health system,” Ms Lee said.
TIMELINE
26 March 2019 | GP information sessions and proof of concept opportunity announced directly to general practice by Adelaide PHN 8-11 April 2019 |
Four GP information sessions held in the northern, outer northern, southern and western regions of Adelaide
12 April 2019 |
SA Health uploaded Stage 1 Priority Care Centre EOI to their tender website
18 April 2019 |
Priority Care Centre announced by Hon. Stephen Wade MLC via media release
23 April 2019 |
SA Health Q&A summary released based on the GP information sessions (distributed to general practice by Adelaide PHN and made available on consultation reports page)
30 April 2019 |
SA Health’s Stage 1 EOI closed
The centres are expected to open in June 2019. This article is a summary of a media release from Hon. Stephen Wade MLC and communication released by Adelaide PHN and SA Health over recent months regarding the Priority Care Centres.
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HEALTHPATHWAYS NEW PATHWAYS & MILESTONES HealthPathways South Australia celebrated its 12-month milestone since the portal went live in March 2018. Continuing to build a dynamic and central source of information for GPs and other primary health care providers across the state, HealthPathways provides condition specific information on assessment, management and local referral options for clinician use during consultation. By working collaboratively across the South Australia, more specialists, GPs, allied health and key stakeholders are contributing to the development of each pathway, be that through consultation or as subject matter experts. In the past few months HealthPathways South Australia has released several new pathways and embarked on new clinical streams. A highlight of these additions can be explored over the next few pages.
Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
“
Management of chronic pain is a challenging issue to navigate for all GPs... Dr Simon Lockwood | Rural GP in Roxby Downs & Clinical Editor for HealthPathways
The pathway combines easy to follow clinical advice with links to resources which can be used to educate the patient as well as links to community resources and key referral pathways in South Australia.
The pathway provides information on: • The approach to the patient with chronic pain • Assessment advice • Self-management resources for those with chronic pain • Team management considerations
It is particularly difficult in the remote location in which I work to know who to refer and when I should be thinking about referral. This pathway finally makes these things clear. I am sure that other GPs will find this pathway as useful as I have in developing it.
• The efficacy of different medications and treatment options • What to do before referring a patient • When to refer, to whom to refer and the criteria for referral • The pathway provides links to public as well as private options for specialist care
“
Suicide Risk
Many people experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviours visit their GP in the weeks or days before suicide. GPs and primary care providers can play a crucial role in suicide prevention.
HealthPathways SA have developed a Suicide Risk Pathway in conjunction with a team of local mental health clinical leads, psychiatrists & the broader mental health sector. The pathway has been accessible on the site since April 2019 and has attracted many users. The pathway addresses: • Risk and protective factors for suicidality • Provides clear steps for management based on the persons safety needs • Links to local resources & services
HealthPathways deciphers the myriad of clinical approaches and services that are otherwise fragmented in our health system... Dr Muzzam Rifat | GP in the northern Adelaide metropolitan region and Clinical Editor for HealthPathways
Paediatric Pathways
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Paediatric pathways continue to be a key priority, with the HealthPathways team working alongside South Australian paediatric clinicians and networks to translate state-wide clinical practice guidelines into primary care paediatric pathways. These pathways support primary care clinicians with low complexity, high volume paediatric conditions, and ultimately deliver better, safer care in the community setting. Now available on HealthPathways are 10 clinical pathways and 11 referral pages across ENT, neurology, general medicine, gastroenterology, genitourinary and respiratory streams. Otitis externa, acute otitis media and otitis media with effusion in children are examples of recently released pathways to the HealthPathways site.
Pathways in development and nearing consultation include: anaphylaxis, cognitive impairment, syphilis, blood or body fluid exposures.
Visit the project site to learn more about HealthPathways South Australia, to register for use, or login to the portal.
50–74 years old
BOWEL
screening
YEARS
EVERY
2
A simple test could save your life. Talk to your GP about cancer screening today.
