Welcome to the Keeping GPs informed in the July 2016 edition of GP Connect changing primary health landscape In the lead up to the Federal election, there have been significant announcements made by the major parties in the primary health care space. INSIDE: Clearly, the issue of the Federal In this sixth edition of GP Connect, Government’s extended freeze on we continue to provide important • Childrens Hospital Medicare rebates has been top-of-mind public hospital clinical updates that are • Hospital Liaison within general practice, as is primary of direct concern to general practice – healthcare research and GP training. and to your patients. • Digital Health • Aboriginal Health WAPHA and the WA Primary Health The work of the PHNs’ Hospital Liaison Networks (PHNs) view general practice GPs is valuable in connecting what • Clinical Update as the foundation of Australia’s is happening in our major hospitals • HealthPathways WA healthcare system and we are to general practice and the care of committed to continuing our ongoing your patients. • Rural Round-up consultation and engagement with the The WA PHNs have a key role in RACGP, WAGPET and individual GPs. If you wish to receive this supporting general practice during The three major political parties have the complex transition phase of the newsletter electronically, each made significant announcements My Health Record (MyHR). Please ‘subscribe’ by in areas that impact on primary health signing up via our website MyHR is rapidly becoming firmly care including health system reform, at www.wapha.org.au established within the Australian health funding, medical research, primary system, and it is important that GPs, prevention, mental health, Aboriginal your practice staff and patients are health and chronic disease. enabled to achieve optimal value from It is clear that the important role of a shared patient health record. Australia’s GPs has been considered The WA PHNs have employed a Digital in health policy development within Health Team, who will facilitate the all major parties. We now await the support general practices will need election outcome and the subsequent to navigate MyHR, e-health practice policy announcements that will further incentives, data management and develop the role of the PHNs and our the changes we will see in relation to ongoing interaction with GPs. technology requirements associated WAPHA and the WA PHNs are currently with the Health Care Home and in the process of commencing management of patients with communication with GPs around the complex and chronic disease within value that PHNs can add to general general practice. practice. At this stage of our evolution, I hope you enjoy reading the current it is critical that we seek your views on edition of GP Connect, and we welcome the most valuable types of GP practice your comments and suggestions to support services that can be provided by Contact us assist us in developing content for WAPHA and the PHNs. I hope that GPs future editions. [email protected] across the State engage with us in this (08) 6272 4900 process to ensure that WAPHA and the Learne Durrington, www.wapha.org.au PHNs provide the most effective and CEO WA Primary Health Alliance 1 useful set of GP support services. PERTH CHILDRENS HOSPITAL

Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) will replace Princess Margaret Hospital as the specialist paediatric hospital at the end of this year.

Located adjacent to Sir Charles This opening schedule has been Gairdner Hospital on the QEII Medical designed to ensure that patient safety Centre grounds, the hospital is is prioritised, and that the highest a modern facility that uses the standards of clinical care continue best design features to provide a to be delivered during the transition light bright and positive healing period and beyond. environment for young WA patients. To stay up to date as we progress towards opening you can sign up to Opening schedule the newsletter via eepurl.com/b5uNdX The building is now reaching or visit newchildrenshospitalproject. completion and on the 8 June health.wa.gov.au the Premier of WA, Colin Barnett announced that PCH will commence taking its first outpatients on 24 October 2016.

PCH will open over the following three stages: Stage Activity Date Stage 1 Some outpatient clinics commence 24 October Stage 2 Same day surgery commences 7 November Stage 3 Final Move Day: 20 November • All inpatients moved • PCH ED opens • PMH closes 2 HOSPITAL LIAISON

