COVID-19 Provider Update

The four metropolitan GP Respiratory Clincs have increased their capacity and are providing additional appointments for COVID-19 testing and GP-led assessment of respiratory symptoms in response to the high forecasted temperatures in the coming days. GPs are encouraged to recommend patients book an appointment over the phone or online. 

A GP Update webinar is scheduled for tomorrow - 6:00pm Wednesday 25 November 2020. The webinar is suitable for GPs and practice staff working across South Australia and will include an update on the SA COVID-19 response, a highlight of the pertinent issues relevant to GPs and general practice, and a Q&A session.

Register now via this link. 

This webinar is part of a suite of webinars facilitated by Adelaide PHN and supported by partners SA Health, SA Pathology, RACGP (SA/NT) and AMA(SA). 

In conjunction with SA Health, SA Pathology, the RACGP (SA/NT) and AMA(SA), Adelaide PHN will be holding another COVID-19 GP Update webinar. 

• 6:00pm Wednesday 11 November
• Zoom Webinar
• Topic: an update on the SA COVID-19 response, issues facing GPs and general practice, new telehealth item numbers and a Q&A session

Register online by clicking here.  

Athelstone Respiratory Clinic has recently updated their phone number for bookings to 0478 507 774. Find the booking links and phone numbers of all metropolitan respiratory clinics via adelaidephn.com.au/respiratoryclinics. Both Adelaide PHN's website and SA Health's Testing Services page has been updated.

These webinars are a collaboration of Adelaide PHN, RACGP (SA&NT), AMA(SA) and SA Health. 

 A free app to help build resilience and support wellbeing of those working in primary health care across the Adelaide region

Athelstone GP Respiratory Clinic has expanded their opening hours to meet the demand for bookings. Previously Monday to Thursday, the clinic is now available Monday to Friday 1:30pm - 5:30pm.

Click to watch via youtube, or find an archive of all recent webinars by scrolling up to the 'What You Need to Know' section of this webpage. 

With the approaching long weekend, please note that the GP Respiratory Clinics are not currently open Saturdays or Sundays and only the North Eastern Respiratory Clinic (Ingle Farm) is open on the public holiday (Mon 8 June). If you are seeking testing for COVID-19 on Saturday or Sunday of this coming long weekend, please check with your usual GP (call ahead and alert them of your symptoms first) or consider accessing one of SA Health’s COVID-19 testing clinics or services – details at https://bit.ly/2Y435Dm

Watch a recording of Wed 13 May webinar - focusing on an update on the SA response to COVID-19 so far and a Q&A session.

The Athelstone Respiratory COVID Clinic will support the assessment, testing and diagnosis of patients with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.

Adelaide PHN has produced a succinct patient factsheet for patients. The resource summarises the general process and outlining tips to get the most out of a telehealth appointment. The resource also includes a notes page for use during the appointment. 

Watch a recording of Wed 29 April webinar - focus on reflections and lessons learnt from the response to COVID-19 so far.

Watch a recording of Wed 22 April webinar - focus on clearance of COVID-19.

The North Eastern Respiratory Clinic will support the assessment, testing and diagnosis of patients with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms. Book via this link.

A second Commonwealth-funded dedicated GP Respiratory Clinic, the Reynella Respiratory Clinic, has opened today in southern Adelaide to support the assessment and testing of those with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.

On direction from the Department of Health, Adelaide PHN is one of the Primary Health Networks coordinating flu vaccinations for staff and residents of aged care facilities. Our Practice Facilitators are actively contacting RACFs across Adelaide to support supply, access and delivery of flu vaccinations. 

The first Commonwealth funded dedicated Respiratory Clinic has opened today in the central Adelaide area to support the assessment, testing and diagnosis of community members experiencing mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.

Upon receival of additional PPE from state and national stockpiles, Adelaide PHN has expanded distribution to general practice from only surgical masks to other PPE items including N95 masks, gloves and gowns. Hand sanitiser is also anitcipated. Application still by EOI. 

A mobile pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic has been opened at the Thebarton Community Centre at the corner of South Road and Ashwin Parade. The clinic will operate until Friday 4 December, 8.00am to 8.00pm.

As contact tracing continues, additional locations of concern have been identified. For people who have visted the locations of concern at the specified times and dates there are three levels of recommendations:

• Locations, such as the such as the Intensive English Language Institute (Flinders University), are associated with a requirement to self-quarantine for 14 days and seek COVID-19 testing on day 1 and 12 of quarantine (self-quarantine advice also applies to those living with a person who visited the location) - details and locations can be found via the Parafield Cluster Isolation Direction
   
• Locations such as Flinders University Sturt Campus, Big W Brickworks, Kmart Kurralta Park and Foodland Norwood, are associated with a requirement to seek testing immediately and isolate until a negative result is received
   
• Locations such as On The Run Hilton, Anaconda Mile End, Guzman y Gomez Glandore and Boost Juice Glenelg, are recommended to monitor for symptoms and get tested if symptoms appear
   

For all the details, locations and current recommendations - see SA Health's Contact Tracing webpage

A number of COVID-19 testing clinics have updated hours today and tomorrow (Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November) due to heat. Patients needing COVID-19 testing are encourged to consider the GP Respiratory Clinics (appointment based) or to consider the pop-up COVID-19 testing site that has opened today at the Adelaide Showgrounds (Goodwood Rd, Wayville) from 8am to 9pm (walk-in testing site, air-conditioned, car parking available via Rose Terrace).

For all other testing sites, patients should be advised to plan ahead (i.e. consider testing early or in the evening during the coolest part of the day) and check the opening hours on SA Health's website www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidtesting.

Anyone who visited Armada Arndale Shopping Centre or Port Adelaide Plaza on the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if symptoms appear. The list of locations and advice can be found at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDcontacttracing

New SA Health Notification: Anyone who attended Woodville High School on Monday 23 November must isolate immediately with all members of their household until further notice. The school has closed on Thursday 26 November to undergo cleaning and support contract tracing efforts. 

SA Health is contacting anyone who visited the Emergency Department at the Lyell McEwin Hospital between 5.30pm Friday 13 November and 8.00am Saturday 14 November who may have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. 

A list of locations linked to this cluster have been specified and can be found via sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidcontacttracing.

If you or someone in close contact has visited any of the locations listed, please monitor your symptoms and get tested immediately if symptoms appear.

From Monday 9 November, a pop-up mobile testing site will open in Magill.The site will be on the corner of St Bernards Road and Edward Street and will operate 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week. No referral or appointment is required and all ages are welcome. 

The latest Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 12) (COVID-19) includes changes to restrictions for people visiting and working in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). Changes include:

• No restrictions on number of visitors to a resident
• Personal care workers should only work at one RACF where possible, however, if they do work at more than one, a register must be kept by each facility
• Staff providing care to a resident do not need to wear a mask, unless caring for a resident who has been tested for COVID-19

Due to the success of the dedicated pop up testing site, the Elizabeth testing site will remain open. The site operates 9.00am - 5:00pm at the corner of Goodman Rd and Elizabeth Way. 

SA Health's popular flowchart 'COVID-19 Quick Reference Testing Guide' has been updated online. This resource can be used to guide patients seeking testing for COVID-19 and support access to appropriate care. 

A procurement process is underway for a new home quarantine app that would ensure eligible arrivals into South Australia could safely quarantined from home instead of in a medi-hotel. The app would only be available to those eligible to home quarantine in South Australia, or close and casual contacts of confirmed cases. At this stage, international travellers would continue to quarantine in medi-hotels.

A mobile COVID-19 testing site will operate in Elizabeth from Monday 19 October to Sunday 1 November. The site will operate from 9.00am to 5.00pm and will be located on the corner of Goodman Road and Elizabeth Way

A risk reduction factsheet regarding group singing has been developed to provide advice for relevant audiences - this resource is suitable for patients participating in activities such as religious singing practices and choirs.

