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Public health alert – Measles in Sunshine Coast area

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit has been notified of a confirmed case of measles in a Sunshine Coast resident. The infection was acquired overseas. There is a low risk of further cases of measles. When a patient with measles attends a medical facility, other patients, visitors and staff are at …

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Smoking cessation on the road to saving 10000 lives

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

Research shows the most effective way to quit smoking is to use nicotine replacement therapy or quit smoking medication in combination with support from a GP or health professional. Quitline is offering smokers in Central Queensland a tailored, quit smoking program with 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy mailed …

A new MBS rebate structure is coming with the financial year

In Central Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay by PHN Communications

The Australian Government is introducing new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) item fee arrangements for non-vocationally recognised general practitioners (non-VR GPs). The new arrangements will affect claims for services provided by these doctors from 1 July 2018. The changes will ensure that MBS fees payable reflect recognised levels of expertise, reward …

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New hepatitis C treatments achieving incredible results

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

When the new treatments for chronic hepatitis C were released in 2016 they were touted as a game-changer. Many of us watched with cautious optimism. Would the Department of Health’s expensive gamble to eradicate hepatitis C pay off? The fact is, the new Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) are achieving incredible …

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Have the CHAT with your patients

In Central Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay by PHN Communications

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations are the second leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia. Research shows that your patients with COPD are more likely to have an exacerbation (flare-up of symptoms) during the winter months. ‘Have the CHAT’ is Lung Foundation Australia’s COPD exacerbation campaign for primary care …

NAIDOC events coming to Gympie

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

As NAIDOC week draws near there are a range of celebrations planned for people in the Gympie community. Under the theme – Because of Her, We Can! – NAIDOC Week 2018 will be held nationally from Sunday 8 July and continue through to Sunday 15 July. The theme celebrates the …

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Can your experience improve outcomes in delivering paediatric services?

In Central Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay by PHN Communications

Children’s Health Queensland is currently developing its health services plan, the Children’s Health and Wellbeing Services Plan 2018-2028 (CHWSP). The CHWSP will identify the key health service directions and strategies for the efficient and effective alignment of Children’s Health Queensland’s services to the needs of our community over the next …

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New hepatitis webinar to focus on non-clinical staff

In Central Queensland, Sunshine Coast, Wide Bay by PHN Communications

Hepatitis Queensland has launched a new two part webinar series looking at hepatitis C epidemiology, transmission, testing and treatment. The webinars are targeted towards non-clinical alcohol and other drugs workers, social workers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers among others. The first webinar in the series outlines hepatitis …

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Nambour General Hospital redevelopment confirmed

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

In a letter to stakeholders, the Board Chair and Chief Executive have confirmed a multimillion dollar redevelopment of the Nambour General Hospital. Construction on the $86 million project is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2019 and will be completed in December 2022. The redevelopment will deliver: expansion …

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What is your response to ‘digital health’?

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

For many GPs, the term ‘digital health’ elicits a middle digit response. From My Health Record to electronic referrals, there can be frustration over the point of it all. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The planets are beginning to align. Clinical information produced by various …

Buderim practice wins AGPAL Small Practice of the Year

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

A Sunshine Coast general practice, based in Buderim has been recognised with the top award for small general practices in this year’s Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) awards. Steve Jones, a nurse practitioner with Medicrew Buderim said their model of health care had helped them stand out among a …

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GP networking coordinators needed on the Sunshine Coast

In Sunshine Coast by PHN Communications

Network coordinators are needed in the following areas: South Sunshine Coast (Caloundra & surrounds) Central Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore, Buderim, Nambour) Gympie Growing a connected community of GPs – The PHN is committed to helping GPs connect with each other through: Educational events Peer networking Advocacy for the profession The PHN …