Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network invites pharmacists, GPs and staff working with Residential Aged Care Homes (RACH) to join us for a webinar series on Electronic Prescriptions and the Electronic National Residential Medical Chart (eNRMC), including its benefits and the transitional arrangements which commenced on 1 July 2022.

Healthcare providers can use the transitional eNRMC products for the prescribing, dispensing and supply of PBS medicines for Residential Aged Care patients.

Each session will showcase software specific eNRMC functionality and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. All sessions are RACGP CPD Approved Activities in the 2023-25 triennium (1.0 hours EA).

This session will showcase Webstercare eNRMC functionality and provide an opportunity for questions and answers.

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) commenced in NSW on 28 Nov 2023 and, by the time of this webinar, will have been in operation for nearly a year.

This webinar offers an update on the first-year experience in delivering VAD services to patient and families from those at the forefront of its design and delivery.

Speakers will discuss how VAD is being integrated into end-of-life planning, including with palliative care; how to refer patients; some of the emerging trends in patients’ choices such as location and type of administration, and highlight the role and challenges for GPs.

Speakers:

Dr Sara Townend (Clinical Director, Access Service – NSW VAD Support Service and Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) VAD Local Support Team (VAD-LST), General Practitioner)

Dr Sara Townend is the Clinical Director of the medical outreach team within the NSW VAD Support Service, responsible for providing VAD services to patients across NSW, particularly those within regional and rural areas. She is an experienced GP who has worked in adult and pediatric palliative care, in addition to leading the Medical Evacuation Response Group (MERG), a coalition of organizations tasked with evacuating refugees in need of care from Manus and Nauru.

Dr Wade Stedman (Statewide VAD Medical Lead, Intensivist)

Dr Wade Stedman is a Senior Staff Specialist in ICU at RNSH in Sydney. He has a particular interest in End-of-Life Care, Cardiovascular ICU, Trainee wellbeing and education. Over the past 18 months, he has been the Medical Lead for the Implementation of Voluntary Assisted Dying in NSW and is also a VAD Authorised Practitioner. In this role, he was the chair of the NSW VAD Clinical Advisory Group.

Associate Professor Fiona Robinson (Authorised practitioner, Access Service in statewide NSW VAD Support Service)

Associate Professor Fiona Robinson is Head of the General Practice Clinical School within the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney. She is the education lead for delivery of the GP curriculum in the Sydney Medial School. Her research interests include medication safety, transitions of care, patient education and end of life choices. Clinically she has worked in northern Sydney for many years as a GP and now as a VMO in the VAD statewide Access Service. She represents general practice on various committees, both at NSLHD and the SNPHN, including the clinical council and the education advisory group.

Hazel Blanco (Manager, NSLHD VAD-LST)

Hazel Blanco is Manager, NSLHD VAD-LST and was nursing co-lead for implementation of the VAD program in NSLHD. She has 13 years’ experience in the field of organ and tissue donation both in Australia and the UK in a variety of roles donor coordinator, education coordinator, A/Clinical Manager and A/Director of Nursing OTDS. Prior to this, she worked in ICU nursing in Australia and UK. She is passionate about end-of-life care and options available to patients.

For more information: Robi Robinson, Education Program Coordinator – 9432 8250 or rrobinson@snhn.org.au

After the success of our inaugural Enhancing Paediatrics in Primary Care Workshop last year, we are excited to invite you once again for another enriching day of education.

This free, full-day workshop will centre on infant and early childhood care, providing an invaluable opportunity to deepen your skills, expand your knowledge and connect with fellow practitioners and experts in the paediatric field.

Don’t miss out on this chance to advance your practice and contribute to the wellbeing of our youngest patients!

