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Welcome to Practice Connect, a fortnightly update for practice managers, principals, nurses and administration staff on relevant issues, upcoming events and education.

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23 June 2022 - Edition 147

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  • Aboriginal people have the greatest health needs in WA
  • QI activities to improve patient participation in Aboriginal Health Assessments
  • The role of Aboriginal Health Assessments in Closing the Gap
  • HealthPathways WA - Increase your awareness of Aboriginal Health
  • New resources to support Aboriginal patients before, during, and after their stay in hospital
  • Free Influenza Vaccination Program June 2022  
  • Have a chat to parents of under-fives about influenza
  • GP Respiratory Clinics available to see respiratory and COVID patients
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax) – Vaccine shelf-life extension
  • Updated advice contacts for GPs caring for COVID-positive patients living in the East Metropolitan Health Service metropolitan catchment
  • Expansion of cervical screening self-collection from 1 July 2022
  • Don’t delay – do a bowel test today
  • Japanese encephalitis virus: Health professionals information kit
  • Department of Health releases new Paediatric ENT Referral Access Criteria
  • National Research Program - Telehealth
  • WA Primary Health Alliance is committed to supporting general practice to continue to deliver the highest quality patient care
  • Do you know an extraordinary GP, GP in training, GP supervisor or general practice going above and beyond?    
  • Black Dog Institute - GP Research Project
  • Applications for GPPTSP 2022 now open
  • The No Jab No Play legislation in Western Australia - Curtin University Research Study
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit
  • Education & Events​

09 June 2022 - Edition 146

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  • Free Influenza vaccination program June 2022
  • The importance of driving influenza vaccination in general practice
  • GP Respiratory Clinics available to see respiratory and COVID patients
  • New patient resource answering common questions about influenza vaccination & pregnancy
  • Medicare Ineligible Patient Funding: Good News Story
  • Vaccine Fridge Management
  • Excess COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19 in Australia - Disease & Vaccination Webinar
  • Empowering general practice to manage alcohol and other drug issues
  • The Alcohol & Other Drug Network – providing evidence-based information collaboratively 
  • The consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs is a major cause of preventable disease and illness in Australia. 
  • Go Dry this July and raise money with the Dry Docs team
  • Alcohol and Other Drugs Pathways Update
  • Updated WA Immunisation Schedule
  • Timely and accurate reporting of vaccinations to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
  • Australian Immunisation Handbook website update
  • Update on the School-based immunisation program
  • ePrescribing and the Active Script List
  • National Research Program - Telehealth
  • Digital health: NASH SHA-1 to SHA-2 transition support
  • Digital Health – Check out our 'How To Series'
  • Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
  • Alert for clinicians: monkeypox virus infection now an urgently notifiable disease in Western Australia
  • Free local mental health training and support for general practices
  • Why should you cleanse your practice data?
  • Did you order your CrazySocks4Docs? 
  • Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Co-payment Program
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit
  • Education & Events

26 May 2022 - Edition 145

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  • Get prepared with the Winter Strategy Practice Essentials Checklist
  • See your GP – Keep your health on track campaign: communication tools for practices
  • Help stop the Flu in 2022
  • What’s triggering you this winter?
  • Expanded ATAGI recommendations on winter COVID-19 booster doses
  • No Medicare- No Worries!
  • State run COVID-19 vaccination clinics: Influenza vaccines available for co-administration
  • Cancer Screening update for Practice Staff
  • Improving Cancer Screening in Primary Care
  • Important Update from the National Cervical Screening Program - Self-collection eligibility expansion
  • WA Immunisation Schedule updated
  • State-Funded Influenza Immunisation Program for Vulnerable Cohorts
  • Hepatitis A & B vaccine ordering update
  • "Don't Forget Influenza" campaign
  • Webinar recording now available – Preventing Shingles and its complications using Zoster Vaccines
  • Manage My Care – now available state-wide
  • National Research Program - Telehealth
  • Digital Health – Check out our 'How To Series'
  • National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week 2022
  • Alert for clinicians regarding increase in cases of Monkeypox
  • Go Dry this July and raise money with the Dry Docs team
  • Medical Student Supervision
  • Royal Perth Hospital now welcomes electronic GP requests for health records
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit
  • Education & Events

