Coronavirus

Last updated 10:00 am, 13 January 2021

Current situation
Masks
COVID-19 Testing
Infection control advice
Home isolation
Telehealth MBS Items
- Healthdirect Video Call Service
Immunisation
Resources for general practice
- Health Pathways
- Education: videos and webinars
Allied Health Professionals
Aged Care providers
Resources for community providers
Community information
Useful Links
Business Support
Further questions

Current situation

Snapshot

NSW daily updated information: NSW Health

NSW Testing criteria: Testing Advice

AHPPC: Latest Statements

MBS Online: News and Updates

News

RACGP NSW Health COVID-19 update webinar: Monday 18 January 7.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Register here: https://racgp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5NuveeCWTbykUg8rvCD6CA

COVID-19 Testing Clinics can change hours and locations so check here Please note here are QR CODES for St George and Sutherland area PLUS QR CODES for City and Eastern suburbs COVID Clinics

Advice to RACFs updated 7 January, 2021

Advice to home care services updated 7 January, 2021

Is there COVID near me? Excellent interactive website

The COVID-19 Vaccine is coming: Policy

RACGP webinar on the vaccine

Aged care resources (updated 8 January)

Aged care mental health: The Australian Government recently expanded access for aged care residents to Medicare subsidised individual psychological services. Up until 30 June 2022, aged care residents can access up to 20 individual psychological services per calendar year where their GP or psychiatrist determines they would clinically benefit from additional mental health support. For more information on Better Access for aged care residents, go to the Department of Health’s website NOTE MBS item numbers for mental health services in RACFs

Primary Health Quarterly Mental health issue featuring Prince of Wales hospital clown doctor Lou Pollard and her mother in an RACF (page 8 and 9)

Useful links for the festive season

Healthdirect can help Access to medical help after hours and during the holiday season

Restriction Checker keeps up to date information on what is and isn't allowed

Useful Contacts

Healthdirect Coronavirus 24/7 Help Line (coronavirus only) 1800 020 080
Healthdirect 24/7 Help Line (general health issues) 1800 022 222
Link to your local Public Health Unit 1300 066 055
Language translator needed? 131450

Webinars

Coviu's 2021 State of Telehealth Summit
This ground-breaking event brings together 20 subject-matter experts and 10 hours of learning targeted toward mental health and allied health professionals - all accessible entirely free and from the comfort of your home. As a participant, you’ll be able to join live webinars, watch session recordings (on-demand, 24/7), and more.
Saturday, 6 February, 2021 & Sunday, 7 February 2021 (Live)
Register Now

See here for our CPD calendar

See here for upcoming external events

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Masks

PPE: Application during COVID-19 Updated Dec, 2020
NSW CHO Dr Kerry Chant recommends masks

Surgical masks have been supplied in limited numbers to PHNs for general practice, community pharmacies, GP respiratory clinics, after hours GP home visiting services, medical deputising services and allied health professionals working in higher risk clinical areas who are exposed to at risk customers.

To register your request for surgical masks please complete this form: Mask Request Form (CESPHN). However before submitting your request for masks, please refer to this PHN locator link to check if you are in the CESPHN area. Any requests submitted outside our area will not be processed.

We have a small supply of P2/N95 respirators for those assessing and collecting specimens from patients with suspected COVID-19.

The Department of Health has advised that stocks from the National Medical Stockpile are limited and masks should only be used in accordance with the guidance provided by The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

CESPHN is only authorised to provide masks to general practices, community pharmacies, GP respiratory clinics, after hours GP home visiting services, medical deputising services and allied health professionals working in higher risk clinical areas. For further information see this fact sheet.

Other Health Care Providers including community service organisations requesting masks can email the National Incident Room: health.ops@health.gov.au These requests must state your organisation's need for masks.

Advice from the Department of Health regarding masks for other key groups:

Aged Care - If Commonwealth funded aged care providers are experiencing shortages and are unable to obtain masks, you may request supply from the Stockpile by emailing AgedCareCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au.

NDIS and disability providers - After disability support providers have explored alternative supply options, they can submit a request for supply from the National Medical Stockpile by emailing NDISCOVIDPPE@health.gov.au.

Non hospital-based specialists - High priority consideration will be given to providing masks to support necessary and urgent interventions for community/non hospital-based specialists whose assessments of, and interventions with, patients require close contact with patients, and particularly where aerosol generating procedures are involved. Masks are not routinely being made available to this group at this time

Allied health professionals are now eligible for limited access to the supply for the use of their staff when there is no available commercial supply and they are working in higher-risk clinical areas, and with higher risk vulnerable patients.

