The webpage makes it easier for GPs and practice staff to find information about e-Referrals and understand the process, including:

• how the e-Referral solution works and its key benefits
• FAQs
• user guides for each of the practice management software compatible with the e-Referral solution: Best Practice, MedicalDirector, and Genie Solutions (Medtech Evolution coming soon).

The department will continue to update the webpage in collaboration with HealthLink in response to feedback and ongoing enhancements.

For more information, support and feedback:

• contact HealthLink by emailing helpdesk@healthlink.net or by calling 1800 125 036 for support or to find out how you can enable access
• provide feedback on the e-Referral form by emailing  myagedcare.hpreferrals@health.gov.au

Improvements to the Make a Referral tool
It is now easier for health and aged care professionals to refer people for an aged care assessment. My Aged Care have updated the Make a Referral tool to:

• remove the need for users to re-enter their contact information for each new referral
• extend the time-out to 60 minutes, so information isn’t lost to inactivity.

Submitting referrals into My Aged Care is quicker, easier and more secure through online channels. They include:

• Make a Referral form (for health and aged care professionals)
• GP e-Referrals (for GPs)
• Apply for an assessment online form (for family, friends or individuals).

New online features
Some new features on My Aged Care will make it easier for senior Australians to find the information they need. My Aged Care encourage you to invite your patients and clients to try them:

• clients and representatives no longer need to phone My Aged Care to activate their Online Account. By confirming their identity in myGov, they can now access their own record.
• clients and representatives are now able to specify that documents uploaded to the My Aged Care Online Account are for an assessor or a provider. These will be available to view immediately on their My Aged Care record, without processing delays. Detailed information on the new process is available in the Online Account Guide for Documents.
• a new video on how clients and representatives can access and use their Online Account is now available on the My Aged Care website.
• My Aged Care have also updated the Fee Estimator tool on the My Aged Care website. It is now easier for consumers to understand what their level of contribution would be.

The GP Circle is a group of GPs, practice nurses, and practice managers interested in providing clinical insight and experience to help shape national research projects.

Members review research proposals and provide insight and experience to help shape successful research projects. Members are reimbursed for their time can choose their level of participation based on their availability and interest.

If you are interested, visit PC4's website: http://pc4tg.com.au/for-gps/gp-circle/ or contact info@pc4tg.com.au.

"NWRH has achieved a lot in the first 12 months of providing the service, having completed more than 6,519 client engagements and making the transition to this new program seamless for existing and new clients," said NWRH Chief Executive Officer John Cain.

"We had clinicians ready to see clients from day one and we continue to maintain service levels such that there is currently no waiting list.”

The MHICC services are designed to support adults experiencing severe, complex, and chronic mental illness. It offers a wide range of services including complex care coordination, family support, and recovery planning. The MHICC Mental Health Nurses apply a stepped care approach based on clinical measures with clients able to move between mental health programs as and when required.

The MHICC program relies on collaboration between general practitioners and service providers to provide wrap-around, holistic care. Mental Health Nurses have built strong connections with health professionals and GPs across the Townsville region. It has supported a vital link in complex mental health care provision.

“It is great to work together to get the best outcomes for our clients and we really appreciate the engagement from GPs and other service providers," Mr Cain said. 

Twelve months on, NWRH has a team of highly skilled and credentialled Mental Health Nurses offering services in a range of communities including Townsville, Home Hill, Ayr, Charters Towers, and Ingham. The Mental Health Nurses are now providing services in Hughenden and Richmond which demonstrates the level of support that NWRH can provide across the region.

If any North Queensland based GPs or service providers require support in referral pathways or have any questions in relation to the MHICC program, please contact NWRH at the details below:

Contact: Marianna Masiorski, NWRH Integrated Mental Health Manager
Phone: (07) 4781 9300
Email: Marianna.masiorski@nwrh.com.au