Issue 227 – 21 August 2025
| Welcome to Practice Connect, a fortnightly update for practice managers, principals, nurses and administration staff on relevant issues, upcoming events and education. |
Expanding eligibility for billing practice incentive items
Bulk billing incentive (BBI) payment changes from 1 November 2025 will expand the eligibility of bulk billing incentives to all Australians with a Medicare card.
Currently, general practitioners (GPs) only receive Medicare bulk billing incentives if they bulk bill children under 16 years old and Commonwealth concession card holders.
No other changes will apply to bulk billing incentive items other than the expansion of eligibility to include all patients holding a Medicare card.
For practice support please contact the Practice Assist Help Desk on 08 6278 7900 or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program – even payment split announced
Recently Mark Butler, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing announced that from 1 November 2025, practices and GPs registering for the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP) will equally share in the additional incentive payment of 12.5% of MBS billings for eligible services.
The even BBPIP payment split recognises the roles played by both practices and providers in delivering bulk billed services to patients.
Practices that join the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program must bulk bill every eligible service for every patient, to receive the BBPIP payment.
Further details and instructions on how to register in BBPIP will be provided later this year, and registration for BBPIP will be available from 1 November 2025.
Accredited practices can prepare in advance, by registering for MyMedicare now. Instructions on how to register for MyMedicare are available on the Services Australia Health Professional Education Resources website.
A resource answering frequently asked questions about BBPIP is available for practices, providers, practice managers and health professionals, including eligibility, benefits and how the program operates.
For further details please see here.
For practice support please contact the Practice Assist Help Desk on 08 6278 7900 or via email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
Understanding bulk billing changes for GPs and practice managers – Webinar recording
This webinar was held on 4 August 2025 as the first of 5 similar webinars held between 4 and 12 August 2025. The webinars gave GPs and practice managers information on the upcoming changes to bulk billing incentive eligibility and the new Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program.
Watch the recording here.
WAPHA seeks new board directors to help shape the future of primary care
WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) has launched a major recruitment drive to appoint several new board directors over the next two years, as part of a strategic renewal process.
Marking its tenth year of operation, WAPHA is looking to build on a decade of investment—over $1 billion in frontline health services—by bringing in fresh leadership to help deliver on the Australian Government’s ambitious health reform agenda.
Chair Dr Richard Choong said the board is seeking individuals who can bring a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in primary health care, including in rural and remote contexts, those who appreciate the importance of innovation, and applicants with strategic business and/ or digital expertise who can contribute different perspectives.
WAPHA operates three Primary Health Networks across WA and provides shared services nationally.
Nursing in General Practice Tool Kit – Updated
The Practice Assist Nursing in General Practice Tool Kit has undergone a refresh to make it easier for you to access the information and resources you need.
The updated tool kit offers nurses in general practice a range of educational resources, information, and useful links to help you deliver safe, high-quality, patient-centred care.
With easier navigation and up-to-date resources you will find subject headings covering the following areas:
- Overview
- Clinical support
- Culturally safe and inclusive resources
- Digital health
- Care of older adults
- Preventative health
- Non-clinical
- Mental health and alcohol and other drugs (AOD)
Explore the updated Nursing in General Practice Tool Kit today and see how it can support your role. We welcome your feedback and suggestions via email to practiceassist@wapha.org.au or call 08 6278 7900.
GP opportunity – EOIs open for Western Australian Medical Assistance Team Pilot Training Course
WA Health is seeking expressions of interest from eligible WA GPs interested in participating in a 4-day residential training course (held in Perth), for the Western Australian Medical Assistance Team (WAMAT) servicing regional and metropolitan WA.
WAMAT enhances the local health system surge capacity through rapid mobilisation of deployable medical assistance teams and equipment to provide direct clinical care to populations affected by natural or man-made disasters, outbreaks, planned public events and other emergencies or complex health operations.
This is a residential training course, delivered in-person from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 October 2025 and all participants will be accommodated during the period of training. The training will be a combination of classroom-style lectures and field simulation, focusing on the core competencies required for WAMAT deployment in Western Australian context.
Interested GPs can submit an expression of interest (EOI) by COB Monday 25 August 2025 that includes a current CV and brief statement addressing the selection criteria.
See the EOI information flyer for more information, email ausmat@health.wa.gov.au or phone 0429 189 767 if you have any queries or would like further clarification.
Calling nurses outside of major cities
Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) knows that working in rural or remote Australia presents unique challenges – so the August intake of their Chronic Disease Management and Healthy Ageing Program(CDMHA) is just for you!