All other groups - People in other groups should continue to follow other infection prevention and control protocols, including social distancing, respiratory hygiene, frequent handwashing and regular cleaning of surfaces, including between patients if they are working in a health or other care field.

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COVID-19 Testing

PPE Strategy: Latest update from NSW Government

Information on testing at a glance: FAQ on COVID-19 testing

Location and hours: Pathology testing (including self testing)

Location and hours GP Respiratory clinics

Location and hours: COVID-19 clinics (public)

Updated: Guidance on lab testing

Updated: The use of facemasks and respirators in the context of COVID-19

Updated: Guidance COVID-19 swab collection-upper respiratory specimen

Updated: Guidance on nasal throat swabs

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian's announcement from 24 April still relevant on widespread COVID-19 testing in NSW: "If you have symptoms, if you're worried you have COVID-19 or if you've been in contact with someone who may have it, please come forward and get tested"

Latest NSW Health: Testing beyond the suspect case definition may, based on the clinical and public health judgement of the treating clinician, include individuals with sudden and unexplained onset of one or more of the following symptoms. Loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting and loss of appetite. See CDNA national guidelines testing criteria here

Arrange Telehealth assessment of patients with respiratory symptoms if they meet the Suspect Case Definition. Arrange further assessment and testing, either at your practice (noting the infection control requirements and you will need to organise specimen collection) a pathology collection centre, coronavirus clinic, respiratory clinic or refer to your local emergency department

If you are notified of a positive COVID-19 test result, need advice, or have concerns about the ability of a patient to self-isolate, e.g. if they live in a residential facility, contact the Public Health Unit

In NSW calling 1300 066 055 will direct to your local Public Health Unit

South Eastern Sydney Public Health Unit - 9382 8333 After hours emergency - 9382 2222, ask for Public Health Officer on call

Sydney Public Health Unit - 9515 9420 After hours emergency - 9515 6111, ask for Public Health Officer on call

eOrdering pathology remotely

Use your usual forms, or use THIS CHART to remotely eOrder private pathology for your patients. This could be through your clinical information system or logging in directly with the private pathology provider. Remote ordering is ideal for telehealth consultations.

Only refer low-risk patients to private pathology collection centres.

Patients with moderate acute respiratory symptoms requiring an examination including fever, sore throat, cough, tiredness and shortness of breath can be referred to a GP Respiratory Clinic.
Unwell patients who may require hospital admission should be referred to a local emergency department immediately.

Please ask patients to wear a surgical mask whenever possible when going for a COVID-19 test.

COVID-19 pathology collection centres (GP referrals needed)

Self Testing for COVID-19:

Histopath delivers a test kit to your patient's home, the patient self collects throat and nasal swabs, and the courier returns the specimen to the Histopath lab. Most people can self collect, the only two contraindications are:

- A patient who would be unable to take a good quality swab by themself, or
- A patient who requires a COVID-19 clearance test for employment or for other medicolegal reasons

Referrals are made by fax to 9878 8300 or by email to covid@histopath.com.au
For more information and to download a referral form go to: http://www.histopath.com.au

Eastern Sydney QR CODES

Airport - histopath 'Drive-through'
Sydney International Airport arrivals (parking is free)
Centre Road P9, Express Pick-Up Car Park, Mascot
9.00 am - 4.00 pm daily
Open Public Holidays

Chifley histopath 'Drive-through'
Chifley Sports Reserve
800-899R Bunnerong Road,
Chifley See website
9.00 am - 4.00 pm, Monday - Friday (No booking required)

City Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology (Dr referral preferred)
Hudson House, 131 Macquarie Street, Sydney
Ph: 9111 3405, 1800 026 622
7.30 am - 1.30 pm Monday - Friday

Mascot Laverty Pathology 'Drive-through'
135 Baxter Rd, Mascot (no referral required)
8.00 am – 4.00 pm Monday - Friday

Randwick Laverty Pathology
Ground Floor, 164 Belmore Rd Randwick
Ph: 9314 6571
7.30 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday (Closed Public Holidays) No request form required

Inner West Sydney QR CODES

Campsie Australian Clinical Labs (patient must wear mask and have referral from GP)
Suite 101, 1st Floor, 308-312 Beamish St, Campsie
Ph: 02 9789 6220 Fax: 9787 1082
8.00 am - 1.00 pm Monday - Friday

Concord histopath 'Drive-through'
1 Nullawarra Avenue, Concord (Old Concord RSL Carpark)
9.00 am to 4.00 pm daily
Open Public Holidays

Earlwood Laverty Pathology No request form required
293 Homer Street, Earlwood
Ph: 9558 1568 Fax: 9559 4287
1.00 pm - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday (Closed Public Holidays)