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COMMISSIONING MATTERS National Psychosocial Support Measure Update
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR COMMISSIONING TEAM Adelaide PHN has commissioned Neami National and Life Without Barriers, two experienced providers, to deliver the National Psychosocial Support Measure (NPSM) across the Adelaide region. People living with a complex and chronic mental health condition will be able to access the support of a trained peer support worker or community rehabilitation support worker to improve their health and wellness so they can live their lives to their full potential. People may need support with homelessness issues, access to employment, social isolation or management of their tenancy. People will be able to access support if they: • Are aged between 18-64 years • Live in the Adelaide PHN region • Do not already receive support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Personal Helpers and Mentors (PhaMS), Partners in Recovery (PIR) or Day to Day Living (D2DL) • Have a psychosocial disability
People do not need to have a confirmed diagnosis or a GP referral to access this program. To access NPSM people can call: • Mental Health Enquiry Line 1300 898 213 • Neami National 8465 7050 • Life Without Barriers 8307 2800 On 21 March 2019, the Department of Health announced an extension to the NPSM program. This will provide continued support to people who are current clients of PIR, PhaMS and D2DL who have been found ineligible to access an individual support plan from the NDIS. Further information on the arrangements for existing clients will be released in the near future.
Find out more about the NPSM via the media release on our website’s announcement’s page.
Health Promotion Framework
Adelaide PHN considers health promotion and health literacy pillars of our work and we are pleased to share our Health Promotion Framework with our members, stakeholders and community. This framework demonstrates our commitment and action in health promotion. Adelaide PHN integrates the continuum of health promotion through the design, development, commissioning, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation of our services and programs. This framework will provide guidance to Adelaide PHN and our stakeholders on how health promotion and health literacy will be reflected in our organisational planning, design and commissioning processes. The framework will support a consistent approach and facilitate a common understanding about language, strategies and the implementation of health promotion and health literacy.
Find the framework in the resource library on our website.
Learn more about commissioning via our website’s commissioning process or commissioning opportunities pages. Organisations seeking to apply for and receive notifications of tenders should register with Tenderlink: tenderlink.com/adelaidephn.
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GENERAL PRACTICE INFORMATION KITS GET SCREENED AND GET ON WITH LIVING A partnership between Adelaide PHN, Country SA PHN, Cancer Council SA and SA Health – the Get Screened and Get on with Living campaign has been promoting the three national cancer screening programs – breast, bowel and cervix, in a combined message. In order to support general practice to prompt conversation about screening or screening action with their patients, information kits about the campaign will be delivered to all general practices in SA soon. In the Adelaide PHN region, some kits will be delivered by our practice facilitators and others by mail. Kits contain campaign posters designed to be displayed in waiting, treatment or consulting rooms and DL flyers that can be distributed to patients. You can also view the campaign video and download digital material here: cancersa.org.au/get-screened-and-get-on-with-living We encourage all primary health care providers to promote the campaign through display on waiting room screens, your website and social media.
50–74 years old
BREAST
screening
YEARS
EVERY
2
A simple test could save your life. Talk to your GP about cancer screening today.
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ADELAIDE PHN SPONSORS
admental 2019 In April, Adelaide PHN was proud to sponsor the third annual AdMental event, presented by the Don Dunstan Foundation, SA Health, the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia and Adelaide Advertising and Design Club. Held each year in Adelaide University’s Bonython Hall, the event takes an innovative approach to mental health promotion, inviting two creatives from the advertising industry to battle it out ‘Gruen’ Style as they pitch on ‘how to sell positive wellbeing.’ This year the brief was to address loneliness in our older population, and for the first time invited emerging creatives to make their mark in the advertising world, guided by industry professionals. Media personality Anne Wills ‘Willsy’ hosted the event which included a panel discussion with Professor Mike Kyrios (Vice
saphnconference.com.au
Friday 14 & Saturday 15 June Adelaide Convention Centre
President and Executive Dean at Flinders University), Jane Mussared (CEO, COTA SA) and Associate Professor Nicola Spurrier (Deputy Chief Medical Officer, SA Health). The competition was open to a judged award and a people’s choice award. A big congratulations to Peter Ferris, who took away the ‘judge’s choice’ award; Geoff Robertson, the Memorial Award; and Elysha Glaser, the People’s Choice Award.
The videos are available to view now at: dunstan.org.au/events/admental-2019/ Watch the videos today and see if you agree with the judge’s choice!
With over 700 delegates registered across the two days, we are pleased to report general registration to the SA Primary Health Care Conference is full. GPs should be quick to register for the remaining places available at the GP only Mental Health Category 1 Workshop. Visit the conference website for more information.
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ENGAGEMENT & SPONSORSHIP GENERAL PRACTICE & COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT GP ROUND TABLE WORKSHOPS Adelaide PHN has been working with GPs in the Adelaide region and discussing how our organisation can best support general practice and enhance the relationship between primary, acute and tertiary care. Following two succesful workshops exclusively with GPs, the invitation to the third workshop (held 8 May 2019) was extended to practice managers and nurses. Summary reports detailing the de-identified feedback from local GPs at the November 2018 and March 2019 workshops are available via our website’s consultation report page.