12 May 2022 - Edition 144

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  • See your GP – Keep your health on track campaign: communication tools for practices
  • Winter Strategy
  • Winter preparedness webinar: Update on COVID and influenza antiviral prescribing
  • Winter Preparedness Webinar for GPs – Recording now available
  • COVID-19 Links to Useful Resources
  • Medicare ineligible patient funding
  • COVID-19 and Long COVID – the emerging picture presentation
  • Which dose and when?
  • Stock Management for COVID-19 Vaccinations
  • COVID Vaccination: Advice on dose intervals
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training - Update
  • Dr Lucas de Toca video for patients answering important questions on the influenza season
  • What is a Heart Health Check?
  • New Heart Health Check toolkit resources in the spotlight
  • Heart Failure: Supporting patients in the community
  • HealthPathways - Heart Week
  • National Cervical Screening Program - expansion of self-collection
  • Recent ProQuad orders with short expiry
  • Important information for metro practices - Cold chain monitoring
  • Hepatitis A vaccine Vaqta update
  • WA Health Hepatitis A & B vaccine update
  • Campaign launch: Routine childhood immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
  • AusVaxSafety 2022 seasonal influenza vaccine safety data now available
  • Update on Japanese Encephalitis Virus
  • Digital Health – Check out our 'How To Series'
  • International Nurses Day 2022
  • National Palliative Care Week 2022
  • Changes to the Health Professionals and Support Services Award
  • Childhood Obesity Healthcare Provider Survey
  • Soundfair and the Deafness Foundation have launched a new suite of hearing health information resources
  • General Practitioners play a key role in facilitating work participation for their patients
  • Royal Perth Bentley Group Geriatric Assessment Team (GAT) Ambulatory Unit
  • Updated GP Factsheet: Who can GPs contact for clinical advice about COVID-positive patients living in the East Metropolitan Health Service metropolitan catchment?
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit
  • Education & Events

28 April 2022 - Edition 143

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  • World Immunisation Week 2022
  • 2022 Influenza Immunisation Season
  • 2022 Influenza Prevention Campaign
  • Immunisation Action Week 2022Imms-week.png
  • Improving the uptake of childhood immunisations
  • The PneumoSmart Vaccination Tool
  • Immunisation Myths Campaign
  • HealthPathways WA Immunisation Update
  • 2022 Immunisation – Education Available for Immunisation Providers
  • Nuvaxovid (Novovax) expiry date changes
  • Funding for non-Medicare patient COVID-19 vaccination
  • COVID-19 vaccination stock redistribution request issues
  • Check your vaccine storage space before influenza season
  • Fact Sheet: Winter COVID-19 vaccine boosters
  • Digital Health – Check out our 'How To Series'
  • Healthdirect Video Call platform
  • Diagnostics Imaging Accreditation Scheme Standards and accreditation model
  • ​Changes to MBS rules: diagnostic imaging
  • Need assistance with quality improvement (QI) activities?
  • NPS MedicineWise Virtual Visits - Heart failure: an active role for GPs and patients
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit (Resource Library)
  • Education & Events

14 April 2022 - Edition 142

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  • The 2022 Influenza Immunisation Season has now commenced
  • Help stop the Flu in 2022 - This year, it’s even more important to get the flu vaccine
  • HealthPathways WA Influenza Immunisation Update
  • Influenza Immunisation – available clinical resources for practices
  • Influenza Immunisation – available promotional resources for practices
  • Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines MBS billing advice
  • COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations at residential aged care facilities
  • AusVaxSafety commences routine monitoring of 2022 seasonal influenza vaccines
  • ATAGI advice on seasonal influenza vaccines in 2022
  • 2022 Influenza immunisation – education available for immunisation providers
  • Good News Story – HJ Lochner General Practice
  • Paediatric COVID Care @ Home - SPARC COVID
  • Funding for non-Medicare patient COVID-19 vaccinations
  • VIDEO how to guide: Providing patients with antiviral and monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19
  • Public holiday PPE ordering arrangements
  • Register RATs via the WA Department of Health 13 COVID helpline
  • Digital Health - 'How To Series' - Secure Messaging (new)
  • Healthdirect Video Call platform
  • World Immunisation Week 24 to 30 April
  • Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV): information for health professionals and consumers
  • The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) and transition to web services
  • Lung Cancer Screening Education and Training Survey
  • Governance of primary health care data on Primary Health Insights
  • HealthPathways Update: Non-acute Mental Health Assessment request page restructure
  • Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service tender now open
  • NPS MedicineWise update - Anticholinergic burden: the unintended consequences for older people 
  • Happy Easter from the Practice Assist team & holiday period trading hours
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit (Resource Library)
  • Education & Events