NSW Health is alerting the public to the locations that were visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19. These locations can be found on the NSW Health website at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

Anyone who has recently arrived in SA from NSW and has been to any of the locations at the dates and times listed should self-isolate immediately.

From Wednesday 7 October until Sunday 11 October, the Elizabeth testing site will operate from the corner of Goodman Road and Elizabeth Way 9.00am to 5.00pm. Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is encouraged to attend the site for a free COVID-19 test. 

SA Health have updated advice to doctors regarding COVID-19 via a new health alert (#24). The new health alert has been issued as a result of border changes and Queensland no longer being considered an area of increased risk. Given the likely increase in cross border travel and the school holiday period, doctors should remain vigilant. Other advice for doctors included in this new health alert is the reccommendation to keep informed about interstate cases and outbreaks, to wear PPE when assessing persons who have recently travelled from Victoria, and to test anyone who presents with symptoms of COVID-19.

SA Health's quick read resources can help people (and patients) understand COVID-19, what they can do to help stop the spread, and where they can find help and support. The new resources cover topics such as contact tracing, physical distancing, self-isolation, symptoms and testing. 
 

The South Australian Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB) has changed its fax number to (08) 7425 6696 from (08) 8226 7187. Please use the new fax number when contacting the CDCB by fax, including when faxing medical and laboratory notifications. Doctors are asked to change the CDCB fax number in all your references, contacts and databases. Please note that many other notifiable conditions can be reported quickly and easily online instead of faxing - see sahealth.sa.gov.au/notifiablediseasereporting

The site will operate from 9.00am to 5.00pm and will be located on the corner of Goodman Road and Langford Drive in Elizabeth. 

Both cases arrived from overseas and have been in hotel quarantine since their arrival. The man and woman, both in their 20s, tested positive on their day one test and will remain in isolation at their medi-hotel.

COVID-19 Clinics at the Women's and Childrens Hospital (WCH) and Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) will be updating their hours of operation. From today (22 Sept) the WCH COVID-19 testing clinic will be operating 9.00am - 6.00pm 7 days a week. From Sat 26 Sept, the RAH COVID-19 clinic will also commence under the new operating hours of 9.00am to 6.00pm 7 days a week. 

The drive-through testing clinic at Angaston Hospital, temporarily established due to a positive COVID-19 result in routine wastewater testing, will close from 3pm this Friday 18 September. People can continue to access COVID-19 testing at the drive through clinic at Tanunda Hospital (7 days, 9am-5pm). Alternatively, testing is also available at the Angaston Respiratory Clinic (by appointment only).

A new walk in COVID-19 testing clinic has opened at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital to provide easier access to testing for those in the local community. The clinic is operating 9.00am to 6.00pm 7 days a week and can be accessed via Gate 5 on Woodville Rd. No booking or GP referral is required.

A new Rapid Response Nursing and Midwifery Service will see the recruitment of up to 150 dedicated nurses and midwives to deliver state's response to COVID-19. A leadership team is also being established. These roles will commence in the coming weeks.

People seeking 'health exemption' essential traveller status for compassionate grounds, providing health services, or urgent medical, dental or health treatment require written approval from SA Health before submitting a Cross Border Travel application. The application can now be accessed and completed via an online portal. 

South Australia now has no active COVID-19 cases with 459 people cleared. More than 386,000 tests have been undertaken in SA. 

Patients experiencing respiratroy symptoms can book into a GP-led Respiratory Clinic or find more information about testing options via SA Health's website here. 

Detailing the plan, developed in consultation with Aboriginal communities, for a coordinated SA Health, SA Police and SA Ambulance Service response in the event of an occurrence of a positive COVID-19 test in a rural or remote Aboriginal community.

Returning travellers:

• all travellers returning from Queensland
  should watch for symptoms on their return to South Australia and to get tested for COVID-19 if any symptoms develop
   
• people in South Australia who have attended a venue during the times and dates associated with the outbreak 
  are asked to self isolate for 14 days from the date they attended the venue -  venue list available via Queensland Health's website
   
• all travellers returning from the Greater Brisbane and Ipswich areas
  should not attend nursing homes or visit vulnerable people for 14 days from their return (this includes all health care and aged care workers)

South Australians considering travel to Queensland are asked to reconsider if possible and/or be aware that quarantine requirements into South Australia may change rapidly.

This restriction to working at an RACF site comes into affect 27 August. This restriction follows other recent changes regarding the wearing or PPE when providing personal or medical care to residents at a distrance of less than 1.5m, and restrictions for persoanl care workers working across multiple sites.

SA Health will commence testing of asymptomatic workers in medi-hotels. Noting that we continue to have active cases of COVID-19 from overseas passengers within medi-hotels, from today hotel and security staff will be tested similarly to the asymptomatic testing already underway in health and aged care workers (among others). This precautionary testing is another step in protecting the community. There is no requirement for workers undergoing asymptomatic testing to self-isolate while waiting for their result.

From 27 August, all personal care workers in residential aged care facilities will not be able to work across multiple sites. At present, these restrictions do not apply to other employees or contractors. Additionally, all nursing, medical, allied health and personal care workers will be required to wear personal protective equipment when working within 1.5 metres of residents. 

Both drive through facilities are operating 8:00am to 4:30pm for cars and motorbikes only. 

From today, this announcement means no dedicated COVID-19 testing service across metropolitan Adelaide requires a GP referral or specimen collection form.

A new drive-through COVID-19 testing location will be opened at the Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre tomorrow. The facility will operate 8.00am to 4.00pm, 7 days a week. No booking or GP referral is required and all ages are welcome. Follow the heading link to SA Health's website for a list of all other testing services currently available.

The health alert (#22 amended) includes:

• an update on several locations visited by cases while infectious (northern suburbs of Adelaide)
• an outline of the current testing recommendations and
• a summary of the relevant information and links for doctors providing care and advice to patients confirmed/suspected to have COVID-19 infection

The 'metropolitan mobile and pop-up clinic' can be accessed via Wakefield Road (left-hand turn only) and will operate from 8.00 am - 6.00 pm, 7 days a week. This facility is for cars and motorbikes only (drive through). All ages are welcome and no booking or GP referral is required.

Find a list of testing options on the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidtesting.

SA Health have released a health alert covering the latest changes to testing recomendations across South Australia including the testing of people who have travelled into South Australia (i.e. ongoing essential travellers and travellers entering prior to border closure on Wed July 29) from NSW, Vic and ACT. Testing recommendations also continue for anyone experiencing COVID-19 compatible symptoms 

SA Health have developed a COVID-19 Testing Certificate of  Compliance relevent for clinics and providers supporting the mandatory day 1 and day 12 testing of travellers who have arrived from NSW, ACT, Vic:

• Day 1 PDF (A5 size) Attendance Certificate
• Day 1 Word (A5 size) Attendance Certificate
• Day 12 PDF (A5 size) Attendance Certificate
• Day 12 Word (A5 size) Attendance Certificate

With this surge in testing, increased waiting times continue at the metropolitan COVID-19 clinics and GPs are recommended to encourage patients to seek testing via a GP Respiratory Clinic (booking themselves online or over phone) or provide patients with a referral/collection form in order for SA Pathology to book patients into a drive through testing service.

Please share these resources with any relevant community members attending your clinics

SA Health has been notified by NSW Health of a significant outbreak of COVID-19 cases linked to the Crossroads Hotel, Liverpool in Sydney - the hotel is on the Hume Highway and is a popular stop for interstate truck drivers. Anyone who visited the hotel between 3-10 July must must self-quarantine and be tested

A new CDCB Health Alert has been issued relating to COVID-19 and Victoria and the request that anyone from Victoria is tested at Day 1 and 12. Some people who have recently crossed the border may have a request form, whereas others may telephone your clinic for a request form or to have a test. Travellers who have arrived within the last 14 days are asked to get tested, regardless of whether they have symptoms. All essential travellers under schedule 2 are now required to wear a mask in SA for a period of 14 days when out in public (provided as they enter the state).

