Resources for Member GPs
Library Facilities
The Division maintains a library of books, videos (including videos of the Rural Health Satellite Broadcasts), CDs, audio cassettes, reports from local, state and federal health and community organisations, Medical Journals including: Australian Physician, Medical Observer; publications, clinical guidelines and resource manuals. A networked borrowing system has been developed with the Mid North Coast Area Health Service Library, allowing access to an abundance of publications and resources.
Resources are also maintained on the Division website for members use.
Computer Facilities & Training
The Division has an appointed IM/IT Project Officer. The role of the IM/IT Project Officer is to advise and assist GPs in the transition to a computerised surgery; provide ongoing practical support and training for GPs and practice staff; and develop the computerised infrastructure of the Division. Divisional computers are available to GPs for training and research.
Literature Searches
The Division staff will conduct literature searches for GPs having difficulty accessing the Division office and library and computer facilities. Literature searches are provided through the RACGP Resource Centre, Internet (Medline and Medscape) and also through the Mid North Coast Area Health Service Library.
Workforce Support
The Division has a workforce support program officer whose focus is on assisting practices to recruit GPs to the area. The Division will assist general practices to navigate through the maize of regulations and requirements to recruit at GP into their practice. This includes obtaing Area of Need status and assisting where possible the recruitment of GPs from overseas. The Division works very closely with the NSW Rural Doctors Network to ensure quality GPs are accessed for the area.
Advisory Services
The Division maintains contact with various advisory services including Doctors Health Advisory Service and Medical Defence Unions. Confidentiality and privacy are assured.
Representation
The Division promotes and coordinates GP representation at medico-political meetings affecting this Division. The Division conveys members views to regional, state and national forums via the Division Board. Relevant information is disseminated to the GPs.
Locum Information
An up-to date Register of local locum GPs is available from the division office. Through the Rural Health Training Unit, the Division can access outside locums. It is recommended that Medical Centres contact the NSW RDN initially as they employ GP locums across country NSW. Locum enquiries can be made to the NSW RDN through their website at www.nswrdn.com.au .
GP North Coast Training
The Division is fortunate to have the NSW Medical School located at the Coffs Harbour Health Service Campus as well as the training provider GP North Coast Training. The Division usually has 10 to 12 Registrars circulating within the Medical Centres at any one time and where possible the Division supports them during their stay in the area.
CPD Activities
RACGP QA & CPD activities are coordinated through the Division including satellite programs, educational evenings/workshops and refresher weekends.
Special Health Interests
GPs with special health interests are supported and encouraged to pursue programs within these areas. Funding is available for GPs presenting to community groups and organisations, and for those GPs interested in undertaking research.
GP Focus
A two page weekly newsletter is posted to all practices. This provides GPs and their staff with important news, up-coming meetings and conferences, and general information as required.
Newsletter
The Division has a number of Newsletters circulated during the year, one targeted at Aged and Palliative Care while the second is a general practice Newsletter that provides information Practice staff on the latest regulations and changes in clinical practice.
Outreach Clinics
Using MSOAP (Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program) funding, the Division has established Specialist Clinics in Dermatology, Endocrinology, Neurology and Psychiatry.
Psychology Services
Using MAHS (More Allied Health Services) and BOiMH (Better Outcomes in Mental Health) funding, the Division provides a GP Psychology service in outlying areas, i.e. in Nambucca, Bellingen, Bowraville, Urunga, Dorrigo, Wooli, Woolgoolga, Grafton and Coffs Harbour taking referrals from GPs in those areas.
Hospital Admission Information
A collaborative program with the Mid North Coast Area Health Service, the Division provides participating GPs with information regarding their patients’ admitted to Coffs Harbour Health Campus. Patient Admissions Information is forwarded daily, keeping GPs abreast of patient activity and emergencies.
Practice Staff Support
The Division is committed to the professional development of practice staff. This includes support and advice by phone and educational workshops organised through the Practice Managers Professional Development Network. A Practice Nurse network has also been established to support nurses in general practice.
