- Clinical information and resources
- Vaccination information and resources
- Caring for patients with COVID-19
- Winter wellness flu and COVID-19
COVID-19 - Clinical information and resources
Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast PHN continues to support primary healthcare in our region to respond to the current COVID-19 health situation by providing services, information and resources to help practitioners support their patients.
This page contains information on the assessment and management of COVID-19, vaccinations, GP respiratory clinics, primary healthcare workforce, and clinical/patient resources. Note: The information on this page is intended for clinicians only.
Requesting PPE
HealthPathways
HealthPathways contains the most up to date information on support for COVID-19 patients. Your local COVID-19 Case Management HealthPathway is available for clinicians to provide clinical guidance on the assessment, triage and management of COVID-19 positive people in the community.
Latest updates, information and resources
- PPE Fact Sheet - Changes to the existing ordering process, eligibility and PPE bundle details.
- PPE Infographic - Living with COVID: PPE ordering, distribution and delivery.
- Distribution of PPE through PHNs: Tranche 5 eye protection for general practices, including ACCHS, and allied health in Queensland.
- Queensland Health guidelines for use of PPE
- Department of Health guidelines:
CALD resources
Queensland Health is working with key stakeholders across the state to ensure people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds have access to current, culturally appropriate and translated COVID-19 information. Find resources online here.
Department of Health
- Department of Health website
- CDNA National guidelines for public health units
- Coronavirus Health Information Line 1800 020 080
National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce
The Taskforce works to provide the best COVID-19 evidence that supports clinicians to provide the best possible care for Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Taskforce undertakes continuous evidence surveillance to identify and rapidly synthesise emerging research in order to provide national, evidence-based guidelines for the clinical care of people with COVID-19.
PHN
For the latest updates and health alerts, please ensure you are subscribed to the PHN’s mailing list
Queensland PHNs webinar series:
- COVID update for general practice #1, Wednesday 22 December 2022
- COVID update for general practice #2, Thursday 10 March 2022
- COVID update for general practice # 3, Monday 21 March 2022
- COVID update for general practice #4, Wednesday 30 March 2022
- COVID update for general practice #5, Tuesday 26 April 2022
- COVID update for general practice #6, Thursday 12 May 2022
- COVID update for general practice #7, Thursday 26 May 2022
- COVID update for general practicde #8, Wednesday 20 July 2022
RACGP
Queensland Health
Department of Health
- CDNA National guidelines for public health units
- COVID-19 Action Plan
- COVID-19 Infection Control Online Training Module
- Information and resources
PHN
- Coronavirus practice plan - DOCX (761 KB)
- Pandemic Planning Checklist (word) - DOCX (66 KB)
- Pandemic Planning Checklist (PDF) - PDF (395 KB)
- Risk management hierarchy of controls - Managing COVID-19 transmission risk in general practice - PDF (587 KB)
- Shortcut Templates for Clinical Software - PDF (359KB)
- GP Patient Tracking Tool - XLXS (28KB)
Queensland Health
RACGP
Staffed by senior GPs and experienced counsellors trained in doctors’ health, Drs4Drs is a free medical service for GPs seeking support. An initiative from the Department of Health and Medical Board of Australia to ensure GPs have access to care and support when they need it. This is a 24/7, free and confidential service you can access by calling 1300 Dr4Drs (1300 374 377).
Fit testing and use of P2 / N95 respiratory masks
Fit testing provides healthcare workers with maximum protection against respiratory hazards through ensuring there is an adequate face seal of the N95 respirator mask.
The following resources provide guidance on fit testing and use of P2 / N95 respiratory masks:
- Correct use of PPE, Queensland Health:
- A short video showing how to fit and remove protective equipment in the correct order https://vimeo.com/398428480
- Safe fitting and removal of PPE for healthcare staff, Queensland Health:
- Infographic detailing the correct process for fitting and removing PPE, as well as PPE recommendations for confirmed and high risk suspected COVID-19 cases https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0035/945755/covid19-correct-use-ppe.pdf
- Infection Control Expert Group Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in the context of COVID-19 with key recommendations below:
- All health care workers should follow standard and transmission-based precautions as described in the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2021).