The poster is available in 16 languages: English, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Dinka, Greek, Hakka Chin, Italian, Khmer, Mandarin (Chinese Simplified), Nepali, Persian, Polish, Spanish, Swahili and Vietnamese

Innovative SA businesses that have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic are invited to apply for the SA Health COVIDSafe Awards. Winners from each category will be awarded $5,000. Nominations close midnight Sunday 5 July 2020.

The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist has released interim guidlines to reduce risk of infection for those recieving clozapine by limiting clinic visits for screening. 

This SA Health factsheet has been released to provide general advice for GPs on delivering care to local sporting teams in South Australia

New version with updated advice from SAPOL regarding the requirements of essential travellers and clarifying the need for poeple to isolate after having a test (if they have symptoms).

General practices and other primary care providers are encourgaed to promote the COVIDSafe app to their patients - a drop box of resources is available to support promotional efforts here. 

The Emergency Management Direction has been revoked and a new directive issued. Lifting these restrictions allows hospitals to prioritise surgeries based on need.

The list includes providers (name, phone number and suburb) who had Fluad® Quad Influenza vaccine for persons 65 years and older available as at 7 May 2020.

South Australians who test positive for COVID-19 will receive daily support throughout self-isolation from two new dedicated teams -The COVID-19 GP Assessment Team and nurse-led SA Health Remote Monitoring Service

Commencing 1 May, testing will continue to be recommended for anyone experiencing any fever or respiratory symptoms. Testing recommendations has also been extended to those experiencing an unexplained loss of smell and/or altered sense of taste. Those with clinically compatible symptoms of COVID-19 who are ALSO either a close contact of a confirmed case OR returned from overseas in the previous 14 days should also access testing.

BreastScreen SA is restarting its breast cancer screening program from Thursday 30 April 2020

Following decision by National Cabinet, the SA Direction in relation to appropriate surgery will be revised and elective surgery will commence in a staged manner from April 27.

COVID-19 diagnosis will soon be available in <60 minutes with rapid testing capability being rolled out to enable clinicians in hospitals settings to make quick decisions around the care of patients deemed clinically urgent.

SA Health have broadened the testing criteria for COVID-19 for a two week period, starting Thursday 16 April, to determine if there is previously undetected community transmission of COVID-19 in South Australia.

SA Health has developed the a guiding document of recommendations for immunisation providers to support the ongoing delivery of the National Immunisation Program.

Alert and position statement from SA expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (SAAGAR) on the appropriate place of hydroxychloroquine in clinical practice.

Very high risk epidemiological criteria expanded to include 'persons who have been to Adelaide Airport including in the terminal or carpark in the 14 days prior to illness onset' 

- testing criteria expanded to inc. patients w/ respiratory symptoms & interstate travel in in last 7 days

Anyone who has had a COVID-19 test will now be sent their negative result via text message directly. If people provide only a landline number, they will receive a phone call with their results.

SA Pathology's four new mobile collection services provide flexibility, by taking testing to communities that don’t currently have access to a clinic. Mobile services are currently in operation at Tailem Bend from 8am to 4pm, with no GP referral needed. Bordertown, Mt Gambier and Yamba mobile testing services are being utilised specifically for travellers entering SA from Victoria.

The opening of this dedicate collection site follows the opening of two other similar sites across the metro region, and serves to reduce exposure risk and infection for immunocomprimised patients. The centre is open Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm and can be found at 10 Railway Tce, Mile End. Patients need to book appointments by calling 8222 3000.

From Wednesday 29 April, the collection capacity of the Domiciliary service has been expanded to now accomodate up to 60 patient visits per day.

A new COVID-19 Digital Health Service has launched to streamline the delivery of negative COVID-19 test results, enabling patients to access them from a secure online platform. Initially available to patients testing via SA Health's COVID-19 clinics and drive through testing services, the service will be expanded across the state in the coming weeks.

Under new arrangements, there is no longer a requirement for GPs to phone and arrange patient bookings into Repat or Hampstead drive through collections services. GPs should fax pathology forms and SA Pathology will contact patient directly to arrange booking. 

SA Pathology will establish two dedicated Collection Centres in Hyde Park and Elizabeth to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases for immunocompromised and vulnerable patients.

SA Pathology are receiving a high volume of COVID-19 pathology requests that do not specify the preferred collection service. Find fax numbers for each COVID-19 collection service via this notice. 

A number of Australian Government agencies have been working together for some months on PPE supply.  As part of this work the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Health, has developed a PPE Buyer’s guide. This guide is intended to help buyers of PPE be more confident in their purchasing decisions, by providing information and factors to be aware of when buying PPE.

Acting Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Paul Kelly, has released information about the support the Commonwealth will provide to ‘hotspot’ areas.This includes the stages that will determine a ‘hotspot’ area. Defining a hotspot area will help determine the Commonwealth support needed such as deployment from the National Medical Stockpile, deployment of medical teams and additional support funding.

The update includes information relevant to local primary health care providers regarding the PPE available for distribution via Adelaide PHN from the Commonwealth's National Medical Stockpile. The update covers eligibility criteria, quantities of PPE available for distribution and guidelines on appropriate use. This update is currently being incorporated into Adelaide PHN's PPE distribution webpage and EOI forms. 

Professional Services Review (PSR) are alerting providers that the impact of COVID will be considered for any practitioner referred by the Department of Health for breaching the 80/20 rule. This rule refers to practitioners rendering 80+ attendance items on 20 or more days in any 12 month period - a very high level of servicing used as a marker for potential breaches in provision of adequate clinical care. 

The Australian Government has announced further strengthening telehealth arrangements as recommended by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). From July 20, Telehealth GP providers will be required to have an existing and continuous relationship with a patient in order to provide Telehealth services - encouraging continuous care arrangements between a patient and their regular GP. Find the AMA's media release here or see the Hon. Greg Hunt's (Minister for Health) announcement here. 

From Tuesday 7 July GPs and other health professionals caring for people with disability can access a new pilot telephone advisory service aiming to provide specialised clinical advice across COVID-19.  The service provides specialised advice regarding the care of a person with disability diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 - this includes adjustments to their healthcare to ensure they receive COVID-19 testing/treatment with minimum distress and support in regard to communication and management of issues such as behaviours of concern.

To access the service call 1800 131 330. The service is available between 7.00 am - 11.00 pm (AEST) seven days a week. 

The focus of this webinar was on the impact of COVID-19 for people with disability, along with providing an update on the Australian Government's COVID-19 response

Included in the suite is a fact sheet specifically for primary health care workers.

A checklist resource aims to assist GPs with privacy compliance when delivering telehealth services

Including an update on the announcement of a 3 step framework for a COVIDSafe Australia, promotional of TEN: The Essental Network supporting frontline health workers, a highlight of the statistics of GP telehealth across the country, a summary of available resources and evidence relevant to primary care delivery and more. 

Federal Government announced that Sonic Healthcare (Clinpath in SA) has been contracted to provide rapid sample collection and testing within RACFs. The service runs seven days per week in urban and rural areas. GPs to request the testing. For infomration see the COVID-19 information pack here or a flowchart here.  

An update for GPs from Australia's Deputy Chief Medical Officer & Principle Medical Advisor

A Visitor Access Code to ensure a nationally consistent visitation policy to residential aged care homes during the COVID-19 crisis is now open for consultation - have your say, consultation open to 7 May!

The Australian Government today launches the new voluntary coronavirus app, COVIDSafe. The health initiative uses technology to automate and improve what state and territory health officials already do manually. Download the app from the App Stores.

