Clinical Communique                                    Issue - 26 May 2016
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GP Views - Dr Ashraf Labib, Trangie 
 
Dr Labib has been working and living in Trangie for 15 years. He has a particular interest in the role of medicine in the community and enjoys emergency medicine. He feels COPD, diabetes and hypertension are important primary health issues in this region, which could be addressed by thorough investigation and follow up including speaking to patients' family members and checking them for health problems. 

At the same time as the position came up in Trangie he had the opportunity to work as a civilian GP in the army in Liverpool (Sydney). Dr Labib and his family decided to come to Trangie as he had enjoyed working at the Trangie Hospital for emergency cases (and loves emergency medicine). Trangie is special because he has good relationships with his patients and the community appreciates him and his role in the town. For these reasons Dr Labib is likely to be serving the community in Trangie until he retires.
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New contact tracing resources available for the management of STIs

Contact tracing is an important part of the clinical management of patients diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tuberculosis and essential for controlling these infections. Primary care providers, such as GPs are best placed to help patients undertake contact tracing and have a legal responsibility to ensure it takes place. The Australasian Contact Tracing Manual has been developed upon request of  healthcare providers and patients. This resource provides practical support and guidance for effective partner notification. 
Resource for GPs >>
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GPs can be the key to increasing bowel screening 

GPs can play a vital role in the early detection of bowel cancer by encouraging patients to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program. The Cancer Institute NSW is calling on GPs to discuss bowel cancer screening with their patients. If participation rates reach 60% nationwide, 90,000 lives could be saved over the next forty years. Currently Western NSW has a screening participation rate of only 34.8%, lower than the national rate of 37.3%. The campaign, ‘A Gift for Living,’ will air throughout May and June, and encourage people aged 50-74 in NSW to participate in bowel cancer screening. 
Find out more >>
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Marathon Health ATAPS referral fax number  

The Marathon Health Access to Allied Psychological Services (ATAPS) provides access to effective, low cost treatment for people with mild to moderate mental illness in Western NSW. In order for individuals to access this service, GPs need to complete a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) and then send a referral and the MHTP to Marathon Health. The ATAPS Centralised Intake Secure Fax Number is (02) 6882 7224. For further information contact the ATAPS Information Line (02) 6826 5271. A list of providers is available on the Marathon Health website. 
Find out more >>
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Successful Type II Diabetes Event in Broken Hill 

On 19 May WNSW PHN held a successful CPD event in Broken Hill on Type II Diabetes, organised in association with AztraZeneca. Dr Parind Vora, Endocrinologist from the Lyell McEwan Hospital in Adelaide gave an excellent presentation on the needs of patients and optimal treatment methods, with a practical approach to the use of insulin. 24 professionals attended the event including GPs, practice nurses, pharmacists, diabetes educators, dietitians and exercise physiologists.
Find out more >>
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Assisted registration for My Health Record

Assisted registration is voluntary and enables healthcare organisations to help patients register for a My Health Record. Any registered healthcare organisation can provide assisted registration including hospitals, dentists, pharmacists and general practices. Assisted registration is already embedded in most practice software so it is quite straight forward. For those without the embedded software, a stand-alone Assisted Registration Tool is available. Find out about assisted registration.
 
My Health Record Resources for GPs >>
No Jab, No Pay Update

A reminder to GPs that from 1 June Child Care and Family Tax Benefit payments may be impacted for children (0-19 years) still considered overdue for immunisation. This could result in concerned or upset parents visiting your practice. Starting any child on a catch up schedule is essential but faxing in the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) History Form is also essential for any child who requires more than 1 visit to complete their catch ups. This form provides a grace period of 6 months of continuing payments while required vaccinations are completed.
Find out more >>
Practitioner Changes 

Dr Kamal Galketiya, General Surgeon, has recently joined the team at Dubbo Health Service.  Dr Galketiya is currently accepting referrals for general surgical patients. The clinic will be held at the Ambulatory Care Unit, Dubbo Base Hospital. Please fax referrals to 02 6882 0351. Enquiries can be directed to the Ambulatory Care Unit, 02 6809 6000.
Training and Events

WNSW PHN organises regular CPD events for doctors and health professionals. These are listed on our website. Upcoming events organised or supported by WNSW PHN include: 
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NEW Dubbo Address and Phone Number! 
Contact Western NSW PHN

Dubbo Head Office - Phone: 1300 699 167 Email: admin@wnswphn.org.au 
Address: First Floor, 187 Brisbane Street, Dubbo NSW 2830

www.wnswphn.org.au

While the Australian Government helped fund this document, it has not reviewed the content and is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provide herein.
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