GP LIAISON UNIT PRACTICE VISITS The GP Liaison Unit (GPLU) has been continuing their northern Adelaide region roadshow, actively visiting general practices to gather information about their experiences working with the Lyell McEwen Hospital, promote engagement with the unit and other relevant services. The unit has visited over 21 practices since November, with more visits scheduled in the coming months. The team has also been providing information on how to link up with services that seek to keep people out of hospital including Hospital in the Home, quick access clinics, nurse-led clinics and chronic disease management. The team have also been helping to spread the word about HealthPathways. The GPLU is a joint project between Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) and Adelaide PHN. The unit is working to improve the care of people who have frequent contact with hospital services by facilitating and strengthening collaboration, communication and integration between hospital and general practice.
Read about the GPLU via our directory of programs and services or in the February 2019 edition of our Connect newsletter.
AUSTRALIAN REFUGEE ASSOCIATION’S HEALTHY LIVING EXPO The Adelaide PHN team were pleased to see such a great turn out to the Australia Refugee Association’s (ARA) Health Living Expo 16 April 2019. We were proud sponsors of this event along with the City of Salisbury and SA Health. The Expo attracted a large crowd including lots of newly arrived and multicultural communities living in Adelaide’s North. The event was supported by over 25 health care service providers who engaged with attendees about family health, preventing and managing diseases, and getting the most from the health care system in Australia.
Read more about ARA at autralianrefugee.org Explore Adelaide PHN’s programs and services dedicated to responding to the health needs of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities via our website’s directory.
ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHT
PAIN ADELAIDE CONFERENCE SPONSORED PLACES On 12 March 2019, three rather excited facilitators from the Adelaide Pain Support Network were sponsored by Adelaide PHN to attended the annual Pain Adelaide Conference at the National Wine Centre. Reports back from the facilitators indicate they had an amazing day full of networking and learning: ‘We learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the process’. One of the facilitators, Mary Wing, also presented as part of a Q&A panel. Find out more about Adelaide PHN’s Living Well with Persistent Pain program via our website directory here.
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ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHT
APNA 2019 CONFERENCE NURSE SPONSORSHIPS & STALL Adelaide PHN sponsored 18 primary health care nurses with full registration to the 2019 Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) conference. Adelaide PHN provides sponsorships like this as part of our commitment to workforce support and capacity building across our region. Adelaide PHN also supported a stall at the APNA conference and our staff talked to delegates about our practice support activties including our practice facilitation team, My Health Record support, and quality improvement activites.
Find out more about APNA via their website apna.asn.au Explore what Adelaide PHN is doing to support the primary care workforce via our website here
DIABETES EXPO This year’s Diabetes Expo was at Adelaide Show grounds and saw over 1000 people attend. The audience was diverse with community members and health professionals attending various networking and education activities. Adelaide PHN supported an information booth and our own Tal Ellis (Health Care Home Practice Facilitator) presented as part of a panel discussion regarding access to best practice care, consumer rights, busting diabetes myths and coordinated care. Find out more about Diabetes SA and this conference via diabetessa.com.au
PRIORITY CARE CENTRES FOR THE 2019 WINTER GP INFO SESSIONS Early in April 2019, general practices were invited to attend a series of information sessions in regard to the co-design of proof of concept sites over the 2019 winter period as an alternative pathway for patients (Priority Care Centres). Multiple information sessions were held across the Adelaide region between 8 - 11 April 2019. A summary of the questions and answers provided at these information sessions is now available via our website’s consultation report page.
PRACTICE PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS We are two sessions into three of our Adelaide PHN funded Practice Performance Workshops. Feedback has been very positive and attendance high; over 80 primary health care practice staff attended representing over 35 individual practices from across our region. Delivered by Brentnalls Health, these popular workshops build capacity of practices across our region with included modules focussing on business planning, governance, financial and operational performance. At completion of all modules, participants will have gained the information and tools required to optimise business performance.
Look out for an article in our next edition of Connect which will detail our own and participant’s reflections on these workshops. For more information please contact our practice facilitators at practicesupport@adelaidephn.com.au or 8219 5900.
ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHT
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HPN READINESS FOR INTEGRATION SYMPOSIUM The Readiness for Integration Symposium was held 21 March 2019. The 60+ attendees were representative from a diverse range of organisations including: Australian Refugee Council, SA Health, Asthma Australia, Health Consumer Alliance of SA, Carers SA, and Drug and Alcohol Services SA (DASSA). The goal of the Symposium was to identify specific issues and actions for five health priority areas and to identify ways to work more collaboratively towards person centred integrated care. The Symposium included a presentation from Lauren Grant of the Don Dunstan Foundation who presented on their strategy to implement person-centred care to address homelessness in Adelaide CBD. Their project - the Adelaide Zero Project - demonstrated how to successfully move from the theoretical to the practical, and to effectively embed the different levels of integration to achieve their goals of reducing rough sleeping in the Adelaide CBD. Presentations were followed by a workshop where delegates were guided to identify measurable and actionable goals over the next six months for their respective health priority areas. Read more about the Symposium and identified actions in the report on our website’s membership documents page.
ENGAGEMENT HIGHLIGHT
CAC APPLICATIONS OPENING SOON! Adelaide PHN will soon be inviting community members to apply to join one of our three Community Advisory Councils (CACs). If you are you aged 18 years or over and have a lived experience accessing health services for yourself or someone you care for - watch this space! Adelaide PHN will promote the opening of applications via our website’s CAC page and via Facebook. Community members from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people from CALD or refugee backgrounds, and those identifying as LGBTIQ are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information please contact Wills Logue, Partnership and Engagement Officer at WLogue@adelaidephn.com.au or 8219 5900.
WHAT DO CAC
MEMBERS DO?
CAC members tell us what is most important to primary health system users and contribute to the design and development of personcentred care across the Adelaide region.
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PRIMARY CARE IN ACTION The following section of Adelaide PHN’s Connect newsletter includes highlights of local programs and activities affecting the delivery and experience of primary health care across the Adelaide metropolitan region. Would your organisation or practice like your activity featured in Connect? Get in touch with the comms team at comms@adelaidephn.com.au
NEW MBS ITEMS FOR
HEART HEALTH CHECKS Heart disease and stroke are responsible for almost 30 per cent of all deaths and 15 per cent of Australia’s total disease burden. From 1 April 2019, two new interim items (699 and 177) will be introduced to allow GPs to conduct a heart health check that lasts at least 20 minutes, in consulting rooms. Eligible patients will now be able to receive a Medicare rebate for having a specific heart health check conducted by a GP. For providers like GPs, this means access to an MBS item that is specific to assessing the cardiovascular risk of patients. GPs will still be able to undertake broader, more complex health assessments where this would be more appropriate. For patients, the benefits potentially include earlier identification of cardiovascular disease and more timely and appropriate medical intervention to support improved outcomes.
This information is available in the Department of Health’s factsheet available via mbsonline.gov.au.
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Are you looking for mental health support?
Go to headtohealth.gov.au to find online and phone mental health services and information.
MENINGOCOCCAL ACWY VACCINE FOR ADOLESCENTS Meningococcal disease occurs when meningococcal bacteria invades the body and causes serious disease. Although the majority of people will recover if the infection is diagnosed early, the disease can cause complications that may result in permanent disabilities through loss of limbs, deafness, blindness, scarring, kidney or liver failure and can even cause death. The meningococcal ACWY vaccine provides protection against four types of meningococcal disease, including two types which have become more common in Australia in recent years, caused by the type W and Y bacteria. Adolescents from 15 years of age are at increased risk of meningococcal disease and are more likely to spread the bacteria to others. From 1 April 2019, the vaccine is available for free through the National Immunisation Program to: • Year 10 students (aged 14 – 16 years) through school- based immunisation programs • Adolescents (aged 15 - 19 years) who missed receiving the vaccine at school through their GP or primary care provider
Students eligible for a free vaccine will receive a consent form from their school. This consent form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school before a vaccination is provided. Individuals who did not receive the vaccine at school should speak to their GP or school based immunisation provider about how they can catch up. The vaccine is free up to 19 years of age.
The Department of Health has developed a range of materials to support uptake of the vaccine. These materials are available at health.gov.au/ immunisation
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ARHP PHARMACIST WINS
EARLY CAREER PHARMACIST DEVELOPMENT AWARD Congratulations to Veronika Seda who was recently awarded the SA/NT Early Career Pharmacist Development Award. Veronika is the Chair of the SA/NT Early Career Working Group and a project pharmacist with the Adelaide Respiratory Health Project - a project funded by Adelaide PHN and delivered in partnership with Asthma Australia and the Lung Foundation. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) National President Dr Chris Freeman presented Veronika with the award for raising practice standards and providing a model of practice for her fellow early career pharmacists. “Veronika has a passion for pharmacist communication and is currently a PhD candidate working on a sustainable model for professional services in community pharmacy,” Dr Freeman said. Find out more about the Adelaide Respiratory Health Project in our February edition of Connect (page 18) or search our directory of services and programs. For more information about this award see PSA’s media release - click here.
