Sonder - Your Local Health News- Aug 2019

Your local 

health 

news. 

AUG 2019 EDITION

Info & contact 

YOUR LOCAL health NEWS 

A publication dedicated to promoting better 

information exchange for primary healthcare 

professionals and organisations in South Australia. 

Produced by 

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& Sponsorship 

Copyright 

Sonder 

A 2 Peachey Road, Edinburgh North SA 5113 

P PO Box 421, Elizabeth SA 5112 

T (08) 8209 0700 F (08) 8252 9433 

ABN 12 061 979 048 

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content from external parties subject to 

internal policies and publishing guidelines. 

Email outline and content as attachments to 

comms@sonder.net.au for submission. 

We provide advertising options and 

sponsorship packages to promoters looking 

to promote their services and brand. Email 

comms@sonder.net.au for a marketing 

solution tailored for your organisation. 

All content published in this publication is 

copyrighted by Sonder unless otherwise 

stated or it may rest with the author of 

the material. Sonder takes all reasonable 

care to ensure information is correct at 

time of release but will not be responsible 

for third party content. Comments and 

views expressed in these sections are not 

necessarily endorsed by Sonder. In the 

absence of express consent, no party shall 

reproduce and re-distribute this publication 

in full or part thereof for purposes other than 

those originally intended by Sonder. 

What’s inside 

Organisation News 

from page 4 

Sonder members are invited to join us at this year’s 

Annual General Meeting 4 

Join Sonder and walk for suicide prevention 5 

Access immediate mental health support 6 

Walk-in afterhours mental health service offers 

immediate help 7 

Gawler - Barossa & Yorke Peninsula regional services 

directory now live 8 

Come and meet Sonder’s 

Employment Solutions team 9 

Clients from Sonder Employment 

Solutions share their stories 10 

Closing the Gap country team 

enjoy a ‘roo tail cook-up 12 

Employment Solutions 

community information session 12 

Closing the Gap - Integrated Team Care 13 

headspace Edinburgh North 

opens brand new centre 14 

headspace Onkaparinga Youth Reference Group 16 

Got some unused gaming gear? 17 

headspace Edinburgh North hosts SALA exhibition 18 

headspace Adelaide & Edinburgh North attend Spin 

Off Music Festival 18 

Youth Mental Helath & Wellbeing Forum 19 

External News 

from page 20 

Primary hyperparathyroidism made 

simple by Dr Leong Tiong 20 

5 updated practises for diverticulitis 22 

Breast implant alert 22 

Measles case in Adelaide 23 

There is no great salt debate: we should be 

consuming less 24 

HealthEngine sold information on 135,000 

patients: ACCC 26 

Hard to swallow: the problem with 

taking too many antacids 28 

Education & Events 

from page 32 

Opportunities 

page 34 

2 YOUR LOCAL health NEWS

Welcome 

One of the singular joys of being the CEO of 

Sonder is meeting the new staff and chatting 

with them about their hopes and aspirations 

in their new roles. Over the past 2 months, this 

experience has been amplified significantly by 

the large number of new staff we have onboarded. 

Following our assumption as Lead 

Agency of headspace Adelaide, we had to 

fill several vital roles across both the primary 

platform and the Early Psychosis program. 

In addition, we have almost completed the 

recruitment for our new In-Home Withdrawal 

the Sonder Employment Solutions programs. 

Our HR team has been very busy with almost 

30 new staff joining Sonder since we last 

spoke. 

These new programs have brought a diverse 

set of professionals into the Sonder family. 

For some time now I have spoken about the 

power of the diversity of our workforce in 

driving Sonder to be more responsive, to be 

culturally safe and to be more aligned to 

the needs of those with a lived experience. 

So much of the gains that we have made in 

terms of service growth and financial stability 

has come directly from the enrichment of our 

culture through this rich diversity – we are 

made better through a multiplicity of voices in 

shaping what we need to do to be better. This 

diversity is not just the amazing ethnic diversity 

that enriches us but the range of professions, 

ages and genders that have joined us in 

our quest to find the solutions for the many 

injustices and indignities faced by our clients 

and their families. 

I trust that these new staff find a welcoming 

home at Sonder and that our stakeholders 

and partners get the sense that we are 

building teams that are respectful, passionate 

and focussed on dispelling the myth that some 

clients are just beyond hope – for all of us at 

Sonder the notion that a human being can be 

beyond hope is an alien concept. We serve 

because we believe that if we listen we can 

help every person to find the strength to live a 

life of full citizenship. 

This newsletter is jam-packed with snippets 

of the achievements of the Sonder family but 

none more important than the soft opening of 

our new headspace Edinburgh North building. 

This project has been several years in the 

making and forms part of our intent to make 

sure that wherever we deliver services, we 

set down strong roots in premises where our 

staff feel valued and clients and their families 

know that their wellbeing is being attended 

to in buildings conducive to healing. There will 

be a more formal launch of the new build in 

November but for now I invite you to turn to 

page 14 and take in the new exciting branding 

painted across the entire building. 

For those of you who have some free time, I 

invite you personally to join me at our Walk 

for Suicide Prevention – see inside for more 

details. 

Thanks for reading. 

Sageran Naidoo 

Chief Executive Officer 


Sonder members are invited to join us 

at this year’s Annual General Meeting 

Sonder hosts an annual general meeting (AGM) to 

give Members, staff and stakeholders a report on 

Sonder’s activities and finances for the previous 

year and provides an opportunity for attendees 

to come together and celebrate the year’s 

achievements. 

Sonder’s AGM is the perfect opportunity to 

catch-up with the many developments that have 

taken place over the past 12 months. It also gives 

guests the chance to relax in the company of 

good friends and industry contacts. It is a popular 

and well-attended event. 

This year’s AGM will be held at the Adelaide 

Convention Centre, Foyer E. This award-winning 

venue boasts floor to ceiling windows with 

magnificent views across the River Torrens and 

surrounding parklands. The AGM includes predinner 

drinks, a short business session, followed by 

a 3 course dinner, live music, dancing and door 

prizes. 

Saturday 

2 

November 

ADELAIDE CONVENTION CENTRE 

Foyer E, North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 

6.30pm Pre-dinner drinks & registration 

7.00pm AGM and dinner 

COCKTAIL ATTIRE 

RSVP 

agm@sonder.net.au 

We look forward to seeing you there! 


ORGANISATION NEWS 

Sonder’s 

Walk for 

Suicide 

Prevention. 

Join Sonder as we walk to raise awareness, 

support each other, remember those lost to 

suicide and unite in a commitment to prevent 

further deaths by suicide. 

When 

World Suicide Prevention Day 

Tuesday 10 th September 2019, 

6.00am 

Where 

4.5 km route of River Torrens, 

meeting at Torrens Footbridge 

(Adelaide Oval) 

Breakfast boxes 

provided! 

Register online 

eventbrite page link 

goes here/ 

For further information 

Call us on (08) 8209 0700 or email info@sonder.net.au 


Access 

immediate 

support. 

People experiencing mild mental 

health concerns such as stress, grief 

& mild depression can now receive 

immediate support, for free. 

