SNHN launches its first Needs Assessment report.

The Sydney North Health Network has released its first Health Needs Assessment. Reporting on 73 health areas, the report provides a snapshot of the health needs of the general population of Northern Sydney - which consists of a population 892,566 of people. The findings will inform the commissioning of services to meet identified need which SNHN will undertake from July 1.

In this month's SNHN News we bring you the following information:

• SNHN celebrates its first year of operation!

• Sydney North Health Network has moved office.

• General Practitioner required for a new Clinical Editor role to support the new Sydney North HealthPathways Program.

• Dying to Know Day (D2K) on 8 August is an annual day that SNHN will be observing through participation in conversations around death, dying and bereavement.

• SNHN has joined the Caring for Cognitive Impairment campaign which aims to create a platform for collaboration and sharing of good practice in the care of people with cognitive impairment.

• SNHN wrapped up the financial year with a hugely successful region wide membership drive, speaking to GPs, Pharmacists, Psychologists, Practice Nurses and other Allied Health Providers about the benefits of becoming a member.

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GP NEWS

In this month’s GP News we bring you the following information:

• General Practices are invited to take part in a study to screen for Atrial Fibrillation (AF) using a smartphone ECG.  The study is a Sydney University initiative.

• A new after-hours helpline for people receiving palliative care, their carers and health professionals is now available.

• A new report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics says that one million people see a GP for mental illness every year.

• Hepatitis NSW is seeking information on the local GPs and pharmacies that are working with the newly PBS listed hepatitis C drugs. The information will be used for an online web directory that aims to help link patients with their local service providers.

• A new web form that will assist healthcare professionals to refer patients to the My Aged Care system is now available for use.

• As the first point of contact for individuals seeking information about aged care and access to aged care services, My Aged Care can be helpful to your patients.

• NSW Ambulance has developed a set of Authorised Care Plans to help them make the best decisions about your patients in the event of an emergency.

• A new informative guide for health professionals, people with dementia and their carers has been produced by the Northern Sydney Dementia Partnership.

• Lung Foundation Australia has developed two new lung cancer resources for patients and health professionals.

• Did you know that Speech Pathologists are experts in treating and managing dysphagia? Read about common signs of dysphagia, free services for patients and how to refer patients to a Speech Pathologist.

• The Heart Foundation has released a revision of the healthy blood pressure guidelines for Australians.

• A summary of the articles contained in the third issue of Public Health Research & Practice, which focuses on the innovative use of cohort data to inform health service delivery.

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CLINICAL NEWS

In this month’s Clinical News we provide information for clinicians and public health practitioners regarding:

• Australians now have access to Medicinal Cannabis Cannabidol Oil (CBD) if sold as a dietary supplement with zero therapeutic value.

• A reminder for GPs that some vaccines have an age limit, such as the combination measles, mumps, rubella and varicella vaccines.

• Vaccine supplier GSK has advised that there is an interruption to the supply of the meningococcal B vaccine Bexsero.

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COMMUNITY HEALTH NEWS

In this month's Community News learn about:

• Some useful contact numbers for accessing After Hours Visiting Doctor Services.

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MENTAL HEALTH NEWS

In Mental Health News, we provide:

• A new youth training initiative in conjunction with Headspace and the NBN Co. is offering young people, aged 18-25 who are at risk of mental health issues or living with mental illness, free employment ready workshops and work experience.

• The July and August ATAPS referral numbers for GPs.

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EDUCATION EVENTS

Interested in continuing your education? Sydney North Health Network is hosting CPD Education Events for GPs, Practice Staff and Allied Health Providers. To view the current schedule, CLICK HERE.

• Specialist neurologist at St Vincents Clinic, Dr Stephen Tisch will be speaking about the management of Parkinson’s Disease on Tuesday 9 August.

• Asthma Australia with Asthma Foundation NSW is presenting an Asthma Symposium on 13 October in Sydney.

• The 2016 APAC Forum is coming to Sydney 12-14 September.

CLICK HERE for all other events.

HEALTH RECRUIT

SNHN is committed to helping build primary health workforce capacity.

Available now:

• General Practitioner required for a new Clinical Editor role to support the new Sydney North HealthPathways Program.

To view other current health related job vacancies in our region, CLICK HERE.

ADVERTISING

If you are interested in advertising your health or community care service to an audience of GPs, practice staff, allied health professionals and or other health professionals through our monthly eNews please contact the Communications team on communications@snhn.org.au or call 9432 8250

ABOUT SYDNEY NORTH HEALTH NETWORK

SNPHN Ltd (ABN 38 605 353 884) trading as Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) is a local not-for-profit health organisation, established by the Australian Government to improve access to primary care services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improve coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time. We are one of 31 PHNs. The SNHN region spans 899 square kilometres, aligns with the Northern Sydney Local Health District and encompasses 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs): Hornsby, Hunters Hill, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Manly, Mosman, North Sydney, Pittwater, Ryde, Warringah and Willoughby.

SNHN gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support provided by the Australian Government.