Monday Mail Tuesday, 27 January 2015 frontdesk@gvml.com.au – www.gvml.com.au – (03) 5831 5399 ALERTS GVML CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Vaccine Cold Chain Breach – Changes to Reporting Requirements from January 2015 Change of Venue for Practice Nurse Network Meeting The following cold chain breach advice relates to the Government-supplied vaccine as of 1 January 2015. The Immunisation Section has reviewed the cold chain breach reporting process in-line with vaccine management following short term, single occasion heat breach events such as breaches caused by a power outage. Immunisation Providers are no longer required to complete a vaccine cold chain breach report form for a breach where vaccine is exposed, on a single occasion to heat with a temperature of less than 25o Celsius, for less than six hours. The Government-supplied vaccine can continue to be administered after this single event scenario. Please determine the cause of the breach and where possible, address this to reduce the risk of the event reoccurring. Vaccine must be marked with a pen to identify it in the event the same vaccine is breached a second time. A cold chain breach form must continue to be complete for all other breaches such as: A freeze breach o A heat breach greater than or equal to 25 Celsius A heat breach greater than or equal to six hours Vaccines breached on more than one occasion Visit the health.vic.gov.au website for further information about vaccine cold chain management and to download a cold chain breach report form. Ophthalmic Products Temporarily Out of Stock Zovirax (acyclovir) Ophthalmic Ointment and Siguent Hycor (hydrocortisone) Ophthalmic Ointment are currently out of stock until April 2015. Alternative products that could be prescribed are outlined below: Please note that there has been change of venue for the Practice Nurse Network Meeting being held on 3 February. New venue Goulburn Valley Medicare Local, 226 Wyndham Street Shepparton. Please register if you wish to attend. Date: 3 February, 2015 Time: 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Venue: Goulburn Valley Medicare Local, Boardroom 226 Wyndham Street, Shepparton RSVP: 27 January, 2015 frontdesk@gvml.com.au For further information or to register download the registration form or contact reception at frontdesk@gvml.com.au or on 5831 5399. Early Intervention of Parkinson’s Disease This presentation will look at the early diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s disease, in particular the use of oral therapies. Date: 5 February, 2015 Time: 6:30 pm – Registration 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Venue: Cobram Barooga Golf Club RSVP: frontdesk@gvml.com.au For further information or to register contact reception on frontdesk@gvml.com.au or on 5831 5399. Current Approaches to Prevention and Management of Mastitis in Breastfeeding Women Heather Harris, Midwife and Lactation Consultant, is presenting this CPD event in Wallan. This education session will cover: Causes and basic management Types of mastitis When to use antibiotics and when to avoid Role of probiotics Outcomes of poorly managed mastitis and how to avoid / manage Date: 14 February, 2015 Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm Venue: Wallan GP Super Clinic 7-11 High Street, Wallan RSVP: frontdesk@gvml.com.au This event is aimed at GPs and Practice Nurses. See the flyer for more information. Zovirax (acyclovir) Ophthalmic Ointment out of stock An alternative to topical acyclovir is oral acyclovir 400 mg five times daily, which is equivalent to topical treatment and avoids corneal epithelial toxicity. Alternatively (e.g. where renal impairment may limit systemic use of acyclovir), Ganciclovr 0.15% Ophthalmic Gel is available under Special Access Scheme which requires a completion of SAS B form prior to commencement. The usual dose (adults and elderly) is 1 drop of gel in each infected eye, five times per day until healed, then three times per day for seven days. The SAS Category B form can be downloaded from www.tga.gov.au. On the form, write the product as Ganciclovir Eye Gel 0.15%, 5g HL Pharma and Symbion are two distributors of this product (Virgan is the current brand of ganciclovir ophthalmic gel) It usually takes five business days for SAS product approval, but the TGA have advised that if the application form is faxed and followed up with a phone call on 02 6232 8111, it can be approved sooner as they are prioritising all ganciclovir request forms. The dispensing pharmacy will require a copy of the SAS approval form prior to supply of the medication. Patients can take the approval form and prescription to their local pharmacy or a practice can purchase directly. HL Pharma can deliver the ganciclovir the same day in metropolitan Melbourne (if ordered before 10:00 am) or the following business day (Melbourne and country wide, although some rural locations may require two days delivery). Distributor details: HL Pharma Pty Ltd (03) 9823 6228 contact@hlpharma.com.au www.hlpharma.com.au Siguent Hycor (hydrocortisone) Ophtalmic Ointment Shortage An alternative corticosteroid ophthalmic ointment is not currently available, so whilst intermittent availability of this product continues until April 2015, it may be appropriate for general practitioners and optometrists to prescribe corticosteroid eye drops instead of the ointment. For more information, please contact the Pharmacy Department at The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital on (03) 9929 8203. A product information sheet can be downloaded here. Chronic Kidney Disease Education Event This interactive educational event will provide GPs and other health professionals with specialist and general practice knowledge regarding chronic kidney