Walk-in After-Hours Mental Health Service now available 

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Mondays from 5pm - 10pm 

Immediate help 

Receive immediate treatment for mild mental health concerns 

like stress, grief, depression and anxiety. 

No appointment required 

Simply drop-by Sonder Edinburgh North to access the service. 

Experienced support 

Friendly & non-judgmental clinicians. 

2 Peachey Road, Edinburgh North SA 5113 

(08) 8209 0711 (after hours) • sonder.net.au • info@sonder.net.au 

PO Box 421, Elizabeth SA 5112 T (08) 8209 0711 F (08) 8252 9433 

This service is supported by funding from the Adelaide Primary Health Network


Walk-in afterhours mental health 

service offers immediate help 

Sonder is tackling long waits for mental health care in northern Adelaide 

Sonder’s Walk-in Afterhours Mental Health Service 

is the first service of its kind to open in Adelaide’s 

north. 

The service, funded by the Adelaide Primary 

Health Network was previously only available on 

Saturday and Sunday evenings but has now been 

extended. 

Community members now have access to mental 

health support on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and 

Monday evenings from 5pm – 10pm. 

The service is delivered from Sonder’s Edinburgh 

North office, at 2 Peachey Road and has been 

designed to help people aged 18 years and over to 

deal with immediate mental health issues that can 

be improved in a single session. 

“The service gives local community members 

somewhere to go when times are tough and 

they need that extra support to talk things 

through and figure out their next step”, says 

Sageran Naidoo, CEO at Sonder. 

When accessing the service, clients will be 

supported by a trained and dedicated Mental 

Health Clinician, experienced in assessing and 

treating mental health difficulties and associated 

stressors. 

“Our After-Hours Service Clinicians are 

supportive, professional, non-judgemental and 

empathetic in their understanding,” Naidoo 

explains. 

“Clinicians aim to empower clients to access the 

services that they need in order to address their 

difficulties and issues.” 

Not for emergency cases 

The Walk-in Afterhours Mental Health Service is 

appropriate for clients seeking help that 

stretches further than phone contact, but who do 

not require hospital intervention, providing a bridge 

between the two services. 

The service aims to assess and support clients 

experiencing mental health difficulties by providing 

therapeutic support. 

The After-Hours Mental Health Service is not an 

emergency or crisis support service and Sonder 

will be unable to meet the needs of clients who 

present: 

●● 

●● 

●● 

●● 

As actively suicidal; 

As actively experiencing psychosis; 

With substance and alcohol intended 

difficulties; 

With high risk of aggression or violence. 

Clients presenting with these conditions require 

more urgent support and should contact 000 or 

visit a hospital emergency department. 

For further information, contact Sonder on 

(08) 8209 0700 or visit www.sonder.net.au 


Gawler - Barossa & Yorke Peninsula 

regional services directory now live 

The online services directory provides communities with current information 

about the health, community and support services available in their region 

Earlier this year, a series of online Service Directories 

was launched to connect country South Australians 

and services. 

Following the initiation of the online services 

directory concept in the Limestone Coast, a 

partnership was established between Country SA 

PHN, FocusOne Health and regional stakeholders, 

including Sonder, to foster the expansion of a 

services directory to support all South Australian 

communities. 

The online services directory provides communities 

with current information about the health, 

community and support services available in their 

region. The directory also has a number of online 

resources and telephone services listed to assist 

people to find the right service at the right time to 

meet their needs. There are no fees involved for 

organisations to have their services listed. 

Sonder was responsible for the collection of 

information from service providers in the regions of 

Gawler - Barossa and the Yorke Peninsula. Both of 

these service directories are now live and available 

on the servicesdirectory.org.au website. 

8 YOUR LOCAL health NEWS 

The services directory is: 

●● 

●● 

●● 

A high quality, accessible, up-to-date web-based 

tool promoting your organisations activities and 

supporting timely care and referrals. 

An engaging medium designed around an 

evidence based framework and 

person-centred approach. 

A resource intended to strengthen coordination, 

linkages and referrals within our local community. 

Consumers and service providers can tap into their 

online directory on servicesdirectory.org.au, select 

the regional areas of interest, and identify the right 

service at the right time. 

Country SA PHN, FocusOne Health and Sonder 

encourages service providers and consumers to 

join in the launch celebrations of the local directory 

and witness a demonstration of the online services 

directories. 

This activity has been made possible by funding and 

support from Country SA PHN. 

For further information, contact Sonder on 

(08) 8209 0700 or visit www.sonder.net.au


Supported by the Try, Test and Learn Fund – an initiative of 

the Australian Government Department of Social Services. 

Come and meet Sonder’s 

Employment Solutions team. 

Are you a migrant or refugee 

looking for work? 

We will be available to talk about 

our program at these locations: 

Find out how our Employment 

Solutions program can help you 

on the journey towards your 

preferred career! 

1 

2 

Parabanks Shopping Centre 

Tues 13 August, 9am - 5pm 

Port Adelaide Plaza 

Wed 21 August, 9am - 5pm 

For more information 

Call us on (08) 8209 0700 or visit 

sonder.net.au/employmentsolutions 

Elizabeth City Centre 

3 Thurs 29 August, 9am - 5pm 


Clients from Sonder Employment 

Solutions share their stories 

Sonder Employment Solutions has been operational since March this year and 

has already helped many clients into employment. Hear from Sopheak, Marzia 

and Flora and learn how the program has helped them. 

Sonder Employment Solutions is a free and 

voluntary program for migrants and refugees living 

in Adelaide’s Northern and Western suburbs who 

receive income support payments and need help 

with finding employment. 

The program is based on a modified version of 

a successful evidence-based model known as 

Individual Placement Support (IPS) which has been 

implemented in Australia and internationally with 

outstanding results. 

The program operates from two Sonder locations, 

at Edinburgh North and Port Adelaide. The unique 

service also focusese on addressing the emotional 

wellbeing needs of migrants and refugees by 

providing Employment Solutions clients with access 

to Wellbeing Coaches. 

The skilled team includes both wellbeing coaches 

(accredited Mental Health Professionals and Career 

Coaches who work closely with clients in the 

program to guide them along the entire journey 

towards employment and provide assistance 

as needed, which could include; completing 

vocational assessments to identify suitable jobs, 

helping with writing resumes and cover letters, 

preparing for interviews, speaking to local 

employers to identify potential job opportunities 

and helping to manage the requirements of 

Centrelink and Job Service Providers. 

Hear how the program has helped clients 

Sopheak, Marzia and Flora below. 

Sopheak’s Story 

With support from her Career Coach, Sopheak’s 

past experience in clothing alterations aided her to 

successfully glide through R.M. Williams’ 

three-stage screening. Just recently, she attended a 

work trial, which is the final step before the offer of 

employment. 

Sopheak is a busy mum. Therefore, her Career 

Coach has found her a training course to reach 

her long-term dream in beauty therapy, which is 

compatible with work and other commitments. 

Meeting over a cup of coffee, each session is an 

opportunity to share work and life updates. Sopheak 

appreciates that her Career Coach provides a 

listening ear. It is not just about finding work – 

Sopheak says the encouragement and support is 

just as important for building her confidence in her 

own future. 