Five Dock 4Cyte Pathology 'Drive-through'
155-157 Parramatta Road, Five Dock
Drive into side carpark and do not get out of your vehicle at any time.
No booking required.
8.30 am - 5.00 pm, Monday - Friday, 10.00 am - 2.30 pm weekends

Marrickville Medlab Pathology (need referral and mask)
322 Marrickville Rd, Marrickville
Ph: 02 8095 8990
8.00 am - 1.00 pm Monday - Saturday (arrive by 12.45)

Stanmore 4Cyte Pathology 'Drive-through'
Side Carpark, Cyprus Community Club of NSW,
58/76 Stanmore Rd, Stanmore
Patient or Doctor to email Request Form to covid19@4Cyte.com.au OR telephone on 0435 085 052
Pathology request forms no longer required
See website for details: Stanmore COVID-19 testing
8.00 am - 5.00 pm, Monday - Friday
11.00 am - 2.00 pm Saturdays and Sundays

South Eastern Sydney QR CODES

Arncliffe histopath 'Drive-through'
Riverine Park,
Cnr Spring Street and West Botany Street, Arncliffe
9.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday - Friday (closed public holidays)

Barden Ridge histopath Pathology
The Ridge Athletic Track
Recreation Drive, Barden Ridge
9.00 am - 4.00 pm, Monday - Friday No booking required
Please refer to Histopath website for further information Ph: 98788111

Hurstville 4Cyte Pathology 'Drive-through'
Entry via Butler lane (rear of 8 Ormonde pde, Hurstville)
See Instructions here
Bring this attached request form
Patient or Doctor to email Request Form to covid19@4Cyte.com.au
Phone: 0434990083
9.00 am - 5.00 pm Monday - Friday
11.00 am - 2.00 pm Saturdays and Sundays

Jannali Laverty Pathology 'Drive-through'
2 Roberts Street, Jannali, NSW (Entry via Box Road)
8.00 am - 2.00 pm Monday - Friday (Closed Public Holidays) No request form required
See instructions here for more information

Miranda Laverty Pathology
125 Kareena Road, Miranda
Ph: 0401 673 829 Fax: 8544 3771
8.00 am - 3.00 pm Monday - Friday
8.00 am - 12.00 pm Saturdays

Oatley Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology
111 Mulga Road Oatley
Ph: 8650 1370 or 1800 026 622; Fax: 9586 2420
8.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday (appointment only)

Testing centres in other regions can be found Here

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GP Respiratory Clinics

GP Respiratory clinics will assess people with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, tiredness and shortness of breath. Regardless of whether COVID-19 testing is indicated, or a specimen is taken, the patient will receive clinical guidance about managing their respiratory symptoms. Patients attending clinics must make an appointment.

Locations of Respiratory Clinics

Belmore Medical Respiratory Clinic
481 Burwood Rd, Belmore
9.00 am – 1.00 pm Monday to Friday Website
Closed weekends and pubic holidays.
This clinic will re-open on Monday 4 January from 9am – 1pm Monday to Friday throughout January
Phone: 97403211 Watch Dr Jamal Rifi and his son Faisal RIfi discuss running their respiratory clinic during the pandemic
Inner West GP Respiratory Clinic
21a Elliott Street, Balmain
8.30 am – 6.00 pm Monday, 9.20 am - 1.00 pm Tuesday to Friday, 9.40 am - 1.00 pm Saturday.
GPs wishing to contact this clinic, please call 9555 5035 (only GPs)
website

Bondi Junction GP Respiratory Clinic
47 Spring St, Bondi Junction
9.00 am – 4.00 pm Monday to Friday and 11.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturdays
Appointments can be made via this this link or by calling 9194 2788

