General Practice Support
The General Practice Support and Development program provides:
- Mock accreditation visits
- Quarterly Practice Staff Newsletter
- Practice Staff Education and Training
- Accredited Practice Nurses Education and Training
- Opportunities for Network Meetings for Practice Staff and Practice Nurses
- Opportunities for Clinical Software Training through TAFE
- Electronic Recall and Reminder support
- Broadband for Health support
- GP Health and Wellbeing Program
Accreditation Support
Currently 51 (71%) of general practices in Sutherland Shire are accredited to the RACGP Standards in General Practice. The practice support program provides assistance to general practice’s going through accreditation or re-accreditation through mock visits, and development of resources. Advice is provided to practice’s on key aspects of accreditation which include infection control and sterilization.
Provision of accreditation information and tips is provided through newsletters and education and training. The Practice Support Newsletter is issued quarterly to all practice’s and provides articles on latest information and updates on all programs areas including, Accreditation, CDM program, Immunization Aged Care, HMR program and education and training dates.
Sutherland division can assist practices wishing to setup electronic recall and reminder systems and advice on security requirements to meet accreditation standards.
Practice Nurse Support
Sutherland Division has a strong Practice Nurse program which emphasizes supporting nurses in general practice, providing opportunities for networking and peer support, accredited education and training and encouragement for future career development through the state based NiGP (Nursing in General Practice Program). Practice Nurses are a valuable commodity in general practice and are an integral part of general practice in Sutherland Division. Currently 42 practice nurses are employed in approximately 40% of general practices within Sutherland Division many of which employ one or more practice nurses. Sutherland Division provides practice nurse support through.
- Regular clinical education at Sutherland Hospital which attract CNE points.
- Information and advice through regular communication and articles in the GP Newsletter, Practice Staff Newsletters and a recently established email listing.
- Orientation and mentoring support for nurses new to general practice
- Forum for discussion through Practice Nurse Reference Group
Education and Training
Sutherland Division provides regular opportunities for Practice Staff and Practice Nurse Education and Networking sessions. An Education Calendar is developed annually from requests obtained through surveys. Education runs generally from February to December and is provided as a combination of either lunchtime workshops or evening workshops held in a local venue.
Practice Staff education is provided on general practice management and accreditation issues.
Program officers provide practices with assistance in setting up electronic recall and reminder systems. Medical Director Training for staff and GPs is negotiated and provided through links with local TAFE; training sessions are advertised in the SDGP newsletters and flyers.
Information is provided to practice’s who are involved with the Broadband for Health Incentive.
GP Health and Education program provides opportunities for GPs to look after their own health and wellbeing by encouraging GPs and general practice staff to participate in an annual community event. This year will be the second year that Sutherland has participated in the Annual Sutherland to Surf Fun run/walk.
Resources
For a complete list of resources for practices including resources for GPs, practice nurses and staff go to the Resource Centre.
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