If a woman is found to have a Fax number for referrals: King Edward shortened cervix measuring between • 9340 1031 (Outpatient clinic) 10-20mm in mid-pregnancy, it is Memorial Hospital recommended that she uses natural • 9340 1060 (Maternal Fetal Medicine) vaginal progesterone 200mg daily GPs who require further information or Cervical length and the until 36 weeks as this will halve the advice should contact the Preterm Birth role of the GP risk of early preterm birth. Prevention Clinic Midwives by phone Research now suggests that many • GPs will need to write a private 0466 329 638 (Mon-Fri 8am-4pm) or cases of preterm birth may be prescription for progesterone fax 08 9340 2469. preventable and GPs play an important pessaries as they are not For further information about role in prevention of preterm birth. currently covered by the PBS prevention of preterm birth including The WA Preterm Birth Prevention for this indication. The script patient handouts on vaginal Initiative recommends that ultrasound will need to be taken to a progesterone and cervical cerclage visit measurement of the length of the compounding pharmacy. Cost is thewholeninemonths.com.au cervix is routinely performed at 18-20 approximately $65-$75 for one box weeks during the anatomy scan which of 15 pessaries ($140/month) Dr Vicki Westoby Hospital Liaison GP, KEMH is ordered by the GP prior to the • Vaginal progesterone is generally hospital booking visit. free of side effects. [email protected] Available: Monday and Tuesday The presence of a shortened If the cervical length is less than (08) 9340 1561 cervix between 10-20mm at 16-24 10mm, cervical cerclage is usually weeks gestation is a risk factor for recommended. preterm birth. The KEMH Preterm Birth Prevention • If the cervix is 35mm or more on Clinic welcomes GP referrals that meet transabdominal scan, no further the following criteria: assessment is required. 1. Previous preterm birth at 24 to 34 • If the cervix is less than 35mm, a weeks’ gestation transvaginal scan is recommended. 2. Two or more previous preterm The transvaginal scan may need births between 24 and 36+6 weeks’ to be performed at a follow-up gestation appointment and usually the cost of the second ultrasound will be 3. A pregnancy loss between 16+0 bulk-billed. and 23+6 weeks’ gestation 4. Significant uterine anomaly 5. History of cone biopsy of the cervix or more than one LLETZ procedure 6. Cervical length less than 10mm 7. Specific concern of referring clinician

4 3 When discussing referral with your Fiona Stanley/ patients, you might be interested to Central Referral know that there are useful health Fremantle information fact sheets available Service on the GESA website (gesa.org.au), Hospital update including gastroscopy, colonoscopy and Inpatient Discharge Summary GP Delivery Gastro procedures bowel preparation information. Methods – metro and As many referrers have discovered, Including radiology results there is a mandated dedicated referral country form for open access gastro procedures in referrals Many General Practices have (gastroscopy and/or colonoscopy). Referrals for patients who have had requested that hospitals no longer radiology procedures in the community mail inpatient discharge summaries if This form allows accurate and (e.g. orthopaedic or respiratory) are sent by secure electronic messaging timely triaging of patients and safer expedited by the inclusion of reports or faxed. procedures. detailing the name of the radiology Princess Margaret Hospital and Great There is a single process of referral as service and date of procedure. Southern are now only mailing detailed on both fsh.health.wa.gov.au This allows the images to be imported discharge summaries where delivery and fhhs.health.wa.gov.au websites into the hospital imaging system has not been requested by secure where a link to the form is also for clinician access during triage and electronic messaging or fax, and other available (under the health clinic visits. sites may follow suit. professionals tab). Most private radiology services are set The recipient practice’s preferred This form includes information about up to allow image sharing. delivery method now displays along relevant past history and current with other details at the end of symptoms/indications, weight Should these be unavailable, there inpatient discharge summaries from and BMI, medications (especially may be the need to repeat imaging , King Edward anticoagulation/antiplatelet agents), with possible increased radiation Memorial Hospital, Princess Margaret allergies and co-morbidities. exposure, patient inconvenience Hospital, , the and waste of resources through This information is required by the Great Southern and the South-West duplication. hospital at the time of referral. (currently being rolled out). Patients are contacted to confirm any Dr Monica Lacey To change your practice’s preference changes to management and current Hospital Liaison GP, FS/FHG or update any other details in the GP health status close to the time of [email protected] database used by many sites, please the procedure. email [email protected] or phone 9224 7066 with: Procedure specific information forms are provided to patients by the 4 hospital with their bookings. Health Campus Discharge summaries We are currently compiling our priority list for educational events Electronic Discharge Summary for the 2017-2019 triennium. Please System is now in full action via send me your request for inclusion Healthlink. Please update your to the nominated email or contact details in case of any change. Dr Farid Taba. Please direct all requests and enquiries about discharge summaries to the GP Information officer on JHC Specialist Directory 08 9400 9381. The electronic copy will be available soon. Please email if you would like 2016 Education program an electronic copy. Please nominate your medical software system in A full day Orthopaedic ALM workshop the request. was conducted on the 7 May 2016 at the clinical school of the Joondalup Some useful numbers: Health Campus (JHC). • GP Priority line: 9400 9775 The interactive workshop was • ED consultant direct roving phone • Your practice’s preferred method of received well by the 41 participating 9400 9066 discharge summary delivery GPs. Feedback was overwhelmingly • Your practice name, address, positive. Apologies to the GPs Websites phone, fax and for secure electronic missing out due to the limitations of For more information about transmission, your practice’s EDI capacity. We have approached the Joondalup Private Hospital code (obtained from your secure Orthopaedic team for the possibility visit joondalupprivate.com.au messaging provider) of a repeat next year. and for information about • A list of all current GPs at your Our next ALM in Obstetrics and Joondalup Health Campus visit practice including their provider Gynaecology is planned for October joondaluphealthcampus.com.au numbers 2016. To ensure interactivity of the A hard copy will generally also hands-on sessions, the numbers will Dr Farid Taba, GP Liaison, JHC be provided to the patient when be strictly limited. The content of the [email protected] completed by discharge. sessions will be determined by the (08) 9400 9775 (GP priority line) participants’ queries and suggestions Summaries from the hospitals above prior to the ALM. Please send me an will be uploaded into the patient’s My email or call me if you are interested. Health Record where they have one (unless requested otherwise). Some sites will continue to routinely mail hard copies to GPs due to different discharge summary systems and/or site-based executive decisions. For problems receiving discharge summaries electronically, please contact your secure messaging provider’s help desk in the first instance.

