Rett Syndrome, a debilitating genetic disorder, is the second most common form of severe mental retardation in females. It affects one in 8,500 births by the age of 15.Professor John Christodoulou says "By understanding better the biology of Rett Syndrome, we will be in a position to design specific treatments to slow or halt the progression of the disorder, or perhaps even a cure".
In anticipation of such a breakthrough, the Australian Research Team has forged collaborative research links with other groups in Australia and around the world with a view to being able to undertake clinical drug trials in the next few years. More information...

The Diabetes & Endocrine, Musculoskeletal, Falls Prevention and Aged Care Health Networks invite you to attend a stakeholder workshop for the Osteoporosis Model of Care (MoC) on Friday 11th December 2009 at the Arthritis Foundation WA from 2.00 - 5.00pm.
The workshop will offer you the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Osteoporosis MoC which will consider bone health across the lifespan, with a focus on prevention and early risk modification and assessment.
Numbers to this event are limited so please register your interest by completing the attached registration form by COB Thursday 19 November 2009.
For more information contact healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au. More information...

The Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents Model of Care and Clinical Practice Guideline for WA provides information for health professionals to guide the management of this patient group from early diagnosis, referral, treatment and education to monitoring for diabetes related complications.
The Model was prepared by the Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology at Princess Margaret Hospital and endorsed by the Diabetes and Endocrine Health Network.
View the Type 2 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents Model of Care and Clinical Practice Guideline for WA on the website

The redeveloped WA Health Diabetes website is now live. This project is a partnership between the Network and Diabetes WA to streamline information.
The redeveloped website:
o Provides access to diabetes-related information and resources for health professionals in WA
o Provides a directory of diabetes-related services for WA consumers and people with diabetes
o Directs consumers and people with diabetes to other websites for general diabetes information, including diabetes resources, consumer programs, news and events.
The Diabetes and Endocrine Health Network welcomes your feedback to ensure the website content remains relevant and current. More information...

The data collected from this questionnaire will provide information to guide education programs for GPs, junior doctors and medical students. The topic is ‘radiation dose associated with imaging modalities, patient consent prior to investigation and recommendations for further education’.
Please return the one page questionnaire via fax (08 9433 0250) or email (jrunciman@nd.edu.au) and to include their details (will be de-identified) for a chance to win 2 bottles of Penfolds wine.
This research has been supported by PHCRED Fremantle and WA General Practice Network. More information…

Being a cancer carer is known to adversely affect the health of people who find themselves in this role. This presentation will outline how an idea was developed and tested to overcome these challenges, and some of the findings to date.
Carers tend to overlook their own health concerns for the patient’s sake, while health professionals tend to focus on the needs of the cancer patient. More information…

Diabetes WA has officially released the newly upgraded My Healthy Balance program which includes specific modules for people diagnosed with Impaired Glucose Tolerance/Impaired Fasting Glucose (pre-diabetes) and tools to assist participants in maintaining a healthy weight.
To order a health professional pack and to take a tour of the program. More information...
 

Professor Avni Sali is President, of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA).
He is also Director, National Institute of Integrative Medicine. President, of the International Council of Integrative Medicine. International Advisory Board of the American Academy of Anti-Ageing Medicine. On Monday December 7 Professor Avni Sali will be presenting on the above topic. Monday 7 December 2009. 6.30-7.30 pm, St John of God Hospital, 25 McCourt Street – Subiaco. More information…

Royal Perth, Fremantle, Swans, Bentley, Bunbury and Mental Health, PMH are all sending electronic discharge summaries to GPs. We can now send into Medical Director, Best Practice, Medtech 32, Genie, Practix, Monet, Medical Spectrum Classic, Surgiware, Zedmed and MMEX.
If your practice would like to receive them, please contact GREG HAYES from HealthLink on 0412 474 950.
NB If your practice is already registered but is changing software please contact 1300554563 ext 1 for HealthLink messaging enquiries to ensure you still get your discharge summaries.

Silver Chain Home Hospital provides an integrated and co-ordinated community based service in the home to patients across the Perth metropolitan area. The Priority Response Assessment (PRA) is an exciting new component that is a non-emergency service that provides advanced clinical assessments within four hours, unless a longer timeframe is requested. This assessment may lead to the provision of short term acute care interventions to address an immediate need or admission to other services. This service now includes the Canning Division and the eastern section of the Perth Primary Care Network.
Patients can be admitted to Silver Chain Home Hospital upon referral by their GP, specialist or Silver Chain Home Hospital medical officer. The involvement of GPs in Silver Chain Home Hospital is vital to the success of the program. The program provides an increased opportunity for the patient’s usual GP to maintain involvement in the patient’s care during an acute illness.
The Silver Chain Home Hospital model is based on strengthening partnerships in the community and primary care sector to improve capacity to support acutely unwell patients in their own home.
Download a Silver Chain Home Hospital brochure here or for more information visit www.homehospital.org.au/ or to refer your patient contact the Silver Chain Home Hospital referral line on 9242 0347.

