CURRENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Division Management

The aim of the program is to operate an efficient and effective Division responsive to the needs of its members and community. This has resulted in an active and successful Division since December 1993. Services provided include; Corporate Governance, Administration, Financial Management, GP involvement and representation, Newsletter, and Accreditation.

Information Management and Information Technology Support

Through grants and provision of Information Management and Information Technology (IM/IT) support personnel, the Division encourages GPs to become familiar with the possible benefits of computerisation and to assist them in installing and learning Practice oriented programs. The Division aims to have an efficient system of information management in the Division office based on the use of information technology, and to.assist GPs in developing and implementing IM/IT systems that meet their needs.

The Division office is now fully computerised and networked, and all GPs have been visited by IT support consultant. 40% of practices are using computers. The Division provides IT consultant and in house support, grants to assist education, networking and obtaining advice. Barriers to the success of the program come from lack of knowledge, distance between centres, and reluctance to try new methods.

Continuing Medical Education

A program of locally run events with expert presenters giving up to date education to GPs. This minimises travel and time commitments, whilst still allowing GPs to obtain required RACGP standards. The main aim of the Division is to maintain and improve the existing Continuing Medical Education (CME) program to enhance GPs' knowledge, skills, attitudes and practical procedures. The Division holds 12-20 RACGP approved education events annually.

Locum Relief Program

The Locum relief program provides New England GPs with an easily accessed locally based locum employed for a 12 month term. The main aim of the program is to maintain an effective locum service to GPs in the Division Four Locums have been employed over the last six years, Recreational and study leave for solo GPs and smaller centres. The only problem is the lack of suitable GPs to fill Locum position for medium to long term.

Cardiovascular

Outpatient rehabilitation program for patients after Myocardial Infarct, Cardiac Surgery, Ischaemic Heart disease or high-risk. The aim of the Division is to improve the quality of life and facilitate risk reduction by lifestyle modifications in survivors of cardiac events and those at risk of CVD. There have been 170 patients through the program, provided with education, exercise, rehabilitation, health status and monitoring. Problems have been that patients feel the program is not for them or they are physically unable to join in activities.

Immunisation

A service to assist GPs get the correct information to ACIR and eliminate the number of children incorrectly identified as being overdue. The Division aims to increase childhood immunisation coverage in New England, so far there has been an increase in average coverage rate from 76% to 85%.

Services provided by the Division include; an encounter form checking, database of encounters, and follow up of overdue children lists. The Division has found that Register information not up to date and often hard to access.

Diabetes

The diabetes program aims to reduce the complications associated with Diabetes by using the NSW Health Department guidelines. Involves GP, Pathology, Diabetes educator and dieticians. The program has had 600 participants in three years. Services provided include education, health status monitoring, and support. Obstacles have been encountered due to lack of Dietitians and educators in the area.

Program Development

The aim of the program is to have an active program development role to respond to the opportunities made available through the innovative funding pool and other sources to develop health related programs to benefit the GPs and communities of New England. Seven programs are running successfully and funding has been approved for a new program. Obstacles for the Division have been the lack of resources to develop full applications.

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