This six-month, evidence-based program is designed for experienced nurses who want to expand their skills and knowledge in this growing area of primary health care.
CDMHA is subsidised by the Australian Government and costs $220 with the next intake starting on Tuesday, 26 August 2025.
Learn more here.
Further disruption to Bicillin L-A supply as Pfizer issues product alert
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has reported an ongoing global shortage of Bicillin L-A (benzathine penicillin), with limited availability of the PBS-listed alternative, Extencilline (France). Other international powder-based products are available via community pharmacies but are not PBS-listed.
Pfizer product alert
Pfizer has now issued a warning for two Bicillin L-A batches (LT0106 exp Sep 2027, HJ3234 exp Sep 2026) due to possible particulate matter in syringes. No adverse events have been reported, but healthcare professionals should inspect syringes before use, discard any with visible particles, and monitor patients. See the Product Alert for more information, including how to report issues to TGA or Pfizer.
Pfizer product alert
- Refer to the this fact sheet for safety and alternative product guidance.
- Continue ordering through usual suppliers and contact your local public health unit if urgent supply is needed.
- Monitor updates via the TGA Medicines Shortage website on Bicillin L-A
Priority indications for Benzathine penicillin:
- Treatment of definite, probable and possible acute rheumatic fever.
- Secondary prophylaxis of acute rheumatic fever and/or rheumatic heart disease.
- Treatment of syphilis in those with proven or suspected infection and their recent sexual contacts.
- Patients who require treatment for group-A streptococcal infection of the respiratory tract and skin who are at high risk of acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease or APSGN, where oral therapy is not acceptable, or the likelihood of non-adherence is high.
Contact the WA Health, Sexual Health and Blood Borne Virus Program via shbbvp@health.wa.gov.au
Tender open for establishment of After Hours General Practice Services
A tender is now open for the establishment of after hours general practice (GP) services in priority locations across Western Australia.
General Practices accredited against the RACGP Standards for general practices, are invited to submit an application for the tender from 2pm, Thursday 21 August 2025 with applications closing 2pm, Thursday 25 September 2025. It is important that applications meet the location and other minimum requirements.
About After Hours in General Practice
WA Primary Health Alliance is commissioning after hours in general practice services with funding provided by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. The new services will be located within existing facilities, such as general practices.
Commissioned after hours GP services will be expected to offer routine general practice appointments during after hours, including diagnosis, treatment, screenings, vaccinations, mental health advice, family planning, referrals, and chronic disease care. They will also provide treatment for non-urgent and non life-threatening illnesses.
The services will operate a minimum of two days a week during the after hours period and be staffed with doctors and nurses with training and experience in general practice care.
If your practice meets the minimum requirements and you wish to apply, please visit Tender – WAPHA for more details on the application process.
As this is part of a competitive tender process, all queries must be sent to tenders@wapha.org.au
Tender opportunity: Medicare Urgent Care Clinics
WA Primary Health Alliance, in conjunction with the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, is seeking expressions of interest from general practices to participate in the next tranche of Medicare Urgent Care Clinics for Western Australia. These clinics will be situated in Bateman, Ellenbrook and Mirrabooka.
Accredited general practices and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services located in these areas, as well as nearby suburbs, are eligible to apply, provided they can satisfy all relevant criteria.
Tender applications close 2 September 2025.
Request for information: Byford Health Hub
Byford Health Hub, scheduled to open in 2027, aims to deliver integrated outpatient specialist clinics, primary care, child health, mental health, and community health services to support the growing local population.
A state government election commitment, the Hub will be operated by East Metropolitan Health Service (EMHS). It will offer lease or licence opportunities for health and social service providers interested in delivering on-site services. EMHS is currently seeking interest from service providers who deliver primary care, urgent care, and/or medical imaging.
Providers keen to participate should respond to the upcoming Request for Information via Tenders WA and can consider registering to attend an online briefing session at 2pm on Wednesday 27 August.
Supporting a practice nurse with vaccine storage and cold chain management
Jupiter Health CBD, in the heart of Perth, requested some refresher information about vaccine storage and cold chain management for their new practice nurse, Mary Lennon, who has recently stepped into the world of practice nursing for the first time.
Jodie Robins, Program Coordinator for Immunisation and Cancer Screening at WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), visited Jupiter Health CBD to provide Ms Lennon with a one-to-one information session about vaccination, vaccine storage and cold chain management.