- Healthcare workers who wear P2/N95 respirators should complete fit testing before first use, and form a fit (seal) check properly each time they are used. In situations where fit testing has not yet been carried out, and a P2/N95 respirator is recommended for use, a fit-checked P2/N95 respirator is preferred to a surgical mask.
- All healthcare workers providing direct patient care or working within the patient/client/resident zone for individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should have access to P2/N95 respirators.
- For healthcare workers providing direct patient care or working within the patient/client/resident zone for individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, the choice between P2/N95 respirator or surgical mask should be based on an assessment of risk of transmission.
- Assessment of risk of transmission of COVID-19 to healthcare workers should include consideration of:
- the individual patient/client/resident’s pre-existing likelihood of COVID-19
- patient/client/resident factors
- physical location of care.
- Queensland Health Guidance document for Fit testing of P2/N95 masks in respiratory protection programs outlining:
- Difference between fit Checking and fit testing
- Qualitative Fit Testing (a facial fit testing giving pass or fail results that relies on the wearer’s subjective response to aerosolised test agent)
- Quantitative Fit Testing (objective numerical fit testing results through the use of special particle counting breathing zone, which does not rely on the subject’s response to a test agent)
- Fit Test Program Administrator functions
- Fit Test Operator/ Assessor ‘competent person model’
- Recording of fit testing
- Find a Fit Tester:
- Fit testing resources – note these are from 3M, however are applicable to other brands
For fit testing solutions please refer to the following suppliers:
- Blackwoods
07 3275 7222
www.blackwoods.com.au - Southland Supply Group
1800 772 291
www.southland.com.au - WorksafeGear
1300 289 773
www.worksafegear.com.au
Health Professionals support lines
- Queensland Doctors’ Health Advisory Service: free and confidential advice 24/7 to medical practitioners and medical students. This support advice includes: matters relating to stress, mental health, personal and financial crises needs. Phone: 07 3833 4352
- RACGP Support Program: free, confidential specialist advice to help cope with professional and personal stressors impacting areas such as, mental health and wellbeing, work performance and personal relationships. Phone: 1300 361 008
- ACRRM's Employee Assistance Program: free for members experiencing workplace, training, exam, or other stresses or issues impacting your personal wellbeing. Provides immediate, confidential phone counselling support 24/7 in Australia and overseas. Phone 1800 818 728.
- Nurse & Midwifery Support: free and confidential support 24/7. Counsellors are available to discuss any health-related issues and provide advice and referral for nurses, midwives, nursing students, employers, educators, concerned others and the public. Phone: 1800 667 877
- CRANAplus Bush Support Services: free and confidential 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for rural and remote health practitioners and their families. Phone: 1800 805 391
Programs
- New access is a free service that provides support through a coach who can guide in setting practical goals that will get you back on track. More information visit NewAccess - Beyond Blue
Online selfcare webinar
- Online self-care for Doctors webinar
Black Dog Insititute
Free
https://medcast.com.au/courses/10
Advance Care Planning and COVID-19
Advance care planning is an important part of Australia’s COVID-19 healthcare planning. This page provides COVID-19 specific information and resources. For general Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning contacts, resources, tools and information head to the PHN Palliative Care page.
