Practice Connect #190

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7 March 2024

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


Acknowledgement of Country 

WA Primary Health Alliance 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.

Throughout this newsletter, the term 'Aboriginal' is used to refer to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, unless stated otherwise.


 

 

Practice Updates

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Most practices in WA now registered for MyMedicare


Registering with MyMedicare provides your practice with more comprehensive information about your regular patients and gives patients and their care team access to additional Australian Government funding.

More than 70%1 of general practices in WA have already capitalised on this opportunity. Has your practice?

To be eligible for MyMedicare, your practice will need to:

  • Provide Medicare-funded services or Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) equivalent services
  • Be registered in the following Services Australia systems: Provider Digital Access (PRODA), Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) and the Organisation Register
  • Have at least one eligible GP linked to the practice in the Organisation Register (vocationally registered GP, non-vocationally registered GP or a GP registrar)
  • Be accredited against the National General Practice Accreditation Scheme (or obtain accreditation within 12 months of registering for MyMedicare).
 

MyMedicare funding is tailored to patient needs

The Australian Government’s Strengthening Medicare reforms provide registered practices with access to the following MyMedicare funding packages:

  • Longer MBS funded telephone consultations (levels C and D) to registered patients
  • The triple bulk-billing incentive for longer MBS telehealth consultations (levels C, D and E) for registered patients under 16, pensioners and Commonwealth concession card holders.
From July 2024, additional blended funding payments will also roll out over the next three years to support registered practices to deliver:
  • Regular health assessments, care plans and regular GP visits for people in residential aged care homes
  • Better care in the community for people with complex, chronic disease who frequently attend hospitals
  • Continuity of care for people with chronic and complex conditions.
Visit health.gov.au/MyMedicare for more information.
 

Help is available to register your practice for MyMedicare

The Services Australia Health Professional Education website provides a range of e-learning resources to support your practice to register with MyMedicare.

You can also contact Practice Assist on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478 or 08 6278 7900) or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au for more information or guidance with this process.

1. Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing February 2024

 

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Make the call on your mental health today


Make the call on your mental health today is a new campaign to raise awareness of Head to Health 1800 595 212, a free, national mental health phone line, available statewide in WA.
 
The Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service offers free, confidential assessment and referral for anyone seeking help for their mental and emotional wellbeing and/or wanting to support a patient, or someone they care about.
 
As a result of the campaign, that will run throughout 2024, some of your patients may ask about Head to Health. The information below explains how the service works and can be accessed.
 
You may wish to share the 15 second campaign video on your in-practice screens or your social media channels. It is available to download here.

How to use and access the Head to Health Assessment and Referral Phone Service

Like all Head to Health services, the phone service is designed to make it easier to support patients with their mental health and direct them to the most appropriate service, based on their needs.
 
GPs can phone Head to Health during a patient consultation on 1800 595 212 to discuss confidential assessment and referral options. An intake clinician will then follow up with the patient within an agreed timeframe to complete the assessment over the phone.
 
Where appropriate, the GP can also advise patients to call the service directly on 1800 595 212 to speak to a qualified mental health clinician, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm.
 
Head to Health does not replace the central role GPs play in looking after their patients’ mental wellbeing, but it does provide a streamlined entry point for those seeking mental health support and connects them with the right care as early as possible in their journey.
 
We recently published an in-depth article titled Helping patients access mental health support within a stepped care model that explains how Head to Health and the Initial Assessment and Referral and Decision Support Tool can help GPs and other clinicians to determine the most appropriate level of care for individuals seeking mental health support in a primary care setting.
 

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New palliative care resources to support planning, grief and loss

To support those navigating the challenges that come with approaching end of life, WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) through its Greater Choices for At Home Palliative Care initiative, has partnered with Palliative Care WA (PCWA) to produce two new booklets, Palliative Caring and My Palliative Care. 
 
Developed in consultation with a panel of palliative care professionals and endorsed by WAPHA’s multicultural and LGBTIQA+ reference groups, the booklets cover a variety of topics including planning, decision making, rural and remote considerations, caring at home and grief.
 
The booklets launched on 6 March 2024, and are available to order as a hard copy or to download from the PCWA website. For more information, contact info@palliativecarewa.asn.au or phone 1300 551 704.  
 
For more information about the Greater Choices for at Home Palliative Care project, find out more here.