SUPPORTING THE NATIONAL
bowel cancer screening program Bowel cancer is Australia’s second biggest cancer killer, yet if detected early, 90% of cases can be successfully treated. Despite this, between 2016 and 2017, only 41.3% of eligible Australians participated in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
The NBCSP has the potential to prevent 83,800 bowel cancer deaths by 2040 if program participation increases to 60% Cancer Council Australia has launched a nationwide campaign to increase participation in the NBCSP. As a result, primary health care providers may receive more enquiries from patients about bowel cancer screening. Evidence shows that a recommendation by a primary health care provider is a key motivator to screen. Primary health care providers can promote participation through: • Endorsing the program in your practice by displaying brochures and posters (Including Get Screened and Get on with Living material which promotes the NBCSP) • Demonstrating how to use the NBCSP kit with eligible patients • Sending a letter or SMS to patients nearing their 50th birthday to encourage them to complete the test when they first receive it
Resources to support primary health care providers encouraging participation in the NBCSP, including instructional videos and clinical guidelines are available at cancerscreening.gov.au/health-professionals Demonstration NBCSP kits can be ordered by emailing NBCSP@health.gov.au
cancerscreening.gov.au
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Taking opioid medications for pain long-term can be dangerous. If you’re going to start, talk about a plan to stop with an Amcal pharmacist today.
Taking tablets for pain?
Prevent misuse, plan to reduce
Proud Partner
LIFE IN MIND RELEASES COMPREHENSIVE
SUICIDE PREVENTION RESEARCH DIRECTORY Life in Mind is excited to launch a national research directory on their website, highlighting useful information and links to prominent suicide prevention researchers and their translatable research. The new section has been developed after lengthy consultations with members of the sector, and will complement the existing resources and links on the Life in Mind online portal. It is anticipated to be a useful tool for anyone in the sector looking for best-practice suicide prevention research in Australia.
Translating research into practice is taking what we learn from our research trials in our research laboratories, and making those learnings available to people in the ‘real world’
- Prof Frances Kay-Lambkin
Visit the directory at lifeinmindaustralia.com. au/research/researcher-profiles For more information about the directory’s launch see Life In Mind’s media release here.
Need medical help after hours?
adelaideafterhours.com.au
Fit & Free
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Fasten your laces and prepare for your heart to race! Discover our running loops, free fitness equipment or join a free running or walking group and enjoy the fresh air in the beautiful Adelaide Park Lands.
cityofadelaide.com.au/free-fitness
NEW CAMPAIGN RESPONDING TO
RISING STI RATES IN SA Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are on the rise in South Australia, with around 1 in 20 young people infected with chlamydia. Left untreated chlamydia can lead to infection of the reproductive systems and long term consequences. Having one STI also increases the risk of being infected with another. As such it’s important that young people in SA are encouraged to practise safer sex as well as getting a sexual health check. In response to this rise in STIs, SHINE SA is excited to announce the launch of their Sexual Health Check campaign and related resources for use across South Australia. These resources can be used by organisations including universities, secondary schools, youth services, general practice and community health services. Visit SHINE SA’s website to download/ order campaign resources and read the full media release of which this article is an excerpt of here.
UAL HEALTH CHECK. ASK YOUR DOCTOR.
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Be p
Talk to those close to you about end of life and what matters to you — understand palliative care and the choices you have. Find out more by visiting palliativecare.org.au
Palliative Care Australia is funded by the Australian Government
A STATEMENT FROM THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
INFLUENZA 2019 UPDATE Influenza seasons and severity are unpredictable. However, what we do know is that vaccination is the most important measure we have to prevent influenza and its complications. This year, more than six million doses have been secured to ensure Australians who are most at risk of getting sick during this year’s flu season are able to access free influenza vaccines through the Government’s National Immunisation Program. Those eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program include people 65 years and over, pregnant women, those who suffer chronic conditions as well as, for the first time, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from six months of age. Closing this gap means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adolescents aged 5 - 14 years of age will now be able to access the flu vaccine at no cost. Annual vaccination is recommended for anyone six months of age and older, with those not eligible under the program able to purchase the vaccine on the private market. The more people who are vaccinated, the less likely that the flu will spread in
the community. Influenza is a major cause of illness in the Australian community, and in some cases can result in death. It important to get the flu shot each year, as the virus changes each year. In addition we know that the protection provided by the previous year’s vaccine diminishes over time. This year there is a new A strain (H3N2) and a new strain for the B Victoria linage. Influenza virus strains included in the 2019 seasonal influenza vaccines are: • A (H1N1): an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09 like virus • A (H3N2): an ASwitzerland/8060/2017 (H3N2) like virus • B: a B/Colorado/06/2017 like virus (not included in the trivalent vaccine) • B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013 like virus • Four different quadrivalent influenza vaccine brands are being supplied under the Program in 2019 for people aged under 65. These are Afluria Quad® (Seqirus), Flu Quadri® and Flu Quadri Junior® (Sanofi) and Fluarix Tetra® (GSK).
