Winter is upon us and, as I write this, significant areas of NSW are flooding again. The stress on your communities is huge, and your patients still need you to manage their general and chronic health needs. Add to this mix rising influenza numbers and new COVID-19 variants. You may not be directly affected by the floods but know people who are. I need to ask … RUOK? Is your team OK? Your family and friends?
For resources that can help, please check the RACGP website and don’t hesitate to call RACGP NSW&ACT if you need support.
Thank you for your support of the flu vaccination campaign in June. We do know the additional burden it put upon you as the Federal Government continued to reject our pleas for practice nurse funding to administer vaccines. To add weight to the RACGP advocacy for an MBS number, I’ve launched a petition and encourage you to sign and share.
Despite this, please continue to encourage your patients to get both the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine, and investigate the prescribing of oral antivirals in early treatment of COVID-19. Remember to use protective measures, like wearing masks, washing hands, social distancing and staying at home if symptomatic.
A quick reminder about the 2022 RACGP Awards. GPs receive all kinds of acknowledgement from their patients, but it's important to formally celebrate this work and dedication to holistic patient care, so we want to hear about exceptional individuals and practices. We’ve already received some fabulous submissions, but there’ is still time to submit nominations for each category. Nominations close 31 July, and it’s easily done on RACGP Awards website.
Finally, please don’t forget to look after your own health and wellbeing. Perhaps take a few moments each day to nourish your mind through reading or meditation. If the rain eases, enjoy a little ‘friluftsliv’. Until next month, keep warm, dry and safe.