31 March 2022 - Edition 141

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  • Winter booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines
  • New ATAGI poster on all COVID-19 recommended doses and vaccines, including the winter season  
  • Post COVID-19 testing information – updated resource
  • Co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines
  • GP Respiratory Clinics available to see your symptomatic patients face-to-face
  • COVID- 19 HealthPathways Updates
  • Reminder: COVID-19 vaccines can only be transferred between participating sites
  • Children aged 5 to 11 now due for second doses of COVID vaccine
  • COVID Resources for your practice
  • Accreditation assessments for general practices in 2022
  • AusVaxSafety data show children experience fewer side effects from COVID-19 vaccine
  • Transition to national PPE distribution system
  • Digital Health - 'How To Series' - My Health Record (new)
  • End of image-based Prescribing
  • Healthdirect Video Call platform
  • Government-funded influenza vaccine ordering update
  • 2022 NIP Influenza Vaccination program     
  • 2022 Influenza Online Education Module – now LIVE
  • Japanese encephalitis resources
  • Digital Transformation of Cancer Screening – a message from the NCSR
  • Introducing The WELL Collaborative!
  • 13YARN - Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line
  • Launch of For When - National Helpline for Expectant and New Parents
  • Text to Detect: National Heart Health Check Recall Program 2022
  • ASHM Resources: Hepatitis C & Sexual Health
  • East Metropolitan Health Services: Review of Outpatient Referrals Not Meeting Referral Access Criteria
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit (Resource Library)
  • Education & Events​

17 March 2022 - Edition 140

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  • Transition to national PPE distribution system
  • New COVID-19 resources to assist general practice staff and administration teams
  • Providing COVID-19 vaccinations to homebound patients
  • GP Respiratory Clinics available to see your symptomatic patients face-to-face
  • COVID- 19 HealthPathways Updates
  • New decision aid: Should my child get a COVID-19 vaccine?
  • Temporary telehealth arrangements for allied health providers treating Veteran card holders
  • Vaccination stickers for your practice
  • Additional free RATs for Western Australians
  • Digital Health - 'How To Series' - Telehealth (new)
  • Healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program Extension
  • 2022 Government-funded Influenza Immunisation Program - Vaccine Pre-allocation & Ordering Information
  • New Fact sheet: Influenza Vaccines for Australians
  • Register for the online WA Department of Health 2022 Influenza Update
  • Expressions of Interest sought for General Practice Advisory Committee
  • Coeliac Awareness Week
  • NPS MedicineWise update
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit (Resource Library)
  • Education & Events ​

3 March 2022 - Edition 139

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  • PPE from the National Medical Stockpile
  • Do you need resources to assist with managing COVID positive patients in your practice?
  • Our COVID-19 resources have been updated and we have additional NEW resources available
  • CALD Resources 
  • COVID Vaccine exemption handout
  • Vaccine Clinic Finder (VCF) and VCF Connect FAQs  
  • Vaccination stickers for your practice
  • Updated ATAGI recommendations on the use of a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine
  • HealthyWA managing COVID-19 at home and in the community resources updated
  • Telethon Kids Institute COVID-19 resource hub 
  • COVID- 19 HealthPathways Updates
  • Your NASH certificate is the key to all things digital in General Practice. Have you renewed it?
  • New Digital Health How to Series
  • Healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program Extension
  • Upcoming 2022 Influenza Vaccination Program
  • 2022 Influenza Program – Fluad®Quad  Pre-allocation for providers
  • New process for Online Immunisation Education Updates
  • Domestic and Family Violence training now available for GPs in Western Australia
  • Help us shape multi-disciplinary care for chronic heart failure
  • Practice Made Easy with Injury Matters 
  • WA Health’s first patient facing app, Manage My Care, is coming soon
  • NPS MedicineWise update
  • Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch Infant formula recall:  22 February 2022
  • Practice Assist Tool Kit (Resource Library)
  • Education & Events

