Information for General Practices for the Holiday Season

The PHN’s Practice Support team has compiled the following information to assist general practices as we approach the summer holiday season.

The PHN will be closed from Wednesday 25 December until Wednesday 1 January inclusive. We will re-open on Thursday 2 January 2025.

A To Do Checklist for General Practices

• Notify Residential Aged Care Facilities if any GPs are taking leave
• Communicate practice closures to your patients and contractors and advise of any alternate arrangements such as After hour, urgent care etc
• Encourage patients to check medication supplies
• Encourage GPs to upload Shared Health Summaries to the My Health Record in case patients present to hospital or another healthcare facility
• Set up out of office email reply and phone message reply including information on practice closures, alternative arrangements, and emergency contacts
• Review and update your Emergency Response and Contingency plans
• The next PIP QI quarter will end 30th January 2025, please ensure that the PHN receives your data submission and QI activity by 15 January 2025
• Workforce Incentive Program – quarterly confirmation statement due 31 January 2025
• When you re-open, check expiry dates on vaccines and download the vaccine data logger to assess for any potential cold chain breaches

Disclaimer: Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of areas to consider when closing your practice over the holiday period. Please speak with your medical indemnity insurer or RACGP for further guidance.

Key Information and Contacts

Alert the PHN
Use the Alert the PHN – Primary Health Network to access the PHN Disaster Management Alert System. Here, primary care providers can quickly report emergencies or disruptions affecting business continuity to receive timely assistance and support.

Emergency Operations Centre
During the PHN office closure period, the PHN’s Emergency Operations Centre will still be operational, please email [email protected] or phone: 02 4088 5919 for assistance 24/7

Summer Hazards
The PHN’s Summer Hazards campaign urges the community to think of their health as we are expecting a very hot and wet summer. With that in mind, the PHN is urging Hunter, New England and Central Coast residents to be prepared, stay informed and know their options. Visit the Disaster Management page to stay up to date.

Vaccination enquiries
For COVID-19 vaccination enquiries please email [email protected] or contact the VOC 1800 318 208. The State Vaccine Centre will be accepting vaccine orders until midday Tuesday 19th December to be dispatched Wednesday 20th December. Routine deliveries will recommence on Tuesday 2nd January 2024. Please do not order excessive stock over this period to avoid vaccine wastages in the event of unexpected power outages.

Cold Chain
For enquiries regarding general immunisation or cold chain management during this time please contact your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055.

PPE
The PHN recommends that your practice has an adequate supply of PPE on hand. There are currently no supply issues and PPE can be purchased from your regular medical supplier.

Member Assistance Program
The EAP Member Assistance Program confidential and free counselling is available for you and your staff. To access, phone 1800 931 711, advise what General Practice you belong to and that you are accessing the HNECC PHN account. Be advised confidentiality is assured and your name and organisation will not be disclosed to the Primary Health Network or your organisation.

Accessing healthcare during the holidays – options for your patients

Finding a GP
Patients should contact their local practice to check if their usual GP is available or if they offer an alternative suggestion for medical care. Patients can visit the healthdirect service finder to locate a GP. Health Direct provides 24/7 health information, advice, and referral for all Australians no matter where they live and when they need help.

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs)
Urgent Care Clinics are located within our region and will be open over the holiday period:

UCCs provide short term, episodic care for urgent (not life-threatening emergency) conditions for people of all ages. They are equipped to provide medical care for minor fractures, sprains, minor infections, respiratory illnesses, mild burns, severe stomach pains, or urinary tract infections. They take bookings but walk in appointments are also available.

Private Urgent Care Clinics

These services are fee-based Urgent Care Clinics, providing an alternative to the Emergency Department for those patients needing immediate medical attention for an acute illness or injury. They also take bookings but walk in appointments are also available.

After Hours Services