Lakemba GP Respiratory Clinic
96 Haldon St Lakemba (access from Oneata lane)
9.00 am - 5.00 pm daily
Appointments should be made via this link or by calling 9758 9848
Information poster AND See magazine article featuring this clinic (page 6 and 7)
*** Kirketon Road Centre 'pop-up' Times ****HAVE CHANGED check here***The mobile respiratory clinic, operated by the Kirketon Road Centre, is a mobile, walk-in primary health care assessment and testing service for socially housed, homeless and/or disadvantaged people who are experiencing respiratory symptoms. See magazine article featuring this clinic (page 6 and 7). Children under 5 years old should attend Prince of Wales Hospital Clinic (if attending with parent being tested), or Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for testing.The clinic will rotate between pop-up locations in South Eastern Sydney including:
- Walla Mulla Park, corner Forbes and Cathedral streets, Woolloomooloo: (Mondays 4.00 pm - 5.30 pm,Tuesdays 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm, Fridays 4.00 pm - 5.30 pm, Saturdays 2.30 pm - 4.00 pm)
- Eddie Ward Park, Northcott Estate, Belvoir St, Surry Hills: (Mondays 1.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Wednesdays 1.00 pm - 5.30 pm, Fridays 1.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Saturdays 11.30 am - 1.30 pm)
- Martin Place, Phillip Street: (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7.00 pm - 8.30 pm)
- Outside The Hub at Lexington Place, South Maroubra: (Thursdays, 9.15 am - 12.30 pm)
- Outside Kooloora Community Centre, Bilga Crescent, Malabar: (Thursdays, 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm)
- Poets Corner, Redfern: (Tuesdays 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Saturdays 9.00 am - 11.00 am)
- Wentworth Park under the arches, near Wattle St: (Tuesdays and Fridays, 4.00 pm - 5.30 pm)
NOTE KRC outreach times *** See here for COVID-19 testing

Flu vaccinations also available

All centres are wheelchair accessible and testing is FREE. No need for referrals or appointments. Call 0429 802 381 or KRC on 9360 2766 for information - Further details on KRC testing times here

Double Bay Doctors 'Drive-through'
Jamberoo Lane (off William Street)
8.30 am - 12.30 pm Monday - Friday
8.00 am - 11.00 am Weekends (flexible)
Ph: 93283100 online bookings here
Appointment only. There is a $45 gap fee for this service (pensioners are bulk-billed). This service is for anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms or a temperature, regardless of the cause.

GPMaroubra 'Drive-through'
14 Meagher Ave Maroubra (masks mandatory)
Appointment only and there is approx. a $52 gap payment (pensioners/concession card holders are bulk billed).
The process is as follows:
1. A telehealth screening consult is required prior to the test – Ph: 9311 9311 or online bookings here
2. Drive-through test which is available from 1.00 pm - 1.45 pm Monday - Thursday
3. Results provided over the phone the next day

Miranda Medical Centre 'Drive-through'
573 Kingsway
Miranda.NSW. 2228 (GP referral required)
enter Covid testing marquee from Penprase Lane
Ph: 95401044 for an appointment
8.00 am – 4.00 pm Monday - Friday, 8.00 am – 1.00 pm weekends

Helensburgh Respiratory Clinic
129 Parkes Street,
Helensburgh, NSW 2508
Ph: 4294 1400 www.PSGP.com.au
8.30 am - 12.30 pm Monday - Friday

Ryde GP Respiratory Clinic
11-17 Khartoum Road, Macquarie Park (Back car-park to Wise Clinic)
8.00 am - 12.00 pm and 12.30 pm - 4.30 pm daily
Ph: 9216 7676 Appointments can be made via this this link
The booking process can be found here - this can be printed off and provided to patients to help with appointments. Click link for map

This link is to all other GP respiratory clinics in NSW

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COVID-19 Testing Clinics (public)

Both children and adults require the same testing (although non-emergency children can preferably be taken to the Sydney Children's Hospital or Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for testing)

Caringbah COVID-19 Testing Centre
348R The Kingsway, Caringbah (located next to the pedestrian access linking the Kingsway to the supermarket)
The clinic is free and no referral or appointment required
9.00 am - 4.00 pm, daily
Restricted to ages 5 and older. Children <5yrs can attend Sutherland Hospital. Closed public holidays, During closure, go instead to - Sutherland Hospital Covid Clinic Please note here are QR CODES for St George and Sutherland area COVID Clinics' latest information

Canterbury Hospital
575 Canterbury Rd, Campsie
Outpatient department
access via the main entrance. - No booking required. open public holidays
9.00 am - 9.00 pm daily Canterbury Hospital website

Central Station Clinic
1 Eddy Ave,
Central
8.30 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday

Concord Hospital
Hospital Rd, Concord West
Across road from ED in Sports Institute Building. - No booking required
8.00 am - 6.00 pm daily open public holidays

Hurstville Community Centre
34 Woniora Road Hurstville
No referral or appointment required
9.00 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday
Closed on public holidays
Restricted to ages 5 and older. Children <5yrs can attend St George Hospital.
Phone 9113 2150 (website link with translated information included) Please note here are QR CODES for St George and Sutherland area COVID Clinics' latest information

Prince of Wales Hospital
Access via Building 14B Avoca St, Randwick
No age restrictions for children although children under 16 will only be tested if they are with a parent that also requires testing. Generally, children and definitely toddlers, are referred to the Sydney Children's Hospital Randwick
9.00 am - 7.00 pm daily Emergency dept open QR CODES for CIty and Eastern suburbs COVID Clinics with the latest opening hours and information