When employers choose to support employee 

wellbeing, they are also supporting productivity 

and innovation. An integrated employment and 

wellbeing service means people can enter the 

workforce giving their best from day one. 

“ During that first appointment, 

I felt worried because I had 

a lot of things going on, 

but after I talked with Meg 

she helped me to feel more 

confident... less lonely. 

” 

- Sopheak 


Marzia’s Story 


Marzia discovered that her passion was working 

with children, and so she enrolled in a Diploma of 

Early Childhood. During her studies, she found that her 

training school encountered obstacles in finding her a 

placement. She was directed to Sonder’s Employment 

Solutions program through TAFE and was connected 

with our Career Coach, Miguela. 

Her Career Coach understood how vital work 

experience was for building professional skills, and 

how having local referees allows job-seekers to stand 

out to potential employers. Miguela was dedicated 

and persistent in finding a placement provider 

who would offer Marzia that crucial first chance to 

demonstrate her abilities. 

Marzia is now undertaking her placement at 

Goodstart Early Learning and is taking the final steps 

to completing her Diploma. 

One of the main barriers refugees and migrants 

cite is lack of local work experience. Having 

a program which can facilitate that first 

opportunity opens the doorway for migrants 

and refugees to move forward, forging their own 

networks. 

“ Sonder helped 

me to find a work 

placement, which 

is very impossible 

for me to achieve 

because I didn’t 

have connections 

before. 

” 

- Marzia 

Flora’s Story 

Flora had been working in many jobs, but felt 

discontent without knowing what she really wanted 

to do. After hearing about Sonder Employment 

Solutions from her GP, she decided to give it a go. 

“ Here, there 

is dignity, 

recognition of 

who you are, and 

what you are 

capable to do. 

Here, I feel 

well-heard. 

” 

- Flora 

Flora’s goal was to find work that was sustainable 

and satisfying. Together with her Career Coach, Juan 

Pablo, they first took time to understand what drives 

her, and what she has to offer. The second step was 

to understand market needs, and how to develop 

professional experience relevant to her ultimate goal 

of working within the medical field. 

Flora built a plan to bring these two elements 

together. For her, this meant using her love of caring 

for others in the support work role that she obtained 

since joining the program. 

Providing the time and support to build an 

individualised career plan has long term ripple 

effects. Clients not only see their aspirations 

taking shape, but simultaneously contribute to 

the community, gain economic independence and 

priceless skills and experience. 


Closing the Gap country team 

enjoy a ‘roo tail cook up 

Our Closing the Gap (CTG) 

team held a community event 

at Napperby Scout Camp 

at the base of the beautiful 

Flinders Ranges on 7 July. 

Over 60 people attended, 

including local community 

members and Closing the Gap 

clients. 

It was great opportunity for 

community members to join 

together and enjoy cooked 

‘roo tails and damper in the 

goals, kangaroo stew, fresh 

fruit, tea and coffee. 

Tarpari Wellbeing Centre in 

Port Pirie, with Sonder’s CTG 

team providing food, transport 

and support. 

Brian Roden, Outreach Worker 

and Linda Glazbrook, Care 

Coordinator from the country 

CTG team enjoyed having the 

opportunity to participate in 

the cooking having a yarn 

with the locals. 

For more information about 

the CTG program, visit 

sonder.net.au/closing-thegap 

The event was held in 

collaboration with the 

Aboriginal Health team at 

Employment Solutions 

community information session 

Sandy Ramus, Career Coach in the Sonder 

Employment Solutions program led a community 

information session at the Len Beadell Library in 

Salisbury on Tuesday 30 July. 

Over 20 community members gathered at 

the library to learn more about the program. 

Community members had the opportunity to ask 

the team of Career Coaches questions about the 

program surrounding what level of support they 

can expect to receive, how the program affects 

Centrelink requirements, determination of eligibility 

and how they can access the program. 

Stay tuned for further information sessions opening 

soon in Adelaide’s northern and western regions. 

For further information about the Sonder 

Employment Solutions program, visit the website 

sonder.net.au/employmentsessions 



Closing 

the Gap 

Integrated Team Care 

Supporting Aboriginal & Torres Strait 

Islander people to better manage 

chronic conditions. 

How can the program help me? 

We can provide you with support that you may need to: 

● Better understand your chronic condition and what it means for you. 

● Access medication and follow GP treatment plans. 

● Go to your medical appointments; including help with transport and support 

during your appointment. 

● Access recommended allied health equipment. 

● Connect to ongoing community supports who can provide assistance to 

improve your physical health and wellbeing. 

Get in touch today 

(08) 8209 0700 ● www.sonder.net.au 

Adelaide ● Gawler ● Barossa ● Yorke Peninsula ● Mid-North 

This service is supported by funding from the Adelaide and Country SA Primary Health Networks 



opens brand new centre 

The much anticipated new headspace Edinburgh 

North Centre opened Monday 12 August. The new 

centre has been designed with youth at the forefront 

and features a vibrant, youth-friendly exterior with 

ample parking at the rear and an easy access ramp 

at the front for people with disabilities. 

On the inside you can find 9 counselling rooms and 1 

GP room which have been fitted with comfy seating, 

cushions, textures and ambient lighting to ensure 

people feel relaxed and welcomed. 

This new facility is the first of its kind to open in 

Adelaide’s northern suburbs and brings with it the 

opportunity of a better standard of care for young 

people. 

At the headspace Edinburgh North Centre, young 

people can receive free and confidential support from 

youth mental health professionals. 

The Centre offers support for: 

• Mental health - Clinical mental health 

professionals are available to provide support, 

treatment and management plans for a variety of 

mental health concerns. 

• Physical and sexual health - A GP is available 

on-site and provides young people with a safe, 

confidential and judgement-free place to seek 

medical advice and treatment. 

• Alcohol and other drugs - From providing 

information to treating addiction, alcohol and 

drug counsellors are available to address the 

complexities of alcohol and drug issues. 

• Work and study - Counsellors and vocational 

workers are available to assist with a range of 

life skills, such as: managing workloads, dealing 

with stress, preparing job applications and career 

planning. 

All of the services at headspace Edinburgh North are 

free and there is no formal referral required. 

If you or someone you know is having a tough time, a 

referral to headspace is easy. You can complete the 

headspace Edinburgh North online referral form or 

print a paper-based copy and fax this to the Centre 

on (08) 8252 9433. 


Front entrance with sliding doors and access ramp 

Welcoming reception area 

Reception with lowered and extended desk area for wheelchair access 

Bright waiting area complete with books and colouring activities 


join our youth 

reference group 

Are you aged between 15 and 25 

years? Do you have something to say 

about health, mental health or drug 

and alcohol issues? We want to hear 

from you. 

Our Youth Reference Group is made up of a group 

of young people who are passionate about 

making a difference in the lives of others. The 

group meet once a month and makes sure the 

services and support we offer are focused on the 

needs and issues that affect local young people. 

If you’re from a culturally diverse background, 

we are especially interested in hearing 

from you! 

By getting involved you will: 

● Have the opportunity to have your say to 

improve the ways our centre supports young 

people. 