“The following week, I noticed a very slight breach when checking our data logger. With help from Jodie over the phone, I reported it straight away to Boorloo Public Health Unit (Boorloo PHU) as per cold chain breach protocols, and we had an answer on the safety of the vaccines from Boorloo PHU within hours,” Ms Lennon said.
Jupiter Health CBD also had a variety of private vaccines in stock during the cold chain breach and WAPHA’s Immunisation team advised the practice to contact the manufacturers regarding the efficacy of those vaccines to ensure their safety.
“As a result of the guidance we received from Jodie and Boorloo PHU, the downtime for the vaccines was minimal, we could safely resume vaccinating our patients and there was no need for any revaccinations,” Ms Lennon said.
If your practice would like information and support regarding vaccination, vaccine storage or cold chain management, email WAPHA’s Immunisation team via immunisation@wapha.org.au, call Practice Assist on 08 6278 7900 or email practiceassist@wapha.org.au
Changes to pneumococcal vaccines from 1 September
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has reviewed pneumococcal vaccines on the current childhood immunisation schedule. Based on ATAGI’s advice, the government has made changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
From 1 September 2025, children under 5 years, who have:
- not yet started their pneumococcal schedule should receive 3 doses of Prevenar 20.
- previously received 1 or 2 doses of Prevenar 13 should receive Prevenar 20 for all subsequent doses to complete the recommended vaccination course (where required).
- already completed a Prevenar 13 vaccination course who are due for a Pneumovax 23 booster should receive 1 dose of Prevenar 20 instead.
Do not delay vaccination, if required, Pneumovax 23 can still be used (while stock is available).
Further information regarding pneumococcal vaccines will be received from the WA Department of Health via vaccine updates (subscribe here).
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will update their website on the program from 1 September 2025.
Updated resources and online links are available now:
- NIP childhood and adolescence pneumococcal vaccine provider advice for health professionals – Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- NIP childhood and adolescence pneumococcal vaccine consumer fact sheet – Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- NIP childhood and adolescence pneumococcal vaccine Frequently Asked Questions – Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS)
Providers should be aware of and are encouraged to use WA’s vaccine safety surveillance system, known as the Western Australian Vaccine Safety Surveillance (WAVSS) system (SAFEVAC Reporting).
WAVSS system provides:
- a user-friendly way for both immunisation providers and patients to report Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI)
- support to patients and immunisation providers
- access to specialised immunisation clinics for individuals with a history of a significant AEFI
- individualised assessment of the suspected adverse event and options regarding future vaccinations
- improved knowledge of AEFI through systematic surveillance
- improved reporting levels of AEFI’s to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) (external site). All AEFIs will be reported to the TGA by WAVSS staff.
Awareness of AusVaxSafety’s active vaccine safety surveillance system was reported as being 61% in a research survey from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCORS).
Among respondents who were aware of the active system, 98% said they trusted it; 52% had viewed vaccine safety data on the AusVaxSafety website; and 50% had used AusVaxSafety data during a consultation with a vaccine-hesitant patient.
Vaccine safety surveillance information and data specific to WA can be accessed on the WA Department of Health website.
Virus WAtch
Virus WAtch is a weekly electronic publication by the Communicable Disease Control Directorate (CDCD) and key collaborators. It provides a brief summary of General Practice and hospital Emergency Department sentinel surveillance data on influenza-like illness, gastroenteritis and varicella-zoster disease, together with relevant laboratory information, to alert health care workers in WA to important circulating viruses.
In recent weeks, media alerts have been issued for both measles and meningococcal disease and an interstate acquired case of Mumps has been detected in the WA community.
Read the measles media alert here.
Read the meningococcal media alert here and here.
This publication assists general practice to be alert when viral illnesses are detected at higher levels so that you can be vigilant in detecting cases in your patients.
To subscribe to Virus WAtch, click here.
To read previous editions, click here.
Adolescent vaccination package now available on SKAI
An expansive new suite of information about vaccination for adolescents has been published on the Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) website.
The just-released SKAI Adolescent covers all vaccines that are recommended for young people in Australia aged 12–16 years, the diseases the vaccines protect against and an array of related topics. Topics range from practical strategies to reducing needle fear to school-based immunisation programs for special consideration groups of adolescents such as disability.
