Practice nurse update – 5 March 2025

CESPHN support for nurses working in general practice

Are you a new nurse working in general practice?

Our practice support team are available to provide you with a Practice Nurse orientation session which includes a copy of our Practice Nurse Resource Guide.

We can also provide you with ongoing support to help you learn and succeed in your new role.

These sessions can either be an in general practice or a virtual visit.

If you would like to book an orientation session or have any questions, please contact practicesupport@cesphn.com.au

CESPHN Programs

MENTAL HEALTH – Psychological Support Service (PSS)

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is pleased to announce increased capacity of the Psychological Support Service (PSS), a free mental health program available to eligible residents in the CESPHN region. This service provides professional support for individuals experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health concerns, offering up to 10 free sessions with a qualified mental health professional.

Sessions are available via face-to-face of telehealth, ensuring flexible and accessible care.

In addition to GP referrals, provisional referrals can now be made by a broader range of professionals, including Practice Nurses.

The PSS is committed to inclusivity, providing culturally appropriate services with multilingual professionals. It also offers a safe and supportive space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, LGBTIQ+ individuals, and diverse cultural groups.

To refer a patient or client, simply complete the online referral form on our website. Once referred, individuals can choose their preferred consultation method and begin their journey toward improved mental well-being.

For more information on PSS and the referral process, visit our website or call our PSS Mental Health Intake line on 1300 170 554.

News and announcements

Australian Government launches campaign to elevate GPs, nurses and other primary healthcare careers

The campaign showcases nursing, midwifery and remote nursing careers in primary healthcare. It’s aimed to attract new university health students and recent graduates. The campaign is also aimed to inspire current healthcare professionals to consider pathways and career growth opportunities in primary healthcare.

Find out more.

New cardiovascular information with major changes included in Therapeutic Guidelines

The guidelines have been updated to reflect changes to the approach to estimating cardiovascular disease risk, provide guidance on which people to target for screening, when to reassess a patient’s risk and how risk factors are considered in the calculator.

To find out more, see the AusCVDRisk at: Overview | CVD Risk Guideline

Education and program run opportunities

St George Hospital Practice Nurse Grand Rounds Webinar Series

Paediatric respiratory presentations to the Emergency Department

Join us online to hear from an Emergency Nurse Practitioner from St George Hospital on how to improve access to care and support paediatric patients with respiratory infections.

When: Monday 24 March 2025

Time: 7.00pm – 8.00pm online via Zoom

Register

St Vincents – Type 2 Diabetes Patient Education Groups

Do you have patients living with type 2 Diabetes that would benefit from an education group?

St Vincents Hospital are offering free education groups for patients with type 2 diabetes. Groups will be held in March, June and October.

For further information – Diabetes patient education group.pdf

Benchmarque Group – Splinting, Immobilisation & Injury Management

Managing injuries for patients can be challenging, in primary healthcare, when trying to achieve optimal patient safety and this program is designed to provide a variety of skills that can meet the clinical needs for injury management. An engaging interactive workshop enables the student to effectively manage common injuries that they will see in their workplace.

When: Wednesday 12 March 2025

Where: Central and Eastern Sydney PHN Mascot

Cost: $750.00

Register

To access further education sessions from Benchmarque – Benchmarque   Booking-Flyer-CESPHN.pdf

*Please note: Ear wax removal on 5 March has been cancelled.

APNA – LGBTIQ+ Inclusive Practice in Health Care

This module will provide you with an introduction to the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities, common barriers that exist for LGBTIQ+ people accessing health care services and the importance of inclusive language in health care settings. Completing this module provides nurses with the opportunity to enhance reflection on their role as a primary health care nurse in relation to their own inclusive practice.

As part of best practice and ensuring nurses are working to and expanding their scope of practice, this module aims to broaden nurses understanding of LGBTIQ+ communities.  

Start this module

Scholarship opportunities

Nurse education scholarship opportunities in 2025 

Central and Eastern Sydney PHN is offering registered nurses working in general practice within the CESPHN region the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend one of four face-to-face educational workshops.

Successful applicants will receive scholarships covering up to 90% of the course fees.

Further information

Have your say

Shaping the future of Accreditation

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is seeking feedback from the general practice sector to share their views on potential changes to the accreditation cycle and assessment of general practices. Important changes being considered include extending the length of the accreditation cycle, the addition of a mid-cycle review, and short notice assessments.

Consultation is now open until Friday 4th April 2025.

Further information

Immunisation Update

Latest Immunisation update