● Develop new skills including working in groups, 

public speaking & representing young people. 

● Attend education workshops and events 

● Meet and work with other like-minded young 

people. 

Sign me up! 

To get involved, email our YRG Coordinator, Oliver 

on okeane@sonder.net.au 

For further information, call headspace 

Onkaparinga on (08) 8186 8600 

headspace Onkaparinga is operated by Sonder. National Youth Mental Health Foundation 

is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health. 


got some unused 

gaming gear? 

we are hoping to build a 

library of gaming gear for 

use by young people at the 

Edinburgh North centre 

the centre is looking for donations 

of video game related “stuff” 

consoles, controllers, games or anything 

else game related! 

If you can help, please contact 

Nina on 8209 0700 or email 

npearce@sonder.net.au 

headspace Edinburgh North is operated by Sonder. headspace National 

Youth Mental Health Foundation is funded by the Australian Government 

Department of Health under the Youth Mental Health initiative. 



hosts SALA exhibition 

The South Australian Living Artists (SALA) Festival is 

a statewide festival of visual art and this year marked 

the 22 nd annual event. 

The SALA Festival was established in 1998 to 

promote and celebrate the many talented visual 

artists in South Australia. 

SALA’s aim is to extend art to broader audiences 

and remains a cornerstone of the Festvial, and as 

an umbrella organisation, has continued a policy 

of inclusiveness allowing all artists at any level and 

working in any medium to be a part of the annual 

event. 

The headspace Edinburgh North centre opened its 

doors as a venue for the SALA Festival, displaying an 

art exhibition by talented artist, Sophia Georgiadis. 

Sophia decided to display her artwork at headspace 

Edinburgh North as she wished to combine her 

artwork with art psychotherapy. Sophia hosted an 

interactive group art therapy session on Thursday 1 

August at headspace Edinburgh North for headspace 

and Sonder clients. The session aimed to shed 

light on art being used as more than just a creative 

outlet, but as a form of healing or therapy, specific to 

Sophia’s exhibition which uses intentional colours to 

process specific emotions. 

Sophia held an opening night for her exhibition, 

‘Colours of Intent’ on Friday 9 August at headspace 

Edinburgh North. The opening night was well 

attended by headspace and Sonder staff, headspace 

and emerge clients as well as family and friends of 

the artist. 

‘Colours of Intent’ will be on display from 9 - 31 

August 2019. Visit headspace Edinburgh North to 

view the exhibition. For further information on each 

piece and the exhibition, contact Sophia on 

0421 023 682. 

headspace Adelaide & Edinburgh 

North attend Spin Off Music Festival 

Team members from headspace Adelaide and 

headspace Edinburgh North centres attended Spin 

Off Music Festival on Friday 19 July. 

The headspace teams created a chill-out zone at the 

festival which acted as a place for festival goers to 

chill out when they needed a break throughout the 

day. 

Bean bags, puzzle books and a variety of board 

games were provided. The space was very popular, 

with 30-50 people present at any time.

youth mental health 

& wellbeing forum 

Join the conversation as we explore issues 

affecting youth mental health. The forum 

will give young people the opportunity to: 

● Learn about resilience 

● Learn about wellbeing strategies such 

as mindfulness skills 

● Hear lived experience testimonials from 

young people 

Hear from anti-domestic violence campaigner and 

2016 SA Young Australian of the Year, Arman 

Abrhimzadeh, Kevser Pirbudak from ARA and 

Mental Health Clinicians from headspace Edinburgh 

North & Sonder. 

when 

Thursday 3 October 

Arrive at 9:00am for a 9:30 am - 3:00 pm event 

● 

● 

Learn about mental health internet tools 

Have fun in break out sensory based 

activities 

Eat pizza and meet other 

like minded people! 

where 

The Mawson Centre, 2-8 Main St, Mawson Lakes 

registration is free 

bit.ly/YMHF2019 

Supported by 

headspace Edinburgh North is operated by Sonder. headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation 

is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health under the Youth Mental Health initiative. 



Primary hyperparathyroidism 

made simple by Dr Leong Tiong 

PHPTH is a disorder of the parathyroid glands 

(PTG), where one or more of the glands become 

overactive and secrete excessive amount of 

parathyroid hormone (PTH) relative to the serum 

calcium levels. 

PHPTH is more common than most doctors 

recognise, the incidence is about 20/100,000. 

It affects women more than men and the peak 

incidence is between 50-60 years old. 

PHPTH is classically associated with “bones, stones, 

abdominal groans and psychic moans” which refers 

to its complications i.e. osteopenia/osteoporosis, 

renal stones, abdominal cramps and bowel 

changes, and various neuro-cognitive symptoms. 

Nowadays it is commonly diagnosed incidentally 

when routine biochemistry tests revealed 

hypercalcemia. 

The diagnosis of PHPTH is biochemical and is 

characterized by elevated serum calcium in the 

setting of inappropriate PTH levels. Once a diagnosis 

of PHPTH is made, the patient may be referred to 

an endocrine surgeon for consideration of surgery. 

Imaging has no role in the diagnosis or exclusion of 

PHPTH. Rather, imaging is obtained once a diagnosis 

of PHPTH is made to help plan the appropriate 

surgical approach. 

Table 1. PHPTH exists across 3 spectrums of 

severity 

Symptomatic 

PHPTH 

Asymptomatic 

PHPTH 

Normocalcemic 

PHPTH 

Calcium PTH Surgery 

Elevated Elevated Benefits of 

surgery well 

established. All 

patient should 

be referred for 

surgery 

Elevated Elevated 25-30% of 

patients 

eventually 

progress to 

meet criteria 

for surgery. 

Early surgery 

may mitigate 

bone loss and 

renal 

complications 

Normal Elevated Benefits of 

surgery not 

established yet. 

Each patient 

should be 

assessed 

individually 


Investigations 

1. Serum PTH & calcium levels – to establish 

diagnosis 

2. Vitamin D level, serum creatinine and 

phosphate – to exclude secondary causes of 

hyperparathyroidism 

3. 24-hour urinary calcium levels – this is important 

to exclude familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia 

for which surgery has no benefit 

Imaging studies 

The purpose of imaging is to help localise a 

parathyroid adenoma which is the culprit in 80% of 

patients with PHPTH. If localizing imaging is positive 

(i.e. showing an adenoma) it means that the patient 

is suitable for a targeted surgery i.e. minimally 

invasive parathyroidectomy. 

If localizing imaging is negative (did not show a 

parathyroid adenoma), the patient may have 

parathyroid hyperplasia and so need a bilateral 

neck exploration to examine all 4 parathyroid 

glands. Therefore, a negative imaging neither 

excludes the diagnosis of PHPTH nor does it 

preclude surgery. 

Table 2. The most common localisation studies 

performed in Australia 

Sensitivity Positive predictive 

value (%) 

Sestamibi 71-79 72-95 

Ultrasound 64-91 83-96 

Sestamibi-SPECT 70-81 91-95 

4D-CT 83-95 88-99 

Outcomes after parathyroidectomy 

Cure rate after parathyroidectomy is approximately 

90-95%, and patients can expect significant 

improvements in their quality of life. 