disease. Key information will be provided about the stages of renal disease, client needs within general practice including hypertensive and cardiovascular care, as well as the optimal times to refer clients on to relevant specialist care. The presentation will also include case study discussion regarding problem solving and practical solutions within general practice. Date: 25 February, 2015 Time: 5:45 pm – Registrations 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Venue: The University of Melbourne, Lecture Theatre 49 Graham Street, Shepparton RSVP: 23 February, 2015 frontdesk@gvml.com.au RSVP by 23 February to frontdesk@gvml.com.au with your name, organisation, RACGP number, contact number, and any accessibility and/or dietary requirement requests via email or phone (03) 5831 5399. Advance Care Planning Community Forum On Wednesday 4 March, a community forum is being held at the Shepparton Youth Hall with presentations and inforamation stalls. The aim of the day is to provide members of the community with knowledge about the process and legal framework around advance care planning. Date: 4 March, 2015 Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Venue: Shepparton Youth Hall Archer Street, Shepparton More information will be made available on the Goulburn Valley Medicare Local website. CONGRATULATIONS Clem Furphy Receives Order of Australia Medal Goulburn Valley Medical Local would like to congratulate Clem Furphy, GVML director, on receiving an Order of Australia medal for service to health care, and to the community of the Goulburn Valley. Clem has contributed over 30 years of executive service and administrative service to health care and the arts. This is an amazing achievement and his OAM is well deserved. OTHER CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS Explosion of Medicines in COPD Did you know in 2014 there were six new medicines and two new inhaler devices released for COPD? This certainly makes it challenging for health professionals working with patients with COPD. To help health professionals to support patients with this disabling condition Lung Foundation Australia has updated the popular COPD Online training for nurses and pharmacists. The training carries continuing professional development (CPD) hours for nurses and pharmacists. For further information view the flyer or visit www.lungfoundation.com.au. OTHER INFORMATION Remembering a Respected Colleague Dr Francis Xavier Lyons passed away on Friday 9 January. A service of thanksgiving was held at Sacred Heart Yarrawonga on Wednesday 14 January. Frank was a GP in Yarrawonga for over 40 years. During that time he taught many medical students and junior doctors. On talking to doctors at conferences and mentioning working in Yarrawonga, many asked after FXL and had their very own Frank story including eating full of shot when visiting him. Frank enjoyed fishing, shooting, and golf. He embraced new technology, including using the practice computers, but used to mention “his hard drive was full and he would need to lose something in order to add new information”. Medical knowledge changed and expanded greatly during his long time in practice but he remained up to date, teaching himself many new concepts. He was the quintessential Rural GP, practicing anesthetics, Obstetrics, and some Surgery at a time when this was seen as part of the job and nothing special. His laconic sense of humour, once understood, endeared him to all who he met. Like all rural procedural GPs, Frank was only able to serve his community due to the support and understanding of his wife Terry and family. During rare time off they travelled and filled their house with photos and souvenirs. Fishing trips were a please shared with friends. APNA – An Education and Career Framework Focus Group The Australian Primary Health Nurses Association (APNA) has received funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health to commence the development of an education and career framework for nurses in general practice. Date: 10 February, 2015 Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm Venue: Goulburn Valley Medicare Local 226 Wyndham Street, Shepparton RSVP: 6 February, 2015 samantha.moses@apna.asn.au See the flyer for further information. Women Drug and Alcohol Service and Perinatal Emotional Health Forum Date: 10 February, 2015 Time: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm Venue: Goulburn Valley Health, Else Jones Education Centre Graham Street, Shepparton RSVP: 2 February, 2015 bruno.giorgio@gvhealth.org.au See the flyer for further information. Acceptance and Commitment Adolescents and Parents Therapy with Children, This workshop is designed for psychologists, social workers, clinicians, teachers, community workers, counsellors, GPs, and anyone interested in using ACT theory and practice when working with children, adolescents, and parents. Date: 9 February, 2015 Time: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Venue: Mooroopna Education & Adult Centre Written by Dr Margi Gould and Dr Clyde Ronan. Cost: Goulburn Valley Medicare Local would like to express our condolences to his family and friends. $230.00 – full cost $100.00 – student / new graduate concession RSVP: 6 February, 2015 Frank Lyons was a dedicated doctor who was a teacher, mentor, colleague, and most importantly a friend. GP Liaison Officer – Ramsay Healthcare Emma Clark is the newly appointed GP Liaison Officer at Ramsay Healthcare. She covers four private hospitals including Shepparton, Wangaratta, Murray Valley, and Albury Wodonga. Her role for these hospitals is to promote the wide range of Specialist and services we have available in our local region. With an aim to work with the GP community to open the communication channels between GP and Specialist, and also to arrange education events and “meet and greats” with any new Specialists. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated and she would welcome the opportunity to come and meet you at your practice to discuss this further. Emma Clark’s contact details are: More information and a copy of the registration form can be found online. Decision Assist Workshops This workshop is part of a training package which aims to improve palliative care and advance care planning services offered to older Australians covering the range of processes involved in meeting end of life care needs – from how best to initiate the important conversations that need to be had, to developing an appropriate advance care plan, understanding legal frameworks, and implementing a comprehensive model of palliative care. Aged Care Nurses Session: Workshop 1 Date: 10 February, 2015 Venue: Kilmore District Hospital Rutledge Street, Kilmore Session: Workshop 2 Date: 7 April, 2015 Venue: Kilmore District Hospital Rutledge Street, Kilmore Phone: 0428 393 249 Email: clarke@ramsayhealth.com.au Home Care Package Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy Healthed have released a video titled Influenza Vaccine in Pregnancy. Presented by Dr Nick Wood at the Annual Women’s Health Update in 2014. Dr Nick Wood is a General Paediatrician at The Children's Hospital at Westmead and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney. He has an NHMRC post-doctoral fellowship to examine maternal and neonatal vaccination. He conducts a clinic for children who have adverse events following a vaccination. The video is available to watch on the Healthed website. Free Whooping Cough Vaccine for Expectant and New Parents The vaccine to protect against whooping cough is recommended for pregnant women in their third trimester or for new parents as soon as possible after the birth. At present a prescription from a doctor is required. The Victorian Government has committed to providing the vaccine free in Victoria to these groups as soon as possible. Vaccine is in short supply and the Department of Health and Human services is currently seeking suppliers. When a supply of vaccine has been secured the program will commence. This may take up to six months. Eligible Victorians will be notified when the free pertussis vaccine program is ready to commence. Immunisation providers will be kept informed of progress in planning and implementing the program, and will be notified in advance of the free pertussis vaccine program commencing. Immunisation Updates from Department of Health and Human Services 2015 Immunisation Schedule Released The updated 2015 Immunisation schedule for Victoria is now available on the health.vic.gov.au website. 2015 Enhanced Released Immunisation Scheduled Session: Workshop 1 Date: 15 April, 2015 Venue: Seymour Hospital Education Centre Session: Workshop 2 Date: 17 June, 2015 Venue: Seymour Hospital Education Centre For further information or to register contact Andrea Davy at Austin Hospital on (03) 9496 6876 or via email at andrea.davy@austin.org.au. World of Wounds 2015 Education Sessions La Trobe University World of Wounds present their 2015 education sessions on wound care. World of Wounds offers a variety of programs relating to wound management, with programs being delivered either face-to-face or with a combination of online modules. A list of the upcoming education sessions can be found online. For further information or to register visit the La Trobe University website or contact Melinda Brooks on (03) 9479 5956 or worldofwounds@latrboe.edu.au. Australia’s Healthy Weight Week Run by the Dieticians Association of Australia, this important week is all about getting the right advice and supporting those looking to be a healthy weight Date: 16 – 22 February, 2015 Australia’s Healthy Weight Week falls at an ideal time with many Australians aspiring to eat better in the New Year. The 2015 campaign aims to get more people cooking at home and eating the right foods in the right portions. For more information visit www.healthyweightweek.com.au Helping Your Patients Who are Drinking at Risky Levels Alcohol kills 15 Australians every day and 5,554 each year. It hospitalises 430 Australians daily and 157,132 over the year. This harm is entirely preventable. GPs are uniquely placed to identify and intervene with patients whose alcohol use is hazardous through screening and brief interventions. This webinar provides the opportunity for GPs to ask questions on how to screen for and conduct brief interventions around risky drinking. A new resource for 2015 is the “Enhanced Schedule” is available on the health.vic.gov.au website. Date: 17 February, 2015 Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Free Vaccine Eligibility Criteria Presenters: Dr Paul Grinzi & Dr Hester Wilson The Free Vaccine Eligibility Criteria can be found on the health.vic.gov.au website. For further information or to register for the webinar click here. Position Vacant – Practice Manager Integrated Care for Older People Seminar An established medical practice in Shepparton is seeking a practice manager to work 9am – 4pm, six days per fortnight. Full time will be considered for the right applicant. This exciting role involves working with reception staff, nursing staff, and GPs in the practice. The practice manager’s role also involves relating with patients and coordinating and supervising the general running of the practice. The Respecting Our Loved One’s Wishes: Delivering Integrated, Consumer Directed Where, When, and How It’s Needed is on 26 and 27 February 2015 at Melbourne Olympic Park. Skills and experience required: Previous practice manager experience or extensive experience working in a medical setting MYOB and