Becoming a Parent: Emotional Health and Wellbeing is a free, 60 page colour booklet which describes emotions before and after birth, common emotional problems, treatments options and offers advice for mothers, partners and family on how to cope with the changes a baby can bring.
Focus groups have indicated that parents would like to receive this information antenatally - either at their antenatal appointments or from their GP.
Distributing the booklets:
Step 1: Order copies of Becoming a Parent: Emotional Health and Wellbeing (catalogue number HP 011310):
call 1300 135 030 or visit www.health.wa.gov.au/ordering; for orders >50, please email us at WAPMHU: wapmhu@health.wa.gov.au providing your postal address and contact details.
Step 2: Offer a copy to every pregnant woman you see (from about 20 weeks gestation onwards) - after all, emotional and mental wellbeing is important for all parents.

Five general practitioner (GP) service providers have successfully applied for the first round of the State Government’s $8.4million Grants to After-Hours General Practice Program.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the first grants would extend access to GP after-hours services across the metropolitan area and take pressure off the public system.
“Increasing access to GPs is a critical step in providing the people of Western Australia with the best possible health care and, importantly, help ease pressure on the public system,” Dr Hames said.
“We received several strong applications to provide after-hours GP services in areas of unmet need and high emergency department demand, which is very encouraging. More information...

An upgraded and more spacious memorial garden at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH) for bereaved families will be officially reopened by Health Minister Kim Hames during a rededication ceremony.
The memorial garden was originally opened in 1989 as a site to inter the ashes of babies stillborn before 28 weeks gestation, and as a special place for bereaved families to visit and remember their loved ones.
Dr Hames said the memorial garden was being rededicated following a program of enhancements carried out during the past year. More information...

Tenders have been advertised for the construction of the new radiotherapy centre to be built at the South West Health Campus in Bunbury.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the centre, the first of its kind in regional Western Australia, would provide state-of-the-art radiation oncology services for the majority of cancer patients in the South-West.
“This new centre will reduce the need for cancer patients to travel to Perth, enabling them to remain closer to their homes and the support of their families and friends,” Dr Hames said.
“The centre will include two radiation oncology bunkers to cater for future growth in demand. More information...

R U OK? is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide. We want to inspire all Australians to recognise they can make an immediate impact on our country’s shockingly high suicide rate by simply connecting with their friends, colleagues and loved ones. A lack of connection is a major contributing cause of many social issues, particularly suicide. www.ruokday.com.au
 

The RACGP Standards for general practices (revised 3rd edition), against which general
practices are surveyed for accreditation, are under revision by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
“The RACGP Standards for general practices are a clear demonstration of the commitment of Australian general practitioners and general practices to high quality care for our communities,” said Dr Chris Mitchell, RACGP President. “To maintain our quality standards, it is time for a targeted review by the profession.”
The RACGP National Expert Committee on Standards for General Practices (NECSGP) will oversee the review and develop processes aimed to complete the RACGP Standards for general practices (4th edition) during 2010. It is anticipated that the revised Standards will be launched in October next year at the college’s annual conference, GP’10, in Cairns. More information…

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) announced the winners of the GSK Adult Immunisation Grants today at the
2009 Australian General Practice Network Forum in Sydney.
The four organisations each received $20,000 to support their plans to increase adult immunisation in
their community. This year GSK has made available a total of $80,000 to support the development of
innovative adult immunisation programs around Australia.
2009 GSK Adult Immunisation Grant Winners
Category 1. General Practice: Central Clinic, SA
Category 2. Division of General Practice: WA GP Network and GP Down South, WA
Category 3. Indigenous Health: Yorke Peninsula Division of General Practice, SA
Category 4. Local Council/Community Organisation/Hospital: Doutta Galla Community Health Service More information…

The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) in conjunction with your State Based Organisation is seeking your assistance in conducting a survey of nurses working in general practice. The information collected is the only comprehensive national dataset on the practice nurse workforce. The survey results provide important information to inform policy makers, government and researchers. AGPN has been collecting this information every two years since 2003. This information assists in planning for the provision of ongoing support for practice nurse recruitment, retention and professional development.
The 2009 survey has been designed as a web based survey in response to feedback in order to lesson the burden upon respondents. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS SURVEY BY Monday 14 December 2009
The survey has three parts:
1) Network Member Survey (Cover Sheet)
2) Practice Survey
3) Individual Nurse Survey https://www.securehost-au.com/aussiethink-com-au/AGPN/Gate.asp

The Group aims to foster collaboration between researchers, health care practitioners and consumers to:

. build research capacity and infrastructure to support cancer research in primary care
. enable the development of pre-trial studies, leading to large-scale, multi-site studies
. fill the evidence gaps in oncology in primary care
. improve health outcomes and care for cancer patients

PC4 are funded by Cancer Australia, membership is free and all are encouraged to JOIN NOW!
Membership allows access to concept development workshops and expert advice on developing new studies in cancer in primary care. Studies that are formally adopted by PC4 also gain access to biostatistical and health economic expertise from the Cancer Australia Clinical Trials Development Unit. In the future we plan to offer members funding to attend relevant conferences or training, and specific research fellowships.
Go on-line to join at www.pc4tg.com.au or contact the National Manager (E: info@pc4tg.com.au or T: 08 9449 5164)

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) is constantly examining methods to improve communication with General Practitioners (GPs), specifically, how to raise awareness of the various DVA-funded health services available to their veteran patients.
To assist in addressing this, DVA as developed an Information for Medical Practitioners package, particularly aimed at newly graduating GPs, those practising in rural and regional areas, and GPs who are International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Moreover, it can be utilised as a ‘refresher’ for any GP who treats members of the veteran community.
The package consists of:
o an Introduction;
o three information modules;
o a list of web links to information referred to in the modules;
o two useful DVA reference documents - the DVA Funded Health Services and DVA Treatment Entitlement Cards Charts; and
o a feedback form. More information...