Take home message 

1. PHPTH is a biochemical diagnosis (elevated 

serum calcium & PTH levels) 

2. Surgery is the only effective treatment available 

– success rate 90-95% 

3. Successful surgery results in significant 

improvement in morbidity and quality of life 

Author 

Dr Leong Tiong 

Breast, Endocrine & General Surgeon, 

Calvary Central Districts Hospital 

Calvary Wakefield Hospital 

Further reading 

National Insitutute for Health and Care 

Excellence: Hyperparathyroidism (Primary): 

Diagnosis, Assessment and Initial 

Management bit.ly/2KWmsHL 

The American Association of 

Endocrine Surgeons: Guidelines for 

Definitive Management of Primary 

Hyperparathyroidism bit.ly/2L0N2zu 

Indications for surgery “CRABS” 

●● 

●● 

●● 

●● 

●● 

Calcium levels >0.2mmol/L above upper limit of 

normal 

Renal stones or nephro-calcinosis, worsening 

renal impairment (eGFR 25% above baseline) 

Age

EXTERNAL NEWS 

5 updated practises 

for diverticulitis 

CT scans are in and antibiotics for uncomplicated disease are out, say reviewers 

It’s time to throw out some “age-old” practices for 

diagnosing and managing diverticulitis, researchers 

argue in the Medical Journal of Australia. 

After reviewing the current literature and guidelines 

around condition, the Griffith University-led team in 

Brisbane has revealed five changes in diagnosis and 

management to be aware of: 

●● 

●● 

Radiological evidence of inflammation is needed 

for a definitive diverticulitis diagnosis. CT scanning 

has replaced barium enema as the primary 

imaging choice, with MRI not widely 

recommended. Biomedical markers — elevated 

CRP and white blood cell count — can help 

determine severity of disease but don’t confirm 

the diagnosis. 

Afebrile, clinically stable patients with 

uncomplicated disease who can tolerate oral 

hydration can be managed as out-patients with 

a high level of success. 

●● 

●● 

●● 

Antibiotic therapy in uncomplicated disease 

should be restricted to patients who are 

immunocompromised. 

For patients with complicated disease, bowel rest 

and IV antibiotics are usually sufficient for small 

abscesses under 3cm. Lesions between 3cm and 

5cm should be percutaneously drained, if 

possible. But patients with peritonitis and sepsis 

should receive fluid resuscitation, rapid antibiotic 

administration, and urgent surgery. 

All patients with complicated diverticulitis should 

undergo colonoscopy six weeks after CTdiagnosed 

inflammation. Patients with 

uncomplicated disease, but suspicious 

radiological findings, also need colonoscopy. 

Resource 

AusDoc 

ausdoc.com.au 

Breast implant alert 

A public health alert from SA Health 

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 

Australia’s regulatory authority for therapeutic 

goods, has recently issued an alert on certain types 

of breast implants due to a small but increased risk 

of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell 

lymphoma. 

The TGA has advised if consumers are not 

experiencing any symptoms, there is no requirement 

for implants to be surgically removed. 

People concerned about existing breast implants 

should seek advice from their GP first, and/or the 

practitioner who performed their surgery. 

Read the breast implant alert 

For more information please visit the Therapeutic 

Goods Administration’s website

Public Health Information 

Measles case in 

Adelaide 

1 August 2019 

SA Health has been notified of a case of measles 

in a 19-year-old woman from metropolitan 

Adelaide who acquired the infection while in 

Europe. The woman was at the following 

locations while infectious: 

●● 

Royal Adelaide Hospital Emergency 

Department on Wednesday 31 July between 

6.30 pm and 8.00 pm 

●● 

Hampstead Health Family Practice, 1/237 

Hampstead Road, Lightsview on Tuesday 30 

July between 12 noon and 1:10 pm and on 

Wednesday 31 July between 9.00 am and 

10.00 am 

●● 

Adelaide Metro Buses on Monday 29 July: 

Route 502 Gilles Plains to Adelaide City 

continuing as Route 110 to West Lakes 

between 11:15 am and 12:15 pm, AND Route 

502 Adelaide City to Salisbury Interchange 

and return to City between 1:15 pm and 

2:15 pm 

●● 

●● 

●● 

Adelaide University Engineering Building, 

Adelaide, on Monday 29 July between 12 

noon and 1.30 pm 

Tea Tree Plaza Shopping Centre, Modbury 

on Friday 26 July between 3.00 pm and 

5.30 pm 

Barnacle Bill, 746 North East Road, Holden Hill, 

on Friday 26 July between 5.00 pm and 6:10 

pm. 

There have been 142 measles cases reported in 

Australia this year. This is the 4th case of measles 

in a South Australian resident this year. The most 

recent case in July was a Queensland resident 

who spent some time in South Australia whilst 

infectious. 

Measles is transmitted via respiratory aerosols 

that remain a risk to others for up to 30 minutes 

after the person has left the area. The incubation 

period is about 10 days (range 7 to 18 days) to 

the onset of prodromal symptoms and about 14 

days to rash appearance. The illness is 

characterised by cough, coryza, conjunctivitis, a 

descending morbilliform rash, and fever present 

at the time of rash onset. The infectious period 

is from 24 hours prior to onset of the prodrome 

until 4 days after the onset of the rash. 

Doctors with patients suspected of having 

measles are asked to: 

●● 

Notify urgently any patient with suspected 

●● 

●● 

●● 

measles to the CDCB on 1300 232 272 (24 

hours/7 days). Do not wait for laboratory 

confirmation. 

Arrange urgent laboratory testing through 

SA Pathology. Take throat swabs in viral 

transport medium for measles PCR 

(preferred specimen) and urine for measles 

PCR (yellow top container). 

Isolate suspected and confirmed measles 

cases and exclude from child-care/ school/ 

workplace for 4 days after rash appearance. 

Ensure all household and other contacts are 

protected against measles 

Minimise transmission of measles: 

●● 

Examine patients suspected of having 

measles in their own homes wherever 

possible. 

●● 

Ensure the patient is only seen by practice 

staff with confirmed immunity to measles. 

●● 

Ensure suspected cases do not use the 

waiting room, and conduct the consultation 

in a room that can be left vacant for at least 

30 minutes afterwards. 

●● 

Treat all people who attend the rooms at 

the same time as and up to 30 minutes after 

the infectious patient has left the rooms as 

contacts. 

Measles vaccination (note measles vaccine is 

currently in short supply in Australia) 

●● 

●● 

●● 

Two doses of a measles containing vaccine 

are highly effective at preventing measles. 

Offer measles vaccine (unless 

contraindicated, for example in pregnant 

women or immunosuppression) to all 

potentially susceptible persons who attend 

your practice. 

While most people born in Australia before 

1966 will have had measles in childhood, 

those born in the late 1960s to mid-1980s 

may have only received one measles 

vaccine. 

Vaccination against measles can now be 

given from 6 months of age in infants 

travelling to countries where measles is 

endemic or a measles outbreaks are 

occurring (if given

EXTERNAL EXTERNAL NEWS NEWS 


There is no great salt debate: we 

should be consuming less 

The human body needs a tiny amount of sodium to function properly and this is typically found 

in salt (sodium chloride). But today most people consume way too much salt, increasing the 

burden of cardiovascular disease around the world. 

