Issue 224 - 10 July 2025
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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From 1 July 2025, the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) has undergone significant reforms to streamline and strengthen chronic condition management in general practice. To support practices through this transition, we’ve developed a new resource: the MBS Changes July 2025 Chronic Condition Management (fact sheet), now available on Practice Assist. This easy-to-follow guide outlines the key updates and how your practice can prepare.
This year’s National NAIDOC Week 6 – 13 July, marks 50 years of the week-long, national celebration that honours and elevates Australia’s Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience. The 2025 theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors. NAIDOC week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories, and to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. General practices can get involved in NAIDOC week by promoting culturally safe practices and raising awareness about Aboriginal health issues:
As the nation celebrates NAIDOC Week 2025, WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) is proud to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal West Australians with the launch of our Innovate Reconciliation Plan 2025-2027. Our 2021–2023 Innovate RAP deepened WAPHA’s understanding of cultural competency and led to the development of our Aboriginal Cultural Competency and Capability Framework and Toolkit that now guides our internal practices and the services we commission. Building on this legacy, our 2025-2027 Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) signals our commitment to strengthening our partnerships with Aboriginal health services and communities, embedding cultural safety in the services we commission and supporting primary health care providers to deliver culturally safe and appropriate services.
Providing standardised, evidence-based diabetes care in the northern Goldfields communities of Leonora and Laverton is difficult due to resource limitations and lack of equitable access to specialist care. To address this, the Northern Goldfields Diabetes Project was established in March 2025 to develop a new model of care for patients living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while integrating and coordinating services, and supporting primary care. Supported by staff from WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), the collaborative project brings together multiple stakeholders including Leonora Medical Practice (Poitier Medical), Laverton Medical Centre, Pier Street Medical, the Integrated Chronic Disease Care (ICDC) program, the Hope Integrated Team Care (ITC) program, Diabetes Connect and the WA Country Health Service. In addition to developing a standardised, evidence-based model of diabetes care in the northern Goldfields, the project also aims to improve access to affordable local health services, address cultural and environmental health issues, reduce patient risk behaviours, facilitate and support social services, and decrease hospital admissions and readmissions. Key measures of the project include introducing targeted data collection and quality improvement activities, increasing registrations to the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) in Leonora and Laverton, increasing virtual multidisciplinary case conferences and endocrinologist call backs with Diabetes Connect, and implementing staff upskilling sessions. Despite challenges with data collection and workforce capacity, the project has already made progress with the development of referral pathways between stakeholders, the establishment of a region-specific cultural training program delivered by local Elders, and invitations to other key stakeholders to participate in the project. For further information about improving diabetes care in your practice, email WAPHA’s Quality Improvement team via qi@wapha.org.au or call the Practice Assist help desk on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478 or 08 6278 7900) or email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
Stakeholders and WAPHA staff at Northern Goldfields Diabetes Project meeting in Leonora.
As the operator of WA’s three Primary Health Networks (PHNs), WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) in conjunction with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) is seeking expressions of interest from general practices specialising in women’s health to participate in the Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic expansion in the Perth North Primary PHN region. The Australian Government has announced funding of $19.6 million over three years to support the establishment of 11 new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics (including one new clinic in the Perth North PHN). This expansion will increase the network of clinics from 22 to 33 across Australia, enhancing care, support, treatment, and management of symptoms for perimenopause and menopause.
The DHDA is commissioning PHNs to administer and manage the program on behalf of the Australian Government, including shortlisting of applicants, entering into agreements and making eligible payments to participating practices. Find out more and submit your EOI to WAPHA by Tuesday, 22 July 2025. Questions can be emailed directly to Genein.Ciapusci@wapha.org.au
Looking for a cost-effective dietetic service for your patient? The Master of Dietetics students from Curtin University are offering FREE one-on-one consultations for adults at Curtin Clinic Cockburn. The clinic can help with:
For more information view the flyer here or contact the clinic at 9494 3751, via email on CockburnClinic@curtin.edu.au or visit the webpage - Curtin Clinic Cockburn.
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has created a COVID-19 Vaccination Reminder poster that includes reminders for health professionals and the wider community on how to continue to protect ourselves and others through regular vaccinations throughout the year. On behalf of WAPHA, we sincerely thank current vaccinating organisations for ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 and other vaccinations in Western Australia. We hope this poster will be useful in promoting the ongoing benefits of regular vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections like COVID-19 and influenza. If your practice has not yet received a COVID-19 poster pack in the mail, please email immunisation@wapha.org.au or contact Practice Assist on 1800 2 ASSIST (1800 2 277 478) or 08 6278 7900 to arrange.
Safety information for both Arexvy and Abrysvo vaccines has been updated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This is to reflect the low risk of people contracting Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) following vaccination. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a disorder in which the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. Most people recover completely from GBS, but some serious illnesses can be fatal.
