News & Announcements

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a rare but serious infection spread by mosquito bites. Cases of JE have been confirmed in parts of regional NSW following recent heavy rains.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hit older Australians particularly hard as one of the most vulnerable populations to the virus. This has resulted in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) being locked down, staff dealing with COVID-19 related deaths, outbreaks, staffing shortages, and potential job losses due to mandatory vaccination.

The Australian Government has accepted the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s (ATAGI) recommendation that an additional booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine be provided to vulnerable population groups to increase their protection levels before winter.

General practices are being asked to undertake a significant number of pandemic-specific activities in addition to their usual general practice work. In recognition of the additional effort by practices, Practice Support Grants of $4,000 (ex GST) are available to all General Practice sites in the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network Region to support ongoing COVID care and vaccinations.

Following the success of last year’s inaugural Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards, we are excited to announce that the Awards are returning on Friday the 24th of June, 2022.

Following a successful trial in 2021, phase 2 of the Text to Detect – National Heart Health Check Recall program has recently been launched.

The Australian Government will invest more than $315 million over four years to extend the National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS) aiming to reduce the impact of ice, other drugs and alcohol.

Newcastle Safe Haven has recently re-opened its doors following a temporary closure due to the COVID-19 lockdowns.

First Nations communities on the Central Coast and Mid North Coast now have access to a program that targets health risk factors associated with Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.

The Primary Health Network will host its first conference specifically for Allied Health professionals in May this year. The #WeCareTogether conference will provide a unique opportunity for participants to share their insights and collaborate with others from across the region's allied health sector.