SEMPHN

30/10/2025

In the third year of SEMPHN’s decade-long story of impact, we turned local insights into healthier communities. 2018-19 was a stand-out year with practical ideas delivering important ways to help our community across south east Melbourne live healthier lives. These ideas supported early detection of breast cancer, averted more than 10,000 hospital admissions, and prevented 12,000 emergency department visits.

👉 Learn more - https://www.semphn.org.au/10-year-impact-series-2018-19-population-health-highlights

Welcome to South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN). We fund health services across south eastern Melbourne and work with health professionals to improve health outcomes across the catchment.

26/10/2025

A high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma has been forecast for Northern Country weather district today, with moderate forecasts in Mallee, Wimmera and North Central.

This is the first high risk forecast this season.

If you develop asthma symptoms, follow your asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.

Go indoors and shut windows and doors and turn off air conditioners that bring outside air in.

Stay up to date at VicEmergency: https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/

22/10/2025

A new measles case has been reported in Victoria in an adult who likely acquired their infection overseas after travel to India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Multiple public exposure sites have been identified.

ℹ️ Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread from person to person and potentially lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation (encephalitis).

👉 Exposure: People who have attended the listed exposure sites, during the specified dates and times contained within the link below should monitor for symptoms of measles.

⚠️ Symptoms: Anyone who develops symptoms of measles should seek medical care. Wear a mask and call ahead to make sure you can be isolated from others.

For the full list of these exposure sites, symptoms to monitor for, and information about vaccinations: https://go.vic.gov.au/4quKHj8

22/10/2025

The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released a new set of resources to support and empower women to make informed choices and decisions throughout their pregnancy.

These resources include clear, easy-to-understand information, helpful checklists and suggested questions to ask their healthcare providers.

👉Download and share here - https://ow.ly/72r650Xcbu3

21/10/2025

SEMPHN’s Provider Support Officers Kath and Michelle are out there engaging and learning at the AAPM Australia New Zealand National Conference being held in Melbourne this year.

Are you there too and want to connect?
👉Let us know by emailing providersupport@semphn.org.au or try using the AAPM conference app.

21/10/2025

If your practice is interested in joining the Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP), you can now complete an expression of interest form.

By completing the form, you will:
- Receive early access to Medicare Bulk Billing Practice signage
- Important email updates in the lead-up to the launch

👉Express your interest here - https://ow.ly/j1OP50Xcbyz

To participate in the BBPIP:
- All GPs in the practice must participate
- All Medicare-eligible patients must be bulk billed for BBPIP MBS eligible services.

16/10/2025

There has been an increase in mpox cases notified in Victoria, with 10 cases reported from mid-September 2025, including 9 cases locally acquired in metropolitan Melbourne.

Mpox mostly impacts gay, bis*xual, and other men who have s*x with men (GBMSM), although anyone can be affected.

Symptoms may include lesions or rashes anywhere on the body, including the anogenital area. Other symptoms may include pain on urination (urethritis) or re**al pain, bloody stools and/or diarrhoea (proctitis).

All s*xually active people with compatible symptoms should be tested, regardless of s*xual orientation, vaccination status or travel history.

Free mpox vaccine is available for eligible people through s*xual health clinics, public hospitals, general practitioners (GPs), Aboriginal health services, councils and pharmacies.

For further information on mpox, including immunisation providers and all symptoms, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/47r89qa

14/10/2025

SEMPHN invites general practice staff to this free, in-person, end-of-year event, helping you prepare your practice and staff for accreditation.

We're excited to welcome back Wendy O'Meara from Larter Consulting for this event, providing a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Free headshots will also be available before the session, so get in quick!

📅Event details
Date & Time: 12 November, 5 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Yarra Yarra Golf Club, 567 Warrigal Road, Bentleigh East

👉Learn more and register here - https://ow.ly/4ZXQ50X8VYH

13/10/2025

Join AAPM this week for an important webinar offering a practical demonstration on how to export data to effectively use the Bulk Billing Incentives Calculator Tool.

📅Webinar details:
For Best Practice users - Wednesday 15 October, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, register here -https://ow.ly/Bt4x50XakoE
For MedicalDirector Users - Thursday 16 October, 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, register here - https://ow.ly/XUoY50XakoH

13/10/2025

This week (12 - 18 October 2025) is National Carers Week, an important time to recognise, celebrate and raise awareness about the 3 million Australians who provide care to family members or friends.

This year's theme is, "You are, know, or will be one,” highlighting the widespread nature of caring – it affects virtually every person at some point in their lives.

👉Learn more about National Carers Week and local services and programs providing support here -

Welcome to South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN). We fund health services across south eastern Melbourne and work with health professionals to improve health outcomes across the catchment.

09/10/2025

From 1 November 2025, changes will be made to the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners Initiative through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, subject to the passage of legislation.

Key points:
- Removal of the 12 review and mental health consultation items - GPs and PMPs will use the most appropriate time-tiered professional attendance items, reflecting the time spent with a patient.
- Any Mental Health Treatment Plan dated before 1 November will remain valid until all services have been delivered

👉Learn more about the upcoming changes here -

Welcome to South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (SEMPHN). We fund health services across south eastern Melbourne and work with health professionals to improve health outcomes across the catchment.

09/10/2025

SEMPHN invites eligible organisations to submit tenders to deliver the care finder program.

Care finder is a free service designed to help vulnerable and older people who have no one else to support them. The program assists individuals in navigating and accessing aged care support services within their community.

👉Learn more about this tender opportunity here - https://ow.ly/J5KV50X8VLi