NOTICE BOARD
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Proundly Sponsoring the Barrier Division of General Practice at Agfair 2008 |
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Members of the Medical Imdemnity Protection Society Limited (MIPS) and the risk protection available to members of MIPS (MDO Protections) is issued by MIPS,AFS Licence No 301912. MIPS has binding authority from MIPS Insurance Pty Ltd (MIPS Insurance), AFS Licence No 247301 to issue the MIPS Insurance Medical Indemnity Policy. To make the MDO protections and the MIPS Insurance Medical Indemnity Policy are right for, you should read the Product Disclosure Statements available at www.mips.com.au or by calling 1800 061 113. ABN 64 007 067 281 |
High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome
When: 12 - 15 May 2008
Where: Broken Hill, NSW
The seminar series will provide support strategies to promote well-being in individuals with High Functioning (HF) Autism Spectrum Disorders and Aspergers Syndrome in the home and school environments. Seminar topics include Behaviour Support, Visual Strategies and Communication, Developing Social Relationships, Anxiety Management, Sensory Processing, Adolescent Relationships, and Multicultural Issues. The presenters are specialists in the field of Autism Spectrum Disorders and come from a range of disciplines including clinical psychology, child psychiatry, speech therapy, occupational therapy.
For more information contact:
Gill Evans, Department of Psychological Medicine
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
Ph: (02) 9845 2005 Fax: (02) 9845 0413
Has an new office in Broken Hill Situated at 409 Argent Street Phone: 8087 1669
Carers NSW is currently running ‘Foundations’ – a free education program for families and carers of people with mental health issues. This program provides information and skills to assist you in caring for your family member or friend through two days of group education. Date: Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May, 2008 - 9.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. each day. For further information contact the above phone number, mobile 0447 775 523 or email: sandij@carersnsw.asn.au
AUSTRALIAN POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER GUIDELINES LAUNCHED
The Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Adults with Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (ASD and PTSD) were launched on 23 May by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Honourable Bruce Billson, MP, at Parliament House, Canberra.
Approved by the National Medical Health and Research Council, these new Guidelines assist health practitioners to determine when is the right time for professional intervention and what’s the best approach for helping people affected by trauma.
The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health developed the Guidelines in consultation with trauma experts from a range of disciplines, as well as people affected by trauma. Visit www.acpmh.unimelb.edu.au to download copies.
ONLINE EDUCATION PROGRAM FOR BIPOLAR DISORDER
The University of NSW is conducting a study into a NEW web-based information program over 8 weeks. It is designed to complement existing treatment and help people take control of their illness through education and self-management. The University is seeking people who: t have been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder within the last 6 months t are being seen on a regular basis for treatment by a mental health professional t have a valid email address and access to a computer and the Internet can undertake 8 sessions, one per week, on their computer are aged over 18 and live anywhere in Australia.
For further information, contact Simon Byrne on 02 9382 8206 or email bipolareducation@unsw.edu.au
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THE 9TH EDITION OF THE AUSTRALIAN IMMUNISATION HANDBOOK
The new draft edition can be accessed from the below web page. To speed up printing or reading of the document it is advisable to save it to your computer first. http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/
publishing.nsf/Content/handbook07
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INFLUENZA
The National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS) has developed a website to provide the facts about influenza, dispel the myths and provide some tools to help fight flu. Please go to: http://www.fightflu.com.au
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ROTAVIRUS VACCINATIONS FUNDED
Rotavirus vaccines will be listed on the National Immunisation Program from July 2007 allowing all babies born from May 1 2007 to benefit from the free vaccine. Babies born after May 1 2007 will receive the necessary 2 or 3 doses (depending on the product) before they reach 32 weeks of age. Both of the listed vaccines, Rotateq (CSL) and Rotarix (GSK) are oral vaccines. It is important for providers to note the differences between the vaccines as one requires 2 doses and the other 3 doses for maximum protection.
For information on rotavirus and the 2 vaccines available, visit the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) fact Sheets directly at http://www.ncirs.usyd.edu.au/facts/f-fact_sheets.html
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HPV VACCINE ROLE OUT BEGINS
The HPV vaccine rollout will be a major focus in secondary schools over the next few months with the commencement of the school based vaccination program. Secondary schools will begin distributing consent forms and a brochure provided by the Department of Health and Ageing designed to answer questions for parents of girls who are eligible to receive the vaccine. The school based program will commence in Dubbo and surrounding towns on the 1st May 2007. The school based program will provide immunisations for girls aged between 12 and 18 years until the end of 2008.
The optimum vaccination schedule is three doses given over six months, at 0, 2 and 6 months. However, in order to fit three doses into the 2007 school year most states and territories will adhere to a compressed vaccination schedule, with doses given at 0, 1 and 4 months. This will not affect the efficacy of the vaccine. The school-based program is the primary mechanism for delivering the vaccine to 12-18 year old girls. Parents of girls in this age group are best advised to have their daughters vaccinated at school. However, GPs may be asked to administer the vaccine to girls who are no longer at school, or who have missed doses.
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The General Practice program will begin in July 2007 with GPs being asked to vaccinate all girls and women aged 18 to 26 plus those over 12 who are no longer at school or have missed their age group vaccination for some other reason. Up to date information on the programs can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing web site: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf
/Content/gardasil_hpv.htm Information on the relationship between Human Papillomavirus and cervical cancer and the vaccine can be found on the NCIRS fact sheet site; http://www.ncirs.usyd.edu.au/facts/hpv_oct_2006.pdf
GPs can expect to receive further information via direct mailout from the Department of Health and Ageing in the coming weeks. A dedicated page for GPs, and a downloadable ‘cheat sheet’ is available from the campaign website – www.australia.gov.au/cervicalcancer - the website also includes detailed information for parents, young women and girls. Information is also available from the Immunise Australia National Infoline on 1800 671 811.
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