Bulletin - January, 2021
We've changed the bulletin format so it is easier to access or read on devices, as well as access previous bulletins!
Welcome to 2021!
Firstly, welcome back! As always, I hope you've all had a few days to relax and catch up with family (in line with current NSW Health policy)! While not confirmed, the COVID vaccination program is looking at a March rollout, prioritising front-line healthcare workers as well as those in higher risk categories. Given the volume of doses that are still needing to be produced as well as the ongoing efficacy studies, this timeline is likely to fluctuate, but this still represents a big step forward and some hope at the end of the 2020 tunnel!
At this end, we will still be requiring all patients attending the practice to wear a mask and (if symptomatic), to have a COVID test and return a negative result within SEVEN (7) days of their appointment. Given as well the increasing number of 'at risk' locations, anyone having attended one of these will be swapped to telehealth (where feasible). We've also added some new links to the practice's screenings, too:
- COVID19NEARME.COM.AU provides the most up-to-date list of 'at risk' and 'locations under investigation', as well as their status (i.e. cleared, casual/close contact and advice for both). The site draws from the NSW Health data, and while privately run, does provide greater clarity for patients unsure of what to do have they attended an at risk site.
- The NSW Health COVID Testing Site Locations site now has a 'search by postcode' option to allow patients to find their nearest clinic for testing.
Happier News...!
While the photo speaks for itself, a big congratulations to Sara Zanforlin and Fabio Ciciliato, who managed to dash out of the city long enough to get hitched! We wish them both all the best as this new chapter of their lives begins!
HELLO/GOODBYE...
We'd like to welcome Reyer Carpenter, who has joined the admin team! Reyer will be with us on Wednesdays, Fridays and the odd Saturday. Having previously worked in similar GP clinics in WA, she brings a good deal of experience to the role, and we're excited to have her join the CSMP family!
Sadly, Dan Rathbone will be finishing up with us at the end of January. He will be moving to the Blue Mountains and focusing his time with The Group Psychology Practice, and while existing patients may elect to stay on and see him via Telehealth, he will not be taking on any new clients.
Dan has played a small yet highly significant role at CSMP, particularly during the pandemic when access to mental health resources for some patients had become more scarce due to the obviously heightened demand. We wish him well as he heads to the hills (quite literally), and hope that our paths will cross again in the future!
Changes to Purchase Orders and Sales for Doctors
In the interest of greater transparency, the Service Provider will be providing both a statement of fees for clinical services as well as an invoice for each payment period for GPs from 15th January. What this will mean is in addition to receiving your standard payments, you'll receive additional information at the end of each pay period - while not replacing the BAS, we're hoping to give greater clarity and accountability where possible!
Closing The Gap - Registrations
A Reminder that Closing the Gap registrations reopen from 1st January. Indigenous patients need to nominate their regular practice, and if that's us, they will need to attend to be re-registered. The process is done online via PRODA, but you will need to discuss the registration with the patient prior to its completion!
Coming Events
- Australia Day Public Holiday - we'll be closed on 26th January for the public holiday; back to normal on the Wednesday!
- Doctors' Committee - Thursday, 4th Feb (1-2:30pm)
- Accreditation 2021 - submission of documents for GPs is
NOW OPEN! Please click
HERE
to begin the process of uploading. We are hoping to have our
accreditation renewed by late June/early July (expiring in November - extension granted to all GP practices due to COVID).