Redfern Health Centre
103 - 105 Redfern Street
Redfern
8.30 am - 4.00 pm Monday - Friday

Roselands 'Drive-through'
Roselands Shopping Centre Car Park
8.30 am - 4.00 pm daily

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Building 25 at the end of Salisbury Rd, Off
Missenden Rd, Camperdown Follow signs from the main hospital
Behind the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse - No booking required.
8.00 am - 10.00 pm daily open public holidays

Rozelle 'Drive-through'
University of Tasmania campus
Corner of Church and Glover st,
Rozelle
8.30 am - 4.00 pm daily

St George Hospital
Gray Street Kogarah - No booking required.
Test children ≥12 months old. Children <12 months old are referred to the St George Hospital Emergency Department to be tested there. All patients should continue to go to the ED after hours for COVID-19 screening.
8.00 am - 6.00 pm daily Please note here are QR CODES for St George and Sutherland area COVID Clinics' latest information

St Vincent’s Hospital (East Sydney Community and Arts Centre)
34 - 40 Burton St, Darlinghurst (enter from Palmer St entrance) Ph: 8382 2900 (website)
Children must be ≥16 years old. Otherwise they should attend Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick for testing
9.00 am - 4.00 pm daily (please attend emergency if you need testing when this clinic is closed) QR CODES for CIty and Eastern suburbs COVID Clinics with the latest opening hours and information

St Vincent's Bondi Beach car park clinic 'Drive-through'
Park Drive North, Bondi Beach car park. - No booking required
Children must be ≥5 years old. Children under 5 years old should attend Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick for testing
9.00 am - 5.00 pm daily (closed 26 Jan) - please attend emergency if you need testing when this clinic is closed QR CODES for CIty and Eastern suburbs COVID Clinics with the latest opening hours and information

Summer Hill 'Drive-through'
7 Prospect Rd, Summer Hill - No booking required.
Stop at covered area and wait for staff instructions (Inner west council depot)
8.30 am - 4.00 pm daily website

Sutherland Hospital testing clinic
Ground Floor, old Emergency Department, Kareena Road entrance, then follow signs from ED
No age restrictions for children however if a child is too unwell, they will be referred to Sutherland Hospital Emergency
Open daily 8.00 am - 4.00 pm
Please note here are QR CODES for St George and Sutherland area COVID Clinics' latest information

Sutherland 'Drive-through'
Sutherland basketball stadium car park at the rear of Sutherland Leisure Centre, opposite Waratah Park (off Old Princes Highway and accessed via the roundabout on Rawson Ave)
No referral or appointment required
Children must be ≥5 years old. Children under 5 years old should attend The Sutherland Hospital Emergency Department for testing
9.00 am - 4.00 pm daily and Closed on public holidays Please note here are QR CODES for St George and Sutherland area COVID Clinics' latest information

Sydney CHILDREN’s Hospital, Hospital Rd, (Off High Street and around the corner from children's emergency) Randwick
The COVID-19 Assessment Clinic will review Children with mild respiratory symptoms and assess the need for COVID-19 swab.
The clinic is staffed by Paediatric trained medical and nursing staff
8.30 am - 4.00 pm daily - Register your details before attending The clinic will continue to provide COVID-19 testing to children and their accompanying parent/carer. However, any child who requires a medical review will need to visit their GP or attend an Emergency Department.QR CODES for CIty and Eastern suburbs COVID Clinics with the latest opening hours and information
Telephone: 9382 1664

Sydney Eye Hospital
8 Macquarie St, Sydney (follow signs) - No booking required.
Children ≥1 can be tested here. Children less than one should attend Prince of Wales Hospital Clinic (if attending with parent being tested, or Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick for testing
10.00 am - 6.00 pm Monday - Friday Outside of these hours, you can attend the Emergency Department QR CODES for CIty and Eastern suburbs COVID Clinics with the latest opening hours and information

Sydney Olympic Park 'Drive-Through'
Edwin Flack Avenue
Sydney Olympic Park
8.00 am - 4.30 pm daily

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Infection control advice

NSW Health: Infection Control
RACGP Infection control principles
Cleaning staff to follow these principles
Latest advice on keeping patients safe: Testing and infection control

PPE application: updated Dec, 2020

How to put on and how to remove PPE.
Selection of RACGP videos on instructions for using PPE
Link to Infection control training video for health care workers
Hand sanitiser available to GPs, allied health workers and medical specialists