Topics include
Infant sleeping
Tongue Tie
Allergy
Perinatal Infant Mental Health
Brighter Beginnings Update
Infant Feeding
Allied Health tips for the very young age group
Developmental Screeners and when to refer
Making sense of Children’s emotions

Key speakers

Dr Leah Finney – General Paediatrician
Dr Theresa Pitts – General Paediatrician
Ms Michelle Taylor – Clinical Psychologist
Ms Jodie Bruce – Brighter Beginnings Project Manager
Dr Leisel Trompf – General Paediatrician
Lara Trevethan – Portfolio Manager – NDIS
Dr Robert Wilkinson – General Paediatrician

In person attendance is encouraged. For those unable to make the event in person, please contact MPHN CPD coordinator at events@mphn.org.au for a videoconference link.

Additional dinner event

For those attending the ANSC or EPiPIC workshops we would like to invite you to join us in the evening for light refreshments and canapes and connect with your peers, with special guest speaker Dr Ameeta Patel – General Practitioner and Chair of Doctors’ Health NSW. Saturday 9 November from 6pm-9pm. Numbers are limited for this evening catch up.

This annual full-day workshop focused on pregnancy care is for GPs who are interested in providing shared care in pregnancy, and GPs who want an update on first trimester care.

Session 1: Orientation to the Murrumbidgee Region GP Antenatal Shared Care Program, 8.30am – 1.30pm

Local GP obstetricians and midwives will present the orientation session, focusing on recommended investigations in early pregnancy, risks in pregnancy, gestational diabetes, ‘booking in’ and pre-natal testing.

• RACGP/ACRRM : Educational Activities: 2hrs I Reviewing Performance: 3.5hr I Measuring Outcomes: 1.5hrs

Session 2: Update to the Murrumbidgee Region GP Antenatal Shared Care Program, 2.00 pm – 4.30pm

The update session will feature presentations on MTOP, Cross cultural refugee and what’s new.

• RACGP/ACRRM : Educational Activities: 1hr I Reviewing Performance: 1.5hr I Measuring Outcomes: 1.5hrs

Additional dinner event

For those attending the ANSC or EPiPIC workshops we would like to invite you to join us in the evening for light refreshments and canapes and connect with your peers, with special guest speaker Dr Ameeta Patel – General Practitioner and Chair of Doctors’ Health NSW. Saturday 9 November from 6pm-9pm. Numbers are limited for this evening catch up.

To be eligible for the program, GPs are invited to ensure they meet the following criteria:

1. Attend the annual Murrumbidgee Region GP Antenatal Shared Care Program Orientation workshop once in a 3 year term, and

2. Attend at least one Murrumbidgee Region GP Antenatal Shared Care Program Update session in a 3 year term OR attend three educational sessions which have relevant antenatal/postnatal/women’s health topics in 3 year term

3. GPs who attended education external to the events hosted by MPHN will need to provide evidence of completed training. Doctors will be required to provide a copy of the Statement of Attendance to the CPD Coordinator.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network invites pharmacists, GPs and staff working with Residential Aged Care Homes (RACH) to join us for a webinar series on Electronic Prescriptions and the Electronic National Residential Medical Chart (eNRMC), including its benefits and the transitional arrangements which commenced on 1 July 2022.

Healthcare providers can use the transitional eNRMC products for the prescribing, dispensing and supply of PBS medicines for Residential Aged Care patients.

Each session will showcase software specific eNRMC functionality and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. All sessions are RACGP CPD Approved Activities in the 2023-25 triennium (1.0 hours EA).

This session will showcase BestMed eNRMC functionality and provide an opportunity for questions and answers.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network invites pharmacists, GPs and staff working with Residential Aged Care Homes (RACH) to join us for a webinar series on Electronic Prescriptions and the Electronic National Residential Medical Chart (eNRMC), including its benefits and the transitional arrangements which commenced on 1 July 2022.

Healthcare providers can use the transitional eNRMC products for the prescribing, dispensing and supply of PBS medicines for Residential Aged Care patients.

Each session will showcase software specific eNRMC functionality and provide an opportunity for questions and answers. All sessions are RACGP CPD Approved Activities in the 2023-25 triennium (1.0 hours EA).