The funding has been allocated to a variety of services including Hello Sunday Morning’s Daybreak Program, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Turning Point's online counselling, SMART Recovery, and Matilda Centre's Cracks in the Ice and Positive Choices portals.

Including an update on recommencement of cat 2 and certain cat 3 surgery, telehealth guidance, GP Respiratory clinics and more

This tool will soon to be operating in all public and private hopsitals with Intensive Care Units (ICU) and will provide a bird’s eye view of every ICU around the country using live data such as the number of available ICU beds and equiptment like ventilators. 

Senior Australians, their families and carers can now call a dedicated free call support line. The phoneline aims to support the mental health of those impacted by the spread of COVID-19 and add an additional layer of support for those in isolation. Call the COVID-19 support line on 1800 171 866.

As of 20 April 2020, two new bulk-billing incentive items have been introduced for services provided to patients who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 (for metro GPs new telehealth item #10981). For details see the FAQ here or MBS Website here. 

GP update from the Chief Medical Officer and Principal Medical Advisor - inlcudes update on bulk billing, clarification on point of care serology testing, free NBN upgrade for general practice, electronic prescribing and more.

Including updates on flu vaccinations, FAQs regarding telehealth, research highlight and promotion of available resources to support GPs. 

RNs interested in undertaking the training should visit medcast.com.au/surge-critical-care or contact Medcast on 1300 652 046.

Including discussion around expansion of Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for ALL Australians and extra incentives for GPs.

>> Factsheets for GPs, Nurses, Mental Health Providers and more
>> MBS Online News Page with tables of all items (updated 29 Mar)

* This post was updated Tuesday 24 November 

The following general practices in Adelaide are now providing dedicated COVID-19 testing services.

• Morphett Vale Family Practice - swab testing by appointment only 
  1 Doctors Road, Morphett Vale
  Mon-Fri: 8.30am-7.00pm 
  Sat-Sun: 9.00am-3.00pm
  Please call 8384 7977 to make an appointment
   
• Midwest Medical Centre - drive through clinic by appointment only 
  678 Port Road, Beverley
  Various days and times available. Please call 0436 344 642 to make an appointment

Spirometry is the most frequently performed pulmonary function test in general practice. Endorsed by Australia's peak respiratory organisations, the attached recommendations have been updated to guide the performing of point-of-care spirometry in primary care settings under the current local pandemic circumstances (no, or small numbers, of COVID-19 cases and no known community transmission).

The team at SAHMRI are working to assess the evidence on a range of COVID-19 questions. The team have a great website listing common questions regarding the virus, prevention methods and responses along with the sythesised research data and evidence that form the answer. The team's work is being used to develop policy and planning here in South Australia and makes for an interesting and reliable read. 

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveilance Australia (NCIRS) have invited providers to register for a special edition, extended webinar discussing the latest developments in the journey towards COVID-19 vaccines. 23 November 2020, 6:30pm - 8:00pm ACST (8 – 9:30 am GMT / 7 – 8:30 pm AEDT).

In recent weeks, there has been increased interest in antigen testing. COVID-19 antigen tests are immunoassays that detect presence of viral antigen specific to SARS-CoV-2. A positive result implies current infection. This differs from PCR which can detect old virus and has a higher sensitivity. Rapid antigen tests may be easier to perform with quicker turn-around times (15-30 min) and are ‘single patient’ tests. TGA approval is being sought for rapid COVID-19 antigen testing. The Lancet has published an informative article comparing PCR and POC testing- read the article here. 

Developed with GPs, this survey is an important means to capture the general practice perspectives and experiences with respect to PPE and the impact it has had on your practice. Eligible participants will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw for one of ten $100 Westfield Gift Vouchers.

These resources are focused on supporting GPs and the general practice team during COVID-19. Topics covered include: telehealth, infection control, clinical care, patient resources and advocacy and finance

On behalf of the Commonwealth, Healthdirect Australia has established the COVID-19 Health Professionals Disability Advisory Service. The service is available to support health professionals involved in the care of people with disability, including those diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Health care professionals can call the service from 8am to 9pm (AEST) Monday to Friday on 1800 131 330.

McIntyre Medical Centre has opened a drive-through collection clinic, supported by SA Health, providing COVID-19 collections for patients in the northern suburbs. The service operates at 33 McIntyre Road (Para Hills West), is strictly by ‘appointment only’, and open from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. To book an appointment please call 0409 419 804.

SA Health, in conjunction with RACGP, are hosting a webinar about infection prevention and control measures in order to maintain the safety of GPs, staff and patients. The webinar will be held Thurs 3 Sept 6.30pm (ACST). Click the title to register. If you cannot login via the RACGP portal, please email sant.events@racgp.org.au

The CDNA SoNG has been updated with new guidance on clearance of COVID-19 positive patients; eligibility includes the use of two negative swabs, 24 hours apart, in conjuction with other criteria when releasing patients from isolation who are yet to have complete resolution of their symptoms  (i.e. persistent post-viral cough).

ANU Medical School's Academic Unit of General Practice is leading the Australian arm of an international research for policy project. This rolling survey is helping to track the response and capacity of primary care practices in dealing with COVID-19 and is helping monitor impact of the pandemic on “usual” general practice. Round 6 open now (7-13 Aug) and takes <5 minutes to complete.

Royal Children's Hospital National Child Health Poll COVID-19: Effects of the pandemic on the lives of Australian children and families is now available. The Poll found that the pandemic affected the daily lives of children and families in many challenging ways, but there were also some silver linings.

The ANU Medical School's Academic Unit of General Practice is leading the Australian arm of an international research for policy project - tracking the response and capacity of primary care practices to deal with COVID-19 as well as the ongoing impact of the pandemic on “usual” general practice. The survey takes < 5 minutes to complete. Round 5 of the survey opens on 24 July and closes on Thursday 30 July. Detail information sheet available here.

Worldwide nominations are open for outstanding and innovative organisational responses or actions in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions due by 1 September 2020.

Find out more about the fee structure as well as associated FAQs via the sa.gov.au COVID-19 information page

Includes research regarding modeling a second wave in Australia and the impact of social distancing, testing and use of the COVIDSafe app could have on reducing transmission. 

A learning module for consideration by GPs. Includes recommendations for infection control. Written by Dr Kerry Hancock (FRACGP) and Richard Paresons (CRFS) from the Spirometry Learning Module (SLM) Development Group.

APNA have developed a new guide to making the most of the nurse role during COVID-19. RACGP, ACRRM and AAPM approved - it shows how nurses attract revenue streams that will sustain practices today & into the future.

All health care workers across SA, who work in a health care setting or have face to face contact with patients, are invited to participate in a global multi-centre research trial recruiting at the RAH. Participants in the BRACE trial will receive the BCG vaccine, traditionally used to prevent tuberculosis, or a placebo vaccine. A BRACE information sheet is available for more information. Register at mcri.edu.au/BRACE or contact brace.trial@sahmri.com

Skylight Mental Health is offering the COVID-19 Mental Health Peer Support Line and Web Chat. Available for all South Australians from 5:00pm - 11:30pm, 7 days per week and is delivered by peers who have a mental health lived experience. Call COVID-19 Mental Health Peer Support Line on 1800 02 2020. Webchat at skylight.org.au/covid-19-support-line. Call or use webchat to request a video call.

In addition to other recent changes - now flexible arrangements under the PIP Teaching Payment Incentive and further clarification regarding the eHealth Incentive arrangements are included - details here. Eligible doctors are being granted a 6 month extension to 3GA workforce program placements expiring from 1 May 2020 - more info here.

The four metropolitan GP Respiratory Clincs have increased their capacity and are providing additional appointments for COVID-19 testing and GP-led assessment of respiratory symptoms in response to the high forecasted temperatures in the coming days. GPs are encouraged to recommend patients book an appointment over the phone or online. 