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Home isolation

All people arriving in Australia must isolate for 14 days (except for seeking medical care)
People who are isolated at home should not go to work, should not go to school, should not use public areas, and they should not use public transportation or taxis. Should a person isolated at home require medical care, wherever possible they should call first.
Appropriate contacts are GP, local emergency department, coronavirus helpline 1800 020 080 or the Healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222

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Telehealth MBS Items

MBS Home is continuously updated with news, factsheets and downloads
Telehealth is now a permanent fixture of our health system: Details here
Continuous care with Telehealth information: Medicare
Telehealth reimbursements: Coviu Reimbursement fact sheet

Telehealth Survey: Click here to complete the survey

Digital Health Administration

e-Delivery: For more timely medicines for Australians and improve patient safety Information here

e-Ordering pathology: Use THIS CHART to remotely eOrder pathology for patients

e-Lectronic eprescribing: Prescriber Ready GPs and Detailed Information on e-prescribing November 2020
plus Toolkit to help with promoting your practice as eprescribing. Log in using these details: digitalhealth.immij.com Username: Pharmacy Password: digitalhealth

What is e-prescribing? ADHA Fact Sheet
e-prescribing ADHA FAQs
e-prescribing Dept Health Fact Sheet
e-prescribing: Watch videos here
e-prescribing ADHA advice

For enquiries please email us at telehealth@cesphn.com.au and our expert Telehealth Support team will quickly respond.

General Practices

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the extension of a range of COVID-19 health measures for a further six months, to 31 March 2021. Medicare-subsidised Telehealth and pathology services, GP-led Respiratory Clinics, home medicines delivery, public and private hospital services will all be extended, as well as further investments in PPE. This means GP-led respiratory clinics across the country, will continue their pivotal role in testing. People will continue to have access to bulk-billed COVID-19 Tests under Medicare, with aged care residents and staff getting priority access to rapid testing. Eligible people will continue to get free home delivery of essential medicines by their local pharmacist. Further details here

Exemptions to this requirement: does not apply to people who are homeless; patients receiving an urgent after-hours (unsociable hours) service; children under the age of 12 months; patients of medical practitioners at an Aboriginal Medical Service or an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service; and people living in a COVID-19 impacted area*.

The temporary GP and OMP bulk billing incentive items for patients who are vulnerable to COVID-19 and the temporary doubling of all Medicare bulk-billing incentive fees has ceased. GPs can choose to bulk-bill or patient bill any temporary COVID-19 telehealth and phone attendance service. Bulk billing will continue to be available and regular billing practices will apply to all of these services. Bulk billing is at the discretion of all providers, so long as informed financial consent is obtained prior to the provision of the service.

Bulk billed GP and OMP services provided using the MBS telehealth items are eligible for MBS incentive payments when provided to Commonwealth concession card holders and children under 16 years of age.

Telehealth Resources from early in the pandemic

FAQ Telehealth (Aust Dept Health) Updated 20 July
Provider FAQs (CESPHN) Updated 21 April
FAQs on MBS items (Aust Dept Health) Updated 28 July
HOW TO: Conduct a video telehealth consultation
Healthdirect Video Call service (more on this below)
Updated resources: Telehealth Hub
Free technology help available: Help for doctors, allied health and patients to connect online
Telehealth for patients How to
Patient consent: Telehealth
Getting started with Telehealth: Checklist
Telehealth PBS: changes
Telehealth Resources: Agency
Telehealth counselling: Information
BMJ Article: remote Telehealth consultation in primary care
RACGP flowchart: How to
RACGP guide: consultations

Healthdirect Video Call service

Healthdirect Video Call Service Pilot Program extended by the Department of Health until 30 June 2021. The eligibility for access to the Video Call Service Pilot remains consistent with the current pilot for CESPHN which provides Video Call licenses free of charge for use by GPs, non-GP type primary care services classed as Mental Health, Aged Care, Maternity, Indigenous Health and Allied Health services within our region.

To register for a free licence, complete the New Clinic Application Form and send it to telehealth@cesphn.com.au. We can get you up and running in a day.

HealthDirect Video Call Service resources:

HealthDirect Videocall factsheet and Video explanation of telehealth
Customisable Video Call Patient Information Leaflet
Video Call Clinician How To and Troubleshooting Guide
Video Call Patient How To and Troubleshooting Guide

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Resources for General Practice

Mental health issues due to COVID-19 and in the lead up to Christmas are on the rise which is why we have focussed this summer edition of Primary Health Quarterly on mental health. Importantly, we look at domestic violence to give GPs tips on how to help people navigate pathways to safety. We speak to Tresillian who have established a men’s group to nurture men through the challenging post-natal period and we speak to a young Coogee girl who is back in Australia after contracting COVID in London.