As well as accessible information on all vaccines recommended for adolescents at 12–13 years and 14–16 years of age, including those provided free under the National Immunisation Program, SKAI Adolescent features dedicated pages on topics including:
- vaccination for adolescents with medical risk conditions
- vaccination for adolescents who follow a religious practice or spiritual observance, vaccine safety, vaccine ingredients and vaccine side effects
Cold chain education for staff working in immunisation in WA
The Western Australian Department of Health Guidelines for the Management of Cold Chain for Immunisation Service Providers (Guidelines) have now been published.
The Guidelines sit alongside the National Storage Guidelines Strive for 5 as a Western Australian specific reference for all Immunisation Service Providers who receive government-funded vaccine and immunisation products.
Download and/or read the guidelines here.
To support the Guidelines, an eLearning Cold Chain Management training module has also been developed.
This stand-alone module aims to assist all immunisation providers, health care professionals and administration staff in the safe storage and management of vaccines.
Registration instructions for accessing the eLearning platform are available on the Immunisation Education webpage.
All staff at existing sites who receive government-funded vaccines and immunisation products are required to complete the training module by 31 December 2025.
New season of Matter of Vax! Podcasts
The Immunisation Foundation of Australia (IFA) have recently released a new season of the successful Matter of Vax! Podcast and video series.
Hosted by Steph O’Connell, a public health advocate, the podcast episodes feature:
- Catherine Hughes AM (Co-founder, Immunisation Foundation of Australia)
- Lily O’Connell (Meningococcal survivor)
- Professor Christopher Blyth (Director, Kids Research Institute)
- Professor Nicholas Wood (General Paediatrician, NCIRS)
- Dr. Gary Grohmann (Former Director, TGA & WHO consultant)
The topics covered include:
- Measles (its re-emergence and vaccination importance)
- Mpox (understanding its origins, spread, and prevention)
- Vaccine Safety (the rigorous development and monitoring process)
- Respiratory Infections (understanding their impact and prevention)
- Immunisations for Teens (why staying up-to-date is highly important for young adults)
Access to the podcasts can be found on your preferred platform (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts), or you can head to the Immunisation Foundation of Australia website Matter Of Vax — Immunisation Foundation of Australia.
Early-onset Colorectal Cancer: A growing challenge for primary care
Presented by Cancer Council WA
Thursday 4 September 2025 (6pm to 7pm AWST)
The Cancer Council WA are hosting this upcoming webinar on early onset colorectal cancer for GPs and Practice Nurses.
In this webinar, Dr Hooi Ee will discuss the clinical implications of this rising trend for primary care.
He will explore risk factors for EOCRC, including the possibility that some cases arise from a different pathogenetic pathway to CRC diagnosed later in life.
The session will also examine the presenting symptoms for EOCRC, screening challenges, treatment and impacts of CRC in this age group.
Case studies will highlight practical approaches to investigation, timely referral, and early detection in primary care.
To register, click here.
COVID-19 update: webinar recording now available
The Immunisation Coalition recently hosted a COVID -19 update webinar which covered the current landscape of COVID-19, including co-circulation with influenza and RSV.
They also spoke about current ATAGI guidelines, recommendations of conditions where vaccinating was advised, side effects of both the vaccines and the illness and treatment options.
National Bowel Screening Program
Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program reduces illness and death from bowel cancer by detecting the early signs of the disease using a free, simple test. If found early, more than 90% of cases can be successfully treated.
Access to the Home test kits has never been easier for eligible people.
- Eligible people aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel cancer screening kit by submitting the webform,calling 1800 627 701 or by requesting a kit from their GP via the Alternate Access to bowel screening kits for healthcare providers.
- Eligible people aged 50 to 74 will continue to receive a bowel cancer screening kit in the mail every 2 years or from a GP who is using the Alternate Access model (as above).
Cancer Council WA
The Cancer Council WA provide professional development opportunities for people working in primary health care across the entire cancer continuum. Education activities are regularly updated on their website.
They currently have an informative e-learning module on the clinical management and screening for bowel cancer available for clinical staff to complete.
For more information and to register, click here.
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program’s Healthcare Provider Education Package Learning Hub
GPEx, in partnership with the Australian Government, has launched a national education initiative to support healthcare providers in encouraging participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
Healthcare providers—including GPs, nurses, practice staff, tertiary specialists, and allied health professionals, now have access to:
- Free, CPD accredited training
- Downloadable resources to support bowel screening conversations
- An online Learning Hub with everything you need to know about the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program and the cancer care continuum
Further information and access to the hub can be found here.
National Lung Cancer Screening Program
The National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP) is a screening program using low-dose computed tomography (low-dose CT) scans to look for lung cancer in high-risk people without any symptoms. It aims to find lung cancer early and save lives.