A GP Update webinar is scheduled for tomorrow - 6:00pm Wednesday 25 November 2020. The webinar is suitable for GPs and practice staff working across South Australia and will include an update on the SA COVID-19 response, a highlight of the pertinent issues relevant to GPs and general practice, and a Q&A session.

Register now via this link. 

This webinar is part of a suite of webinars facilitated by Adelaide PHN and supported by partners SA Health, SA Pathology, RACGP (SA/NT) and AMA(SA). 

In conjunction with SA Health, SA Pathology, the RACGP (SA/NT) and AMA(SA), Adelaide PHN will be holding another COVID-19 GP Update webinar. 

• 6:00pm Wednesday 11 November
• Zoom Webinar
• Topic: an update on the SA COVID-19 response, issues facing GPs and general practice, new telehealth item numbers and a Q&A session

Register online by clicking here.  

Athelstone Respiratory Clinic has recently updated their phone number for bookings to 0478 507 774. Find the booking links and phone numbers of all metropolitan respiratory clinics via adelaidephn.com.au/respiratoryclinics. Both Adelaide PHN's website and SA Health's Testing Services page has been updated.

These webinars are a collaboration of Adelaide PHN, RACGP (SA&NT), AMA(SA) and SA Health. 

 A free app to help build resilience and support wellbeing of those working in primary health care across the Adelaide region

Athelstone GP Respiratory Clinic has expanded their opening hours to meet the demand for bookings. Previously Monday to Thursday, the clinic is now available Monday to Friday 1:30pm - 5:30pm.

Click to watch via youtube, or find an archive of all recent webinars by scrolling up to the 'What You Need to Know' section of this webpage. 

With the approaching long weekend, please note that the GP Respiratory Clinics are not currently open Saturdays or Sundays and only the North Eastern Respiratory Clinic (Ingle Farm) is open on the public holiday (Mon 8 June). If you are seeking testing for COVID-19 on Saturday or Sunday of this coming long weekend, please check with your usual GP (call ahead and alert them of your symptoms first) or consider accessing one of SA Health’s COVID-19 testing clinics or services – details at https://bit.ly/2Y435Dm

Watch a recording of Wed 13 May webinar - focusing on an update on the SA response to COVID-19 so far and a Q&A session.

The Athelstone Respiratory COVID Clinic will support the assessment, testing and diagnosis of patients with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.

Adelaide PHN has produced a succinct patient factsheet for patients. The resource summarises the general process and outlining tips to get the most out of a telehealth appointment. The resource also includes a notes page for use during the appointment. 

Watch a recording of Wed 29 April webinar - focus on reflections and lessons learnt from the response to COVID-19 so far.

Watch a recording of Wed 22 April webinar - focus on clearance of COVID-19.

The North Eastern Respiratory Clinic will support the assessment, testing and diagnosis of patients with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms. Book via this link.

A second Commonwealth-funded dedicated GP Respiratory Clinic, the Reynella Respiratory Clinic, has opened today in southern Adelaide to support the assessment and testing of those with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.

On direction from the Department of Health, Adelaide PHN is one of the Primary Health Networks coordinating flu vaccinations for staff and residents of aged care facilities. Our Practice Facilitators are actively contacting RACFs across Adelaide to support supply, access and delivery of flu vaccinations. 

The first Commonwealth funded dedicated Respiratory Clinic has opened today in the central Adelaide area to support the assessment, testing and diagnosis of community members experiencing mild to moderate respiratory symptoms.

Upon receival of additional PPE from state and national stockpiles, Adelaide PHN has expanded distribution to general practice from only surgical masks to other PPE items including N95 masks, gloves and gowns. Hand sanitiser is also anitcipated. Application still by EOI. 

A mobile pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic has been opened at the Thebarton Community Centre at the corner of South Road and Ashwin Parade. The clinic will operate until Friday 4 December, 8.00am to 8.00pm.

As contact tracing continues, additional locations of concern have been identified. For people who have visted the locations of concern at the specified times and dates there are three levels of recommendations:

• Locations, such as the such as the Intensive English Language Institute (Flinders University), are associated with a requirement to self-quarantine for 14 days and seek COVID-19 testing on day 1 and 12 of quarantine (self-quarantine advice also applies to those living with a person who visited the location) - details and locations can be found via the Parafield Cluster Isolation Direction
   
• Locations such as Flinders University Sturt Campus, Big W Brickworks, Kmart Kurralta Park and Foodland Norwood, are associated with a requirement to seek testing immediately and isolate until a negative result is received
   
• Locations such as On The Run Hilton, Anaconda Mile End, Guzman y Gomez Glandore and Boost Juice Glenelg, are recommended to monitor for symptoms and get tested if symptoms appear
   

For all the details, locations and current recommendations - see SA Health's Contact Tracing webpage

A number of COVID-19 testing clinics have updated hours today and tomorrow (Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November) due to heat. Patients needing COVID-19 testing are encourged to consider the GP Respiratory Clinics (appointment based) or to consider the pop-up COVID-19 testing site that has opened today at the Adelaide Showgrounds (Goodwood Rd, Wayville) from 8am to 9pm (walk-in testing site, air-conditioned, car parking available via Rose Terrace).

For all other testing sites, patients should be advised to plan ahead (i.e. consider testing early or in the evening during the coolest part of the day) and check the opening hours on SA Health's website www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidtesting.

Anyone who visited Armada Arndale Shopping Centre or Port Adelaide Plaza on the specified dates and times should monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if symptoms appear. The list of locations and advice can be found at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/COVIDcontacttracing

New SA Health Notification: Anyone who attended Woodville High School on Monday 23 November must isolate immediately with all members of their household until further notice. The school has closed on Thursday 26 November to undergo cleaning and support contract tracing efforts. 

SA Health is contacting anyone who visited the Emergency Department at the Lyell McEwin Hospital between 5.30pm Friday 13 November and 8.00am Saturday 14 November who may have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. 

A list of locations linked to this cluster have been specified and can be found via sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidcontacttracing.

If you or someone in close contact has visited any of the locations listed, please monitor your symptoms and get tested immediately if symptoms appear.

From Monday 9 November, a pop-up mobile testing site will open in Magill.The site will be on the corner of St Bernards Road and Edward Street and will operate 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week. No referral or appointment is required and all ages are welcome. 

The latest Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 12) (COVID-19) includes changes to restrictions for people visiting and working in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs). Changes include:

• No restrictions on number of visitors to a resident
• Personal care workers should only work at one RACF where possible, however, if they do work at more than one, a register must be kept by each facility
• Staff providing care to a resident do not need to wear a mask, unless caring for a resident who has been tested for COVID-19

Due to the success of the dedicated pop up testing site, the Elizabeth testing site will remain open. The site operates 9.00am - 5:00pm at the corner of Goodman Rd and Elizabeth Way. 

SA Health's popular flowchart 'COVID-19 Quick Reference Testing Guide' has been updated online. This resource can be used to guide patients seeking testing for COVID-19 and support access to appropriate care. 

A procurement process is underway for a new home quarantine app that would ensure eligible arrivals into South Australia could safely quarantined from home instead of in a medi-hotel. The app would only be available to those eligible to home quarantine in South Australia, or close and casual contacts of confirmed cases. At this stage, international travellers would continue to quarantine in medi-hotels.

A mobile COVID-19 testing site will operate in Elizabeth from Monday 19 October to Sunday 1 November. The site will operate from 9.00am to 5.00pm and will be located on the corner of Goodman Road and Elizabeth Way

A risk reduction factsheet regarding group singing has been developed to provide advice for relevant audiences - this resource is suitable for patients participating in activities such as religious singing practices and choirs.