17 February 2022 - Edition 138

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  • WA Primary Health Alliance’s role in PPE
  • Update on PPE deliveries
  • New COVID-19 resources for at-risk cohorts
  • What can we do if we have a COVID-19 positive case in our practice?
  • COVID-19 vaccine stock: Metropolitan adult Comirnaty (Pfizer) surplus
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax) expression of interest (EOI)
  • REMINDER - Reporting adverse events following immunisation
  • Additional COVID-19 vaccines now approved for use in Australia and recognised in Australia can now be recorded on the AIR
  • Notification of eligibility of COVID-19 booster vaccinations from Services Australia
  • COVID- 19 HealthPathways Updates
  • 2022 Influenza Immunisation Program
  • Your NASH certificate is the key to all things digital in General Practice. Have you renewed it?
  • New patient resources developed by Diabetes Australia
  • Drs4Drs Health Services
  • Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) expanded escort eligibility criteria
  • NPS MedicineWise – don’t forget non-covid patients
  • New My Aged Care face-to-face service offer launched by Department of Health and Services Australia
  • ANZAED Eating Disorder Credential
  • Healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program Extension
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Education & Events

3 February 2022 - Edition 137

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  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) National Medical Stockpile (NMS) update
  • Release of WA Health Transition policies and resources for healthcare workers
  • Nuvaxovid (Novavax) expression of interest (EOI)
  • Good News Story: First Virtual Goldfields Practice Managers' Meeting
  • TGA provisionally approves Pfizer as a booster in individuals aged 16 to 17 years old
  • WA Department of Health COVID Care at Home launched
  • Reuse of face masks and gowns during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • An update on fit testing for respirator fit testing
  • ATAGI Advice: Booster timing
  • COVID-19 vaccine well tolerated by children, AusVaxSafety data show
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program Update – New Novavax module added
  • Booster doses are now listed on COVID-19 digital certificates
  • COVID- 19 HealthPathways Updates
  • WA Primary Health Alliance stock redistribution
  • Your NASH certificate is the key to all things digital in General Practice. Have you upgraded it?
  • Zostavax, Varivax, and ProQuad temporarily unavailable for regional providers due to issues with new data loggers
  • Grace period for Closing the Gap PBS Co‑payment Program extended
  • Changes to Rural Bulk Billing Incentives from 1 January 2022
  • Palliative Care Helpline-
  • Help us shape multidisciplinary care for chronic heart failure - EOI
  • Mental Health & AOD Comorbidity Project Training Resources
  • COPD Action Plan and Checklist for General Practitioners 
  • Seeking GPs to tell of their experiences in managing mental illness in the perinatal period
  • Healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program Extension
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Education & Events

20 January 2022 - Living with COVID-19 - Special Edition 136

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  • An update on the management of COVID-19 positive patients in WA for general practice
  • Advice on booster interval
  • Have you prepared your Living with COVID-19 practice plan?  
  • General Practice has made a significant contribution to the vaccine roll out in WA
  • MBS Telehealth Services from 16 January 2022
  • PPE for General Practice and Pharmacy
  • Resources to assist with your patients Frequently Asked Questions
  • Wellbeing support for primary health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment
  • Why should I have a Fit Test?
  • VIDEO – Donning and Doffing in Primary Care Settings
  • Co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines
  • Zostavax, Varivax, and ProQuad now available to order for regional providers
  • Renew your NASH to maintain access to Electronic Prescribing and My Health Record
  • NPS MedicineWise COVID-19 Hub
  • COVID- 19 HealthPathways Updates
  • Additional orders for COVID-19 vaccines 
  • WA Primary Health Alliance stock redistribution
  • Healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program Extension
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Education and training

6 January 2022 - Edition 135

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  • Living with COVID-19 checklist and toolkit
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Stock Governance guide
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Stock Redistribution - Increase in Demand
  • Living with COVID-19 Webinars by Katrina Otto
  • Digital Health Toolkit
  • National Medical Stockpile PPE
  • Changes to COVID-19 vaccine booster timing
  • COVID-19 vaccine bookings for five- to 11-year-olds available via the Vaccine Clinic Finder
  • Healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program Extension
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Education and training