(cont on next page)
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To continue to provide the best possible protection for those 65 years and over, an enhanced trivalent vaccine, FluadŽ... ...(Seqirus), is being supplied for those aged 65 years and over. Most people will develop immunity within two to three weeks of vaccination. Experts have advised there is recent evidence suggesting that protection following influenza vaccination may begin to wane. As influenza usually occurs from June, with the peak around August, vaccinating from mid-April 2019 will allow people to develop immunity before influenza transmission is at its peak. You can also speak with your doctor for advice on the best time to receive your vaccine, based on your individual circumstances. This statement by the Chief Medical Officer is available via the Department of Health’s website.
INFLUENZA RESOURCES KEY LINKS & INFORMATION | PROVIDERS Influenza Program 2019 Provider Webinar SA Immunisation Hub
Clinical Update 2019 Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Australian Government, Department of Health
2019 NIP Funded Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Guide National Immunisation Program, Department of Health
(Indepth) Influenza Vaccines for Australians National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveilance
SA Immunisation Hub website
Program of Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN
KEY LINKS & INFORMATION | CONSUMERS Flu (Influenza) information webpage
Australian Government, Department of Health
Where to Get Immunised, SA Immunisation Services SA Health
FAQ Flu (influenza)
Better Health, Victorian Government
National Immunisation Hotline: 1800 671 811
Advice and information, 8.00am - 5.00pm AEST
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FFS! WE’RE LOSING OUR PATIENTS.
I’m a nurse and I’m fighting for lung cancer to be free from stigma. Stigma holds back research and the funding of support for patients. Lung cancer takes more lives than breast, ovarian and prostate cancers combined, yet it’s one of the least funded.
Nurse Melanie Rabbets is asking for change.
FreeFromStigma.org.au
INTRODUCING
HEALTHY MALE With a fresh new look Andrology Australia has rebranded to now be known as ‘Healthy Male’. Healthy Male is the place to go for current evidence-based information about the reproductive and sexual health of Australian men. The trusted reputation and body of work developed by Andrology Australia over 20 years is captured on the new look website, with updated content that has been translated from scientific research and analysis to easy-to-understand information. The new website contains hundreds of pages of easily-accessible, evidence-based information, as well as a wide range of downloadable and free to order resources for men and health professionals. Healthy Male wants to encourage men to be more proactive in looking after their health and support them by ensuring that information on reproductive and sexual health is available to everybody, regardless of gender, age, education, religion or ethnicity.
Is pregnanc y or Is p re g n an c With International Men’s Health Weekea just rly around there corner fromod 10 – 16 June pa nt ho 2019, now is the time to head to the Healthy Male website, check out the resources available and sign up to receive yourm Men’s Health Week resources or Health ea ak rl in y parenth g yo u sa d or Promotion Toolkit. anxious? The team at Healthy Male is more committed than ever to the vision for a healthier life for all men and boys.
mak ing you s Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia an xi o u s? Visit the Healthy Male website at healthymale.org.au
For more information contact Vanessa, Health Promotion Manager via vanessa.jones@healthymale.org.au or call 03 9902 4789.
National Helpline 1300 726 306
PANDA’s National Helpline provides specialist perinatal emotional and mental health support to anyone during pregnancy and early parenthood, including partners and family members.
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Au National Helpline 1300 726 306
Helpline hours | Mon to Fri, 9am - 7.30pm AEST/AEDT panda.org.au | howisdadgoing.org.au
PANDA’s National Helpline provides specialist p emotional and mental health support to anyon
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Adelaide PHN distributes Connect to provide beneficial and relevant information. The content is sourced from credible organisations but we do not undertake extensive quality reviews. While the Australian Government helped fund this document, it has not reviewed the content and is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided herein.