Dr Jacquie Garton-Smith Hospital Liaison GP, RPH jacquie.garton-smith@health. wa.gov.au Available: Monday and Thursday (08) 9224 2281

5 DIGITAL HEALTH

phone application will provide support Make your patient My Health Record – and feedback on blood glucose data work for you Webinars monitoring, healthy eating, foot-care and medications via a virtual coach The information you enter into a A number of webinar recordings name Laura. patient’s file can do much more than regarding My Health Record are now act as a record. available online at the WAPHA website The program was created by www.wapha.org.au. The University of Melbourne with Good quality data can be used to save the support of Diabetes Australia, you time, provide personalised care The webinars were conducted by Diabetes WA, Diabetes Victoria and for your patients or even make you NEHTA and focused on subject areas of Diabetes Queensland. The University more money. key concern to GPs including privacy, of Melbourne are now looking for consent, provider and legal obligations Your practice can easily identify people to be part of the first research and getting ePIP ready. patients who are eligible for additional trial of the My Diabetes Coach program Medicare services, or require The webinars have been extremely in Australia. specialised care, and maximise your well attended in WA with hundreds If you have patients that are 18 years business potential by using data of participants taking part in each or older, have type 2 diabetes and have analysis tools. session. Additional webinars are likely recently registered with the NDSS, then to be planned later in the year, watch Users of PenCAT and Topbar* can they are eligible to apply. this space for details, keep an eye on follow a number of easy to use guides, the website or speak to your WAPHA called ‘recipes’, available for free from For more information or to register Network Support Officer. the PenCS website help.pencs.com.au. interest call 1300 170 569, email [email protected] Some of the available recipes or visit the My Diabetes Coach include “Identifying patients eligible My Health Record – website mydiabetescoach.mspgh. for a Bone Mineral Density test”, Opt In Trial unimelb.edu.au/ “Identifying patients eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan” and WAPHA has been selected by the “Patients with respiratory conditions Commonwealth Department of Health Update on national and no smoking status recording”. to lead an innovative opt-in trial for the My Health Record system designed to registers WAPHA is also hosting a webinar on drive further clinical engagement and 14th July from 07:00 – 08:00 about patient registration. National cancer screening register how you can use the PenCS tools to Telstra Health has been selected by The trial involves providing patients assist patients with chronic diseases the Commonwealth Department of with assisted registration and the and specific conditions. Health to deliver and operate the modification of the clinical coordination Australian National Cancer Screening Head to our events page at tool cdmNet to enable a patient’s care Register which will replace the current www.wapha.org.au to register team to access their My Health Record. or view recordings from previous state-based registers for cervical cancer webinars. Similar webinars will also be Further details regarding the trial screening programs and the national scheduled later in the year and details will be available in coming weeks. bowel cancer screening register from will be published in future editions of May 2017. GP Connect. People will be able to access their *Licenses for PenCAT and Topbar are available New Diabetes records online and, with patient from WAPHA free of charge for practices willing consent, general practitioners and to provide de-identified data to WAPHA for health Coaching Program planning purposes. medical specialists will have access to My Diabetes Coach is a world-first patient data and records from any state program which makes it easier or territory from their clinical desktops. for people with type 2 diabetes to monitor and manage their condition The program will be overseen by health while receiving regular advice, professionals and will be led within Telstra Health by Professor Ruth Salom, 6 education and coaching. The smart ABORIGINAL HEALTH

a pathologist and health executive who was the inaugural Executive Director of the State Pathology Service in South Australia from 2008 to 2012.