NSW Health is alerting the public to the locations that were visited by confirmed cases of COVID-19. These locations can be found on the NSW Health website at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.

Anyone who has recently arrived in SA from NSW and has been to any of the locations at the dates and times listed should self-isolate immediately.

From Wednesday 7 October until Sunday 11 October, the Elizabeth testing site will operate from the corner of Goodman Road and Elizabeth Way 9.00am to 5.00pm. Anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is encouraged to attend the site for a free COVID-19 test. 

SA Health have updated advice to doctors regarding COVID-19 via a new health alert (#24). The new health alert has been issued as a result of border changes and Queensland no longer being considered an area of increased risk. Given the likely increase in cross border travel and the school holiday period, doctors should remain vigilant. Other advice for doctors included in this new health alert is the reccommendation to keep informed about interstate cases and outbreaks, to wear PPE when assessing persons who have recently travelled from Victoria, and to test anyone who presents with symptoms of COVID-19.

SA Health's quick read resources can help people (and patients) understand COVID-19, what they can do to help stop the spread, and where they can find help and support. The new resources cover topics such as contact tracing, physical distancing, self-isolation, symptoms and testing. 
 

The South Australian Communicable Disease Control Branch (CDCB) has changed its fax number to (08) 7425 6696 from (08) 8226 7187. Please use the new fax number when contacting the CDCB by fax, including when faxing medical and laboratory notifications. Doctors are asked to change the CDCB fax number in all your references, contacts and databases. Please note that many other notifiable conditions can be reported quickly and easily online instead of faxing - see sahealth.sa.gov.au/notifiablediseasereporting

The site will operate from 9.00am to 5.00pm and will be located on the corner of Goodman Road and Langford Drive in Elizabeth. 

Both cases arrived from overseas and have been in hotel quarantine since their arrival. The man and woman, both in their 20s, tested positive on their day one test and will remain in isolation at their medi-hotel.

COVID-19 Clinics at the Women's and Childrens Hospital (WCH) and Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) will be updating their hours of operation. From today (22 Sept) the WCH COVID-19 testing clinic will be operating 9.00am - 6.00pm 7 days a week. From Sat 26 Sept, the RAH COVID-19 clinic will also commence under the new operating hours of 9.00am to 6.00pm 7 days a week. 

The drive-through testing clinic at Angaston Hospital, temporarily established due to a positive COVID-19 result in routine wastewater testing, will close from 3pm this Friday 18 September. People can continue to access COVID-19 testing at the drive through clinic at Tanunda Hospital (7 days, 9am-5pm). Alternatively, testing is also available at the Angaston Respiratory Clinic (by appointment only).

A new walk in COVID-19 testing clinic has opened at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital to provide easier access to testing for those in the local community. The clinic is operating 9.00am to 6.00pm 7 days a week and can be accessed via Gate 5 on Woodville Rd. No booking or GP referral is required.

A new Rapid Response Nursing and Midwifery Service will see the recruitment of up to 150 dedicated nurses and midwives to deliver state's response to COVID-19. A leadership team is also being established. These roles will commence in the coming weeks.

People seeking 'health exemption' essential traveller status for compassionate grounds, providing health services, or urgent medical, dental or health treatment require written approval from SA Health before submitting a Cross Border Travel application. The application can now be accessed and completed via an online portal. 

South Australia now has no active COVID-19 cases with 459 people cleared. More than 386,000 tests have been undertaken in SA. 

Patients experiencing respiratroy symptoms can book into a GP-led Respiratory Clinic or find more information about testing options via SA Health's website here. 

Detailing the plan, developed in consultation with Aboriginal communities, for a coordinated SA Health, SA Police and SA Ambulance Service response in the event of an occurrence of a positive COVID-19 test in a rural or remote Aboriginal community.

Returning travellers:

• all travellers returning from Queensland
  should watch for symptoms on their return to South Australia and to get tested for COVID-19 if any symptoms develop
   
• people in South Australia who have attended a venue during the times and dates associated with the outbreak 
  are asked to self isolate for 14 days from the date they attended the venue -  venue list available via Queensland Health's website
   
• all travellers returning from the Greater Brisbane and Ipswich areas
  should not attend nursing homes or visit vulnerable people for 14 days from their return (this includes all health care and aged care workers)

South Australians considering travel to Queensland are asked to reconsider if possible and/or be aware that quarantine requirements into South Australia may change rapidly.

This restriction to working at an RACF site comes into affect 27 August. This restriction follows other recent changes regarding the wearing or PPE when providing personal or medical care to residents at a distrance of less than 1.5m, and restrictions for persoanl care workers working across multiple sites.

SA Health will commence testing of asymptomatic workers in medi-hotels. Noting that we continue to have active cases of COVID-19 from overseas passengers within medi-hotels, from today hotel and security staff will be tested similarly to the asymptomatic testing already underway in health and aged care workers (among others). This precautionary testing is another step in protecting the community. There is no requirement for workers undergoing asymptomatic testing to self-isolate while waiting for their result.

From 27 August, all personal care workers in residential aged care facilities will not be able to work across multiple sites. At present, these restrictions do not apply to other employees or contractors. Additionally, all nursing, medical, allied health and personal care workers will be required to wear personal protective equipment when working within 1.5 metres of residents. 

Both drive through facilities are operating 8:00am to 4:30pm for cars and motorbikes only. 

From today, this announcement means no dedicated COVID-19 testing service across metropolitan Adelaide requires a GP referral or specimen collection form.

A new drive-through COVID-19 testing location will be opened at the Aldinga GP Plus Health Care Centre tomorrow. The facility will operate 8.00am to 4.00pm, 7 days a week. No booking or GP referral is required and all ages are welcome. Follow the heading link to SA Health's website for a list of all other testing services currently available.

The health alert (#22 amended) includes:

• an update on several locations visited by cases while infectious (northern suburbs of Adelaide)
• an outline of the current testing recommendations and
• a summary of the relevant information and links for doctors providing care and advice to patients confirmed/suspected to have COVID-19 infection

The 'metropolitan mobile and pop-up clinic' can be accessed via Wakefield Road (left-hand turn only) and will operate from 8.00 am - 6.00 pm, 7 days a week. This facility is for cars and motorbikes only (drive through). All ages are welcome and no booking or GP referral is required.

Find a list of testing options on the SA Health website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/covidtesting.

SA Health have released a health alert covering the latest changes to testing recomendations across South Australia including the testing of people who have travelled into South Australia (i.e. ongoing essential travellers and travellers entering prior to border closure on Wed July 29) from NSW, Vic and ACT. Testing recommendations also continue for anyone experiencing COVID-19 compatible symptoms 

SA Health have developed a COVID-19 Testing Certificate of  Compliance relevent for clinics and providers supporting the mandatory day 1 and day 12 testing of travellers who have arrived from NSW, ACT, Vic:

• Day 1 PDF (A5 size) Attendance Certificate
• Day 1 Word (A5 size) Attendance Certificate
• Day 12 PDF (A5 size) Attendance Certificate
• Day 12 Word (A5 size) Attendance Certificate

With this surge in testing, increased waiting times continue at the metropolitan COVID-19 clinics and GPs are recommended to encourage patients to seek testing via a GP Respiratory Clinic (booking themselves online or over phone) or provide patients with a referral/collection form in order for SA Pathology to book patients into a drive through testing service.

Please share these resources with any relevant community members attending your clinics

SA Health has been notified by NSW Health of a significant outbreak of COVID-19 cases linked to the Crossroads Hotel, Liverpool in Sydney - the hotel is on the Hume Highway and is a popular stop for interstate truck drivers. Anyone who visited the hotel between 3-10 July must must self-quarantine and be tested

A new CDCB Health Alert has been issued relating to COVID-19 and Victoria and the request that anyone from Victoria is tested at Day 1 and 12. Some people who have recently crossed the border may have a request form, whereas others may telephone your clinic for a request form or to have a test. Travellers who have arrived within the last 14 days are asked to get tested, regardless of whether they have symptoms. All essential travellers under schedule 2 are now required to wear a mask in SA for a period of 14 days when out in public (provided as they enter the state).