People are eligible for the program if they are aged between 50 and 70 years and:
- show no signs or symptoms suggesting they may have lung cancer
- currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years
- have a history of tobacco cigarette smoking of at least 30 pack-years.
Lung Foundation Australia has launched a Lung Cancer Screening Helpline
To help Australians navigate the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program, Lung Foundation Australia has launched a Lung Cancer Screening Helpline, funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The helpline offers free, confidential guidance from experienced nurses, helping Australians understand eligibility, and those who are eligible to navigate screening and take proactive steps toward early diagnosis and better outcomes.
Contact details:
- Freecall 1800 654 301 (Option 2)
- Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm AEST (excluding public holidays) outside these hours, you can leave a message via the answering service.
For more information on the helpline, click here.
New resources now available for priority communities
- Getting ready for the National Lung Cancer Screening Program: A checklist for primary healthcare services
- Smoking history eligibility assessment
- Resources to support shared decision-making
You can access the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources on the NACCHO website.
Your support will help to save lives
Lung cancer is Australia’s leading cause of cancer-related death. However, if found early, over 65% of lung cancers can be successfully treated.
Your involvement in the NLCSP will help to save lives from lung cancer.
Find more information on Delivering the NLCSP.
Quality Improvement activities in Cancer Screening
The cancer screening programs can make excellent Quality Improvement (QI) activities for your practice.
QI activities highlight the eligible people who are due for screening and give you the framework for recalling and acting on the eligibility data. This is done by using a PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycle to plan and carry out the QI activity.
Primary Sense has reports available for immediate download for all cancer screening programs. Learn more about Primary Sense here.
For further information about undertaking QI activities, contact Practice Assist by email practiceassist@wapha.org.au or call 08 6278 7900) to connect with one of our Practice QI Coaches.
Clinician Assist WA
Clinician Assist replaced HealthPathways in 2024 and is designed to improve health equity by providing registered health professionals working in WA with access to up-to-date and consistent clinical and referral information to support all Western Australians.
More than 650 clinical and referral pathways have been localised for WA. These have been developed considering different patient population needs, and locally available resources and referral options (when available). Unlike traditional guidelines, clinical and referral pathways are succinct and easily used during a consultation. They are evidence-based and summarise locally relevant and agreed-upon assessment, management, and referral advice on key patient presentations.
All four of the cancer screening programs have a dedicated pathway, with the Lung screening pathway launching at the same week as the Program in July 2025.
To access Clinician Assist, click here.
Wear It Purple Day is Friday 29 August 2025
Join Wear It Purple Day – Bold Voices, Bright Futures
On 29 August 2025, ‘Wear It Purple Day’ will unite LGBTQIA+ youth and allies to shine a glorious light on the thousands of schools, community organisations, universities, and workplaces that are coming together to create a more inclusive future for all Australians.
By wearing purple, Australians demonstrate to rainbow young people that they are celebrated and respected, acknowledging all have the right to be proud of who they are and who they are becoming.
Originally founded by students in response to global stories of teenagers taking their own lives due to bullying and harassment, Wear It Purple Day has become an international movement of love and support.
This year’s theme is “Bold Voices, Bright Futures”, with artwork by Lee Evatt (He/Them), winner of Wear It Purple’s Youth Action Council (YAC) Design Competition to create a campaign message and artwork in celebration of LGBTQIA+ people openly and visibly achieving their dreams in sport, art, science and more!
STI and BBV Refresher Series – webinar 4
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
21 August 2025 (6pm to 6:15pm)
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 4: Thursday 21 August 2025
The fourth webinar will explore how to interpret hepatitis C serology and pathways for management.
To find out more, view the flyerand register for webinar 4today.
Shared care for ADHD in children – webinar
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
24 September 2025 (6pm to 7pm)
Join us for a webinar series designed to support general practitioners with increasing their skills in identifying, diagnosing and treating children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including prescribing and monitoring stimulants.
The three webinars are accredited for 3 RACGP EA CPD hours (1 hour each webinar).
Webinar 1: Wednesday 24 September 2025
This webinar will cover the following topics:
- ADHD identification in primary care.
- Overview of ADHD assessment and diagnosis.
- Introduction to ADHD management.
- WA specific context for S8 stimulant prescribing (key facts).
- Stepwise approach to safe S8 stimulant prescribing and shared care.
- Introduction to the Clinician Assist pathway.
To find out more, view the flyer and register for webinar 1 today.