Health professionals have been trying to tackle this 

problem for decades, but face several barriers, including 

research that muddies the water about what safe levels 

of salt intake are. This has cast unnecessary doubt on the 

importance of reducing intakes. But our latest research 

has found flaws in these studies and suggests that salt 

intake should be reduced even further than current 

recommendations. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that 

people consume less than 5g of salt a day, but global 

intakes average 10g a day. Excess salt consumption 

raises blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart 

attacks, heart failure and stroke. 

Many studies show a linear relationship between salt 

intake and cardiovascular disease: as salt intake 

increases, the risk of cardiovascular disease and 

premature death increases. But other studies suggest 

that the relationship between salt consumption and 

disease is not linear. They posit that consuming both less 

than 7.5g and more than 12.5g of salt per day could lead 

to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and early 

death. But there are flaws in the methods used in these 

studies. 

Cheaper but less accurate 

We excrete most of the salt we consume in our urine 

(90%). And there is a large variation in the amount of salt 

we consume each day, so the gold standard for 

measuring salt intakes is to collect urine over at least 

three non-consecutive 24-hour periods. Although this is 

the most accurate way of measuring salt intake, it is also 

the most expensive and is more work for both the 

participant and the researcher. 

Some studies have estimated salt intake using spot urine 

measurements rather than 24-hour urine collection 

because it is easier to do, cheaper and less hassle for the 

participants. Participants only have to provide one small 

urine sample from which daily salt intake is then 

calculated. 

The studies that suggest that the relationship between 

salt intake and cardiovascular disease is not linear, used 

data from spot urine measurements. This way of 

measuring, however, is not accurate as it represents salt 

intake from a very short period of time and is also 

affected by the amount of fluid the participant drank 

and the time of day the sample was taken. Estimates 

from spot urine measurements are therefore unreliable 

reflections of habitual daily salt intake. 

We found that calculating salt intakes from spot urine 

samples can alter the linear relationship seen between 

salt intake and mortality. We analysed data from Trials of 

Hypertension Prevention, which used the gold standard 

method for assessing salt intake (several 24-hour urine 

measurements) in nearly 3,000 adults with 

prehypertension (high normal blood pressure) over 

periods ranging from 18 months to four years. 

When we analysed the data, we found a direct linear 

relationship between salt intake and the risk of death 

down to a salt intake level of 3g a day. 

To mimic spot urine sampling, we then applied the 

formulas developed for these samples on the sodium 

concentration of the 24-hour urine samples. The results 

showed the same non-linear relationship that were 

reported in the controversial studies. This implies that their 

findings could be explained by the method they used to 

estimate salt intake, as spot urine measurements are 

unreliable reflections of habitual daily salt intake and it 

also appears that the formulas themselves are 

problematic. 

So the message remains clear: salt reduction saves lives, 

and the findings from studies that use a less reliable 

assessment of salt intake should not be used to derail 

critical public health policy or divert action. 

A gradual reduction in salt intake across the whole 

population, as recommended by WHO, remains an 

achievable, affordable, effective and important strategy 

to prevent cardiovascular diseases and premature death 

worldwide. Even a small reduction in salt intake will have 

an enormous benefit on people’s health. 

Resource 

The Conversation 

theconversation.com 


EXTERNAL NEWS 

HealthEngine sold information on 

135,000 patients: ACCC 

Company has an appointment in the Federal Court after consumer watchdog 

accuses it of deceptive conduct 

The ACCC has taken legal action against Australia’s 

largest booking website, accusing it of deceptive 

conduct by doctoring thousands of patient online reviews 

about GP clinics. 

HealthEngine, founded by Perth GP Dr Marcus Tan, 

was at the centre of a media storm last year when it 

emerged that reviews were being embellished by the 

company before being posted to make them more 

positive. 

The ACCC accusing it of deliberately misleading patients 

by giving them a “false impression about the quality of 

health practices that could be accessed” through the 

website. 

But the watchdog said it also sold the personal information 

of around 135,000 patients booking appointments 

to health insurance brokers so they could tout them for 

business. 

In a statement of claim lodged this week in the 

Federal Court of Australia, the commission said that overall, 

70,000 health practices and practitioners, included 

26 YOUR LOCAL health NEWS 

specialist and allied health providers, were listed on 

HealthEngine online directory. 

Between March 2015 and March last year, some 

128,000 patients submitted reviews about their 

experiences with the practices they had attended. 

Around 50,000 were “selectively published”, according 

to the commission, while others were ditched because 

they were deemed too negative. 

The commission allegeed that, in all, 3000 were 

edited before being posted on the clinics’ HealthEngine 

listing pages (see examples below). 

One patient wrote: “I love the practice and have never 

had a bad experience with any of the doctors, but this 

one made me rip the Fixomull Stretch bandage off my 

own infected sore, told me to go home and wash it and 

bandage it again with something different. 

“She was very uncaring. It wasn’t hurting much 

before that, but it is now!” 

The ACCC said HealthEngine changed this to read: “I love

the practice and have never had a bad experience with 

any of the doctors.” 

HealthEngine was also accused of manipulating the ratings 

given to practices. 

Each patient contacted after the consult and asked if 

they would recommend the practice, with the option of 

answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’. 

If fewer than 80% of patients answered ‘yes’, then 

HealthEngine did not publish a rating, the commission 

claimed, and instead added a hover link on the clinic’s 

listing on the HealthEngine website, which told users: 

“There is currently insufficient data to calculate a patient 

satisfaction level”. 

“HealthEngine’s conduct had the effect of manipulating 

important healthcare decisions made by consumers,” the 

ACCC said. 

The commission also took aim at HealthEngine for 

allegedly misleading patients about the use of their 

personal information. 

It said the company sold the personal information of 

135,000 patients to nine different health insurance 

brokers between April 2014 and June 2018. 

The alleged amount of money the deals generated was 

listed in the ACCC statement of claim but appeared to 

have been redacted by the commission in the version 

released to the public. 

The commission alleged that HealthEngine handed over 

“some or all” of the following: the patient’s name, phone 

number, email address, date of birth, appointment type, 

health service provided (for example, general practice, 

chiropractic, dentistry), whether the patient had health 

insurance and, if so, the name of the company. 

The commission claimed this format was “liable or 

likely to cause patients to believe HealthEngine 

provided health insurance-related services (when it did 

not) and would use their personal information for that 

purpose rather than providing it to a third party”. 

In a statement to Australian Doctor, the commission said 

its prosecution “does not allege any 

wrongdoing by health practices, including GPs, who use 

the HeathEngine platforms”. 

Dr Tan, the CEO of HealthEngine, said in a statement: “[We 

have] been advised by the ACCC that the regulator has 

commenced legal proceedings against the company. 

“HealthEngine either discontinued or significantly 

overhauled the services in question over a year ago. 

These changes were made before HealthEngine was 

formally advised of any ACCC investigation. 