 

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WA Voluntary Assisted Dying podcast - Lisa's story

The WA Voluntary Assisted Dying Statewide Care Navigator Service is an outreach service in place to support anyone involved with voluntary assisted dying in WA, including patients, the family and carers of patients, community members, health professionals and service providers.
 
The team has developed a podcast series called This is my stop to support anyone wanting to learn more about the lived experience of voluntary assisted dying in WA.
 
Hear from Lisa as she shares her story of supporting her husband with his pancreatic cancer diagnosis following his 53rd birthday, through to his treatment and exploration of end-of-life choices.
 
Listen to the latest This is my stop podcast on Spotify or Apple.
 
If you have any questions about voluntary assisted dying, you can reach out to the Care Navigator Service on 9431 2755 or by email to VADcarenavigator@health.wa.gov.au, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm.
 

 

2024 Influenza Season

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2024 National Immunisation Program influenza vaccination and ATAGI statement - early advice for health professionals



The Department of Health and Aged Care has released the early advice information for health care professionals around this seasons
influenza vaccine. Annual Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications. It is recommended for all people aged 6 months and over.
 
Vaccination can commence from mid-April to provide protection for the peak of the flu season. This is generally from June to September in most parts of Australia.

However, there is no need to wait. You can vaccinate as soon as stock is available. Viruses can circulate well after the peak, so continue to offer vaccination as long as valid vaccines are available.
 
For further information, other resources and the health statement click the link here.
 
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisations (ATAGI) have released advice regarding the administration of the 2024 seasonal influenza vaccines.
 
It includes information about:

  • the influenza vaccines available for use in Australia in 2024, by age
  • influenza virus strains included in the 2024 seasonal influenza vaccines
  • timing of vaccination
  • vaccination for pregnant women
  • eligibility for influenza vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
  • medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of influenza complications.

The statement is available here.
 

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Pre-Allocation survey for Fluad Quad

Vaccine providers (those with a vaccine ordering account) should have all received a pre-allocation REDCap survey link for this seasons Fluad Quad.

Each year Vaccine Orders pre-allocate the first delivery to ensure that all providers receive and have stock of FluadQuad, if they want it.
Anyone not responding to the survey will not be pre-allocated doses.

After the pre-allocation (estimated between 18-28 March) all providers, whether they received a pre-allocation or not, will be able to order as normal.

For further assistance with the  pre-allocation REDCap survey link for this seasons Fluad Quad, please contact the Vaccine Orders by email vaccineorders@health.gov.au.
 

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Influenza Update 2024 - WA Health event

Presented by WA Health
Tuesday 26 March (9.30am to 12.30pm AWST

The Department of Health Communicable Disease Control Directorate Immunisation Program invites all WA immunisation providers from public and private sectors (including but not limited to community health, general practice, community pharmacy and Aboriginal Medical Services) to attend the 2024 WA Health Influenza Update.

To receive an attendance certificate, you must register for a ticket. There is a maximum of 1 ticket per order, please register individually. The session will be recorded and circulated post event.

View the flyer here for more information and to register.



 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation & updates

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infant Immunisation program announcement and webinar


Key messages

  • The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved nirsevimab (Beyfortus®), a monoclonal antibody that protects infants from RSV disease, for use in Australia.
  • This program will start in April and run through September 2024. 
  • WA infants born on or after 1 October 2023 will be eligible to receive a single dose of nirsevimab to protect them during their first RSV season.
  • Nirsevimab will also be offered at birth to all babies born in WA between 1 May and 30 September 2024, i.e., the highest period of RSV transmission in WA.
  • The Department of Health will keep you updated regarding when and how to order nirsevimab once arrangements are finalised.

Providers are requested to begin planning to recall young infants in April so they can be offered protection prior to the start of RSV season.
 
To read the full program announcement click here.
 

RSV program information session
 
Presented by WA Health
Wednesday 13 March 2024 (9.30am to 11.30am online and at WA Health East Perth)

Join the WA Department of Health RSV information session for immunisation providers from public and private sectors (including midwives, community health, general practice, and Aboriginal Medical Services). It covers information on RSV disease and program details, including reporting and recording requirements.

This will be held online and in-person at the Department of Health Theatrette, 189 Royal Street, East Perth.

Find out more and register here.
 