Australian immunisation register From September 2016 the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) will become the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The ACIR previously recorded Otitis Media in Aboriginal children – vaccination for children up to 20 years specific guidelines of age and the AIR will have the capacity to capture the vaccination Otitis media (OM) continues to be a major health problem for records of Australians of any age. Aboriginal children with significant long-term consequences The Prevention and Control Program with respect to language acquisition and educational outcomes. (WA Health) has developed a guide to assist general practice and other Otitis Media in Aboriginal children To improve the prevention and early immunisation service providers in typically starts earlier (often weeks detection of OM it is recommended using the ACIR. after birth) with episodes occurring that an age-specific ear health history more frequently and lasting much and examination be conducted at all The ‘Guide to ACIR’ includes longer. Episodes may be ‘silent’ until routine child health checks (starting information on: the tympanic membrane ruptures with the Aboriginal Child Health Check • registering an individual with ACIR and chronic suppurative otitis MBS 715 at 6 weeks of age) and 1 • checking an individual’s history media occurs . opportunistically wherever possible. Tympanometry is included in the status on ACIR Due to the high prevalence and Enhanced Aboriginal Child Health • recording immunisation encounters severity of OM in Aboriginal children, Schedule (EACHS)³ from 12 months on ACIR together with its differing nature but can be done earlier. Additional and progression, specific national • registering and receiving automated measures include vaccination guidelines have been developed for ACIR overdue reports according to the Aboriginal childhood diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. • checking whether immunisation vaccination schedule⁴ and counselling These are available on-line or in encounters forwarded to ACIR have for mothers who smoke. hard copy². For children with chronic been recorded by ACIR ear disease, careplans supported by • utilising the secure email on the Recommendations for Clinical Care active recalls for follow-up are now Guidelines on The Management ACIR site recommended. of Otitis Media in Aboriginal and The guide is located on the Ciprofloxacin ear-drops are available Torres Strait Islander Populations can be found by visiting Department of Health’s corporate for Aboriginal children with chronic healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au website ww2.health.wa.gov.au/ suppurative otitis media (CSOM) on Articles/F_I/Guide-to-Australian- the Indigenous PBS authority list Childhood-Immunisation-Register-ACIR (under the brand ciloxin) together with If you have any queries relating the CTG co-payment measure. to the guide, please contact the References Prevention and Control team on 1 http://www.aihw.gov.au/uploadedFiles/ClosingTheGap/Content/Our_publications/2014/ctgc-rs35.pdf (08) 9388 4863. 2 http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ B8A6602C7714B46FCA257EC300837185/$File/Recommendation-for-clinical-guidelines-Otitis-Media.pdf 3 http://www.pmh.health.wa.gov.au/general/CACH/docs/manual/3%20Birth%20to%20School%20 Entry/3.2/3.2.4_Enhanced_Aboriginal_Child_Health_Schedule_Rationale.pdf 4 http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/Handbook10-home 7 ~handbook10part3~handbook10-3-1 CLINICAL Influenza UPDATE Vaccine Safety in children < 5 years old In Australia, children <5 years of age are more likely than adults over 75 years of age to be hospitalised with Important changes to the National influenza. Due to this increased risk, the Diabetes Services Scheme Australian Technical Advisory Group Immunisations (ATAGI) strongly From July 1, 2016 National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) recommends seasonal influenza products will no longer be distributed through Diabetes Australia vaccination for all children aged ≥6 and state diabetes organisations. months to <5 years. In WA influenza vaccine is free for children aged 6 • Education and support services will • People with type 2 diabetes who months to 5 years. (Fluvax brand is continue to be delivered by Diabetes do not use insulin, can access not licensed for children under 10). Australia and state organisations subsidised test strips for an initial New data released by the National six months’ supply, equivalent • Products, such as needles, syringes, Centre for Immunisation Research to 900 strips. Further access can blood glucose test strips, urine test and Surveillance shows that fewer be obtained if the doctor or an strips will continue to be available than 10 per cent of 1200 children authorised health professional from NDSS Access Points, mostly < 5 years of age immunised with considers it clinically necessary and community pharmacies. quadrivalent influenza vaccine in there is no limit on the number of • Insulin pump consumables will now 2016 reported any reaction, and extensions that may be obtained. be available from Access Points. most reactions were minor and There will be a two-month transition • Changes to test strip access will not self-limited. period. If ordered through Diabetes affect people with diabetes using No vaccine-attributable serious Australia/state organisation during insulin, or people with gestational adverse events were identified this time the cost of postage for or other diabetes. in this surveillance program. delivery will need to be paid by the To view the report go to ncirs.edu. pump user. au/surveillance/ausvaxsafety/ These results reinforce that Please contact the NDSS Infoline on 1300 136 588 if you have any questions influenza vaccine is safe for or concerns. young children.

