CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Division Management

This program is designed to provide sound management and accountable organisation, committed to quality management practices. One of the aims of the program is to have both the Board and members aware of ongoing activities. Through this program the Board and members have a clearer idea of communication within the Division.

Achievements of the program include regular meetings, policy and procedure manual, also the abilty for information to be disseminated to Division members.

Accreditation

The Accreditation program is designed to encourage and facilitate GP uptake of accreditation. The Division aims to be responsive and supportive to GP needs in respect to accreditation. The program has involved the development of a Manly Warringah specific Policy and Procedures Manual, Questionnaire, Practice visits, and Workshops for Staff. Barriers have been the changing nature of accreditation, and negative attitudes by GPs towards accreditation.

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

At least three Continuing Medical Education (CME) events per month are held in each geographical area, the Division aims to respond to GP needs for CME, and to respond to area hospital need to transmit new information to GPs. Also to provide opportunities for GPs special educational needs. The program has resulted in enhanced interaction between GPs and other Health providers.

Mental Health

The Mental Health program is involved with improving GP skills and confidence in providing better management and care for their patients with psychological problems. The Division aims to have GPs up to date in the area of psychological health, for GPs to obtain easier access to referral agencies, and to have GPs showing improved knowledge of private health services. One of the achievements of the program has been that all mental health program activities are currently oversubscribed.

Community Education

This program is designed to provide health care information to the local community about specific health issues. The program aim is to enable consumers to be better informed on health issues, to respond to consumer demand for information. The achievements to date have been successful discussions and lectures held at many levels of the community. The program has seen an improved liaison between GPs and consumers. One barrier however is the enthusiasm of GPs to continue this service.

Medical Media

The aim of this program is to upskill GPs in media presentation so that the community is well informed about health care issues. Achievements of the program include fortnightly appearances of articles in local media prepared by GPs. The Division aims to provide reliable accurate information to the community on important health issues

GP Liaison and Integration

To promote continuity of care through well integrated services, the Division aims to facilitate communication between the aged care team at both Manly and Mona Vale Hospitals and GPs, increase the uptake of EPC.

Immunisation

The Immunisation program is designed to improve the delivery and implementation of immunisation in Manly Warringah: raising immunisation rates in the area. As a result of the program there has been an improvement in immunisation rates, and GPs and their staff are better informed of requirements. Services provided by the Division include; Practice visits. GP information sessions and GP Staff information sessions

Division Liaison and Advocacy

The Division liaises and advocates on behalf of its members. The aim of this program is for Division representation on hospital, area and community activities. An achievement has been that the Division is invited to more activities than they can service. A barrier is the need for ongoing funding to support increasing demand.

Emergency Medicine

The program is designed to encourage GPs to improve their emergency medicine skills for use in their practices.

The aim is to give GPs opportunities to integrate and liaise in a hospital setting. As a result of the program there has been increased cooperation between emergency services and general practice.

GP Health

This program is intended to improve the physical and mental wellbeing of practitioners and their families in the Manly Warringah Division, the aim is to encourage every GP to have their own GP, and to establish a GP support network.

Information Technology and Management

Th program intends to assist in the implementation of information technology usage by Divisional GPs. One of the aims of the program is to improve GP hands on skills with computerisation, and to encourage GP usage of electronic media and to replace the fax/phone with electronic contact with Division Office. Achievements have included setting up Server at Division Office and IT Courses for GPs.

PREVIOUS PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

• Dietitian Project
• Early Detection & Prevention of Alcohol Problems and HIV
• GP Health Promotion Van
• Health Literacy
• Health Promotion and the Blue Book
• Health Promotion Project
• Health Promotion: Medical Media Consulting
• Health Services Directory
• Improving Admission & Discharge Procedures, Manly Hospital
• Mental Health Shared Care Stage 1 (Upskilling)
• Mental Health Shared Care Stage II (Liaison)
• Networking with Consumer Groups
• Postnatal Depression