RACGP guide to managing patients who present with respiratory symptoms: This covers preparation, screening, triage, billing, teleheath consultion and testing.

RACGP list of ways to keep a GP practice COVIDSafe

SESLHD: communication of patient care to GPs
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) ceased faxing discharge summaries and inpatient admission and discharge notifications on 1 November 2020. This information will be available through My Health Record and secure messaging. To receive patient care information successfully, you must be registered for My Health Record and connected to a secure messaging solution such as Argus, HealthLink or Medical Objects. To assist you with this, please contact CESPHN's Digital Health team via digitalhealth@cesphn.com.au

To update GP and practice details please contact one of the following hospitals and your details will be updated for all SESLHD Hospitals.

Calvary Hospital, Clinical Information Service: 9553 3488
Prince of Wales Hospital, Health Information Unit: 9382 9172
Royal Hospital for Women, Health Information Unit: 9382 9172
St George Hospital, Clinical Information Service: 9113 2888
Sutherland Hospital, Clinical Information Service: 9113 2888
Sydney Hospital & Sydney Eye Hospital, Medical Records Department: 9382 7339
War Memorial Hospital Medical Records Department: 9369 0242
Check-In with your GP marketing resources available: Resources

General Practice preparedness for a pandemic

July 10 posters targetted to indigenous communities

July 7 The latest NSW Health updated resources (posters, social media tiles banners, fact sheets)

FAQs for clinicians on elective surgery

How GPs can assist with intellectual disability issues during COVID-19

Disability management during COVID-19

The Australian Asthma Handbook has been updated to include new information on managing asthma during the COVID-19 pandemic

Posters for GP surgeries

Centrelink: HPOS and documents for patients' schools, employers here

Resources to assist with family violence

Supporting Women

BreastScreen NSW has now resumed breast screening. Details here in this PINK document contact BreastScreen NSW on 132050

RPA Women and Babies/Canterbury ANSC Update: Information here

Royal Hospital for Women ANSC Update: Information here

St George/Sutherland ANSC Update: Information here

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HealthPathways

Sydney HealthPathways has a new COVID-19 – Child Assessment and Management pathway.

Similar pathways exist on Sydney HealthPathways so if your practice falls within SLHD please access their site for localised information and responses.

The South Eastern Sydney HealthPathways and Sydney HealthPathways now include information on management of coronavirus. New users will be able to request access on their local HealthPathways home page. To access these Pathways use the following links:

South Eastern Sydney: Community Health Pathways

Sydney: Community Health Pathways

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Education: Videos and webinars

Upcoming Sydney Webinars (timezone converter)

See here for our CPD calendar

See here for upcoming external events

Link to CESPHN's full video library here which includes CESPHN COVID-19 Update Series in this playlist

RACGP/NSW COVID-19 Health recordings

Katrina Otto's CESPHN telehealth series: Access with Train IT Medical using the access code: AsyJe88h Instructions

Externally produced PAST RECORDINGS HERE

Getting your practice COVID vaccine ready, 7 December, 2020 Details here
General Practice Triage during COVID-19, 3 December, 2020 Details here

The Medical Republic + Coviu: Webinar - What if you HAVE TO do VIDEO telehealth? 29 October, 2020 Watch zoom recording here

Redefining your business for your recovery (56 minutes) 26 June Watch youtube recording here

Incorporating Telehealth into your Service: Realise Business with Michelle Tayler (1 hour) 18 June Link to zoom recording to watch here

Health post COVID-19: Grattan Institute (1 hour), 10 June Watch youtube recording here

COVID-19 Telehealth in Primary Care (60 minutes), 8 May Watch youtube recording here

Healthdirect information video (6 minutes) Watch video here

COVID-19 and pregnancy - International Experience (35 seconds), 19 April Watch youtube recording here

COVID-19 and pregnancy - Not Separating Babies (1 minute and 30 seconds), 19 April Watch youtube recording here

COVID-19 and pregnancy - Keep in contact with your doctor (1 minute and 7 seconds),19 April Watch youtube recording here

Update on the Australian Government's response to the Coronavirus pandemic (30 minutes) 15 April Watch recording here

Message to local GPs about Respiratory Clinics (3 minutes)15 April Watch youtube recording here

How to prepare for and implement Telehealth (1 hour, 28 minutes) 9 April Watch zoom recording here

A digital approach to mental health: Flip the Clinic (1 hour and 26 minutes) University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Research Centre. Hosted by Dr Norman Swan 8 April Listen to recording here