23 December 2021 - Edition 134

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  • Merry Christmas from the Practice Assist team & Festive period trading hours
  • Good News Story: COVID-19 Vaccination Collaboration
  • Living with COVID-19 Webinars by Katrina Otto
  • New MBS COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Incentive payment available now
  • Ongoing MBS Telehealth Services from 1 January 2022
  • Approval for the use of a ‘digital image’ of a paper-based prescription extended until 31 March 2022
  • Healthdirect Video Call COVID- 19 GP Program Extension
  • RACGP Accredited Training
  • Vaccine Clinic Finder changes: Paediatric Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine
  • Important Update on COVID-19 Boosters 
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Module Update– New Paediatric Pfizer Module Added
  • COVID-19 and Pregnancy by Dr Michael Gannon
  • HealthPathways Updates
  • Paediatric Comirnaty (Pfizer) invitation letters
  • WA State Government safe transition plan published
  • Resources: Childhood and youth COVID-19 vaccination resources
  • How to start a conversation about COVID-19 vaccines
  • Reminder: Report all expired government-funded vaccines (Non-COVID) online
  • MMRV vaccine supply constraint
  • Adacel® (whooping cough) vaccine transitioning from vials to pre-filled syringes
  • Registrations Open: Alcohol & Other Drug Network - A Project ECHO initiative
  • RACGP Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Skills Training – Spaces Available 
  • Communicare platform integrates with the National Cervical Screening Register
  • Rural Bulk Billing incentives set to increase in 2022
  • NPS MedicineWise update 
  • My Aged Care face-to-face services now available
  • More support for primary healthcare nurses
  • Advice for GPs following release of ANU PFAS Study
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Education and training

9 December 2021 - Edition 133

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  • Living with COVID – support for the primary health care sector
  • Living with COVID in General Practice
  • Good News Story: Helping practices undertake quality improvement (QI) activities with an online QI Tool Kit
  • Handling consent refusal by people presenting for vaccination
  • TGA provisionally approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds
  • Updated ATAGI clinical advice on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2021 as international borders open
  • Letter of appreciation to administrative staff in COVID-19 vaccination clinics
  • New COVID-19 Decision Tool
  • New COVID-19 vaccination videos targeting youth and Aboriginal people
  • Easy read COVID-19 booster dose resources
  • Help improve vaccine safety surveillance in Australia - a short survey for immunisation providers
  • HealthPathways Updates
  • Carramar COVID-19 vaccination enhanced access and sensory community clinics
  • COVID-19 vaccine stock redistribution process
  • EOI for general practices wanting to join the COVID-19 Vaccination Program 
  • Joint Statement Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC) and the ACSQHC - Hand Hygiene Compliance and Medical Practitioners
  • NCIRS Annual Immunisation Coverage Report
  • Cancer screening rates down during COVID 19 Lock down
  • Western Diagnostics Pathology Results in My Health Record
  • NPS MedicineWise update – evidence-based, accessible consumer materials
  • Last Chance to apply for our CALD Stakeholder Reference Group
  • Year in Review Highlights – Impact, Innovation & Integration
  • New Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items available now
  • Every Moment Matters - national awareness campaign on FASD and alcohol use in pregnancy
  • New guidelines to help GPs care for patients impacted by violence and abuse 
  • Healthcare practitioner use of real time prescription monitoring tools in clinical practice
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Education and training

25 November 2021 - Edition 132

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  • Helping practices redistribute COVID-19 vaccine stock to manage changing demand
  • Caring for COVID-positive patients in the community
  • Get a better understanding of the dynamic and evolving character of COVID-19 as a systemic disease
  • GP COVID-19 Preparedness Survey – November 2021
  • Let’s Look the Enemy in the Eye webinar
  • WA State government launches: Keeping Culture Safe and Strong Vaccination Focus campaign
  • COVID-19 vaccines mythbusters fact sheet for Aboriginal people
  • Aboriginal COVID-19 vaccination rates by statistical area
  • COVID-19 Resources: How the Delta strain of COVID-19 can spread in Aboriginal communities
  • Access COVID-19 resources via WAPHA’s Trello boards
  • Fact sheet: Transfer of COVID-19 vaccines between participating primary care vaccination sites
  • COVID-19 infection in pregnancy poses a significant risk for mothers and their babies
  • WA Department of Health pregnancy resources
  • Online forum on Pregnancy, Fertility and COVID Vaccination
  • How to boost Facebook posts to promote COVID-19 vaccine clinics
  • COVID-19 vaccination dashboard added to My Health Record
  • Connecting with communities via a Digital Health Roadshow across the Goldfields
  • HealthPathways updates
  • ATAGI 2021 Annual Statement on Immunisation
  • Free course: Promoting participation in the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Commonwealth-funded places for Nurse Immuniser course available
  • NPS MedicineWise Regional Visits
  • Request for GP engagement as part of the National headspace Evaluation
  • Project ECHO AOD Network WA – Registrations Now Open
  • Expressions of interest for CALD Stakeholder Reference Group
  • Patient information sheets to help combat antimicrobial resistance
  • Optimise self-management for patients with rare lung conditions
  • Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
  • The Guides to Best Cancer Care are now available
  • Sexual Health Quarters (SHQ) Youth Sexual Health Clinic
  • My Health in My Hands animation for young people
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and Training
  • Other Webinars, Events and Workshops