- Queensland Health - COVID-19 Palliative Care Resources
- Advance Care Planning Australia (ACPA)
- CareSearch Palliative Care knowledge Network
- Palliative Care Aged Care Evidence (palliAGED)
- CareHelp
- caring@home project
- Expansion of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Continued Dispensing Arrangements Covid-19
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia - dedicated website to support pharmacists
- Pharmacy Guild of Australia - dedicated microsite to support pharmacists
- What Pharmacists Need to Know - the new Medicines and Poisons Act 2019, Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021 and associated Departmental Standards regulatory framework
- Electronic prescribing - Department of Health fact sheet for pharmacists
- Practice preparedness plan - COVID in the community
- POPGUNS Triage Process: Prioritisation of Patients - A Guide to Urgency for Non-Clinical staff [PDF]
- Tips for administration team to support increased demand due to COVID-19 [PDF]
- Pulse Oximetre Fact Sheet for Patients [PDF]
Support for residential aged care facilities
The PHN is working alongside residential aged care facilities to manage and reduce infection rates in facilities.
RACFs have been supported by the PHN to provide vaccinations for all residents and staff. The PHN continues to actively support all RACFs in the region to ensure vaccinations are available.
Rapid response flowchart
The COVID-19 in a RACF: Overview and flowchart was jointly developed by a State and Commonwealth working group to help ensure Queensland can mobilise quickly and effectively in response to a COVID-19 case in an aged care facility.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE for coronavirus (COVID-19) includes surgical masks, particulate filter respirators (such as P2 or N95), gloves, goggles, glasses, face shields, gowns and aprons.
Guidelines on the use of PPE when caring for patients in the non-inpatient settings are available on the Department's website.
If you have any questions about the use of PPE or if you require PPE, email agedcarecovidppe@health.gov.au.
Support lines
A COVID-19 support line has been set up to provide information and support for older Australians, their families and carers. Freecall: 1800 171 866.
The FriendLine is for anyone who needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. All conversations with FriendLine are casual and anonymous and friendly volunteers are ready to talk about anything and everything. Call: 1800 424 287.
Public health guidelines
The Communicable Diseases Network Australia has developed these comprehensive national guidelines for the prevention, control and public health management of COVID-19 outbreaks in residential care facilities in Australia that cover:
- preparedness and prevention
- a flowchart for COVID-19 management
- swab collection procedure, and more.
Useful websites
- COVID-19 Telehealth MBS items information page
- Free MBS telehealth training
- How to access the training - PDF (261 KB)
Healthdirect Video Call service
- The Department of Health has extended the healthdirect Video Call COVID-19 GP Program to 30 June 2022.
- We encourage you to continue using this secure video consulting platform which has been purpose-built for primary care settings.
- For GPs in private practice wanting to start using the service, please register your practice. For GPs in ACCHOs wanting to start using the service, please register for access.
- RACGP CPD accredited training in healthdirect Video Call is now available for your practice.
Latest information
For the latest information on COVID-19 testing, visit Queensland Health’s COVID-19 testing requirements webpage.
Patient self-testing tools
Most people can manage COVID-19 at home and are advised to utilise the tools and helplines below in the first instance they suspect they have COVID-19.
COVID care self-checker - A clinical self-assessment tool designed to help patients understand what healthcare they may need based on their symptoms and other risk factors.
National Coronavirus Hotline 1800 020 080 - Available 24 hours a day 7 days per week, with an interpreter available (press 8).
Polymerase chain reaction tests (PCR)
PCR tests are no longer required to confirm a positive rapid antigen test (RAT).
PCR tests are available where RATs cannot be accessed.
Rapid antigen tests (RATs)
A positive RAT result must be reported to Queensland Health. RATs can be purchased at pharmacies and retail stores.
Queensland Health have a limited supply at testing sites.
GP Respiratory Clinics
Testing is free of charge at the following GPRCs and Queensland Health operated testing clinics. From 7 March 2022, charges may apply for COVID-19 tests undertaken at private pathology-operated clinics.
Note: A GP referral is required for testing at private pathology-operated clinics unless directed otherwise by a Public Health Order.
Specimen collection
Specimen collection can be done through:
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and QML Pathology
- dedicated COVID-19 fever, community assessment and GP respiratory clinics available across the region (see above).