A new sexual health campaign is rolling out across Queensland to challenge the high and rising rates of STIs. Consumer research found that young people aged 15 to 29 have the highest rates of STIs. This also corresponded with significant knowledge gaps when it comes to sexual health. The research …
New clinical guidelines for osteoarthritis
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has updated its Guidelines for the management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. The latest recommendations indicate that people with osteoarthritis should adopt a combination of lifestyle changes and regular exercise. The guidelines also indicate that cognitive behavioural therapy may be appropriate to …
Rhuematic Heart Disease becomes notifiable in Queensland
Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) has been added to the list of notifiable conditions in Queensland. The Public Health Regulation 2018 came into effect from 1 September 2018 and will list RHD as a clinical diagnosis notifiable condition. What is Rheumatic Heart Disease? Rheumatic heart disease is a chronic condition caused …
New tool points the way to better mental health
Black Dog Institute has released a new version of a free online self-help program for people with mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress. myCompass offers individuals fourteen interactive learning Activities and a lifestyle Tracking feature. This helps users better understand themselves and learn strategies to improve their mental health. …
A My Health Record can help you avoid stroke damage or even death
Having a My Health Record could potentially save a stroke victim’s life or prevent serious brain damage as early action based on correct health information is critical after a person has had a stroke. Australians are being encouraged to get a My Health Record during National Stroke Week this week …
Clinical advice for the 2018 Polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea
In June 2018, the Government of Papua New Guinea notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus. The Government of Papua New Guinea is working with partners, including WHO and UNICEF, to take appropriate outbreak response measures including contact tracing, testing and vaccination. Polio is …
HealthPathways localises over 400 referral pathways across the Sunshine Coast
The HealthPathways program launched in November 2016 and has since become a go-to resource for many GPs by providing localised referral pathways. These localised pathways provides valuable information for managing patients and reviewing required information for public and private specialist referrals. If you haven’t used HealthPathways yet, it is a …
New suicide prevention training for GPs to be held in Gympie
CCQ have been announced as one of the twelve National Suicide Prevention Trial sites, bringing significant resources, activity and funding to areas of need in the region. The trial will utilise the Black Dog Institute’s LifeSpan model which is a systems-based approach to the delivery of suicide prevention services, targeting …
New private emergency department opens on the Sunshine coast
The new $4 million Buderim Private Hospital Emergency Centre is the first private emergency centre to open on the Sunshine Coast and is now providing specialist emergency care to patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Wallis Westbrook, General Manager of the Buderim Private Hospital, said the launch …
headspace Gympie delivers new services for young people
Today, the Gympie community gathered to celebrate the official opening of the newest service tackling youth-specific mental health and early intervention services. Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien said Gympie’s headspace service will be a valued community resource and a critical first step in getting the right support at …
Mumps outbreak in the Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast areas
Several confirmed cases and a small number of likely but unconfirmed cases of mumps have been identified in students in the boarding school at St Brendan’s college. The purpose of this communique is to provide you with some information about the steps being taken to minimise further spread in the …
What are participants saying about My Health for Life?
Since the beginning of my ‘My Health for Life’ Journey, I have felt significant benefits, namely that of my increased self-confidence. I am now more attuned to my body, noting a heightened sense of awareness, enabling me to make the relevant changes to my life long habits. I was well …
Are hearing checks part of an annual check up for your patients?
Hearing loss due to normal ageing (presbycusis) is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. One in six Australians have hearing loss with 60 percent of people over 60 and 70 percent of people over 70 experiencing hearing difficulties. People living with diabetes or those with cardiovascular issues …
Do you have the appropriate skills to respond to the needs of veterans?
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is holding a review of online professional development programs on veteran healthcare. Evidence provided at the Senate Inquiry into suicide by veterans and ex-service personnel showed that many health professionals felt under-skilled or unable to work with veterans and ex-service personnel. The aim of the …
ADIS launches new website for 24/7 support and resources
For over 30 years the Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) has provided 24/7 support, information and advice to anyone in Queensland with alcohol and drug issues, their family and friends, and health professionals. ADIS counsellors have supported over two million callers, providing numerous services to the general public as …
What are you dying to know?
Last week our region celebrated a number of “Dying to Know Day” events to activate conversations and curiosity, build death literacy and help grow the capacity of individuals and community groups to take action toward end of life planning. These events included a Palliative Care Qld film night and a …
New opportunities to promote research
Good quality research that translates into improved health outcomes in the community is the cornerstone of modern healthcare. Within the PHN boundaries, there are an increasing number of research facilities with a health focus. Our PHN has developed a research opportunities page on our website to help bring researchers and …
Free trial supports parents through the first 1000 days of life
Parent Link Trial The Commonwealth Government, in partnership with the Queensland Government, is trialling better ways to inform new and expectant parents about parenting, child development and support services. Through the trial, parents and carers of children in the first 1000 days of life (from pregnancy to age two), living …
Scamwatch: Beware investment wolves knocking at the door
Scamwatch is warning the Australian community to be wary about investment scams, with statistics revealing Australians are collectively losing $4.3 million a month to these scams. In 2018, more than $26 million has been reported lost to investment scams—already 84 per cent of the total losses recorded in 2017. This …
Respiratory diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children need a greater focus
A new review by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (HealthInfoNet) has found that the lung health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children requires a greater focus. The review found that best-practice medicine is essential to reduce the burden of respiratory illness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. HealthInfoNet Director, …