Last week, more than 70 Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) staff and stakeholders celebrated the launch of the organisation’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on unceded Wiradjuri land. The RAP Launch is a big milestone for WNSW PHN, highlighting its ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive, respectful, and equitable future.

Dr Vijay Pandya, a long-serving general practitioner at Dubbo Medical and Allied Health Group (DMAHG), was recently honoured with the prestigious Jean Emile Serisier Roll of Honour at the Dubbo Business Chamber Rhino Awards. The award, presented in October, celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the business community, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit, strategic vision, and innovation while inspiring future generations of leaders.

HealthPathways is a valuable source of best-practice, online guidance for clinicians and contributes to CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

CPD activity reporting just got easier with the new CPD Reporting feature in HealthPathways. If you have a HealthPathways account, you now have access to CPD Reporting.

Services Australia has advised there will be a system release for the Organisation Register on 9 December 2024, which will introduce some changes.

MyMedicare registrations continue to increase, particularly general practice-led registrations. As of 6 November 2024, 2,126,435 patients, 6,329 general practices and ~47,000 provider numbers are registered with MyMedicare. MyMedicare voluntary patient registration is a foundation for person-centred primary care.

From 21 January 2025, a regular podiatry service will be available at Thrive Medical in Broken Hill.

1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, which is around 100,000 Australian parents each year.

This week (17 – 23 November) is Perinatal Mental Health Week “ a time to recognise that the transition into parenthood can be tough, but support is available.

Wellington Antenatal Clinic was one of 20 clinics recognised as ˜Medicare Champions’ last week by the Prime Minister and Health Minister.

The Far West and Western NSW region is supporting World Diabetes Day on 14 November. The Care Partnership “ Diabetes (CP-D) program partners are launching a range of initiatives to support people living with type 2 diabetes and the health professionals who provide their care.

In September, Healthdirect launched an enhanced After Hours General Practitioner (AHGP) support trial. 50 residential aged care homes (RACH) in the Far West and Western NSW regions are included in the expanded service pilot.