Supporting those who support the community
We help to support general practices, the cornerstone of primary care, in their provision of high-quality care for people in south east Melbourne
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The COVID-19 pandemic created significant challenges for primary health providers and communities in south east Melbourne. Through more than 1500 individual occasions of engagement, SEMPHN’s Provider Support team helped ensure general practices and their workforce were adequately equipped, informed and resourced to safely provide patient care.
As restrictions eased in Victoria, face to face general practice visits were welcomed again in 2022. SEMPHN’s Provider Support team meets regularly to discuss common challenges, barriers and issues relating to General Practice service delivery.
In August 2021 SEMPHN established the ‘Practice Manager Brains Trust’; a working group made up of SEMPHN’s Provider Support team and general practice managers who assist in providing ideas, feedback and advice on ways to better support general practice ‘on the ground’. We are grateful to these members who play a significant role in co-designing improved engagement with and support for practices, including everything from newsletter improvements to a pilot mentoring project.
SEMPHN continues to deliver timely and relevant localised information to health care providers so they can respond to emerging trends and patient needs. We do this through our dynamic webinars and lunchtime briefings, dedicated email newsletters including ‘Network News’,
our website, sector email and SMS updates for general practice, residential aged care facilities, and commissioned service providers.
COVID-19 has continued to have a significant impact in primary health care settings. Those working in patient care reported higher levels of distress and anxiety. The implications for our region has been at the frontline of COVID-19: monitoring and testing, protecting vulnerable communities, disseminating information, promoting continuity of care, adopting new telehealth initiatives, and instituting COVID safe practices.
Receptionists, practice managers, allied health practitioners and GPs all reported high levels of stress, uncertainty about the future and high caseloads. To help ease the stress and keep communication lines open, our Provider Support Team was available by phone, email and through Basecamp, a closed online platform where practices are able to collaborate, share information and resources.
Sharing has been a consistent theme throughout the pandemic with Basecamp facilitating the sharing of COVID-19 vaccines throughout the region, especially during the times where vaccination allocations were limited.
With over 850 members subscribed to Basecamp it has proved to be a source of information, and also a source of inspiration and confidence that general practices are not alone.
– Campbell Rule, Manager Provider Support
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South Eastern Melbourne PHN
Level 2, 15 Corporate Drive
Heatherton Victoria 3202
ABN 65 603 858 751
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South Eastern Melbourne PHN
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While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
South Eastern Melbourne PHN acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land our catchment covers, the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri people. We pay respect to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future, and uphold their relationship to this land.