COVID-19 Vaccination Update: In-reach Clinics for Aged Care Workers
The Federal Department of Health has advised that primary care providers (including GP clinics) currently participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program may administer in-reach vaccination clinics for aged care workers aged 50 and over upon request from a residential aged care provider or a Primary Health Network.
Approved primary care providers can use their existing AstraZeneca dose allocation to provide an on-site vaccination opportunity for residential aged care staff aged 50 and over.
More information in Westvic News.
2021 Primary Care Refresher: Partners in Prevention
A reminder to register for the 2021 Primary Care Refresher, which will be held online over two days on 29-30 May.
This year the annual refresher has the theme Partners in Prevention and has expanded to include all health professionals, alongside GPs.
Guest speakers include Professor Michael Kidd AM, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Adjunct Professor (Practice) Alison McMillan, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer.
Clinical and Community Advisory Councils Update
Our Clinical and Community Advisory Councils will be meeting in the week starting Monday 10 May. These two groups are advisory councils to the WVPHN Board of Directors and provide a strong link to a broader set of Clinical and Community viewpoints.
The Clinical Council includes a variety of primary care clinicians including GPs, nurse practitioners and allied health practitioners.
The Community Council includes a broad range of community members from across our region with diverse backgrounds.
This month the Councils will be participating in the start of the co-design process for mental health, alcohol & other drugs and chronic conditions. The Clinical Council will also be engaging with Barwon Health on their Strategic Clinical Services Plan.
World Asthma Day & Lung Health Awareness Month
Today is World Asthma Day (5 May) and May is also Lung Health Awareness Month.
World Asthma Day is held each May to raise awareness of asthma worldwide and this year GINA is focused on ‘Uncovering Asthma Misconceptions’. Please visit the Asthma Australia website for resources for patients here.
Lung Foundation Australia is also encouraging Australians to take their lung health seriously and learn the signs and symptoms of lung disease and lung cancer. Lung disease and lung cancer affects almost 1 in 3 Australians; however, research shows that almost half of Australians rarely or never think about their lung health.
With the winter season approaching, Lung Foundation Australia is encouraging health professionals to speak with their patients about prioritising their lung health and overall wellbeing, with three easy steps: check, protect, connect. Health professionals can find more resources on its website.
Health professionals are also encouraged to ensure that patients with acute respiratory infections and a history of asthma or other lung disease have follow-up with their regular GP after initial COVID-19 testing to assist patients in managing their underlying conditions.
Please also remember to visit Western Victoria HealthPathways for information on respiratory illnesses.
Rowena Clift
Chief Executive Officer