Typically, hands and/or feet are affected first, with symptoms progressing up the body to the legs, arms, face and muscles involved with breathing. These symptoms may progress over a few days or weeks. More information here.
The WA Department of Health has received feedback from some immunisation providers regarding challenges with the Luer lock system used in the administration of the Abrysvo vaccine. To support safe and effective use, they have shared some key resources and guidance available from Pfizer.
Instructional Resources
Pfizer provides detailed instructional materials to assist with vaccine preparation:
These resources are available via the Pfizer Abrysvo vaccine website. To access them, sign up through the Global Registration and Validation portal by clicking on the ‘Instructions for use infographic’ and ‘How to use video’ tabs.
From 15 April 2024, the Australian Q Fever Register became a part of the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). The register officially closed on Monday 30 June 2025. Recent data has identified that providers were still reporting Q Fever vaccine administrations to the Q Fever Register, this is a reminder that vaccination providers must report Q fever (Q-VAX) vaccines and natural immunity information to the AIR only. Individuals can access their information on the Q Fever Register, including their Q Fever eStatement, until 30 June 2025. After 30 June, the register will no longer be accessible. In relation to the historical records stored within the Q Fever Register, individuals can continue to use their Q Fever eStatement as vaccination evidence. Vaccination providers can update the individual’s record on the AIR based on the information in the Q Fever eStatement and other supporting documentation, taking into account the recommendations made within the Australian Immunisation Handbook. For more information on reporting information to the AIR, please visit servicesaustralia.gov.au/hpair.
Following the recent major update to the Australian Immunisation Handbook chapter on vaccination for people who are immunocompromised, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) this week released a new FAQs resource on the same topic, to support and summarise the expanded handbook chapter. Immunocompromise can be caused by medical conditions and medical therapies and varies in severity among individuals. People with immunocompromise are at increased risk of severe illness from infectious diseases. The resource gives clear answers to a range of common queries, including:
NCIRS has today released videos of our latest webinar, ‘Navigating vaccination for immunocompromised patients: new Handbook guidance’. Recordings of the event can be accessed here.
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a toolkit aimed at encouraging vaccination among older adults who are aged care residents. Designed to support aged care providers, the toolkit includes vaccine recommendations for older people as well as a comprehensive discussion guide for use in conversations with residents, their families and carers about the benefits of vaccination. Older adults living in aged care facilities are especially susceptible to infectious respiratory diseases, including influenza and COVID-19. Current COVID-19 and influenza vaccination rates in residential aged care settings in Australia have been shown to be very low. NCIRS also recently released a new resource highlighting the enormous benefits of COVID-19 booster vaccination for older people, based on new research showing older adults who have had a recent booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine have almost half the risk of dying from the acute respiratory infection compared with those who received their last booster over a year ago. Access the toolkit here.
The Immunisation Coalition is presenting another well worth watching webinar in July. A multi-disciplinary panel of experts will discuss RSV immunisation in newborns and eligible infants in their 2nd RSV season, and clarify use of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) under different seasonal and patient situations. Learning outcomes:
Join WA’s own Professor Peter Richmond (Consultant Paediatric Immunologist and Paediatrician at Perth Children’s Hospital and is Head of the Immunology Department at the Child and Adolescent Health Service in WA) and others to hear their expert advice. For more information and to register, access here.
The Immunisation Coalition’s annual update on COVID-19 in Australia for GPs, Immunisation Nurses, Pharmacists, and other immunisation professionals. With the latest facts about COVID-19 and vaccination, this webinar covers everything you need to know about the disease and available vaccines. Register here.
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has launched the inaugural Australian Vaccinology Course, a new in-person program designed for professionals seeking a deep, evidence-based understanding of vaccines, immunology and vaccination programs. Informed and delivered by Australian and international experts, the immersive program will equip you with the critical knowledge and skills required to:
Whether you're involved in policymaking, clinical practice, public health or research, this course will empower you to contribute meaningfully to local and national immunisation strategies; enhance vaccine decision-making processes; and become a trusted advocate for immunisation in your community and country. The event will be held at the Q Station in Manly, Sydney from 28-30 August 2025, with a one-day option available to attend the Essential immunisation provider update on Saturday 30 August 2025. Find out more and register here.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Learning Hub has been developed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, in partnership with GPEx, to equip primary care professionals with the knowledge and tools to promote bowel cancer screening effectively. They have recently launched this free national education initiative to support healthcare providers in encouraging participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. Healthcare providers, including GPs, nurses, practice staff, Aboriginal health workers, tertiary specialists, and allied health professionals, now have access to:
Healthcare providers play a crucial role in helping patients aged 45 to 74 to screen for bowel cancer.