basic account skills Good working knowledge of the Medicare system A competitive remuneration package is on offer based on the successful applicant’s experience. For further information and to discuss the application process please phone 0400 155 498. Dietitians Association of Australia Media Release – 2.3 Million Aussies are on a Diet, but Nutrition Fads Not the Answer According to Australia’s latest National Nutrition Survey, more than 2.3 million Australians (13%) aged 15 years and older say they are on a diet to lose weight and improve their health. The Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) is encouraging Australians to ditch fad diets this year and focus on achieving health eating habits and a healthy weight by making changes they can keep long term. A copy of the Dietitians Association of Australia’s media release can be found here. This practical seminar focuses on integration for older people and respecting their wishes in terms of where, when, and how their care is delivered. Date: 26 – 27 February, 2015 Venue: Melbourne Olympic Park Further information including registration information is available at www.changechampions.com.au Introduction to Cost Effectiveness Analysis in Health This is a one day course that provides an introduction to applying cost-effectiveness analysis in health, including in the evaluation of health programs. It is useful for policy makers, clincians, researchers, managers, and anyone else involved in health who wishes to make informed decisions. The course will consisit of short lectures, case studies, and practical class exercises. Modules include an introduction to health economics, cost measurement, outcome measurement, and the interpretation of economic evaluation results for decision-making. Lunch, morning tea, and afternoon tea will be provided. Date: 27 February, 2015 Venue: Graduate House, University of Melbourne Price: Bookings made before 27 January will be at a discounted early bird price $395.00 – for people working in the public sector (including university and DHSS employees) $550.00 – for people working in the private sector Normal prices (non-early bird price) $450.00 – for people working in the public sector (including university and DHSS employees) $650.00 – for people working in the private sector For more details visit the University of Melbourne website. Bookings are available via ecart. If you have any questions economics@unimelb.edu.au. please email health- OTHER CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS CONTINUED EPPIC Forum This exiciting gathering of Australian and international experts, hosted by Professor Patrick McGorry, will draw on local and international experiences to challenage and grow our understanding of working with young people with emerging and early psychosis in diverse clinical settings. Date: 6 March, 2015 For further information call (03) 9342 3744 or email orygen-training@unimelb.edu.au, or visit the Orygen website. Diabetes Study Day for Enrolled and Registered Nurses This study day, with Kathy Mills, a Credentialled Diabetes Educator, is for enrolled and registered nurses. The day will cover contemproary and evidence based research on dietary, exercise, psychological and pharmacological management of diabetes mellitus. Date: 6 March, 2015 Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Venue: Inner East Melbourne Medicare Local 6 Lakeside Drive, Burwood East Cost: $220.00 – early bird registration(before 20 February) $250.00 – full registration RSVP: diabetes.ed@optusnet.com.au This study day is eligible for 6 hours professional education. Morning tea, lunch, and notes are provided. For further information download the flyer or contact Kathy via email at diabetes.ed@optusnet.com.au Hormones and Female Cancers – Clinical Controversies Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium (MPCCC) would like to welcome you to the Hormones and Female Cancers- Clinical Controversies conference. They have endeavoured to put together a stimulating program with speakers who are renowned in Australia and internationally in their field. Date: 21 March, 2015 Time: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Venue: The Rydges 701 Swanston Street, Melbourne For further information download the flyer or visit the Southern Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service website. B-Informed – Hepatitis B Workshop In collaboration with St Vincent’s and Hepatis Victoria, the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health will be holding workshops for the B-Informed – Addressing Hepatitis B Within a Community Context. Date: 24 March, 2015 26 May, 2015 25 August, 2015 Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm Venue: Training Room – North Richmond Community Health 23 Lennox Street, Richmond, 3121 For futher information about the workshop or to book a place in one of the sessions, visit the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity & Health website. A Practitioner’s Guide to Care of the Dying This workshop is designed to help medical practitioners and mental health professionals incorporate theoretically sound and empiricially derived principles into sensitive and effective care of dying patients and their families. Program 1 Date: 18 May, 2015 Venue: Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens 13 Spring Street, Melbourne Program 2 Date: 19 May, 2015 Venue: Mercure Melbourne Treasury Gardens 12 Spring Street, Melbourne Full workshop outlines and learning outcomes can be found at www.grief.org.au. www.gvml.com.au 226 Wyndham Street Shepparton VIC 3630 PO Box 1074 Shepparton VIC 3632 (03) 5831 5399 – (03) 5831 5396 frontdesk@gvml.com.au Goulburn Valley Medicare Local (ABN 35 062 463 097)
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