News

Novel Coronavirus information: Latest news for general practices

While first published in January, this page is continually being added to and updated.

Greater inclusion of primary healthcare needed

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, has welcomed the Royal Commission into National Natural Disasters recommendation that primary healthcare providers should have greater inclusion into disaster planning processes.

The Nepean Blue Mountains region was one of many to be affected by the 2019-20 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires that tore through homes, businesses and communities. 
 

Don’t be complacent - Hawkesbury residents urged to get tested for COVID-19

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is urging Hawkesbury residents who may be experiencing COVID-like symptoms to get tested, after the state’s sewage surveillance program detected fragments of the virus at the North Richmond Treatment Plant.

Local Program Connecting Older People During COVID-19

The Health Connector program is now back up and running following a short pause due to COVID-19.

The program is part of the Social Connectedness Project, funded by Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network. It involves a dedicated ‘Health Connector’ situated within one of seven participating general practices across the Hawkesbury.

headspace Katoomba Opens Wednesday 19 August

After a strong and persistent appeal from the community, Katoomba officially has its own headspace satellite. The service officially opened on Wednesday 19 August and will provide support for young people and family and friends within the community.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program Results on My Health Record

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program participants will now have their bowel screening results uploaded to the My Health Record (MHR). 

Blue Mountains residents urged to get tested for COVID-19

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is urging Blue Mountains residents who are experiencing any COVID-like symptoms to get tested, following four positive cases in the upper Blue Mountains.

Adult Mental Health Centre Consultation

The Australian Government is funding a trial of eight Adult Mental Health Centres across Australia, with one to be established in each state and territory. Nepean Blue Mountains PHN has been selected to commission the Centre for NSW in Penrith.

New GP-led COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic Opens in Windsor

The region’s third GP-led COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic opens in Windsor on Wednesday 24 June.

Like the Respiratory Clinics in both Penrith and Hazelbrook, this service will assess people with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, cough or shortness of breath and offer testing for COVID-19.

It’s Okay to Visit Your Doctor

Coronavirus has put our health and the health system in the spotlight over the last few months. Yet many of us have been avoiding the doctor and putting our health on hold.

Tips to help your COPD patients stay well this winter

As the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) is felt across the country, now more than ever it’s important for patients to look after their lung health and general well-being, particularly for those living with lung disease or lung cancer.

headspace Katoomba has a location

After strong and persistent community advocacy the Katoomba region is closer than ever to having its very own headspace satellite centre.

New GP-led COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic Opens in Hazelbrook

The region’s second GP-led COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic opens in Hazelbrook, next Wednesday 13 May.

Like the GP Respiratory Clinic that opened at the Homemaker Centre in Penrith last month, this service will assess people with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and shortness of breath and offer testing for COVID-19.

Primary Health Network Funds on-site Doctor for Newmarch House

Wentworth Healthcare, provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network, is funding a full-time on-site doctor to support residents and staff at Anglicare’s Newmarch House during the COVID-19 outbreak.

New GP-led COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic Opens in Penrith

The region’s first GP-led COVID-19 Respiratory Clinic has opened in Penrith. This Clinic will assess, test and diagnose people with mild to moderate respiratory symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, tiredness and shortness of breath.