11 November 2021 - Edition 131

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  • Commonwealth Government support for General Practice Care for COVID-Positive Patients in the Community
  • MBS Update - COVID-19 Management
  • COVID-19 Managed Pandemic Preparedness Survey Invitation - closing date extended to Friday 19 November
  • COVID-19 Boosters
  • Reporting Adverse events following COVID-19 vaccine
  • OAIC COVID-19 guidance and advice
  • Spikevax (Moderna) expression of interest
  • HealthPathways Updates
  • COVID-19 Vaccination training modules updated
  • COVID-19 vaccine stock redistribution process
  • Updated COVID-19 resources for Aboriginal people
  • National Cervical Screening Program update- expansion of self-collection from 1 July 2022
  • Updated ATAGI advise on herpes zoster vaccination in older adults
  • MBS update - Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
  • New Raising Healthy Minds app for parents and carers
  • New interactive diagnostic tool for investigating symptoms of lung cancer
  • NPS MedicineWise podcast - Talking to parents about the COVID vaccine
  • Optimal care pathways: I-PACED cards for breast cancer and head and neck cancer
  • NEW: HEART ATTACK animation or Aboriginal & Torres St Islander Peoples 
  • 'Vaccination for our Mob' survey
  • Supporting young people at risk of suicide: free training
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training
  • Webinars, Events & Workshops

28 October 2021 - Edition 130

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  • Good News Story: Lockridge Medical COVID-19 Vaccine walk-in clinic
  • Special Update: Primary Health Care Worker Directions and FairWork resources for workplaces affected by vaccine mandates
  • Why now is the time for ePrescribing
  • MBS reimbursement for third doses of COVID-19 vaccines
  • Clinician alert #68: 11 October
  • General practices new to the COVID-19 Vaccination Program can be provided Comirnaty (Pfizer)
  • HealthPathways Updates
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • COVID-19 vaccine stock redistribution process
  • Changes to the way government-funded vaccine orders are packed and delivered in the Perth metropolitan area
  • Extension to the shingles catch-up program under the National Immunisation Program
  • Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) enhancement - removal of maximum dose number for Bexsero®
  • National Cervical Screening Program – important advice about recent changes to the clinical management of women at intermediate risk of high-grade abnormalities
  • AusVax Safety – Summary Report 2020
  • Nurse immuniser course recognition across states and territories
  • BreastScreen WA is returning to – QEII
  • The new National Safety and Quality Primary and Community Healthcare Standards – What they mean for those operating in Primary Care
  • NPS MedicineWise webinars
  • Open Expressions of Interest – Project ECHO Steering Committee
  • Invitation to participate in research project: Caregiving relationships in health settings
  • Assistance with Closing the Gap PBS Co-payment registrations
  • Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre – Facilitative Mediation for Older People
  • WA general practices applying for a DPA classification can request a letter of support from WA Primary Health Alliance
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training
  • Webinars, Events & Workshops

