The Victorian Government has committed to implementing real time prescription monitoring (RTPM) in Victoria. This will involve rolling out a software system to more than 1,900 medical clinics, 1,300 pharmacies and 200 hospitals throughout the state.
RTPM is a clinical decision support system that will allow prescribers and community pharmacists to access an up-to-the-minute supply history of certain high risk medicines for their patient at the point of consultation. This will enable health practitioners to intervene earlier for people at risk of harm and respond appropriately to patient needs.
A consortium of primary health networks, health providers and partners was recently awarded the tender to deliver training to primary care prescribers and community pharmacists. To ensure we deliver the appropriate training for RTPM, we are asking general practitioners, practice managers, nurse practitioners and community pharmacists working in primary care settings - and any other health professionals involved in prescribing and managing pain - to complete a 20 minute survey. To complete the survey click here - closing 5pm 6 September. For more information e: RTPMtraining@westvicphn.com.au or
t: 03 5222 0806.
Funding to tackle obesity and poor health in Loddon Campaspe potentially preventable hospital admissions
The Victorian government has announced $150,000 for the Healthy Heart for Victoria initiative in Bendigo to help align regional and state-wide efforts to tackle preventable health problems, in particular obesity and mental health issues. The project is the result of engagement with the local community led by the Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnership.
The Loddon Campaspe region has an adult obesity rate of 23.4 per cent. This is the highest rate of obesity across all Regional Partnership regions, and compares to a state average of 17.4 per cent. Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and cancer, costing the state $14.4 billion annually. The $150,000 grant will support a business case to accelerate and target existing efforts for more impact, including those identified in the six Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plans. Click here for more details
Rapid access pathway for suspected lung cancer in the Border East Hume region cancer
The lung cancer multidisciplinary team at Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre and partners have developed a rapid access pathway for all patients with suspected lung cancer within the Border East Hume Region. The newly implemented model has increased the frequency of multidisciplinary team meetings from monthly to weekly and has incorporated a clinic component, enabling patients to rapidly access multidisciplinary expertise in the investigation, diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.
This project aligns with the Optimal Care Pathways for Lung Cancer. All patients with suspected lung cancer, lung nodules or masses should be referred immediately to a specialist within the Rapid Access Lung Cancer Clinic/Multidisciplinary Team Meeting. For further information regarding signs and symptoms, initial investigation recommendations, ideal referral content and specialist referral pathways click here. Should you have any questions e: cara.ross@humerics.humehealth.org.au or t: 02 6064 1530.
Grants to fight ice and drug addiction in Bendigo and Tallangatta alcohol and other drugs
Bendigo Community Health Service, Sports Focus and the Victorian AIDS Council will receive Victorian government Community Ice Action Grants for programs in the Bendigo area aimed at local cricket clubs, LGBTI communities and health and community services professionals, as well as the wider community, while the Towong Shire Council will receive one for a battle of the bands in Tallangatta.
The grants will engage and educate local communities across the state through initiatives such as workshops, forums, digital media content, and art projects. For more information click here.
STAREE - Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly statin therapy
A world first, placebo-controlled statin trial, based in general practice is underway and is seeking involvement. The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University will be working with GPs to invite their patients aged 70 and over - who are free of cardiovascular disease and diabetes - to participate.
The study is funded by The National Health and Medical Research Council, with no pharmaceutical company endorsement. Practice reimbursement and CPD points are available. STAREE staff will perform all required assessments on your practices behalf. See the attached document for a more detailed rationale. For additional information visit staree.org.au and if you have any questions or want to become a valued GP co-investigator t: 1800 770 664 or e: staree@monash.edu.