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Respiratory Syncytial virus (RSV) - ATAGI issues advice

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released new advice on the clinical use of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine Arexvy in older adults.

ATAGI’s formal guidance on Arexvy comes on the heels of the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA’s) recent approval of the vaccine for use in individuals aged 60 years and over in Australia.
 
The ATAGI statement notes that a new Australian Immunisation Handbook chapter on RSV is being prepared and is due to be available by mid-2024.
 
Read the ATAGI statement here.
 

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NCIRS webinar: RSV vaccines for the protection of older adults

Presented by National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)
Thursday 7 March 2024 (12pm to 1pm AEDT)

The second of the RSV webinars will focus on the new RSV vaccines for older adults that are either already available or look set to become available in Australia soon.
 
A panel of immunisation experts will present on:

  • RSV disease epidemiology in older adults
  • new vaccines to protect older adults from RSV disease
  • practical tips for vaccination of older adults against RSV disease
  • next steps for RSV vaccines in Australia.

The event will be recorded and made available on the NCIRS website in the days following the session. Register to receive the link to the recording by email when it becomes available. 
 
Register here



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Video available - NCIRS webinar: New RSV vaccine and antibody to prevent disease in infants

The first of the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) webinars which focused on preventing disease in infants has been released.

Catch up on the recording of this well-attended National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) webinar, which was held on Thursday 27 February and saw leading Australian and international experts give a series of high-quality presentations on new vaccines and prevention products to reduce the incidence and impact of RSV in infants.
 
Watch the webinar here.
 

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Mandatory reporting changes are being introduced to the Australian Immunisation Register

Mandatory reporting changes are being introduced to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
 
Amendments have been made to AIR Rule 2015; from 1 March 2024 it will be mandatory for all immunisation providers to report:

  • the route of administration for Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) vaccines
  • information regarding vaccine type – i.e. antenatal, National Immunisation Program (NIP)/Commonwealth, private or state/territory program – for COVID-19, influenza, NIP and JEV vaccines. 

Details on these important changes can be found via the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care webpage.



 

COVID-19 Updates

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Primary Care Vaccine Rollout - Provider Bulletin

The Department for Health and Aged Care released a Provider Bulletin on 29 February with the following key messages:

  • Those aged 75 years and over continue to be recommended a dose of COVID-19 vaccine every six months
  • Those aged over 65 years of age, and adults with severe immunocompromise, continue to be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine dose every 6 months
  • All other adults can receive a single dose this year

The COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered with other vaccines, such as the annual influenza vaccine.
 
To view the bulletin in full, click here.
 

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COVID-19 and influenza update

ATAGI this week also issued new statements on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines and seasonal influenza vaccines in 2024: 

Concurrently, the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care launched supplementary 2024 influenza factsheets for providers and consumers:
 
 

Research & Surveys

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'One injection is better than three':  clinical evaluation of a single,
high dose subcutaneous infusion benzathine penicillin G for treatment of syphilis

South Terrace Clinic-Fremantle Hospital is currently seeking participants for a syphilis clinical trial. The study is called “SCIP Syphilis: One injection is better than three” and they are evaluating high dose SUBCUTANEOUS benzathine benzylpenicillin (Bicillin L-A) (7.2 MU), equivalent to a 3-week course of conventional treatment.
 
The main objective of this study is to assess the safety and tolerability of this subcutaneous infusion of Bicillin L-A in adults with non-CNS syphilis infections (primary, secondary, early latent, late latent). Participant follow-up involves both phone calls and clinic visits over a 24-week period.
 
If you have patients newly diagnosed or reinfected with syphilis whom you believe might benefit from this alternative treatment option, or would like to learn more, view the flyer here for further information.
 

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Inform ECU research to support people bereaved by suicide in the South West Region

Edith Cowan University is undertaking research to investigate current practices and perspectives in suicide postvention in the South West Region of Western Australia.
 
The research aims to better understand the current practices of health and other community service providers in the South West, working with people and communities bereaved by suicide and identify potential strategies for strengthening this work.
 
Download the Participant Information Sheet and the access the survey here by 20 March 2024.
 
If you would like more information about the project, contact the Chief investigator, Colleen Carlon on 08 9780 7658 or email c.m.carlon@ecu.edu.au
 

 

Health Promotion Event

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Chronic Kidney Disease: NEW recommendations and guidelines!