This session will showcase Acredia eNRMC functionality and provide an opportunity for questions and answers.

Primary care professionals are invited to attend interactive training sessions facilitated by Diabetes Australia. These sessions are designed to expand your knowledge of diabetes care and enhance the support you provide to individuals living with diabetes, particularly those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds in the Murrumbidgee.

Session 2: LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)

In this session, you’ll learn:

• What is LADA?

• Identifying LADA: Available tests

• Managing diabetes in individuals with LADA: Is it different?

Sessions will be led by credentialed diabetes educators.

CPD Hours: This is a self-reporting CPD event (Educational Activity - EA) worth 1 hour.

Please join Dr Raymond Stanton and Dr Robert Thomas for dinner and education.

Presenter: Dr Ramond Stanton (Urologist based in Wagga Wagga )

GP update on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), covering the pathophysiology, initial management strategies, and referral guidelines. This session will explore modern conservative approaches alongside medical and surgical treatment options.

Presenter: Dr Robert Thomas (Urologist based in Wagga Wagga) 

GP update on urinary incontinence in general practice, offering local medical practitioners efficient and cost-effective treatment pathways. The session will also provide information on available services within the MLHD to support the management of urinary incontinence.

Register by 23 October 2024

Join us for an evening dedicated to strengthening collaboration in medication management. Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is partnering with local hospitals to deliver the ASPIRE Trial in our region, aimed at reducing medication-related harm during transitions of care.

We’ve also established a Medication Safety Hub, providing a dedicated Medication Safety Pharmacist to support you with queries related to the ASPIRE trial, Home Medicines Review (HMR) referrals, and other medication safety concerns. Speakers for the event include:

• Dr Jason Bennie (PhD), Chief Data Officer and Research Lead - Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network

• Mahmoud Mahmoud, District Chief Pharmacist – Murrumbidgee Local Health District

• Melissa Catanzariti, Medication Safety Pharmacist Research Assistant (ASPIRE) – Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network

• Dr Stephanie Armstrong, Senior Staff Specialist Geriatrician, Head of the Department of Geriatrics  - Murrumbidgee Local Health District

Light dinner provided.

You do not need to be part of the trial to attend.

About the ASPIRE Trial:

The ASPIRE Trial (A systems approach to enhancing community-based medication review) is a national study focused on improving post-discharge medication review processes through a PHN-based model. Sponsored by the University of Sydney, the trial aims to reduce hospital readmissions by fostering better communication and coordination between hospitals, GPs, pharmacists, and patients, particularly during the high-risk transition from hospital to home.

Primary care professionals are invited to attend interactive training sessions facilitated by Diabetes Australia. These sessions are designed to expand your knowledge of diabetes care and enhance the support you provide to individuals living with diabetes, particularly those from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds in the Murrumbidgee.

Session 1: Medications & Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

In this session, you’ll learn:

• How a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) works

• How CGMs can influence behavior and aid diabetes management

• Different types of diabetes medications and the latest advancements

• The role of technology and medications in supporting patient self-management

Sessions will be led by credentialed diabetes educators.

CPD Hours: This is a self-reporting CPD event (Educational Activity - EA) worth 1 hour.

This month our Practice network meeting will have a clinical focus and we have some great guest speakers lined up to talk about various program and services in our area.

Alexandra Walker is the Health Promotion officer in the health promotions team at  MLHD  -  she will be joining the meeting to talk about the Get Healthy service. Especially the Get healthy in pregnancy https://www.gethealthynsw.com.au/ and Active and Healthy for Life programs that are available https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/. She will talk about the health promotions team and how you can refer patients to them.

Chris Baily-Mills is a clinical nurse consultant – Sexual health HIV and related programs (HARP) Unit at MLHD and Southern NSW Local Health District. Chris will be talking to us about the increase in Monkey Pox cases throughout  Australia. With some recent confirmed local cases, Chris will be reminding us of the importance of keeping vigilant, knowing what to look for and how to refer if you have concerns. He will also be able to answer any other Sexual health related questions that you may have.