Reducing the risk of hospitalisation for older adults in primary care
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance
10 September (12pm to 1pm)
Join us for an engaging and practical webinar for general practice teams committed to improving care for older adults.
This webinar will explore how quality improvement (QI) activities can be embedded into everyday workflows to support safe, effective, person-centred care for older patients, leading to increased independence and prevention of hospitalisation.
Webinar topics include:
- Understanding current hospitalisation rates.
- Identifying at-risk patients using Primary Sense.
- Applying preventative care strategies through structured health assessments.
- Promoting vaccination for preventable disease.
- Implementing chronic condition management plans and falls prevention that support long-term health and independence.
- Utilising QI methodologies to ensure continuous enhancement of outcomes and service delivery.
To find out more, view the flyer and register today.
Register now for a Clinician Assist WA live demonstration
Presented by Clinician Assist WA
Multiple Times & Dates Online
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.
De-escalation workshops – registrations extended to all general practices
Presented by WA Primary Health Alliance and Benchmarque Group Multiple Times & Dates Online
Aggression and violence in healthcare settings are a serious issue. An increasing number of healthcare workers, particularly nurses and frontline staff, are reporting exposure to a high prevalence of verbal and physical aggression.
By employing specific de-escalation techniques healthcare professionals can take better control of their emotions, gain deeper understanding of their client and the situation, therefore preventing the escalation of volatile behaviour.
On successful completion of the program, you will be able to:
- Recognise the psychological factors that drive escalation, and how the brain’s threat response affects behaviour during conflict
- Apply practical self-regulation and emotional self-management techniques
- Apply techniques on emotional regulation while demonstrating empathy and respect during conflict
- Employ communication strategies to shift individuals from reactive, emotion-driven states to more rational, calm states through de-escalation practices
- Create an environment that reduces triggers for escalation, ensuring patient and staff safety
- Balancing patient care and maintaining safety and policy management in the healthcare setting
- De-escalation training equips healthcare workers with the skills and knowledge to manage challenging behaviour effectively and prevent escalations into more severe incidents.
As there are limited spaces available, please register as soon as possible to ensure a place at the workshop.
Originally intended for Medicare Urgent Care Clinics, we are now pleased to extend registrations to all general practices to fill the remaining slots.
View the below flyers for more information to register:
- Beeliar – 1 September 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Rockingham – 2 September 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
- Bunbury – 4 September 2025 (morning and afternoon sessions)
Other Webinars, Events & Workshops
| Webinar: Hepatitis B in primary care Presented by RACGP 26 August |
| WA Hepatitis C for Nurses and Midwives Presented by ASHM 30 August |
| WA Sexual and Reproductive Health in Primary Care Presented by ASHM 6 September (Part 1) and 13 September (Part 2) |
| Integrating Digital Resources into Mental Health Care Presented by Black Dog Institute 8 September |
| BreastScreen WA visit to Manjimup Presented by BreastScreen WA 8 September to 20 October |
| WA Test and Cure Hepatitis C – What’s New in the National Hepatitis C Testing Policy Presented by ASHM 10 September |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Rockingham) – cancelled Presented by Wesley LifeForce 16 September |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Mandurah) Presented by Wesley LifeForce 17 September |
| BreastScreen WA visit to South Hedland Presented by BreastScreen WA 23 September to 17 October |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Esperance) Presented by Wesley LifeForce 23 September |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Kalgoorlie 11am) Presented by Wesley LifeForce 24 September |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Kalgoorlie 5.30pm) Presented by Wesley LifeForce 24 September |
| Virtual Diabetes In-depth Presented by Diabetes WA 24 September |
| WA Curing Hepatitis C in Primary Care Presented by ASHM 25 September |
| Diagnosing and Managing Youth Mental Illness in Primary Care Presented by ASHM 6 October |
| Fracture and Injury Management Course Presented by Benchmarque Group 8 October |
| Course in Wound Closure Presented by Benchmarque Group 8 October |
| National Kidney Summit 2025 Presented by Kidney Health Australia 10 October |
| Wesley LifeForce Suicide Prevention Training Primary Care Support Staff Workshop (Two Rocks) Presented by Wesley LifeForce 14 October |
| Dealing with Depression Presented by Black Dog Institute 25 October |
| ACNP National Conference Presented by Australian College of Nurse Practitioners (ACNP) 29 October to 31 October |
| Asia Pacific Autism Conference (APAC) Presented by Autism Association of Western Australia 13 November to 15 November |
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.
