A message from the Secretary, latest COVID-19 statistics and access to Telestroke transforms stroke treatment |
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Like all healthcare systems around the world, COVID-19 has changed the way that care is delivered in NSW. We have all had to think differently about how we access and provide healthcare and the different ways technology can enable us to do this. While virtual care is not a new healthcare model, the pandemic provided new opportunities for us to accelerate and invest in the way we deliver virtual care across the state.
In 2021, NSW Health launched the next stage of our Virtual Care Strategy to integrate virtual care as a safe, effective and accessible option for healthcare delivery in NSW. |
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Last week during National Stroke Week, Murrumbidgee Local Health District recognised the successful rollout of the Telestroke service.
Telestroke is an incredible example of how virtual care enhances access to health services, particularly specialist services, and provides patients with more choice about how and where they receive that care.
More information on our Telestroke service, including a patient story on the important impact telehealth can have during some of life’s scariest moments, can be found in this edition.
Like the Telestroke service, there are many virtual care services within NSW Health connecting patients with the best clinicians no matter where they live. Without all areas of the health system coming together from the Ministry of Health, to eHealth, the Agency for Clinical Innovation and the local health districts who deliver telehealth services, virtual care would not be possible. Kind regards, Susan Pearce Secretary, NSW Health |
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Access to Telestroke transforms stroke treatment in Deniliquin |
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Pam Jones started her normal day volunteering at her local St Vincent's, then experienced a stroke. Instead of being transferred to Sydney to receive her care, Pam could get treatment straight away at Deniliquin Hospital, one of 23 Telestroke sites across NSW. During National Stroke Week 2022 (8-14 August), Murrumbidgee Local Health District recognised the successful rollout of its Telestroke service at Deniliquin.
The NSW Telestroke service offers people living in regional and rural areas increased access to life-saving stroke diagnosis and treatment. It does this by connecting local doctors to specialist stroke physicians via video consultation in the emergency department.
Since the launch of Telestroke in March 2020, 23 sites have joined the service, including Deniliquin, Wagga Wagga and Griffith, and more than 2,400 patients have been seen. |
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Increasing access to COVID-19 antivirals | |
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COVID-19 antivirals are medicines that help stop the COVID-19 virus infecting healthy cells or multiplying in the body, reducing the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation from COVID-19.
NSW Health continues to raise awareness of the eligibility for and benefits of antivirals in the community. We are working closely with healthdirect to help people who have tested positive to COVID-19, and are at higher risk of serious illness, access antiviral prescriptions through virtual consultations with their GP or local GP respiratory clinic.
We are seeing an increase in the number of antivirals being prescribed in NSW, particularly in the groups who need them most. Members of the community who are eligible for antivirals are encouraged to speak to their doctor now to make a plan, in advance of testing positive to COVID-19.
For more information on antivirals and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the NSW Health Website. |
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Latest COVID-19 statistics |
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Information on COVID-19 related cases from 16 August:
There were 7,145 new cases reported in the 24 hours to 4pm 15 August. For the week to 14 August, the daily average number of reported cases was 8,763 (-3139 from the previous week). The 7-day average growth factor was 0.96 (0.98 in the previous week). Of 61,343 confirmed cases in the seven days to 14 August, 14.1% were 65 years or older, 50.0% were detected by RATs. The 7-day conversion rate from cases into new ward admissions this week is 1.49% (up from 1.46% the previous week); while conversion of cases to new ICU admissions is 0.09% (up from 0.08%). There were 168 reported deaths over the past seven days. The case fatality rate was 0.06% (0.06% the previous week) and death rate was 0.20 per 10,000 population (down from 0.21 per 10,000 population).
There were 215,124 PCR tests in the past seven days, and the 7-day average test positivity rate was 14.79% (18.12% the previous week). The 7-day average occupancy was 2,112 (2,168 in the previous week), 57 in adult ICU (57 previously) and 3 in PICU/NICU (3 previously). As of 15 August, 1,905 NSW Health staff were furloughed (down from 2,114 the day before)
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Monkeypox vaccination rollout begins in NSW |
The monkeypox situation in NSW is changing rapidly. Many of the cases are in men who have sex with men and have been acquired overseas in places like Europe and North America, but some cases in NSW are likely to have been acquired in Australia.
Monkeypox is a viral infection that is spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox. It can also be passed on through contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated object (such as bedding or clothes) or during sex. Most people recover within a few weeks.
Limited supplies of a new, safe vaccine against smallpox (JYNNEOS) have been secured for NSW. Only people at highest risk from monkeypox are eligible for the first round of the vaccine. Doctors and other community partners are identifying people who are most at risk. Many people will not be eligible during the initial rollout.
A further 30,000 doses are expected to arrive at the end of September and 70,000 doses in early 2023. More information about eligibility and access to the vaccine will be provided at that time.
For more information about monkeypox, symptoms and how to prevent infection, visit the NSW Heath Monkeypox Fact Sheet. For other FAQs, visit our community partner ACON’s website. |
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Belmont hub gives final jab |
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After nearly a year of operation, on 1 July staff gave their final jab at the Belmont Vaccination Hub and closed the doors on the mass vax phase of the rollout.
Belmont was one of five mass vaccination hubs established across NSW with the goal of vaccinating as many people as possible against COVID-19 – and it’s certainly served its purpose.