14 October 2021 - Edition 129

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  • Good News Story: Successful Kununurra Vaxathon delivers hundreds of COVID-19 vaccine doses
  • WA government announcement: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccines for primary and community health workers
  • MBS reimbursement for third doses of COVID-19 vaccines
  • Updated Australian Department of Health COVID-19 resources for Aboriginal people and pregnancy
  • New refugee arrivals from Afghanistan are eligible for Medicare
  • FAQs about COVID-19 in children and vaccines
  • New resources: Auslan videos and West Coast Eagles Aboriginal Health Council of WA posters
  • CALD resources for children aged 12 and over who can get the COVID-19 vaccine (languages other than English)
  • HealthPathways Updates
  • AusVaxSafety Data in 12 to 19 year olds
  • Clinician alert #68: 11 October
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • WA Department of Health vaccine distribution update for regional providers
  • COVID-19 vaccine stock redistribution process
  • Public consultation - tuberculosis vaccination recommendations
  • RACGP Resource: Preventing and managing patient aggression and violence
  • NASH certificates are changing. Is your software SHA-2 ready?
  • WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is seeking expressions of interest for GP participation in the PATS escort eligibility expansion
  • Health & Wellbeing Equality Index
  • NPS MedicineWise Educational Visits in the South West and Great Southern
  • First Annual Report on Quality Improvement Measures in General Practice
  • 2022 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards
  • Applications now open for the Practice Experience Program (PEP)
  • Applications now open for the RACGP Future Leaders Program 2022
  • Central Referral Service - WA Country Health Service (WACHS)
  • Royal Perth Hospital – GP Notify system out of action
  • WA general practices applying for a DPA classification can request a letter of support from WA Primary Health Alliance
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training
  • Webinars, Events & Workshops

30 September 2021 - Edition 128

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  • IT STARTS WITH ME campaign resources
  • COVID-19 vaccine stock redistribution process
  • Patients with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms can be referred to GP Respiratory Clinics
  • Spikevax (Moderna) fact sheet
  • Assisting vulnerable patients with proof of vaccination
  • Register now for Primary Care management of Myocarditis and Pericarditis following mRNA vaccines and latest updates on Spikevax (Moderna) webinar
  • COVID-19 HealthPathways Updates 
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • How to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination - flyers and posters available
  • Reminder to record batch numbers for COVID-19 vaccines
  • AusVaxSafety launches new-look COVID-19 vaccine safety data web pages
  • Amendments to National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator
  • Closure of AIR authentication files - 30 September 2021
  • WA general practices applying for a DPA classification can request a letter of support from WA Primary Health Alliance
  • Commonwealth-funded places for Nurse Immuniser course available
  • Upcoming regulatory changes to nicotine vaping products
  • NPS MedicineWise new topic - Anticholinergic burden: the unintended consequences for older people
  • GP podcast series from Dementia Training Australia
  • Closing the Gap Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Co-payment Program Registration Grace Period
  • NSQHS Standards User guide for health service organisations providing care for patients from migrant and refugee backgrounds
  • 2022 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards
  • Help patients experiencing hardship to eliminate court fines through addressing underlying issues
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training
  • Allocation of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile

16 September 2021 - Edition 127

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  • Good News Story: 360 Street Doctor
  • One million COVID-19 vaccine doses administered by WA general practices
  • Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccine available from Monday 20 September for people aged 60 and over in WA
  • COVID-19 Immunisation Update Aboriginal Health 
  • Reminder to check AIR before administering a COVID-19 vaccine
  • Contact WAPHA if your practice has expiring COVID-19 vaccines
  • How to get your COVID-19 digital certificate
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • Transition of immunisation providers to the Onelink vaccine ordering system from Monday 20 September
  • Reconnecting Together - Socially Isolated program for older adults
  • Supporting young people at risk of suicide: free training
  • Commonwealth-funded places for Nurse Immuniser course available
  • A Systematic Approach to Investigating Symptoms of Lung Cancer training
  • Extension to Digital Image Prescriptions
  • Have your say on the future of digital health
  • WA Department of Health concerns about S8 prescribing
  • NPS MedicineWise update
  • WA GP Advisory Panel Expression of Interest now open
  • Monash University KAP survey – LARCs and MTOP
  • Have your say: Guiding principles for medication management
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Education and training
  • Allocation of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile

2 September 2021 - Edition 126

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  • End of image based Prescribing
  • No fault COVID-19 indemnity scheme
  • WA Department of Health moving to Onelink as vaccine distribution and warehouse provider
  • Updating practice hours on CVAS
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout eligibility updates
  • Eligibility for individuals aged 12 to 15 years
  • Reminder: Pregnant women prioritised and eligible for Pfizer (Comirnaty)
  • COVID-19 HealthPathways Updates
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • Spikevax (Moderna) mandatory e-learning module now available
  • Allocation of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile
  • 2021 second quarter childhood immunisation rates released 
  • National Cancer Screening Programs - Communications Toolkit
  • Register an activity for National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week
  • WA general practice to benefit from new patient data storage and analytics platform
  • Practice Incentives Program Quality Improvement Measures: National report on the first year of data 2020-21
  • Dementia and changed behaviour: a person-centred approach
  • Breakthrough PBS listings to benefit thousands of Australians
  • Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for GPs - nationally recognised and available now
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training