Presented by Kidney Health Australia
Thursday 19 March 2024 (7:30pm-9:30pm AEDT)

On World Kidney Day 2024, Kidney Health Australia will launch the 5th edition of the Chronic Kidney Disease Management in Primary Care handbook. The handbook is the ultimate guide to best practice recommendations for detecting and managing CKD in primary care.
 
Join them for a sneak peek into the important changes and new content on pharmacological management of CKD, reducing albuminuria, new information on the Australian CVD Risk Calculator, diet and nutrition, new guidelines for culturally safe care in First Nations Australians, and much more. Don’t miss this must-see event!

Register here
 

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Education & Events

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WA Rural Health Conference 2024

Presented by Rural Health West
16 & 17 March 2024 (Hyatt Regency Perth)

In recognition of all the general practice staff delivering vital healthcare services across rural and remote WA, WA Primary Health Alliance is proud to again sponsor the WA Rural Health Conference, 16-17 March 2024. Centring around the theme of ‘Elevating Care in the Outback’, the 2024 conference delivers a packed two-day professional and social program.

Keynote speakers include former National Rural Health Commissioner Dr Ruth Stewart and best-selling author and elite athlete, Micheal Crossland. 

There is still time to register here.

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General Practice Emergency Response Team (GPERT) Webinar

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
18 March 2024 (5pm to 6pm AWST)

The role of general practice (GP) is not formally defined in the State Health Emergency Response Plan, leaving GPs and practice staff without inclusion across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR) activities.
 
The GPERT webinar will explore how the project will define the role of GP in disaster for WA.
 
The following topics will be covered:

  • State emergency management arrangements as they relate to primary care providers.
  • Health response and disaster management in WA.
  • Primary health’s role in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery (PPRR) in disaster and emergency.
  • How stakeholders can contribute towards shaping the GPERT model by completing the survey.

View the flyer here
 
Find out more and register today.

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Healthy Weight Masterclass - The role of diet and exercise

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
19 March 2024 (6pm to 7pm AWST)

This is the third instalment in the Healthy Weight webinar series, focusing on the role of diet and exercise – sustainable interventions for long term adherence.

WA Primary Health Alliance has developed the SHAPE website and Conversations About Weight online training to help health care professionals to play a more central role in helping patients with weight concerns.

To provide additional support, we’re pleased to host a webinar series of Healthy Weight Masterclasses for health care professionals. We will be hearing from Dr Nicola Lowth (Accredited Practising Dietitian), focusing on supporting patients develop sustainable lifestyle routines to improve metabolism. David Beard (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) will also be speaking on how exercise can benefit and aid in weight management.

The following topics will be covered:

The role of diet and nutrition interventions for health, including:
  • considerations prior to discussing weight management
  • ways to support patients to improve metabolism through diet and lifestyle.
The role of exercise interventions for health, including:
  • what is realistic in relation to exercise and weight management
  • the importance of exercise for long-term weight management
  • the benefits of exercise independent of weight.

This webinar is open to all primary health care professionals, including GPs, practice nurses, allied health practitioners and hospital-based medical practitioners.

Guest speakers: 

  • Dr Nicola Lowth – PhD and Accredited Practising Dietitian
  • David Beard – Accredited Exercise Physiologist

View the flyer here

Register now
 

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Syphilis management within general practice webinar

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
21 March 2024 (6pm to 7pm AWST)

General practitioners are at the forefront of diagnosing and managing syphilis. Western Australia is currently experiencing a syphilis outbreak, with increases in cases of infectious syphilis and congenital syphilis in the community. This has prompted changes to recommendations to clinical practice that are relevant to general practitioners.
 
This webinar will address:

  • clinical presentations of syphilis
  • testing, including current protocols recommended during pregnancy
  • management, including principles of care when engaging with culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

View the flyer here.
 
Find out more and register today.

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Family, domestic and sexual violence - GP breakfast info session Perth South PHN

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
21 March 2024 (7.30am to 9.00am AWST)

As part of the Australian Government’s commitment to the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-32,
WAPHA has been awarded funding to conduct a pilot program to support an effective primary health care response to family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) in our Perth South Primary Health Network.

WAPHA is now seeking to commission a specialist family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) provider to deliver in reach support for general practices in our Perth South PHN.  
 
