News

To improve access to high quality care that is closer to home the Primary Health Network is pleased to have been funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health to pilot a project that will provide training and support for local GPs and other health professionals.

In preparation for the rollout of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, a vaccination module has been developed and released in Capacity Tracker.

From March 2021, 16 new MBS items will be available to enable GPs and suitably qualified health professionals to assess patient’s for their suitability to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Five (5) grants of $6,000 each are available to CALD support organisations in the Hunter New England and Central Coast areas to develop video, audio and/or printed materials to encourage local people in CALD community groups impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social isolation to access local mental health and wellbeing support services.

The Department of Health has published a readiness toolkit for residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to help prepare for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines and obtaining and recording consent for residents.

Grants of $5,000 - $50,000 (excluding GST) are available for programs, activities, equipment and/or resources for small to large-scale projects across the PHN region that help activate video consultation.

A new counselling service spearheaded by ACON, Australia’s largest sexuality and gender diverse health organisation, will give LGBTQ community members more options in accessing inclusive and culturally appropriate mental health care and support. Pride Counselling provides counselling support to LGBTQ community members seeking an affordable service.

CEO for the Primary Health Network Richard Nankervis is delighted to report that over 90% of general practices across our region have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to participate in the COVID 19 Vaccine roll out.

The Department of Health has changed legislation so that Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation PBS (RPBS) medicines must be prescribed using the active ingredient names, instead of the brand name of a medicine.

The Primary Health Network has received Bushfire Recovery Community Wellbeing funding from the Federal government for the provision of non-clinical, evidence based mental health wellbeing activities.