Federal Government to fund all primary care

The Prime Minister announced details around the Government’s health reform agenda on Wednesday, 3 March. They include plans for the Commonwealth Government to take full responsibility for funding all general practice and primary health care services in Australia. A single national network of hospitals will also be created, instead of eight separate systems, and the Commonwealth will fund all current outpatient services, initially at 60 per cent of recurrent expenditure, and then eventually will pay up to 100 per cent of ‘the efficient price of primary health care equivalent’ services. Full details are available in the Government’s report, A National Health and Hospitals Network for Australia’s Future.

Apply now to study Medical Assisting in 2010!

Enrolments for the Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting (HLT 43307) are now open through the GPpartners’ campus of Healthfirst Training, a Registered Training Organisation and provider of nationally accredited qualifications from the Health Training Package. This qualification is ideally suited to receptionists currently employed in General Practice, and focuses on both administrative and clinical assisting procedures including records keeping, medico-legal issues, occupational health and safety, cold chain management, sterilisation, ECGs, spirometry, audiometry and much more. The qualification comprises of online education and assessment linked with in- practice supervision by a GP or nurse, and face-to-face clinical skills training. Funding available for students and employers (criteria apply). To apply, see our Medical Assisting pages or phone Simon Moore on 07 3630 7318.

Trauma resources for children

The tragic death of a school boy at St Patrick’s College at Shorncliffe in February has affected many including students, teachers, parents and the community in general. Queensland Health is working with St Patrick’s College to to establish a local response coordination team. Part of their work has been to distribute information and resources regarding the impact of traumatic incidents on children, young people and communities. Facts sheets on trauma, loss and grief can be found at:

• Australian Child & Adolescent Trauma, Loss & Grief Network – www.earlytraumagrief.anu.edu.au
• Queensland Health disaster management – www.health.qld.gov.au/mentalhealth/useful_links/disaster_facts.asp

TPCH specialist outpatient changes

New clinics have started at Specialist Medical Services (Outpatients) at The Prince Charles Hospital. New clinics are bulk billed to Medicare and require a named referral. Referrals without a named specialist will be triaged and placed in existing clinic waiting lists. If there are significant waiting time differences, the hospital will contact GPs to advise. For a full list of specialists with Outpatient Clinics visit www.health.qld.gov.au/northside/html/sms_specialists.asp. For more info, phone Medical Administration 07 3139 4220.

Speakers online

GPpartners maintains a list of health related and business organisation and individuals who are willing to provide information sessions or ‘seminars’ to GP learning groups. View the list.

Secure messaging update

The following is a list of Specialists and Pharmacies who’ve recently connected to Medical Objects secure messaging. If you’d like to get connected or if you know of any Specialists, allied health or even Pharmacies you would like to see on the list, give us a call. Ask for Mat, Kristy or Donna. Ph 07 3630 7300.

Specialists:
Dr Mark Dekkers – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Brisbane Bone and Joint Centre – Dr Robert Cooke – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Justin Hundloe – Thoracic Medicine
Dr Mark Davoren – Paediatric Surgeon
Dr Mike McGill – Paediatric Surgeon

Allied Health:
Fortus Health - Physiotherapy

Pharmacies:
Kallangur Discount Drugstore
Sharolyn Visser – Accredited Pharmacists

Westmead child health diploma

The Children’s Hospital Westmead offers a Diploma in Child Health. One year, part-time distance education program comprising 111 hours of lectures and supporting material, delivered online or via DVD. The course equips participants with enhanced diagnostic, therapeutic and management skills. Successful graduates attain 2 units of Advanced Standing for the Master of Medicine (Paediatric Medicine) from the University of Sydney, also a distance education program. More info: www.chw.edu.au/dch

NCIRS new site

The National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance has launched their new website – www.ncirs.edu.au. The site features new fact sheets and education tools for immunisation providers and health professionals and highlights current research and surveillance information.

Professional development

GPpartners -  for more see Education

• Practice Nurses & Managers Network - This combined meeting covers Recalls, Reminders and Registers. 9 March - Kedron Wavell Services Club, CHERMSIDE
• Pracsoft - Learn Pracsoft the easy way! Sessions cover functions commonly used by both nurses and practice staff and are facilitated by certified, professional trainers. 23 March - GPpartners, LUTWYCHE
• Case for Medicines - Brisbane north GPs and Pharmacists are invited to join our expert presenter for a case based discussion on therapeutic choices for menopausal symptoms. 24 March - The Pavilion, BREAKFAST CREEK
• A Case Discussion with Heart - You’re in the driving seat at this Cardiac CPD evening as you steer the education seminar by providing case studies and questions! St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital’s Dr Elisabeth Donnelly, and GP Dr Anita Green will join you to discuss treatment and management issues raised in your case studies. 14 April - GPpartners, LUTWYCHE. RSVP Susan Walsh 07 3834 4371
• Young Minds - skills-focussed training to assist with managing mental health disorders in young people. GPMHSC accredited Mental Health Skills Training. 17 April - GPpartners, LUTWYCHE

Other - for more details see What's on elsewhere

• Prevention is Better Than Cure - Queensland Wound Care Association free morning info session for health professionals and the public. Learn from wound care experts and researchers. 16 March, Masonic Care Sandgate. info@qwca.org.au or ph 07 3348 7380.
• Opioid Substitution Treatment Prescribers training - Free course. Covers assessment, protocols for commencing patients on buprenorphine, opioid substitution, maintenance and withdrawal. A 1 day clinical placement will be arranged as part of prescriber accreditation. Ph 07 3837 5710 or 07 3328 9890. 17 & 24 March.
• Overcoming bulimia nervosa and binge eating - Interactive 2-day workshop presented by experienced eating disorder therapists. Overview of bulimia nervosa and binge eating, key cognitive behavioural treatment concepts, and practical skill development in evidence-based self help strategies. Ph 07 3114 0810 or 07 3114 0809. 18 & 19 March.
• Work-Life Balance: Lessons from Parenting Programs Targeting Working Parents - Explore the feasibility and efficacy of using the workplace as a setting to promote positive parenting practices. Presented by Matthew Sanders, Prof of Clinical Psychology, Director Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland, founder of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program. Ph 07 3274 1886. 22 March

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