‘Better Together’ Integrated Care initiatives
T
he second Integrated Care showcase event “Better Together” was held in Ballina on March 10 to present the great work being done through partnerships between the NNSWLHD, NCPHN, NSW Ambulance and United in Aboriginal Health Northern NSW. A number of Integrated Care projects and initiatives were highlighted with representatives of the Ministry of Health and the Agency for Clinical Innovation expressing their admiration for what these partnerships have created and how far NCPHN and the LHD had progressed on the long road to fully integrated care. From NCPHN, Vahid gave a presentation on the Centre for Healthcare Knowledge and Innovation; Sharyn White explained the journey of the Integrated Care Collaborative, Dan Ewald spoke about the Patient
Health professionals can access free online professional development training thanks to a partnership between North Coast Primary Health Network and North Coast Allied Health Association.
Presenters at the Better Together event in Ballina.
Centred Medical Home and Taya Prescott gave a presentation on the Health Literacy Project. Other presenters included UCRH’s Academic Lead, Aboriginal Health, Emma Walke on chronic disease; Graeme Turner, Clinical Nurse Specialist on supportive care for those with kidney disease; Anna Law and Dr Sue Veloski on End of Life care and NNSWLHD’s Senior IT
Project Coordinator Tim Marsh who spoke about connecting up clinicians. This annual event provides a valuable barometer for how far we have come with our partnered Integrated Care projects. See page 13 for the latest on the End of Life Care project and page 26 for a presentation on Life as a GP in 2022.
NCPHN support in wake of floods
Mental health support is available for those affected by the floods.
R
ecent floods in the Northern Rivers and Tweed Valley left families and businesses devastated. It’s inspiring to see how North Coast communities have come together to support each other in this time of need. NCPHN has initiated a number of activities to contribute to the clean-up and recovery process. These include: 6
Free online CPD training
• All general practices and pharmacies in flood effected areas (Lismore, Murwillumbah, Mullumbimby and Ocean Shores) were contacted by NCPHN staff to see if they needed help. This was followed up online via social media channels to other primary care providers. NCPHN has provided
on the ground support to one pharmacy, one general practice, the Lismore headspace and one primary care service for vulnerable groups to date. • Up to $100,000 is being provided for psychological and social support for people in crisis affected by the flood. This project is in partnership with the Northern NSW Local Health District via the Mental Health Access Line. • Consultation and coordination with NCPHN’s Northern Clinical Council and the City of Lismore regarding other ideas to assist and help. NCPHN extends its thanks to all the community members, health professionals and staff that helped to clean up the debris and get businesses back up and running.
a publication of North Coast Primary Health Network
The short courses, delivered through the TAFE Now website, take around an hour to complete and are worth one Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point per hour. North Coast health professionals will have free access to more than 130 professional and lifestyle courses. These include: • Acute Pain Assessment • Clinical Leadership • Mental Health Triage • Paediatric Assessment • Communication Skills • Opioid use and withdrawal • Allied health topics • Healnet course topics for nurses • Generic topics for small business and self interest All topics are peerreviewed by industry professionals and endorsed by industry associations. Regular topic reviews are also conducted to ensure they incorporate current policies, legislation and Australia-wide guidelines. North Coast health professionals can access the NCPHN enrolment key and full course instructions at: www.healthynorthcoast. org.au/cpd
healthspeak April 2017