The Next Big C
In this opinion piece David Guest explores some of the thinking behind the recent trend to commissioning of health services in Australia.
To market, to market went my brother Jim
When somebody threw a tomato at him
Tomatoes are soft and they don't bruise the skin
But the one killed Jim was wrapped in a tin.
Although the Turnbull government has been returned with a slim majority, it now has the mandate it needs to continue its structural reform of the Australian economy. Informed customers choosing goods and services from providers in an open and competitive market place where innovation is fostered will maximise economic utility and lift productivity. This newly invigorated market place will apply to government services, including health, as well as to private industry.
The Harper Review of Competition Policy was a Coalition 2013 election promise. In receiving the report in 2015 the Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison, agreed, "Effective competition encourages businesses to pursue efficiencies, rewarding the most innovative and dynamic that provide the best services at the lowest cost. It also benefits households by giving them more and better products and services to choose from at lower prices." The government rejected none of the 56 recommendations, accepting 39, partially accepting 5 and leaving 12 open for further review and consultation.
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- Written by: David Guest
Region’s best primary health projects chosen
The North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) has chosen 12 finalists to contest the four categories in the Inaugural Primary Health Care Excellence Awards.
“These new Awards showcase the excellent work being done by GPs, allied health practitioners and community health workers right across the North Coast, from the Tweed down to Port Macquarie,” said the NCPHN’s Chief Executive Dr Vahid Saberi.
The finalists are:
1. Tresilian Lismore Family Care Centre - Enabling Service Provision through Partnership
2. North Coast Primary Health Network (Mid North Coast) - No Longer on the Backburner: Re-Developing Musculoskeletal Models of Care
3. NCPHN, NNSWLHD, Bulgarr Ngaru, UCRH, Solid Mob and NSW Country Rugby League - 1 Deadly Step, Casino
4. New Access - New Access initiative
5. Nimbin Neighbourhood & Information Centre Inc - Nimbin Independent Services (NIS)
6. NCPHN - Needs Assessment
7. New Directions - Mothers & Babies Program
8. NNSWLHD Renal Services and Bugalwena General Practice - Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease in Aboriginal People
9. NCPHN - Improved Health from the Winsome Health Outreach Clinic in Lismore
10. NCPHN - First Responders CPR Program
11. Bay Medical Centre, Byron Bay, Feros Care - eVillage
12. MNCLHD, Royal Far West & NCPHN - Nambucca Valley Healthy Kids Bus Stop
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- Written by: Robin Osborne
Ending the Ice Age
The North Coast Primary Health Network in conjunction with the Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation are running an education program for health workers, general practitioners and the community on the current crystal methamphetamine epidemic.
Project officer Sam Booker is visiting general practices in the Northern Rivers with advice on recognising and managing patients whose lives are destroyed by this highly addictive drug.
While less than 25% of users develop dependence, the time to become addicted can be as little as a few months and much faster than either heroin or alcohol.
For further information about future educational events contact Sam Booker,
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- Written by: David Guest
Weight gains trigger rise in drug demand
With the global obesity epidemic raging and suggested lifestyle modifications having limited success, the mounting pressures to seek pharmaceutical ‘fixes’ are hardly surprising.
Echoing the principle that everything old is new again, one of the notable weight loss medications is phentermine (Duromine), which has been available for many years. This amphetamine-related drug acts as an appetite suppressant. It has psychoactive effects and is only recommended for short term (up to three months) usage. While the drug does have some efficacy for quick weight loss to increase motivation or to help break through plateaus in a weight loss program, it has been found that weight regain is common once it is ceased. Further, it is contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) or psychiatric disorder.
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- Written by: Andrew Binns
It’s high time to thaw out the Medicare freeze
For the sake of North Coast residents, many of whom are on low incomes, the current ‘freeze’ on the rebate for Medicare consultation items should be brought to an end by whichever parties win government this weekend.
The Northern Rivers General Practice Network (NRGPN) has entered the campaign fray because of its ongoing concern about patients who rely on GPs as their first port of call when facing concerns about their health.
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- Written by: David Guest
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