Victorian Refugee Health Network E-bulletin January 2010 The Victorian Refugee Health Network brings together health, settlement and community services to be more accessible and responsive to the needs of refugees and asylum seekers. News and Events 1. Refugee Health Fellows: Department of Health (DoH) has continued to fund two 0.5 EFT positions in refugee health, based at the Royal Children’s Hospital (Dr Kirsty Walsh, an Advance Trainee in Paediatrics) and the Royal Melbourne Hospital (Dr Tom Schulz, an Infectious Diseases Advanced Trainee). An important part of these jobs is to provide education and support, particularly to GPs and specialists. For further information about this program and for the contact details of the fellows please click here. 2. Project Funding from Department of Health: Delivering chronic disease care to disadvantaged client groups. Evidence shows that disadvantaged populations, including people from a refugee background, experience higher rates of chronic disease and have worse health outcomes, such as shorter lives and higher rates of avoidable hospital admissions. For the submission guidelines and template click here. 3. MBS Primary Care Item Change: the Commonwealth government's recently announced changes to the MBS, which come into effect in May 2010, mean the Refugee Health Assessment items (714, 716) will now be undertaken under four new time-based health assessment items (701, 703, 705, 707). The Victorian Refugee Health Network in collaboration with the Refugee Health Network of Australia (RHeaNA) has been in discussion with the Department of Health and Ageing and provided input into the development of a Fact Sheet, Q&A sheet and Explanatory notes for refugee health assessments that are covered under the new items. For further information contact Louise Crowe: crowel@foundationhouse.org.au 4. Regional Refugee Health forums:
Resources 5. Red and General Medical Alerts for Humanitarian Entrants: The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has released a one page information sheet about this two-tier medical alert system which is designed to ensure refugee and humanitarian entrants identified with serious medical conditions are provided with suitable medical attention during travel and upon arrival in Australia. To view the sheet click here. Professional Development 6. Victorian Viral Hepatitis Educator: based at St. Vincent’s hospital in the Gastroenterology department and funded by DHS, this position provides education relating to hepatitis B and C to health professionals who work with priority populations such as refugees, across Victoria. For further information click here. 7. Working Together with Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Issues in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities: Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre has been contracted by the Department of Health to undertake a training project aimed at increasing the knowledge and skills of professionals to respond to the AOD needs of clients from a CALD background. This training is free and will be held on March 24 & 31, from 9.30am – 4.30pm in Dandenong. For further information click here. 8. Palliative care in cross-cultural contexts: A workshop for care providers: held by the Centre for Culture, Ethnicity and Health. When providing medical, respite or personal care to clients with terminal illnesses, culture and belief can become critical issues. Palliative care workers can find themselves caught between the need to provide appropriate care and information to their patient, and the need to respect the wishes of the family. Date: Wednesday March 17, from 9am - 1.30pm in Carlton. For further information click here. 9. Spirituality and Human Service Practice Seminar Series: held by Foundation House. World views that give primacy to spiritual beliefs provide an important context for our therapeutic work. The purpose of the seminars is to affirm the importance of spiritually sensitive human service practice and to provide a space and a place for human service practitioners to intentionally and reflectively engage with spirituality and practice. Commencing March 11, from 4.30pm-6.30pm in Brunswick. For further information click here. For registration form click here. Research/Report 10. The impact of racism upon the health and wellbeing of young Australians 2009/2010: This report explores the attitudes of Australian youth in relation to key issues in contemporary race relations, such as cultural diversity, tolerance and privilege. One of the clearest messages to come from this report is a reminder of the critical role that our schools play. To view the report click here. 11. Housing Options for Newly Arrived Refugees: a research report undertaken by graduates from the Department of Human Services. The report looks at the barriers to access, evidence of good practice and recommendations which are based on a literature review and consultation process. To access the report click here. Reminder: Diversity in Health 2010 Conference Melbourne 7-9 June: early bird registrations close April 25. For further information click here. Subscriptions and contributions to the Victorian Refugee Health Network E-Bulletin are welcome. |