Register your interest and learn more at gpex.com.au/nbcsp-education
On July 1, 2025 the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program launched around the country. The program will see eligible people between the ages of 50 – 70, be offered a biennial low dose CT scan to detect lung nodules and suspected cancers. Assessment and referrals will be managed by GPs, and practice software integration is available through the National Cancer Screening Register (NCSR). Practice resources are available to download and every practice should soon be receiving a Lung Cancer Screening toolkit in the mail. Education modules have been created for Health Professionals to access by Lung Foundation Australia. Further information on the program can be accessed here.
The National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from cervical cancer. There are now three ways to complete testing for the national program:
Self-collection should be offered in-clinic wherever possible, this is to be ensure assistance if available if necessary and timely transport to pathology labs. The healthcare provider is not required to observe the collection unless that is the patients preference. People choosing self-collection must be given clear information by their healthcare provider of the pros and cons of both screening options (including possible follow-up requirements) to support informed decision-making by participants. This test is a crucial part of the National Cervical Screening Program and is recommended every five years for women aged 25 to 74. Most people with HPV don't experience symptoms, making screening essential although Individuals experiencing symptoms like pain, bleeding, or discharge should consult their doctor regardless of screening recommendations. For more information read the national cervical screening policy.
Join us for a series of training webinars designed to enhance your knowledge and skills on syphilis in general practice, including interpreting results, initiating treatment, contact tracing, co-infections and hepatitis C.
Webinar 2: Interpreting STI results and initiating treatment
The second webinar on Thursday 24 July will explore sexual health assessments in general practice and how to interpret syphilis serology and initiate treatment. Register for webinar 2 today.
The Workforce Solutions team at Rural Health West (RHW) are a dedicated and friendly bunch who would love to meet you and tell you more about what they can do for you! RHW are hosting a webinar on Tuesday 29 July at 12.30pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what they do to support the recruitment and retention of rural health practitioners across our beautiful state. In just the last year, RHW have placed over 60 permanent recruits, 85 NMDAH placements and 14 fulltime GPs via our locums’ program as well as 44 future workforce engagement activities. This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding what they do at RHW. Please register your attendance here. If you have any specific questions, email RHW prior to the session at recruit@ruralhealthwest.com.au
Join us for an informative webinar about the newly released National Lung Cancer Screening Program. Webinar topics:
To find out more, view the flyer and register today.
Rural Health West on behalf of its partners the Aboriginal Health Council of WA and the WA Child Ear Health Strategy invite health professionals to attend the WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum 2025. The two-day forum will focus on regional ear health initiatives, successes and challenges, technologies and research in ear and hearing health through interactive discussions and upskilling sessions. The forum has been developed to provide medical and primary health care professionals an opportunity to connect with peers, hear from researchers who are innovating the space and learn about current ear health initiatives being implemented across the nation and state. To find out more and register, visit the forum webpage.
The Aboriginal Health Conference 2025 will provide an opportunity to come together and learn from each other. Through presentations, panel sessions, case study discussions and workshops, we will deliver an engaging and informative conference program for delegates. The 2025 theme Writing the Narrative – Telling Our Stories highlights the power of stories and how they shape identities, preserve culture and influence change. The conference program features five streams, providing comprehensive insights into crucial aspects of Aboriginal health:
To find out more, view.
Explore the things you need to know as an early career GP; preparing you for what's ahead. Designed by GPs for GPs, the weekend offers relevant topics for New Fellows, GPs in Training and IMGs. This year’s theme is “Building our futures” and includes talks on finance, career sustainability, conquering CPD and technology in general practice. Sessions confirmed so far:
... and more to come! All New Fellows and GPs on a training pathway towards Fellowship are encouraged to attend. To find out more, view. Forward this event to a colleague who may find this conference useful.
Join us for an in-person evening event recognising and supporting practice nurses working in general practice across the Perth metropolitan region. The forum will offer valuable networking opportunities and deliver tailored professional support for general practice nurses, fostering peer connection, shared learning and practical tools to enhance their role in primary care. To find out more, view the flyer and register today.
Clinician Assist WA is a secure website providing GPs and other health professionals with guidance for assessing, managing and referring patients across Western Australia. It has replaced HealthPathways WA, offering the same trusted local guidance, features and functionality and remains available at no cost. The Clinician Assist WA team will run online demonstrations facilitated by a GP Clinical Editor throughout 2025 to support users. These sessions will demonstrate how to maximise integration of Clinician Assist WA into your clinical practice. Learn key functionalities of the website and how to access condition specific tools and resources, Referral Access Criteria (RAC) (where available), GPbook Specialist Directory and visiting specialist rosters. Sessions have been approved for 1 CPD Educational Hour with RACGP and will be held online on the following dates:
Demonstrations are open to general practitioners, general practice staff and other health professionals registered to practice in WA.
Acknowledgement 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.