“HealthEngine recognises that our rapid growth over the 

years has sometimes outpaced our systems and 

processes, and we sincerely apologise if that has meant 

we have not always met the high expectations expected 

of us. 

“HealthEngine is confident that no adverse health 

outcomes were created and that personal information 

was not shared with referral partners unless the 

individual had expressly requested to be contacted. 

“We are working hard to rebuild the trust we’ve lost with 

patients and practices. Our mission to enable better 

healthcare experiences and outcomes remains at the 

heart of everything we do.” 

Resource 

The Conversation 

theconversation.com 

The commission said patients were not made fully aware 

of how this information would be used by HealthEngine. 

When booking appointments, patients were asked if they 

had private health insurance. 

According to the ACCC, irrespective of whether they said 

‘yes’ or ‘no’, they were then asked if they would be 

happy to receive a call about health insurance 

comparison services or assistance in assessing their 

health insurance needs. 

If the patient answered ‘yes’, then HealthEngine sent the 

information to an insurance broker in return for a fee, the 

ACCC claimed. 


Hard to swallow: the problem 

with taking too many antacids 

We eat millions of indigestion tablets every year, which would be perfectly safe if 

we took them correctly. But we don’t. 

Noah Fagan says he “used to go through antacids like 

sweets. I had a big list of foods I couldn’t eat. I’d take at 

least three antacids on average – going up to six on a 

bad day. This went on for at least seven years.” 

If you have reached for a chalky tablet after a blow-out 

meal, you are not alone. So common is antacid use for 

heartburn and indigestion that the World Health Organization 

says more than $10bn (£8.2bn) worldwide is 

spent on them every year. In the UK, more than 40% of 

us use them – 2.8 million people reach for the market 

leader, Rennie, alone. 

Indigestion is often caused by excess stomach acid and 

results in discomfort, pain, bloating, nausea 

or wind. With acid reflux, acid travels up the 

oesophagus to the throat, leaving an unpleasant, sour 

taste. Alexander Ford, a professor of gastroenterology 

at the University of Leeds, says: “The two main groups 

of antacids are those that contain an alkali which ‘neutralises’ 

acid, like Rennies; and those that are alginates, 

like Gaviscon, which form a ‘raft’ on top of stomach 

contents, preventing reflux up into the oesophagus.” 

Antacids are perfectly safe when taken 

correctly. The problem is that many of us don’t. Who has 

read the small print and knows that you shouldn’t take 

aspirin or ibuprofen at the same time as Gaviscon, because 

it can affect the way the painkillers are absorbed 

by your body? That’s important to know if you take daily 

aspirin to lower the risk of stroke. Conversely, did you 

know that some antacids, such as Alka Seltzer, contain 


aspirin? That could be important, too – in 2016, the US 

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning 

that excessive aspirin use can cause stomach bleeding. 

Though antacids may alleviate symptoms in 

minutes, over-reliance on them may not only mask 

more serious issues but could even create them. Fagan, 

a 42-year-old architect from Bristol, says: “It was only 

while my wife was pregnant and suffering acid reflux 

herself that it got mentioned to our GP. It wasn’t a food 

issue at all, but a medical problem.” 

Fagan was diagnosed with overactive acid 

production and started taking proton-pump inhibitors 

(PPIs), which act to reduce stomach acid production, 

rather than simply neutralising it. Now, Fagan rarely 

needs to take them. However, the duration of treatment 

can vary hugely, and this is important as long-term PPI 

use is linked to side-effects including pneumonia, 

hypocalcaemia and Clostridium difficile infections 

(leading to severe diarrhoea). One study even made a 

link between PPI use and early death. Some PPIs are 

available over the counter, which has led to concern 

that – like antacids – they will be overused and 

under-monitored. The FDA has issued warnings and the 

NHS notes that prolonged use should be avoided. 

EXTERNAL NEWS 

that there is no underlying cause.” This information is 

clearly stated on the packet, too – if we only read it. 

For all indigestion sufferers, the message is 

consistent: if symptoms persist, see a doctor to rule out 

anything serious. If all is well, then you can try to reduce 

your reliance on antacids and alleviate symptoms by 

other means. Specific foods may be triggers, but generally 

it’s a good idea to avoid very spicy, greasy or fatty 

foods. Eating smaller but more frequent meals can help, 

as can losing weight if you are overweight. Try not to 

eat just before bed; allow for an hour or so before you 

lie down. You can also try raising your bed at one end, 

so that when you lie down, your head and chest are 

raised – enlisting gravity’s help in reducing the stomach 

acid travelling up to your oesophagus. And if you do use 

antacids, read the label. 

Resource 

The Guardian 

theguardian.com 

In fact, according to US research, the majority of 

people with recurring heartburn don’t seekmedical 

advice at all, instead self-treating the symptoms for 

years. This may also have had a significant effect in 

skewing data – the researchers note that women are 

more likely to seek medical attention than men, “resulting 

in the false impression that nonerosive reflux disease 

and functional heartburn are primarily female 

disorders”. 

For everyone, even innocuous-looking over-the-counter 

remedies should be used carefully. “In terms of using 

them ‘blind’, they are treating a symptom, not a disease,” 

says Ford. “If someone has had an endoscopy 

and this is normal, then it is reasonable to use them. In 

most young people with indigestion, there will not be 

a serious underlying cause, so they are probably OK. 

But in older people – above 50 or 55 years – the worry 

would be that people are using them to treat dyspepsia 

where the cause is unknown, as they might be masking 

the symptoms of a peptic ulcer or a stomach 

cancer. These people really should consult their GP.” 

Bayer, which makes Rennie, says: “Bayer 

encourages people taking antacids to read the information 

provided with the product. Antacids will only 

manage the symptoms rather than curing a problem. 

As with all antacids available without a prescription, if 

symptoms persist for longer than 14 days in a row, then 

it is advisable to see a healthcare professional to check 


EDUCATION & EVENTS 

Education 

reports 

Sonder regularly runs free education sessions and 

events for health professionals in the northern 

and western Adelaide metropolitan region. 

Visit www.sonder.net.au/education-events 

for more info and to RSVP. 

For education enquiries, contact our Education 

Officers on (08) 8209 0700 or email 

education@sonder.net.au 

Respiratory Failure & 

Palliative Care 

Wednesday 10 th July 2019 

Professor Crawford and Ms Adamopoulos presented 

at an education session at the Mawson Lakes Hotel. 

The education session provided information on how 

to identify the causes of end stage respiratory failure. 

Professor Crawford discussed various treatment 

therapies, referral pathways available within the NALHN 

region and information on Advance Care Planning 

for patients. This activity was supported by Asthma 

Australia, Lung Foundation Australia and the Adelaide 

Primary Health Network. 

Stay up to date with the latest 

educational workshops! Subscribe to 

receive our event snapshot at 

www.sonder.net.au/subscribe 

Southern Practice Managers 

Networking Day 

Wednesday 17 th July 2019 

Sonder hosted a networking session for Southern 

Practice Managers at Hallett Cove. The networking 

session covered a range of topics including changes 

to MBS, quality improvement PiP, My Health Record 

and people trends. The session was hosted by Mr 

Danny Haydon, Mr Bastian Crameri and Ms Paulette 

Kolarz. This activity was supported by funding from the 

Adelaide Primary Health Network through the Australian 

Government’s PHN program. 