BreastScreen WA BreastScreen WA provides free screening mammograms 3. There is a screening clinic in partnership with the David to asymptomatic women over 40 years of age, with Jones Perth city store, called the Rose Clinic. women aged 50-74 years specifically invited. Although the 4. To make it easier for working women to attend, service has been around for over 25 years there are some opening hours have been extended at all clinics to important things for every GP to know: early, late and Saturday times. 1. The recommended screening age has been extended to 5. Appointments can be made online for metropolitan 74 years. clinics. Alternatively women can call 13 20 50. 2. Screening mammograms are only for women with 6. BreastScreen WA’s website has lots of useful no breast symptoms. If you are concerned about a information www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au new breast symptom, follow a diagnostic pathway instead. A useful guide for GPs regarding the Triple Test Dr Eric Khong, GP Liaison Officer, BreastScreen WA can be found at canceraustralia.gov.au Publications [email protected] & Resources and “search for new breast symptoms”. Choose Investigation of a new breast symptom a guide 8 for general practitioners. Termination of Pregnancy (ToP) Cardiac malformations associated with paroxetine information for GPs use during the first It is estimated that almost half of all pregnancies in Australia trimester of pregnancy are unplanned. While not every unplanned pregnancy is Depressive and anxiety disorders unwanted, many women will be faced with a decision about are common in the perinatal period, with at least one in ten pregnant the best option for them and their family in this situation. women in Australia suffering from In , two different Medical abortion involves the depression and/or anxiety. There are doctors must be involved in a oral ingestion of mifepristone and well established impacts of perinatal patient requesting a termination misoprostol. Women are given anxiety and depression on not only the of pregnancy (ToP): the referring analgesia and access to a 24-hour woman and her family’s well-being, doctor and the performing doctor. phone number if there are any but also on the emotional and cognitive concerns. Women are followed up development of the child, as well as Legally there are three areas to be at 2 weeks to ensure the abortion an increased risk of pregnancy and discussed prior to referring a woman is complete. birth complications. Given parental for a ToP: preferences and potential concern Surgical abortion is usually 1. The woman should be counselled about health impacts on fetal and infant performed via suction curettage about the risk of pregnancy. health outcomes, non-pharmacological under sedation as a day procedure. 2. The woman should be counselled treatment options, particularly social about the risks of a termination. Both methods become more risky as and psychological interventions, are gestation increases. particularly important in the perinatal 3. The woman should be offered period. Nevertheless, for some women counselling. SHQ offers a free, Abortion services in Perth vary in with perinatal mental health difficulties non-directive counselling service cost and location and information treatment with medication will be an for women experiencing an about them can be found on the important therapeutic option. unplanned pregnancy. This Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ)* counselling can be arranged face website shq.org.au. Some GPs are In 2005, on the basis of early results to face or over the phone. now offering medical abortion and of two studies which suggested training information can be accessed an increased risk of cardiac If the patient is a dependent at MS2step.com.au malformations associated with in minor, or if the pregnancy is over utero exposure to paroxetine, the 20 weeks, there are additional Regardless of the religious or political FDA changed its classification of requirements. views of an individual doctor on paroxetine from pregnancy category abortion, a woman has a right to A consultation for a woman C to D4. Subsequently a number of expect empathy, compassion and requesting a consultation might studies employing various research assistance to ensure her reproductive include: methods (with various associated rights are preserved. For those methodological shortcomings) have • Assessment of the certainty of doctors who will not provide referral looked at the relationship between her decision for termination, the doctor and in-utero paroxetine exposure and practice have an ethical responsibility • Whether she has support or cardiac malformations, with sometimes to the patient to ensure that she is being pressured by others conflicting results. (are there mental health or is seen by another doctor who will domestic violence issues?) facilitate her request. At SHQ we can In January 2016 an article ‘The risk of major cardiac malformations associated • Assessing contraindications or provide urgent appointments for with paroxetine use during the first medical risks women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. Please contact 9227 6177 trimester of pregnancy: a systematic • A gestation estimate if you have any queries/concerns. review and meta-analysis’ was • An STI risk assessment published in the British Journal of • Past and future contraception. For further information regarding Clinical Pharmacology. ToP please visit wapha.org.au/ Medical abortion can be offered resources Dr Nathan Gibson, Chief Psychiatrist up to 9 weeks gestation. Surgical Western Australia, invited local experts abortion can be offered up to 19+6 Dr Felice Watt and Dr Colin Singham weeks in Western Australia. from KEMH to write a response to the article.