The poster is available in 16 languages: English, Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Dinka, Greek, Hakka Chin, Italian, Khmer, Mandarin (Chinese Simplified), Nepali, Persian, Polish, Spanish, Swahili and Vietnamese

Innovative SA businesses that have adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic are invited to apply for the SA Health COVIDSafe Awards. Winners from each category will be awarded $5,000. Nominations close midnight Sunday 5 July 2020.

The Office of the Chief Psychiatrist has released interim guidlines to reduce risk of infection for those recieving clozapine by limiting clinic visits for screening. 

This SA Health factsheet has been released to provide general advice for GPs on delivering care to local sporting teams in South Australia

New version with updated advice from SAPOL regarding the requirements of essential travellers and clarifying the need for poeple to isolate after having a test (if they have symptoms).

General practices and other primary care providers are encourgaed to promote the COVIDSafe app to their patients - a drop box of resources is available to support promotional efforts here. 

The Emergency Management Direction has been revoked and a new directive issued. Lifting these restrictions allows hospitals to prioritise surgeries based on need.

The list includes providers (name, phone number and suburb) who had Fluad® Quad Influenza vaccine for persons 65 years and older available as at 7 May 2020.

South Australians who test positive for COVID-19 will receive daily support throughout self-isolation from two new dedicated teams -The COVID-19 GP Assessment Team and nurse-led SA Health Remote Monitoring Service

Commencing 1 May, testing will continue to be recommended for anyone experiencing any fever or respiratory symptoms. Testing recommendations has also been extended to those experiencing an unexplained loss of smell and/or altered sense of taste. Those with clinically compatible symptoms of COVID-19 who are ALSO either a close contact of a confirmed case OR returned from overseas in the previous 14 days should also access testing.

BreastScreen SA is restarting its breast cancer screening program from Thursday 30 April 2020

Following decision by National Cabinet, the SA Direction in relation to appropriate surgery will be revised and elective surgery will commence in a staged manner from April 27.

COVID-19 diagnosis will soon be available in <60 minutes with rapid testing capability being rolled out to enable clinicians in hospitals settings to make quick decisions around the care of patients deemed clinically urgent.

SA Health have broadened the testing criteria for COVID-19 for a two week period, starting Thursday 16 April, to determine if there is previously undetected community transmission of COVID-19 in South Australia.

SA Health has developed the a guiding document of recommendations for immunisation providers to support the ongoing delivery of the National Immunisation Program.

Alert and position statement from SA expert Advisory Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (SAAGAR) on the appropriate place of hydroxychloroquine in clinical practice.

Very high risk epidemiological criteria expanded to include 'persons who have been to Adelaide Airport including in the terminal or carpark in the 14 days prior to illness onset' 

- testing criteria expanded to inc. patients w/ respiratory symptoms & interstate travel in in last 7 days

Anyone who has had a COVID-19 test will now be sent their negative result via text message directly. If people provide only a landline number, they will receive a phone call with their results.

SA Pathology's four new mobile collection services provide flexibility, by taking testing to communities that don’t currently have access to a clinic. Mobile services are currently in operation at Tailem Bend from 8am to 4pm, with no GP referral needed. Bordertown, Mt Gambier and Yamba mobile testing services are being utilised specifically for travellers entering SA from Victoria.

The opening of this dedicate collection site follows the opening of two other similar sites across the metro region, and serves to reduce exposure risk and infection for immunocomprimised patients. The centre is open Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm and can be found at 10 Railway Tce, Mile End. Patients need to book appointments by calling 8222 3000.

From Wednesday 29 April, the collection capacity of the Domiciliary service has been expanded to now accomodate up to 60 patient visits per day.

A new COVID-19 Digital Health Service has launched to streamline the delivery of negative COVID-19 test results, enabling patients to access them from a secure online platform. Initially available to patients testing via SA Health's COVID-19 clinics and drive through testing services, the service will be expanded across the state in the coming weeks.

Under new arrangements, there is no longer a requirement for GPs to phone and arrange patient bookings into Repat or Hampstead drive through collections services. GPs should fax pathology forms and SA Pathology will contact patient directly to arrange booking. 

SA Pathology will establish two dedicated Collection Centres in Hyde Park and Elizabeth to reduce the risk of exposure to infectious diseases for immunocompromised and vulnerable patients.

SA Pathology are receiving a high volume of COVID-19 pathology requests that do not specify the preferred collection service. Find fax numbers for each COVID-19 collection service via this notice. 

A number of Australian Government agencies have been working together for some months on PPE supply.  As part of this work the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Health, has developed a PPE Buyer’s guide. This guide is intended to help buyers of PPE be more confident in their purchasing decisions, by providing information and factors to be aware of when buying PPE.

Acting Chief Medical Officer of Australia, Professor Paul Kelly, has released information about the support the Commonwealth will provide to ‘hotspot’ areas.This includes the stages that will determine a ‘hotspot’ area. Defining a hotspot area will help determine the Commonwealth support needed such as deployment from the National Medical Stockpile, deployment of medical teams and additional support funding.

The update includes information relevant to local primary health care providers regarding the PPE available for distribution via Adelaide PHN from the Commonwealth's National Medical Stockpile. The update covers eligibility criteria, quantities of PPE available for distribution and guidelines on appropriate use. This update is currently being incorporated into Adelaide PHN's PPE distribution webpage and EOI forms. 

Professional Services Review (PSR) are alerting providers that the impact of COVID will be considered for any practitioner referred by the Department of Health for breaching the 80/20 rule. This rule refers to practitioners rendering 80+ attendance items on 20 or more days in any 12 month period - a very high level of servicing used as a marker for potential breaches in provision of adequate clinical care. 

The Australian Government has announced further strengthening telehealth arrangements as recommended by the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). From July 20, Telehealth GP providers will be required to have an existing and continuous relationship with a patient in order to provide Telehealth services - encouraging continuous care arrangements between a patient and their regular GP. Find the AMA's media release here or see the Hon. Greg Hunt's (Minister for Health) announcement here. 

From Tuesday 7 July GPs and other health professionals caring for people with disability can access a new pilot telephone advisory service aiming to provide specialised clinical advice across COVID-19.  The service provides specialised advice regarding the care of a person with disability diagnosed with or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 - this includes adjustments to their healthcare to ensure they receive COVID-19 testing/treatment with minimum distress and support in regard to communication and management of issues such as behaviours of concern.

To access the service call 1800 131 330. The service is available between 7.00 am - 11.00 pm (AEST) seven days a week. 

The focus of this webinar was on the impact of COVID-19 for people with disability, along with providing an update on the Australian Government's COVID-19 response

Included in the suite is a fact sheet specifically for primary health care workers.

A checklist resource aims to assist GPs with privacy compliance when delivering telehealth services

Including an update on the announcement of a 3 step framework for a COVIDSafe Australia, promotional of TEN: The Essental Network supporting frontline health workers, a highlight of the statistics of GP telehealth across the country, a summary of available resources and evidence relevant to primary care delivery and more. 

Federal Government announced that Sonic Healthcare (Clinpath in SA) has been contracted to provide rapid sample collection and testing within RACFs. The service runs seven days per week in urban and rural areas. GPs to request the testing. For infomration see the COVID-19 information pack here or a flowchart here.  

An update for GPs from Australia's Deputy Chief Medical Officer & Principle Medical Advisor

A Visitor Access Code to ensure a nationally consistent visitation policy to residential aged care homes during the COVID-19 crisis is now open for consultation - have your say, consultation open to 7 May!