Barb Wilson is the Immunisation Coordinator – Albury Public health, covering MLHD and Southern NSW local health District. Barb will be talking about all things immunisation – she will be on hand to talk about any upcoming changes and there to answer any questions you may have in relation to Immunisation or Cold Chain management.

Peta Anderson – MPHN clinical programs and emergency response manger will also be on hand to answer any COVID-19 questions and will also talk to you about the importance of making sure your practice and your patients are prepared for the summer.

Join us for a compelling and insightful discussion as leading experts from diverse fields come together to demystify and destigmatise advanced care planning.

This dynamic panel features general practitioners, nurses, First Nations palliative care representative, and solicitor who all bring their unique perspective to advanced care planning.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of advanced care planning from the viewpoints of medical professionals, palliative care experts, legal advisors, and First Nations representatives, and learn how these perspectives can be integrated into more holistic and effective patient care..

• Develop practical skills in navigating the complexities of advanced care planning, including legal considerations, cultural sensitivity, and interdisciplinary communication, to better support and advocate for patients’ end-of-life preferences.

• Implement strategies to challenge the stigma around advanced care planning fostering a more open, empathetic, and proactive approach to planning for end-of-life care.

Dinner provided.

Target Audience: general practitioners, registrars, practice nurses, RACH managers, and allied health professionals.

Register here: stickytickets.com.au/2UCPP

Discover new strategies for transforming challenging conversations into successful outcomes with the HealthChange approach.

GPs are invited to attend this interactive workshop and case discussion will be facilitated by Caroline Bills, Health Change Associate, and the MLHD Palliative Care team.

This session will focus on; 

• Learn how the HealthChange® Methodology tools relate to providing holistic patient-centred care. 

• Sharpen your engagement skills to improve your uptake of treatment advice.

• Develop a deeper understanding of how to have difficult conversations with chronic care patients and their families across their healthcare journey. 

• Learn how the MLHD Palliative Care team can support you in General Practice to provide high-quality care for chronic disease patients.

Pre-learning online modules are required to be completed.

3-course dinner provided on the night. 

Register now at stickytickets.com.au/4llfx

Bridging the gap between theory and practice in patient engagement and behaviour change support!

Practice nurses and aged care nurses are invited to this 1-hour introductory session which introduces key tools to make care planning more patient-centred, systematic, and effective.

HealthChange® Methodology is used by major public health services as well as not for profit and private health coaching programs. Using a person-centred approach is considered best practice when managing people with chronic disease and complex issues. Using this method promotes professional satisfaction and confidence in dealing with patients with complex needs, without adding extra time.

Topics covered include;

• Why people need to follow health, medical, or other recommendations.

• Learn practical skills on how use the HealthChange Methodology in your everyday practice.

• Learn what practice nurses can do to increase readiness, willingness, and confidence in following care plan recommendations.

• Develop your skills in coaching your patients through their health journey.

Lunch provided.

Join us for the Cardiac Respiratory Imaging Update for GPs – a unique opportunity designed specifically for rural generalists and general practitioners. This event will focus on critical cardiac and respiratory issues, featuring insightful discussions on:

• Understanding of role of CT and MRI in investigating cardiac symptoms.

• Approach to interpretation of respiratory radiology tailored for general practitioners.

• Current trends and developments in PET imaging for chest pathologies and cardiac nuclear medicine.

Stay at the forefront of medical advancements and enhance your expertise in diagnosing and treating chest-related conditions. Don’t miss out on this valuable learning experience!

Guest speakers will include:

• Prof Joseph Suttie (Cardiologist)

• Dr Nick Stephenson AM (Radiologist)

• Prof Rashid Hashmi (Nuclear Medicine Physician)

• Prof Tara Mackenzie (Respiratory Physician)

This is a free event; lunch and refreshments will be provided. 