To read the full article and the *Sexual Health Quarters was formerly Sexual and Reproductive Health WA and previously response visit wapha.org.au/ Family Planning WA. resources 9 Medicare Benefits St John Ambulance shares treatment Cheques Stopping records with GP’s from 1 July 2016 St John Ambulance in Western Australia has recently From 1 July 2016, Medicare implemented a system that gives our patients the option benefit cheques are stopping. to have a secure link to their St John Patient Care Record This means your patients will need to automatically emailed to their usual GP at the completion of register their bank account details with any emergency and/or non-emergency patient transport. the Department of Human Services (the department) so their benefit The Patient Care Record outlines in turn give the doctor access to the can be paid directly into their bank the patient’s presenting problem, Patient Care Record kept by St John account, usually the next working day. treatment provided and observations for inclusion in the patient’s file. taken while in the care of the The change excludes Pay Doctor via To join this initiative to improve paramedics, and the name of the Claimant (PDVC) cheques, which will the consensual sharing of patient receiving hospital. continue to be issued. information, please send your This change, as announced in the This system will ensure that, when practice email address and 2015-16 Federal Budget will ensure consent is given by the patient, the contact details to practice@ people have access to their Medicare patients’ doctor will be notified in stjohnambulance.com.au, or visit payments faster, usually without even near to real time when the patient the GP portal to sign up directly at having to visit a Service Centre. is transported by St John. This will gpportal.stjohnambulance.com.au What you need to do Advise your patients that from 1 July Announcing a revised version of the Personal 2016, Medicare benefit cheques are stopping and that they will need to Health Record (the purple book) register their bank account details with The parent held Personal Health • Placement of the health the department in order to receive Record (PHR) My purple book – assessment sections, used their Medicare payments. Patients can All about me is a universal repository predominately by professionals, register their bank account details: that enables maternity hospital staff, at the back of the PHR. • Online—by using their Medicare community health nurses, general • Regarding the heading of ‘For my online account via myGov, or the practitioners and other health doctor to use at my 6-8 week Express plus Medicare mobile App professionals to work in partnership check.’ Medical professionals • In person—by lodging a completed with parents, with the aim of are requested to complete the bank details form at a service documenting a child’s health and page called ‘6-8 week doctor centres either in person, or using development. check’ (previously known as the drop box located in the In 2014 a comprehensive review of Medical check by your GP and/or service centre the PHR was undertaken, resulting in Paediatrician at 6-8 weeks). • Over the phone—by calling 132 011 the development of the revised 2016 The 2016 version of the My purple My purple book – All about me. book – All about me will be handed out to new parents from 1 July 2016 Key changes that impact general practitioners include: To view a sample copy of the PHR, visit wapha.org.au/resources • Removal of the recording of some sensitive information and changing the language to be more parent friendly, and