19 August 2021 - Edition 125

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  • WA GP Advisory Panel Expression of Interest now open
  • Connect patients with free mental health care via the MH Connext program
  • RANZCOG and RACGP urging practitioners to follow ATAGI guidelines related to COVID-19 vaccines and pregnancy
  • Western Australians aged 16 plus eligible for COVID vaccination
  • COVID-19 vaccine resources for health professionals working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
  • COVID-19 vaccine: Moderna Spikevax (elasomeran) approved for use in Australia
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout expansion: How to get involved
  • COVID-19 HealthPathways Updates
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • Allocation of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile
  • Maintaining routine immunisation services during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Updated factsheet on zoster vaccines for Australian adults
  • NCSR integration with MedicalDirector now live
  • Supporting patients who have experienced trauma
  • Medical Services Advisory Committee support expanding self-collection as a cervical screening option for all women aged 25 to 74 years
  • Provide your feedback on the proposed changes to self-collection
  • eLearning Module: Changes to cervical screening intermediate risk pathway
  • Changes to chronic disease incentive program
  • Consumers urged to see their GP ahead of changes to nicotine vaping laws (FED)
  • NPS MedicineWise update
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • ​Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training
5 August 2021 - Edition 124

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  •  Practice Connect Good News Story – GP Innovation Grants
  • Help celebrate the contribution of general practices in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout 
  • COVID digital certificates on digital wallets, Google Cloud's data engine
  • General Practice staff eligible for priority COVID-19 vaccination (with proof of employment template)
  • Anaphylaxis training for COVID-19 vaccination providers
  • Pregnant women prioritised and eligible for Pfizer (Comirnaty)
  • Non-participating practices can still apply to join the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Blitz as bookings open for 30 to 39s to 'Roll Up'
  • COVID-19 HealthPathways Updates
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • Post-vaccination safety in your facility
  • -Allocation of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile
  • New NCIRS web page now live: COVID-19 Vaccination – summary for immunisation providers
  • Closure of Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) authentication files
  • Hepatitis B vaccine brand and dose clarification 
  • National Cancer Screening Register: Order a replacement home test-kit online
  • National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
  • WA Cancer & Palliative Care Network: Optimal Care Pathways
  • Participate in the Pilot Study - Conversations about Weight
  • National Syphilis campaign materials
  • NPS MedicineWise Educational visits available in a format that suits your practice
  • Grace period implemented for CTG PBS Co-payment Program until 30 September 2021
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training
23 July 2021 - Edition 123

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  • COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout: Ways your practice can assist
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Pfizer (Comirnaty) for pregnant women
  • MBS support for people affected by COVID-19
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are eligible for the Pfizer (Comirnaty) vaccine from 16 years of age
  • Electronic prescriptions making telehealth easier
  • COVID-19 HealthPathways Updates
  • COVID-19 Vaccination Training Modules Updated
  • Upcoming Webinar: Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination
  • Allocation of surgical masks from the National Medical Stockpile
  • Department of Veterans and their families during COVID-19
  • Reminder: National Immunisation Program (NIP) funded zoster vaccination catch-up ends soon
  • New ATAGI advice on zoster vaccines in older adults
  • Upcoming Shingrix (zoster vaccine) Webinar
  • Supporting general practice with the implementation of voluntary assisted dying in WA
  • New Guides to support people to manage their diabetes in hospital
  • Aboriginal patients must be registered with Services Australia database to receive CTG PBS Co-payment
  • RACGP supports easier access to medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • NPS MedicineWise update
  • Online survey from UWA SAGE Lab and Department of Communities
  • Ageism Online Learning Module 
  • Practice Assist Resource Library
  • Health Promotion Events
  • Education and training

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Practice Assist acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders of this country and recognises the significant importance of their cultural heritage, values and beliefs and how these contribute to the positive health and wellbeing of the whole community.

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While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website 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 of or reliance on the information provided on this website.