RACGP/ACRRM accreditation is pending.

Venue: Leeton Soldiers Club
Cnr Acacia &, Yanco Ave, Leeton NSW 2705

This event is for GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.

Join the Diabetes Mobile Outreach Team from St Vincents Health Sydney to discuss the latest updates in diabetes management. The team will be providing valuable insight into navigating complex diabetes cases through collaborative case discussions and discussing the diabetes mobile service.

Presented by:

• Dr Nele Lenders, Endocrinologist, St Vincents Health Network Sydney.

• Gael Holters, Credentialled diabetes educator and clinical nurse consultant, St Vincents Health Network Sydney

Catering provided.

This is a self-reporting CPD event, 1hr EA, 1hr RP.

Join us for an insightful event covering key topics in gastroenterology:

Bowel Cancer Screening:

• Understand indications and processes

A-Z of Gastroenterology Classification Systems:

• Learn about the different scoring systems used in endoscopy

• Explore the various classification systems in gastroenterology

• Evaluate the need, significance, and implications of these systems in the context of communication with GPs

Presenters include:

• Nishmi Gunasingam (Gastroenterologist)

• Lindsay Chow (Gastroenterologist)

This is a free event. Finger food and light refreshments will be provided.

ACRRM accreditation is pending.

Presented by: Pink Hope

Join us for an insightful event focused on identifying and supporting patients who may be at an increased risk of hereditary cancer. This event is designed to provide healthcare professionals with essential knowledge and tools to effectively manage and support patients with a family history of cancer.

Topics will include:

• Importance of investigating family cancer history

• Guidelines for referring to genetic services/counseling/testing

• EviQ guidelines and prevalence statistics

• Options for genetic testing – public/private

• Implications of genetic testing – risk reduction, high-risk breast screening, surgery, cancer treatment implications

• Psychosocial/life implications

• Talking to family

• Information about support organisations

Guest Speakers:

• Robyn Smith - Programs and Advocacy Manager, Pink Hope

• Nina Fowler - Genetic Counsellor, Wagga Health Service Hub

Target Audience:

• GPs, Nurses, and Allied Health Professionals

RACGP and ACRRM accreditation pending

For the next Practice Network Meeting, we are very excited to have Professor Marion Saville AM, Executive Director and Public Officer, Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, joining us to discuss self-collect screening option for cervical cancer. 

Marion is a New Zealand medical graduate who trained in Anatomic Pathology at Northwestern University in Chicago. She then completed a fellowship in in Cytopathology at East Carolina University and a research fellowship at Georgetown University, focussing on HPV. Marion is particularly interested in how culturally safe screening can meet the needs of disadvantaged groups who have poorer cancer outcomes, in Australia and New Zealand.

Marion was appointed as a member (AM) of the Order of Australia on Australia Day 2020 for her significant service to women’s health through cervical screening initiatives.

All practice staff are welcome to join.

Join the Diabetes Mobile outreach team from St Vincents Health Sydney to discuss the latest updates in diabetes management. The team will be providing valuable insight into navigating complex diabetes cases through collaborate case discussions and presenting the diabetes mobile service.

Presented by: Dr Lisa Raven, Endocrinologist, St Vincents Hospital & Gael Holters, Credentialed Diabetes Educator and Clinical Nurse Consultant, St Vincents Hospital.

Participants are encouraged to bring case studies & questions to discuss at the event.

Event is for GP’s, practice nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.

This is a self-reporting CPD event.

YOUNG - Friday 12 July 2024, 8.30am – 3.30pm

Young Services Club, 42 Cloete Street

Registration – 8.30am

Meals provided

Practice Nurses are invited to review the current best practice policy for immunisation.

