Welcome to Brisbane South PHN's weekly newsletter for primary health care providers. If you would like to contact us, please email support@bsphn.org.au
Happy reading! |
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IMPORTANT: The official guidance underpinning the health advice in this publication is rapidly evolving; in some rare instances information may be already out of date at the time of publication. Please always check links provided for the latest information. |
Changes to COVID-19 isolation rules |
On 30 September 2022, following the meeting of National Cabinet, the Prime Minister announced that mandatory isolation for COVID-19 will end on 14 October 2022. Pandemic leave disaster payments will also cease, with the exception of people in high-risk settings such as aged care. |
Long COVID: Metro South want to hear about your experience |
Have you treated patients with ‘Long COVID’? Even if you have not, we want to hear from you! Metro South Public Health Unit is conducting a survey to understand the burden of ‘Long COVID’ for Primary Care and characterise the symptomatology. Findings from this study will help to inform health services planning.
The survey is open until 11th November 2022. We value your input and thank you for your time completing the survey. |
Moderna Bivalent training module is now available |
Moderna (SPIKEVAX) Bivalent booster (Module 3.c) has been added to the COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program. Successful completion of the course, including its prerequisite additional Module 3 Moderna (SPIKEVAX), is required by each clinician before vaccinating with this vaccine. The Department of Health and Aged Care has released frequently asked questions to assist in answering any specific queries from patients.
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Updated vaccine comparison poster |
The COVID-19 vaccine comparison poster has been updated to include Moderna (SPIKEVAX) Bivalent vaccine booster for individuals 18 years and older, and recent changes to storage times for Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. |
TGA provisionally approves Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 6 months to less than 5 years |
On 29 September 2022, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provisionally approved a paediatric dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, COMIRNATY (tozinameran), for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years. As seen with older age groups, it is expected that vaccines for younger children will provide protection from the most severe COVID-19 outcomes.
The Government’s decision on the use of this vaccine for this age group will be informed by advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). |
Primary Sense is coming to Brisbane South PHN |
Brisbane South PHN has committed to adopting Primary Sense – a population health management, clinical decision support and data extraction tool. Primary Sense will be replacing the Pen CS systems CAT4 and Topbar by May 2023.
Primary Sense has been developed by GPs, for GPs, and: - is easy to use
- can be quickly installed
- provides real time medication safety alerts, patient care prompts and near real time data extractions
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remains free for general practices that share data with Brisbane South PHN
- all data extracted from Primary Sense is privacy protected, securely stored and managed in Australia.
If your practice is interested in being an early adopter, click here to register interest. |
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Brisbane Mental Health Expo 2022 |
Come and visit us at the Brisbane Mental Health Expo at the Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm on Friday 14 October 2022.
Back for its 12th year, the expo provides an engaging and innovative way to promote mental health programs, services and organisations, and offers a platform to share information and resources with the community.
It intends to reduce the stigma associated with and experienced by people with a lived experience surrounding mental health and increase mental health literacy amongst the wider population. We look forward to seeing you there. |
Online dementia focus groups for health professionals |
Dementia Australia is running focus groups to support the development of a new health and wellbeing program for people living with dementia and are seeking input of health professionals.
The program will be designed to educate, empower and provide practical strategies to enhance wellness. Dementia Australia are particularly keen to hear health professionals’ ideas about what the new program could include and initial steps in terms of development, management and delivery. Two sessions will be held: - Tuesday 18 October 2022, 6:30 pm - 8 pm
- Wednesday 19 October 2022, 7 pm - 8:30 pm.
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Mind and body balance: Understanding the role of physical health surrounding mental health |
Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services are hosting the 2022 'Mind Body Balance' event at the Translational Research Institute Brisbane on 3 November 2022.
Suitable for anyone interested in the connection between physical and mental health with presenters covering the latest developments in the area and providing practical advice which you apply to your everyday role. In-person and online attendance options available. |
Upcoming training opportunities |
We offer education and workforce development to support Brisbane south's primary health care workforce.
View and register for events via our calendar of events.
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Improve your trauma-informed care |
Did you know that 65% of Australians have experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime? Trauma can contribute to the development of many different forms of mental conditions and distress, such as psychosis, personality disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, and suicide-related behaviours. Brisbane South PHN has developed a quality improvement toolkit to assist general practice to: - improve the identification and recording of patients affected by traumatic events
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ensure systems are in place to assist patients receive care in a safe and non-judgemental environment
- realise, recognise, respond to and resist re-traumatisation
- review the importance of self-care for health professionals
- identify Medicare Benefit Schedule (MBS) item numbers available.
To request practice support, contact the Quality Improvement team at support@bsphn.org.au. |
Mental health care coordination – SpotOnHealth HealthPathways |
Did you know that there are publicly funded clinical care and coordination services available for your patients with severe and complex mental health needs?
Find out more about mental health care coordination on SpotOnHealth HealthPathways.
If you are a clinician working in the Brisbane south, Redlands, Logan or Scenic Rim catchments, request the SpotOnHealth HealthPathways username and password by calling 07 3156 4346 (Monday to Friday) or request online.
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A journey to listen and understand deeply |
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Every 3 years, Brisbane South PHN conducts a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) to understand what the region needs in support of their diverse health and wellbeing needs, strengths and potential. Recently, First Nations organisations, Elders and community members asked us to more deeply, understand First Nations communities’ health and service needs and to strengthen our role building capacity in mainstream providers to provide culturally safe and appropriate health care. It is a privilege we don’t take lightly. Whilst as a sector, we have much work to do, we are delighted to invite you to attend 1 of our upcoming First Nations Primary Care Roadshows in October. |
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Intended for professionals working in primary health (general practice, allied health and pharmacy), aged and disability care, the roadshows will focus on social and emotional wellbeing, and chronic disease management in mainstream primary care. We are hosting 3 separate events in Beaudesert, Eight Mile Plains and Capalaba, and hope to see you there:
For more information, please contact firstnations@bsphn.org.au. |
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We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, and of the many different nations across the wider Brisbane south region. We pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging, as the holders of the memories, the traditions, the culture and the spiritual wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the nation. We acknowledge any Sorry Business that may be affecting the communities as a whole. In the spirit of reconciliation, partnership and mutual respect, we will continue to work together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to shape a health system which responds to the needs and aspirations of the community.
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This information is accurate as of the publication date listed. All information and content in this newsletter is produced in good faith by Brisbane South PHN and is based on sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of development. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure information and content is up to date and accurate, viewers/readers should not rely on the data cited but treat it as indicative only. Brisbane South PHN does not accept any responsibility or liability for any loss or damage as a result of any errors, inaccuracies, incompleteness or any discrepancies in the data, nor does Brisbane South PHN guarantee or make any representations in the data.
While the Australian Government has contributed funding for this material, 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. |
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