In the lead up to the commencement of the expressions of interest’s process, WAPHA is inviting GPs, practice nurses and practice managers working in the Armadale, Gosnells and Canning area (with interested members of the practice team), to a breakfast information session on Thursday 21 March, to hear about integrating a social worker into the FDSV response in their practice.  Presenters include:  

  • Dr Anna Chaney, GP, View Street Medical, RPH Sexual Health Clinic, Homeless Healthcare
  • Carolyn Donovan, Manager, South-East FDV Healing Service  

Find out more and register for the event here, visit the WAPHA website or contact WAPHA FDSV Project Lead, Rosie Logie via fdsv@wapha.org.au for more information on this project. 

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Cancer screening and prevention in general practice webinar

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
28 March 2024 (5pm to 6pm AWST)

Join us to hear from a panel of experts from the cervical, breast and bowel cancer screening programs and the National Cancer Screening Register as they discuss the latest updates and best practices.
 
Cancer screening can save lives and practice nurses can play an important role in early detection and prevention. Educating and encouraging patients to take part in the cancer screening programs can help them reduce their risk and improve health outcomes.
 
This webinar will assist practice nurses by covering the following topics:

  • Cervical self-collection and who is eligible.
  • Breast cancer screening in clinics and the mobile service.
  • The alternative access model for bowel screening testing kits.
  • The National Cancer Screening Register and integrating it into practices.

View the flyer here.
 
Find out more and register today.

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New March training dates announced: Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST)

Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
Multiple Dates & Times

We’re providing GPs in WA with paid online Initial Assessment and Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) training, designed to help practitioners and clinicians recommend the most appropriate level of care for a person seeking mental health support.
 
GPs and GP registrars who attend the two workshops in the one online session will be remunerated $300 for their time with CPD hours available. 

Find out more and register today

 

 

Other Webinars, Events & Workshops

Chemotherapy: Supporting patients in their cancer treatment
​Presented by Cancer Council WA
7 March 2024 (7pm to 8pm AWST)
Chronic Conditions of the Foot (Bentley Location)
Presented by Benchmarque Group Pty Limited
8 March
BreastScreen WA visit to Fremantle
Presented by BreastScreen WA
8 March to 12 April
BreastScreen WA visit to Carnarvon
Presented by BreastScreen WA
12 March to 8 April
Human Papilloma Virus update (HPV)
Presented by Immunisation Coalition
13 March
AAPM Chat with Nat: Actively managing your mental wellbeing to minimise fatigue and maintain motivation in 2024
Presented by AAPM
14 March
Cyber Security for your practice
Presented by AAPM
15 March
WA Rural Health Excellence Awards - Save the date!
Presented by Rural Health West
16 March
WA Rural Health Conference 2024
Presented by Rural Health West
16 March & 17 March
General Practitioners networking event
Presented by South Metropolitan Health Service & WAPHA
18 March 2024 (Fiona Stanley Hospital Education Building)
BreastScreen WA visit to Esperance
Presented by BreastScreen WA
Leaving soon 18 March
BreastScreen WA visit to Claremont (Perth)
Presented by BreastScreen WA
18 March to 25 March
​Expert Insights for Health Professionals: What's the impact of wait times for mental health support for anxiety and depression for young Australians?
Presented by Black Dog Institute
20 March
Mental Health in the Workplace
Presented by Western Australian Association for Mental Health
26 March
Talking About Suicide in General Practice - Interactive Webinar 3hr
Presented by Black Dog Institute & supported by WAPHA
26 March
De-escalation Skills
Presented by Western Australian Association for Mental Health
27 March
BreastScreen WA visit to Ravensthorpe
Presented by BreastScreen WA
28 March to 2 April
BreastScreen WA visit to Jerramungup
Presented by BreastScreen WA
28 March to 2 April
BreastScreen WA visit to Byford
Presented by BreastScreen WA
28 March to 29 April
The role of surgery in the management of advanced NMSC in the era of effective systemic therapies
Presented by Melanoma Institute Australia
30 March
Immunisation Coalition Influenza Update 2024
Presented by Immunisation Coalition
3 April
CPR for GPs
Presented by RACGP
16 April
WA Hepatitis B s100 Prescriber Course
Presented by ASHM
16 April, 23 April & 30 April
WA Hepatitis B for Nurses and Midwives
Presented by ASHM
21 May & 23 May

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.

Disclaimer
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.