10 HEALTHPATHWAYS WA

Clinical Stream Country Connect Regional focus: The HealthPathways team is working Working Groups closely with WACHS and WAPHA’s Pilbara The Chest Pain working group was held Regional Coordination Managers to HealthPathways Clinical Leads Georgia with the Cardiology Network at the collect referral information for all Bolden and Dr Sue Jackson visited the Department of Health on the evening regional health services. Pilbara in November 2015. of the 26th of May. To date, referral information for A busy two days were spent engaging Issues with referrals to hospitals was Diabetes, Cardiology and Respiratory with doctors, Aboriginal Medical Service discussed as well as the development services in country WA has been staff, WA Country Health Service and of the chest pain pathway, which had collected and is in the process of being mental healthcare providers. some great discussions and feedback added to HealthPathways. The team heard that patients presenting from this. If you have any country WA service with chronic pain, Foetal Alcohol HealthPathways are recruiting for information that may be relevant Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Ear, GPs to participate in the following to HealthPathways, please email Nose and Throat (ENT) conditions working groups: [email protected]. were commonly an issue to manage • Genetics and coordinate. These pathways have been prioritised. • Aged Care New pathways In response, the HealthPathways team Working Group participants will discuss has prioritised development of these current issues specific to the Clinical The HealthPathways team have clinical streams. Stream and potential solutions. recently published the Diabetes Education pathway – this very ENT (including Otitis Media), FASD and They will also assist GP Clinical Editors thorough pathway provides GPs with Chronic Pain pathways are currently being in pathway development. information about localised services finalised by the Clinical Editing team, In addition, any general concerns offered by Diabetes WA and other following the FASD and Chronic Pain that GPs currently have such as long community providers that offer working groups that were held in May. waiting times, issues regarding referral Diabetes Education support (e.g. ENT, Chronic Pain and FASD pathways forms, etc. that may be of relevance Credentialed Diabetes Educators, will be open for consultation to these Working Groups can be DESMOND and the Healthy Lifestyle soon. If you wish to partake in the submitted to WAPHA to assist Working program). Information on regional and online consultation, please email Group facilitation. telehealth services are also included. [email protected]. Please email healthpathways@wapha. Two other service pathways have Service information regarding Patient org.au if you wish to participate in the also been published recently to assist Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) and above Working Groups or to contribute GPs in their day-to-day practice; visiting specialists, were other top to the Working Group discussion. one pathway detailing how to add HealthPathways to Medical Director priorities for Pilbara primary care and a My Health Record pathway. providers – these pathways have since been completed and are live on CPD Events HealthPathways. HealthPathways first CPD event was held on Wednesday 25 May at Princess HealthPathways Coordinator Timothy Margaret Hospital, entitled ‘Wonky Glover is working closely with Regional Legs and Eating Disorders’. Dr Nic Frost Coordinator Manager, Pilbara Winny Henry and Dr Ryan Lisle from PMH presented to collect all Pilbara service information. on Paediatric Orthopaedics and If you have any information about Pilbara Dr Anthea Fursland and Dr Veronika services that would be useful to primary Kretzer presented on Eating Disorders. care practitioners in the region, please We had 28 people attend the event email [email protected] to and received some great feedback in submit information to HealthPathways. regards to HealthPathways and the 11 presentations. RURAL ROUND-UP

Rural Immunisation Black Dog Institute – in Focus Health Professional Training Immunisation in rural WA has been a Black Dog Institute will be offering the following multidisciplinary education in focus for the Country WA PHN Network the rural areas. Support Officers (NSOs). Wheatbelt and Midwest regions were involved Date Course Accreditation Location in Regional Immunisation Forums Saturday Dealing with Cat1 ALM – 40 QI&CPD Port Hedland for immunisation providers in their 16 July Depression in points, Mental Health regions. Over 90 practice nurses and Rural Australia Skills Training child health nurses attended the Saturday Dealing with Cat1 ALM – 40 QI&CPD Karratha Wheatbelt update in Northam and 23 July Depression in points, Mental Health 71 attended the update in Geraldton. Rural Australia Skills Training Country WA PHN NSOs are working in collaboration with the WA Country Saturday Advanced Cat 1 ALM – 40 QI&CPD Northam Health Service Regional Immunisation 17 September Training in Suicide points, Mental Health CPD Coordinators to provide ACIR support to Prevention practices in their region. Saturday Advanced Cat 1 ALM – 40 QI&CPD Albany 22 October Training in Suicide points, Mental Health CPD Congratulations to Anne Foyer from Prevention the Wheatbelt PHU for being awarded the PHAA Immunisation Achievement Saturday Depression Cat1 ALM – 40 QI&CPD Perth Award at the recent PHAA National 19 November Dilemmas points, Mental Health Immunisation Conference. Anne and Skills Training her team have been strong advocates for health service For further details and to register online visit blackdoginstitute.org.au/ healthprofessionals/gps/coursedatesregistration.cfm

WAPHA disclaimer While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this newsletter, the information 12 contained in it does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence

or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use or reliance on the information provided herein. key2creative_37551_06/16