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Since the hub opened on 19 July 2021 it has vaccinated nearly 280,000 people from Newcastle, the Hunter and further afield. This includes nearly 235,000 adults and 40,000 children.
It played a significant role in the state’s vaccine program, contributing to the 18.7 million doses administered across NSW.
People came from everywhere to help – nurses came out of retirement, community clinicians and pharmacists came on board and others retrained to be involved. The hub was staffed entirely by people specifically employed to work on the district’s vaccine rollout.
Colleagues from the hub also provided vaccination outreach services to the Department of Communities and Justice, Department of Education along with Port of Newcastle, Waratah Coal Services and Mission to Seafarers.
The closing of the mass vaccination centre doesn't mean that the vaccine program has come to an end, a smaller clinic is now operating and private vaccine providers, including GPs and pharmacists, continue to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the broader community.
NSW Health also has contingency plans in place to support these private providers if rapid upscaling is required for an additional booster dose or a new vaccine for a new variant of concern.
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Rural Nursing Pathways in Practice |
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NSW Health is supporting nurses to develop their careers in rural and regional areas. A collection of professional development resources has been developed for all rural nurses by the Nursing and Midwifery Office, with HETI and rural nursing experts, to support the delivery of excellent care and career opportunities. Encompassing a series of tailored e-learning modules and opportunities for postgraduate study, RNPiP is designed to reinforce and advance nursing expertise in the unique environment of rural practice. |
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Jacqui Cross Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at NSW Health, emphasises the benefits of working in a rural environment and encourages all nurses to explore RNPiP. “Rural nursing is a meaningful and rewarding career, and rural nurses are valued members of the community. Working in a rural setting offers a unique experience and RNPiP is an opportunity for nurses to expand and enrich their professional horizons. Whether you’re an established rural nurse or considering the move to rural nursing, RNPiP will support and empower your rural practice” says Jacqui.
The six short e-learning modules focus on clinical assessment in the rural health context, including:
- A-G adult systematic assessment
- A-G paediatric systematic assessment
- respiratory assessment
- abdominal assessment
- neurological assessment
- cardiac assessment
Fully-funded postgraduate courses are available to support nurses in rural settings. Scholarships to support study at higher levels are also available.
Whether you’re new to rural nursing or have worked in a rural setting before, RNPiP provides opportunities to refresh, learn and grow.
To explore RNPiP, visit the NSW Health website. |
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COVID-19 vaccination for children aged six months to under five years |
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On 3 August, the Australian Technical Advisory on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommended COVID-19 vaccination for children aged six months to under five years with severe immunocompromise, disability, and those who have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
The recommendation is for two primary doses, except for those with severe immunocompromise who require three primary doses. The recommended interval between each dose is eight weeks.
A paediatric formulation of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on 19 July and can be used for children aged six months to under five years who fall into one of the high risk categories.
ATAGI does not currently recommend vaccination for children aged six months to under five years who are not in one of the high-risk categories, due to a very low likelihood of severe illness from COVID-19.
For more information, visit the federal government website. |
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Listen: Kids vaccination podcast with Dr O’Meara |
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| Vaccination is a child’s best protection against COVID-19 and flu this winter.
The flu vaccination remains free for children from six months up to five years of age, while the COVID-19 vaccination is free for all children five years and above.
Our Chief Paediatrician of NSW, Dr Matthew O’Meara, was recently interviewed by Shevonne Hunt, host of the Feed Play Love podcast, to discuss where we’re at with children and their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, and answer common questions.
We encourage you to tune in! The episode is available on Apple Podcasts. You can also search Feed Play Love on the LisTNR app or wherever you get your podcasts. |
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One-off payment to employees of NSW Health |
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In June, the NSW Government announced a one-off payment of up to $3,000 for NSW Health employees in recognition of their work on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. The payment is inclusive of superannuation and is part of your taxable income.
Payments to eligible staff have commenced, with the bulk of payments being made during August 2022 and continuing into September.
For more information about the one-off payment including eligibility criteria, please read the frequently asked questions on the one-off payment to employees of NSW Health. Please contact your local workforce team for advice about eligibility if you're still unclear after reading the FAQs. |
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Updated policy directive: vaccination requirements for NSW Health staff |
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The Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination Against Specified Infectious Diseases policy directive has been updated to introduce COVID-19 vaccination requirements for all workers following the expiration of the Public Health Order in June 2022. It is a requirement that frontline (category A) NSW Health staff receive at least three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, along with vaccinations that protect against a range of other infectious diseases, including flu.
However, in line with our advice for the broader community, NSW Health urges other health staff (category B) who are not in frontline positions to stay up to date with their vaccinations, including COVID-19 booster doses.
All other NSW Health workers (category B) are already required to have a minimum of two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have an approved medical exemption. This requirement continues under the new policies. Any frontline NSW Health staff who decline to receive the third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine must comply with all other risk-reduction strategies and guidance, which is set out in the policy directive.
A set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) have been also developed to support this update. Both the directive and the FAQs can be found on the NSW Health website. |
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From the Critical Intelligence Unit |
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In the past weeks, the Critical Intelligence Unit (CIU) Evidence Digest features:
The Evidence Digest is available via the Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) website. To receive the Digest on Friday mornings, sign-up by emailing Critical Intelligence Unit. |
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