Mental Health

Health Services

5 March 2019

Drug and alcohol support

Vision: To work collaboratively to support a flexible and coordinated drug and alcohol treatment sector that is responsive to the holistic health needs of community members experiencing drug and alcohol disorders, their families and supports.

PHNs are funded to increase the service delivery capacity of the drug and alcohol treatment sector through:

• improved regional coordination and by targeting areas of need, with a focus on methamphetamine use in the community
• improving the effectiveness of drug and alcohol treatment services for individuals requiring support and treatment, particularly for methamphetamine use, by increasing coordination between various sectors, and improving sector efficiency.

To achieve this we undertake regional needs assessment and the commissioning of evidence based drug and alcohol treatment services to bridge gaps and to meet the needs of local communities. We also work collaboratively with stakeholders to promote quality improvement approaches and support health professionals through education and training.

 Click here to view and download the CESPHN Services Guide which includes commissioned drug and alcohol services. 

The Department of Health has provided guidance to PHNs in relation to drug and alcohol treatment activity.

For information on our drug and alcohol needs assessments, and operational plan visit the Health Planning page.

8 September 2014

• women’s health
• rockdale

Cervical Cancer

Expansion of self-collection for cervical screening – Important information for healthcare professionals

From Friday 1 July 2022, the National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) has expanded screening test options, now offering self-collection of a vaginal sample as a choice to all people participating in cervical screening. 

Attached are key messages to help you to understand what these changes mean for you and your practice/clinic and how to work with the Pathology laboratory that processes your tests.
It would be appreciated if you could disseminate this throughout your networks. You can also find a link to the key messages on our website.

Also on our website is a new page for the general public about self-collection, go to https://www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/cervical-screening-self-collection.

A range of resources to help you promote self-collection and support your discussions with your clients, in particular Aboriginal women and is available from the National Cervical Screening Program website:

• National Cervical Screening Program – Video – Cervical screening explained
• National Cervical Screening Program – Poster – A new and better test for women (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander)
• National Cervical Screening Program – Self-collection and the cervical screening test for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
• National Cervical Screening Program – Visual Guide – How to collect your own vaginal sample for a Cervical Screening Test (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women)
• National Cervical Screening Program – Video – How to take your own Cervical Screening Test sample (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women)
• National Cervical Screening Program – a guide to understanding your cervical screening test results for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

In addition to the above resources, a video interview and FAQs for healthcare providers supporting the updates to the clinical guidelines are now available through Cancer Council Australia.

National Cervical Screening Program Clinical Guidelines: Important changes for women at intermediate risk:

In light of new evidence, changes to the NCSP’s Guidelines for the clinical management of women at intermediate risk will come into effect from 1 February 2021. This follows the Cancer Council Australia Clinical Guidelines review of national data from the renewed program. 

It is now recommended that women with a 12-month follow up HPV (not-16/18) result with LBC prediction negative, pLSIL or LSIL (intermediate risk result) should be recommended to undertake a further HPV follow up test in 12 months’ time following their previous HPV test instead of referral to colposcopy. 

Further information about the changes and the revised cervical screening pathway flowchart is now on the NCSP website. 

Changes to the clinical management of women at intermediate risk – frequently asked questions.

COVID-19 Update from the National Cervical Cancer Screening Program:

The National Cervical Screening Program is encouraging healthcare providers to continue to offer routine screening and follow up, understanding that patients may be feeling uncomfortable about attending for screening and healthcare providers/clinics have different capacities and arrangements for managing their patients.

To support your patients during this time, please refer to:

• Guidance for managing National Cervical Screening Program (NCSP) participants during the COVID-19 Pandemic – to assist clinician decision-making on screening appointments.
• Recommended management of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the cancellation of elective surgeries – for the management of patients requiring further investigation and treatment.

This guidance is supported by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the Australian Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology.  

Future updates will be provided on the Department of Health Cancer Screening website.

If you or your staff have any further queries, please email cancerscreening@health.gov.au.

Cervical Cancer Screening Program Officer
Lauren Walker | l.walker@cesphn.com.au

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable – but screening is vital. Around 80 per cent of Australian women who develop cervical cancer do not get screened regularly as recommended, or have never been screened.

From 1 December 2017, women in Australia are benefiting from a new and more effective screening test for cervical cancer — it’s more accurate and requires testing less often.

19 July 2012

After Hours

Get the right care no matter what time of day

Health problems can occur at any time. So what are your options when illness or injury strike in the after hours?

After hours services are an option for you when regular primary health care services are closed.

After hours providers and services include, but are not limited to:

• GPs
• Pharmacists
• Dentists
• Allied health professionals
• 24/7 telephone lines
• Various health outreach services

If your condition is life threatening call 000 or visit your nearest emergency department immediately.

The hospital emergency department is for major, life threatening illnesses and injuries. If you’re simply feeling unwell or have a minor illness or injury, you have the following options:

• Call your local GP
• If your regular GP is not available, visit HealthDirect to find a GP you can talk to.
• Call HealthDirect for 24/7, free health advice from a registered nurse: 1800 022 222
• Use Find a Pharmacy to locate a local pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist about your condition.

WHAT IS THE AFTER HOURS PERIOD?

WEEKDAYS: BEFORE 8:00AM AND AFTER 6:00PM

SATURDAYS: BEFORE 8AM AND AFTER 12:00PM

SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: ALL DAY

Check your symptoms

Not feeling well? You can check your symptoms here to get a better idea of what is going on for you or someone you care for.

Do you need a GP, Pharmacist or Health Service?

Search for a GP, pharmacist or other health services open after hours through The National Health Services Directory (NHSD).

The NHSD helps you to find your closest health provider/and or service open now, including after hours.

Do you need medical advice, but your usual doctor or health provider is unavailable?