The Australian Government today launches the new voluntary coronavirus app, COVIDSafe. The health initiative uses technology to automate and improve what state and territory health officials already do manually. Download the app from the App Stores.

The funding has been allocated to a variety of services including Hello Sunday Morning’s Daybreak Program, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, Turning Point's online counselling, SMART Recovery, and Matilda Centre's Cracks in the Ice and Positive Choices portals.

Including an update on recommencement of cat 2 and certain cat 3 surgery, telehealth guidance, GP Respiratory clinics and more

This tool will soon to be operating in all public and private hopsitals with Intensive Care Units (ICU) and will provide a bird’s eye view of every ICU around the country using live data such as the number of available ICU beds and equiptment like ventilators. 

Senior Australians, their families and carers can now call a dedicated free call support line. The phoneline aims to support the mental health of those impacted by the spread of COVID-19 and add an additional layer of support for those in isolation. Call the COVID-19 support line on 1800 171 866.

As of 20 April 2020, two new bulk-billing incentive items have been introduced for services provided to patients who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 (for metro GPs new telehealth item #10981). For details see the FAQ here or MBS Website here. 

GP update from the Chief Medical Officer and Principal Medical Advisor - inlcudes update on bulk billing, clarification on point of care serology testing, free NBN upgrade for general practice, electronic prescribing and more.

Including updates on flu vaccinations, FAQs regarding telehealth, research highlight and promotion of available resources to support GPs. 

RNs interested in undertaking the training should visit medcast.com.au/surge-critical-care or contact Medcast on 1300 652 046.

Including discussion around expansion of Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for ALL Australians and extra incentives for GPs.

>> Factsheets for GPs, Nurses, Mental Health Providers and more
>> MBS Online News Page with tables of all items (updated 29 Mar)

* This post was updated Tuesday 24 November 

The following general practices in Adelaide are now providing dedicated COVID-19 testing services.

• Morphett Vale Family Practice - swab testing by appointment only 
  1 Doctors Road, Morphett Vale
  Mon-Fri: 8.30am-7.00pm 
  Sat-Sun: 9.00am-3.00pm
  Please call 8384 7977 to make an appointment
   
• Midwest Medical Centre - drive through clinic by appointment only 
  678 Port Road, Beverley
  Various days and times available. Please call 0436 344 642 to make an appointment

Spirometry is the most frequently performed pulmonary function test in general practice. Endorsed by Australia's peak respiratory organisations, the attached recommendations have been updated to guide the performing of point-of-care spirometry in primary care settings under the current local pandemic circumstances (no, or small numbers, of COVID-19 cases and no known community transmission).

The team at SAHMRI are working to assess the evidence on a range of COVID-19 questions. The team have a great website listing common questions regarding the virus, prevention methods and responses along with the sythesised research data and evidence that form the answer. The team's work is being used to develop policy and planning here in South Australia and makes for an interesting and reliable read. 

National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveilance Australia (NCIRS) have invited providers to register for a special edition, extended webinar discussing the latest developments in the journey towards COVID-19 vaccines. 23 November 2020, 6:30pm - 8:00pm ACST (8 – 9:30 am GMT / 7 – 8:30 pm AEDT).

In recent weeks, there has been increased interest in antigen testing. COVID-19 antigen tests are immunoassays that detect presence of viral antigen specific to SARS-CoV-2. A positive result implies current infection. This differs from PCR which can detect old virus and has a higher sensitivity. Rapid antigen tests may be easier to perform with quicker turn-around times (15-30 min) and are ‘single patient’ tests. TGA approval is being sought for rapid COVID-19 antigen testing. The Lancet has published an informative article comparing PCR and POC testing- read the article here. 

Developed with GPs, this survey is an important means to capture the general practice perspectives and experiences with respect to PPE and the impact it has had on your practice. Eligible participants will have the opportunity to enter a prize draw for one of ten $100 Westfield Gift Vouchers.

These resources are focused on supporting GPs and the general practice team during COVID-19. Topics covered include: telehealth, infection control, clinical care, patient resources and advocacy and finance

On behalf of the Commonwealth, Healthdirect Australia has established the COVID-19 Health Professionals Disability Advisory Service. The service is available to support health professionals involved in the care of people with disability, including those diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

Health care professionals can call the service from 8am to 9pm (AEST) Monday to Friday on 1800 131 330.

McIntyre Medical Centre has opened a drive-through collection clinic, supported by SA Health, providing COVID-19 collections for patients in the northern suburbs. The service operates at 33 McIntyre Road (Para Hills West), is strictly by ‘appointment only’, and open from 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. To book an appointment please call 0409 419 804.

SA Health, in conjunction with RACGP, are hosting a webinar about infection prevention and control measures in order to maintain the safety of GPs, staff and patients. The webinar will be held Thurs 3 Sept 6.30pm (ACST). Click the title to register. If you cannot login via the RACGP portal, please email sant.events@racgp.org.au

The CDNA SoNG has been updated with new guidance on clearance of COVID-19 positive patients; eligibility includes the use of two negative swabs, 24 hours apart, in conjuction with other criteria when releasing patients from isolation who are yet to have complete resolution of their symptoms  (i.e. persistent post-viral cough).

ANU Medical School's Academic Unit of General Practice is leading the Australian arm of an international research for policy project. This rolling survey is helping to track the response and capacity of primary care practices in dealing with COVID-19 and is helping monitor impact of the pandemic on “usual” general practice. Round 6 open now (7-13 Aug) and takes <5 minutes to complete.

Royal Children's Hospital National Child Health Poll COVID-19: Effects of the pandemic on the lives of Australian children and families is now available. The Poll found that the pandemic affected the daily lives of children and families in many challenging ways, but there were also some silver linings.

The ANU Medical School's Academic Unit of General Practice is leading the Australian arm of an international research for policy project - tracking the response and capacity of primary care practices to deal with COVID-19 as well as the ongoing impact of the pandemic on “usual” general practice. The survey takes < 5 minutes to complete. Round 5 of the survey opens on 24 July and closes on Thursday 30 July. Detail information sheet available here.

Worldwide nominations are open for outstanding and innovative organisational responses or actions in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions due by 1 September 2020.

Find out more about the fee structure as well as associated FAQs via the sa.gov.au COVID-19 information page

Includes research regarding modeling a second wave in Australia and the impact of social distancing, testing and use of the COVIDSafe app could have on reducing transmission. 

A learning module for consideration by GPs. Includes recommendations for infection control. Written by Dr Kerry Hancock (FRACGP) and Richard Paresons (CRFS) from the Spirometry Learning Module (SLM) Development Group.

APNA have developed a new guide to making the most of the nurse role during COVID-19. RACGP, ACRRM and AAPM approved - it shows how nurses attract revenue streams that will sustain practices today & into the future.

All health care workers across SA, who work in a health care setting or have face to face contact with patients, are invited to participate in a global multi-centre research trial recruiting at the RAH. Participants in the BRACE trial will receive the BCG vaccine, traditionally used to prevent tuberculosis, or a placebo vaccine. A BRACE information sheet is available for more information. Register at mcri.edu.au/BRACE or contact brace.trial@sahmri.com

Skylight Mental Health is offering the COVID-19 Mental Health Peer Support Line and Web Chat. Available for all South Australians from 5:00pm - 11:30pm, 7 days per week and is delivered by peers who have a mental health lived experience. Call COVID-19 Mental Health Peer Support Line on 1800 02 2020. Webchat at skylight.org.au/covid-19-support-line. Call or use webchat to request a video call.

In addition to other recent changes - now flexible arrangements under the PIP Teaching Payment Incentive and further clarification regarding the eHealth Incentive arrangements are included - details here. Eligible doctors are being granted a 6 month extension to 3GA workforce program placements expiring from 1 May 2020 - more info here.