General practice quick updates for week beginning 28 September 2026
Updates for the week beginning Monday 28 September 2026.
Find this week’s quick updates and alerts for local general practices, covering the latest sector developments, education and training events, key health system updates, funding opportunities and clinical resources relevant to our region. Updates are grouped by focus area for easy reference.
For more information or tailored practice support, contact our Primary Care team at [email protected].
Share by Default delivers meaningful use of My Health Record
Consumer and clinician views of My Health Record have increased dramatically since pathology and diagnostic imaging reports have been shared by default. Consumer views have risen by 433% since 2023, reaching over 3 million views per week. Weekly uploads of pathology and diagnostic imaging reports have increased by 105% to more than 5 million reports a week.
The reforms came into effect on 1 July 2026, requiring pathology and diagnostic imaging reports to be uploaded to My Health Record by default, unless an exception applies or an extension has been granted.
Australians can access their pathology and diagnostic imaging reports through My Health Record and via the 1800MEDICARE app, making it easier to view key health information when and where they need it.
The projected increase in sharing these reports is expected to reduce duplicate testing and associated Medicare Benefits Schedule claims, resulting in indicative savings of $146.3 million over 2 years.
SYPH-TEMBER Awareness
During September, the Queensland Syphilis Surveillance Service (QSSS) focuses on the critical role of general practitioners in responding to the syphilis outbreak in our community. Clinicians are asked to consider, ‘Could this be Syphilis?’ and take time to talk, test, treat, and trace.
This week we focus on trace.
Contact tracing is a cornerstone of STI management. Prompt notification, testing, and treatment of sexual contacts can reduce ongoing transmission and help prevent reinfection.
Key points for contact tracing:
Contact tracing should be initiated by the clinician and/or patient.
The appropriate look-back period varies according to the stage of infection.
Some contacts may require presumptive treatment while awaiting results.
Recommended look-back periods include at least 3 months plus symptom duration for primary syphilis, 6 months for secondary syphilis, and 12 months for early latent syphilis.
Use inclusive language when discussing contacts, considering all sexual partners and practices, including oral sex. All identified contacts of syphilis should be offered a stat does treatment whilst awaiting their serology results.
Support patients with partner notification options, including anonymous services such as Let Them Know, or referral to contact tracing officers.
For clinician advice and support, contact QSSS on 1800 032 238.
The 2026 APNA Workforce Survey is your chance to help shape the future of primary health care nursing.
In just 15 minutes, share your experiences, contribute to a stronger understanding of the workforce and support the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association’s (APNA’s) advocacy for the profession.
Open to nurses, midwives and nurse practitioners across all primary health care settings. You do not need to be an APNA member to participate.
Complete the survey by 18 October for your chance to win prizes valued up to $2,500.
Free Online Mindframe Training
Brisbane South PHN is pleased to offer a free online Mindframe training session to primary health care professionals and support staff in the region. The training aims to provide practical, evidence-based guidance on communicating safely and effectively about suicide, mental health concerns, and alcohol and other drugs (AOD).
Training details
📅 Date: 13 October 2026
🕐 Time: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
💻 Format: Online
🎟️ Cost: Free
🔗 Registration: Mindframe Training - Registration
About the training
The session explores how to reduce stigma, use responsible messaging, and promote help-seeking through everyday communication and engagement.
This training is relevant for professionals across health, community, social service, education, and related sectors, as well as anyone interested in safe and effective communication around these topics.
Last chance to apply – AMA Queensland Foundation bursaries available
The AMA Queensland Foundation’s GPTQ Research and Training Bursary is open for applications and closes 30 September 2026. Up to 3 bursaries of $20,000 are available, named to honour the legacy of General Practice Training Queensland (GPTQ) . Funding is designed to support Queensland general practice fellows and general practice registrars to undergo additional research or training.
Scope of funding
Training support is open to GP registrars (GPRs) and targeting those who want to increase their skills or those interested in working in areas of need in rural and remote Queensland.
Research support is open to GP specialists and GPRs who have a research idea around a topic or issue relevant to general practice.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a Queensland resident and either a Fellow or Registrar of RACGP or ACRRM practising in Queensland to be eligible. For full criteria and to apply, visit our website page.
Find out more about the bursaries.