Topic highlights:

• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

• Barb Wilson (PHU) – changes to NIP vaccines, Cold chain, Data loggers – what we need to know about the new cloud-based monitors, anaphylaxis

• Valia Toupoulis – (MLHD) Sexual health update

• Deb Macfie – (UTS) Respiratory management and spirometry guidelines

CPR Training will be held from 3.30 – 4.30pm at each event. Limited numbers. Register now.

COROWA - Tuesday 9 July 2024, 8.30am – 3.30pm

Club Corowa, 30 Betterment Parade

Registration – 8.30am

Meals provided

Practice Nurses are invited to review the current best practice policy for immunisation.

Topic highlights:

• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

• Barb Wilson (PHU) – changes to NIP vaccines, Cold chain, Data loggers – what we need to know about the new cloud-based monitors, anaphylaxis

• Valia Toupoulis – (MLHD) Sexual health update

• Deb Macfie – (UTS) Respiratory management and spirometry guidelines

CPR Training will be held from 3.30 – 4.30pm at each event. Limited numbers. Register now.

GRIFFITH - Friday 5 July 2024, 8.30am – 3.30pm

Griffth Exies Club, Unit 6/12 Jondaryan Avenue

Registration – 8.30am

Meals provided

Practice Nurses are invited to review the current best practice policy for immunisation.

Topic highlights:

• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

• Barb Wilson (PHU) – changes to NIP vaccines, Cold chain, Data loggers – what we need to know about the new cloud-based monitors, anaphylaxis

• Valia Toupoulis – (MLHD) Sexual health update

• Deb Macfie – (UTS) Respiratory management and spirometry guidelines

CPR Training will be held from 3.30 – 4.30pm at each event. Limited numbers. Register now.

We are inviting primary care, specialist care and allied health professionals, practice managers, practice nurses and pharmacists to a webinar Provider Connect Australia (PCA). 

Hear from an Australian Digital Health Agency speaker on how PCA can streamline how you communicate about your healthcare services to your business partners. 

Wednesday 3 July 2024 7:00pm to 8:00pm 

This event is led by Western Sydney Primary Health Network, operated by WentWest.

Other participating PHNs: Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, North Coast Primary Health Network, Northern Sydney Primary Health Network, South Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Western NSW Primary Health Network.

WAGGA WAGGA - Wednesday 3 July 2024, 8.30am – 3.30pm

Rules Club Wagga Wagga Fernleigh Road, Glenfield Park

Registration – 8.30am

Meals provided

Practice Nurses are invited to review the current best practice policy for immunisation.

Topic highlights:

• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

• Barb Wilson (PHU) – changes to NIP vaccines, Cold chain, Data loggers – what we need to know about the new cloud-based monitors, anaphylaxis

• Valia Toupoulis – (MLHD) Sexual health update

• Deb Macfie – (UTS) Respiratory management and spirometry guidelines

CPR Training will be held from 3.30 – 4.30pm at each event. Limited numbers. Register now.

MPHN invites Allied Health Professionals and the practice staff to join a digital health webinar on My Health Record for Allied Health.

Topics to be covered during the webinar:

• Introduction to My Health Record

• An overview and key features of the My Health Record

• Benefits for Allied health professionals and how it can be used in the practice

• How to register for My Health Record to access the system via through a conformant software or the National Provider Portal.

• An overview of the new My Health Record app

•  Q&A session

For more information and to register click here.  The webinar recording will be shared with all registrants after the webinar.  

This event is for GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.

Join the Diabetes Mobile outreach team from St Vincents Health Sydney to discuss the latest updates in diabetes management. The team will be providing valuable insight into navigating complex diabetes cases through collaborative case discussions and discussing the diabetes mobile service.

Presented by:

• Dr Nele Lenders, Endocrinologist,  St Vincents Health Network Sydney.

• Gael Holters, Credentialled diabetes educator and clinical nurse consultant, St Vincents Health Network Sydney.

Catering provided.

This is a self-reporting CPD event, 1hr EA, 1hr RP.