Australia’s rural and remote health service providers are now able to access funding for essential health infrastructure and equipment in a new grant round.
The round is the fourth under the $46 million National Rural and Remote Health Infrastructure Program (NRRHIP). Applications opened on the 14th of November and close on the 29th of January 2010.
The NRRHIP grants can be used to build new and improve existing facilities as well as for the purchase of medical equipment. Proposals that increase training facilities in practices are also eligible. More information…

For most Australians, summer means the beach, BBQs and a variety of outdoor activities.
Tragically, it also means the risk of skin cancer.
The Government is launching the 2009/10 National Skin Cancer Awareness Campaign, with a focus on the dangers of cumulative exposure to the sun, particularly for young Australians.
This coincides with the Cancer Council’s stark warning yesterday at Bondi Beach – where 1,700 beach towels will symbolise the number of Australian’s who lose their lives to skin cancer every year. More information...

Changing the culture in Australia from binge drinking to responsible drinking is critical to reducing the harms from alcohol.
Parents in particular play a crucial role in this fight by shaping their children’s attitudes and behaviours towards alcohol.
This message couldn’t be more important than over the coming weeks - as students across Australia complete their exams and head to schoolies week celebrations More information...

Minster Roxon announces the successful grant applications under the 2009 round of the Priority-driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme.
Cancer touches the lives of all Australians.
That’s why the Rudd Government is tackling cancer on a range of fronts – including by investing in world class research that will translate into better treatment of cancer.
The Rudd Government is contributing $7.6 million to fund or co-fund these research grants. More information…

One of Australia’s premier universities is lending its weight to the Rudd Government’s debate on health reform.
The Australian National University is launching the National Health Reform Series of policy briefings at Parliament House.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, said the discussions would enrich the Government’s debate over health reform. More information…

The PHCRIS eBulletin is designed to inform you of recently published articles and reports, news items, media releases, upcoming conferences and courses. The latest edition has as its lead “"Will the NHHRC recommendations drive quality performance?" http://www.phcris.org.au/publications/ebulletin/

The WA Association of Mental Health is producing an ebulletin that aims at highlighting such things as funding opportunities, events and training. More information…

Fremantle Mental Health Service - Alma St Centre would like to announce that the 2nd Our Mob, Our Minds, Our Spirit Mental Health Conference will be taking place at The Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle between the 23rd and 25th of November 2009. This conference is the only national conference of its kind that dedicates its entire program to explore and discuss the important issue of Social and Emotional Wellbeing in the Indigenous community.
The conference is organised to cater for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous delegates to explore issues and ideas in the community that relate to mental health. The conference also provides a forum to promote programs and services provided by organisations. This year’s conference will also include workshops. The aim of the workshops is for delegates to develop skills and tools to utilise in their own communities. More information…

Are you a service provider in the alcohol and other drug or mental health sector who would like to work more collaboratively with GPs?
The WA General Practice Network will host a forum to discuss strategies on how your agency can improve their ability to engage with GPs and Divisions/Networks of General Practice.
Items to consider include:
• Are there any current barriers to GPs referring to your service?
• What is the best way to promote your service to GPs?
• How can we improve service integration?
• What is the best way to market your service in the primary care setting?
For further information or a registration contact – dwest@wagpnetwork.com.au

National Health Care Reform will provide an opportunity for all levels of government and health service providers to address the important ramifications of the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission’s (NHHRC) recommendations for a sweeping overhaul of the health system across Australia.

The country has not been subject to a review of such significance since the introduction of Medicare and much debate has ensued regarding the strategies required for implementation. More information...

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ), and the International Society of Internal Medicine (ISIM) are pleased to host the World Congress of Internal Medicine 2010, to be held in Melbourne, Australia on 20 – 25 March 2010. The Congress will be held in conjunction with the annual RACP Physicians Week. http://www.wcim2010.com.au/

The first Australian Clinical Networks Conference is to be held in Melbourne in 2010 and is being hosted by Victorian Department of Human Services.
The conference will bring together Clinical Networks from across Australia and internationally to provide an opportunity to share and promote ideas on Clinical Networks.
Sharing examples of ‘best practice’ in Clinical Networks will be a key theme looking at areas such as:
• Establishing and maintaining effective networks,
• Evaluation and outcomes of clinical networks,
• Consumers as network participants and partners in improving care, and
• Connected and collaborative care. More information...