Telehealth webinar - familiarisation with Telehealth (1 hour, 31 minutes)24 March Link to zoom recording to watch here

BBV and STI sector briefing during COVID-19 (1 hour and 4 minutes)19 March Watch vimeo video here

In Home and Community Aged Care COVID-19 Preparedness Webinar (2 hours)13 March Watch video here

Webinar recordings on Electronic Prescribing (28 minutes)12 December, 2019: Link to related videos to watch here

Links to relevant video LIBRARIES

Link to Australian Government COVID-19 video library

Link to NSW Dept Health COVID-19 videos

Link to RACGP upcoming webinars

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Allied Health Professionals

Watch our new vox pop series where we interview primary health workers including allied health professionals HERE

Allied health professionals are now eligible for limited access to the supply of masks for the use of their staff when there is no available commercial supply and they are working in higher-risk clinical areas, and with higher risk vulnerable patients.

Free technology help available: Help for allied health professionals and patients to connect online

Residential aged care COVID-19 measures to increase allied health access

Videos/webinars and other information

COVID-19 Response Update for Allied Health Practitioners - Dept Health, 23 April Watch video here
COVID-19 response Update for Allied Health Practitioners 16 April Watch video here
COVID-19 Response update for primary care and allied health, 9 April Watch video here
COVID-19 response update for allied health practitioners, 2 April Watch video here
COVID-19 response update for allied health practitioners, 26 March Watch video here
NSW Health Guidance for home visiting and scheduled Outpatient clinics Infectious/diseases, Community and Outpatients
Screening and managing patients who may have COVID-19 Infectious disease and Outpatient Guidance This information relating to Outpatient clinics may be used in a primary care context to assist with the screening and management of patients who may have COVID-19

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Aged Care providers

Advice to RACFs updated 7 January 2021

Advice to home care services updated 7 January 2021

The Australian Government recently expanded access for aged care residents to Medicare subsidised individual psychological services. Up until 30 June 2022, aged care residents can access up to 20 individual psychological services per calendar year where their GP or psychiatrist determines they would clinically benefit from additional mental health support. For more information on Better Access for aged care residents, go to the Department of Health’s website.

CESPHN COVID-19 Outbreak RACF Preparedness and Response plan for Primary Care (updated 28 Oct)

Advice for GPs with patients in aged care

Resources (updated 8 January)

NSW Advice for aged care services (updated 21 Dec)

COVID-19 guidelines: CDNA National Guidelines: Outbreaks in residential care facilities

NSW Guidance for Residential Aged Care Facilities (updated 22 Nov)

PPE email for RACFs agedcarecovidppe@health.gov.au. The following information must be provided in your email request: 1. The facility, program or service requiring PPE. 2. If you have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 at your facility, program or service. 3. Types and quantities of PPE required. 4. Details of other suppliers you have attempted to source PPE stock from

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Resources for Community providers

Advice for employers from the Australian Government Department of Health

Supporting People to Stay Infection Free

Disability Services Consulting has released a free e-learning module

Sexual Health and COVID-19: link to website plus see here for webinar discussing COVID-19 for the BBV and STI sectors and further information on care with BBVs and sexual health

Health care workers: Link to Infection control training video

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Community information

Useful links for the festive season

Is there COVID near me? Excellent interactive website

Healthdirect can help Access to medical help after hours and during the holiday season

Restriction Checker keeps up to date information on what is and isn't allowed during the festive season

Information on How to use an infrared thermometer during COVID-19 PLUS Setting up a QR code

You must immediately self-isolate and get tested for Covid-19, and then stay isolated at home for 14 days from the date of your visit to some venues: Active COVID-19 cases in Sydney: Regular updates here

Healthdirect Symptom Checker guides you to the appropriate healthcare action which is also available on the Healthdirect app

FAQs from Healthdirect on coronavirus

Community information on face masks

We have had a significant increase in enquiries about cloth face masks and as a result, we have compiled this information on wearing and making face masks.

Mask use supplements but is not a substitute for other precautions such as hand hygiene and physical distancing.

When wearing or buying a mask, check it complies with recommendations. There are specific guidance requirements for masks to be effective.

· How to: Wear a mask here

· How to: Make (sew) a cloth mask

· How to: Make a (NO sew) cloth mask

How to: Make a cloth mask (another example)

There is a lot of support for vulnerable groups

COVIDSafe APP is available in Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Vietnamese

Guidance for accessing and delivering AOD services during COVID-19: Alcohol and Drugs information and services

Aged Care/Loneliness: Community Visitors Scheme

For people feeling socially isolated, the Red Cross has a chat service to help people feel connected

Your rights during COVID-19: Anti-Discrimination NSW