Supporting Elderly Access to 

Home Care & Advance Care 

Planning 

Tuesday 30 th July 2019 

This education session held at the Gepps Cross Hotel 

focused on enabling primary care nurses to provide 

support to elderly patients at their practice and helping 

them to access home care packages. Presented by 

Ms Patricia Gardner, Ms Julie Armitage & Ms Lyn Mc 

Vee. This activity was supported by funding from the 

Adelaide Primary Health Network through the Australian 

Government’s PHN program. 


Suicide Response - Part 1 

Tuesday 6 th August 2019 

Suicide response training aims to create empathy 

and challenge stigma by helping health professionals 

develop their understanding of suicidal behaviour, 

suicide mitigation and promotes their role in suicide 

prevention. Module 1 was hosted at the Gepps Cross 

Hotel. Presenter Mr Adam Clay covered safe assessment, 

triage, non-government and community support and 

the co-creation of an immediate safety plan. This 

activity was supported by Asthma Australia, Lung 

Foundation Australia and the Adelaide Primary Health 

Network. 

Connecting CKD: The Link with 

Diabetes 

Tuesday 13 th August 2019 

This education session was held at the Mawson Lakes 

Hotel for GPs, Nurses & Pharmacists. Presenter Dr Yeap 

provided information on how to timely identify major 

risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease. Dr 

Yeap discussed accurate interpretation of the kidney 

function, management of diabetic kidney disease and 

the importance of screening patients with a high risk of 

developing CKD. This activity was supported by funding 

from the Adelaide Primary Health Network through the 

Australian Government’s PHN program. 

Long Term Use of Opioids and its 

Consequences 

Wednesday 21 st August 2019 

In this education session, held at the Stamford Grand 

Hotel, attendees were updated on how to diagnose and 

manage patients with opioid use disorder. Presenter 

Dr Henning provided information on iatrogenic opioid 

dependence, commencing MAT for patients and how 

to determine suitability for take-away doses. This activty 

was supported by Indivior. 

Southern Nurse Network 

Tuesday 22 nd August 2019 

Sonder’s latest Southern Nurse Network session was 

held at Flinders University. The session focused on 

supporting elderly access to homecare and advance 

care planning. The presenters outlined advance care 

planning and advance care directives and discussed the 

components of good advance care planning and how 

to use conversation starters as a guide to formulating 

a comprehensive advance care plan. This activity was 

supported by funding from the Adelaide Primary Health 

Network through the Australian Government’s PHN 

program. 


EDUCATION & EVENTS 

Upcoming 

events 

Sonder is an RACGP-accredited Quality Improvement & 

Continuing Professional Development provider and runs regular 

education and training sessions for health professionals, staff and 

community members. 

Our sessions capture a wide range of relevant and informative 

topics. Most sessions are provided at no cost to the participants. 

If you have an enquiry about these sessions, or you are 

experiencing a technical problem with the download links, please 

email education@sonder.net.au 

Visit our Education & Events page to view all upcoming 

sessions, the related details and register online for events 

www.sonder.net.au/education-events 

Tue 3 rd Sep 

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm 

Recent Advances in Cancer & 

Management of Oncological 

Emergencies 

For GPs 

This session will provide information 

on cancer care for more efficient 

diagnosis and treatment of rural 

patients. Presenter, Professor Mitra, 

will discuss recent advances and 

new therapies, management of 

oncological emergencies and 

prophylactic measures. 

Percy’s on Playford 

99 Playford Avenue 

Whyalla Playford SA 5600 

Register online: 

http://bit.ly/2YX8zPp 

Wed 4 th Sep 

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm 

Practice Owners Network 

For GPs, Practice Owners & 

Business Managers 

Topic: Secure Messaging 

Attend this session and hear from 

Dr. Laila Tabassum, Australian Digital 

Health Agency, about digital solutions 

like My Health Record and secure 

messaging, their benefits and tips to 

embed their usage in your practice. 

The Board Room 

Norwood Hotel 

97 The Parade 

Norwood SA 5067 


http://bit.ly/2MDy4CJ 

Wed 11 th Sep 

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

Northern Nurse Network 

For Practice Nurses 

Topic: Nurse Led Clinics 

Nurse led clinics support a team 

based approach to care delivery, and 

involve the general practitioner and 

other members of the practice team. 

Nurse clinics are an effective way to 

involve patients in their own health 

care by providing a more integrated 

and patient-centred approach 

to care. 

Gepps Cross Hotel 

560 Main N Road 

Blair Athol SA 5084 


http://bit.ly/2MzcXBD 

Wed 18 th Sep 

6:00 pm - 9.00 pm 

Multidiscipline & Collaborative 

Care Options for Orthopaedic 

Patients 

For GPs, Nurses & Allied Health 

Professionals 


on how GPs, Nurses and Allied 

Health Professionals can provide 

multidisciplinary and collaborative 

care to their patients using available 

services in the NALHN region. 

Lyell McEwin Hospital 

Lecture Theatre, Level 2 

Haydown Rd 

Elizabeth Vale SA 5112 


http://bit.ly/2BF2i17 

Mon 23 rd Sep 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Northern Practice Managers 

Network 

For General Practice Managers 


on cancer care for more efficient 

diagnosis and treatment of rural 

patients. Presenter, Professor Mitra, 

will discuss recent advances and 

new therapies, management of 

oncological emergencies and 

prophylactic measures. 





http://bit.ly/2MzcXBD 

Tue 24 th Sep 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Suicide Response - Part 2 


Professionals 

Module 2 covers how to develop 

a collaborative and transparent 

approach to mitigating suicide risk 

and how to increase a person’s 

resilience to suicidal thoughts. 





http://bit.ly/2MDz6P7 


Wed 25 th Sep 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Assess & Manage Iron 

Deficiency and Iron Deficiency 

Anaemia 


Professionals 

This session will provide updated 

information on causes & symptoms of 

iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency 

anaemia (IDA). Dr Kathryn Robinson, 

Ms Joy Gailer and Dr Daniel Byrne will 

also provide update on identifying 

best treatment for your patients 

and discuss available management 

options such as oral and IV infusion 

therapies. 

Education Development Centre 

4 Milner St 

Hindmarsh SA 5007 


http://bit.ly/2BF2i17 

Mon 30 th Sep 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Diagnosing & Managing 

Heart Failure 

For GPs & Nurses 

his session will provide information on 

recognising, evaluating and managing 

heart failure patients safely and 

effectively in primary care setting. Dr. 

Daryl Ooi, Cardiologist at NALHN and 

SA Heart, will provide information on 

currently available pharmacological 

options and ways to reduce hospital 

presentations and importance of 

non-pharmacological management. 

Mawson Lakes Hotel 

10 Main St 

Mawson Lakes SA 5095 


http://bit.ly/2La7Dl0 

Tue 1 st Oct 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Lung Cancer Screening, 

Diagnosis & Treatment Options 


This session will provide an update on 

advances in lung cancer screening 

and on how to diagnose and stage 

patients. Dr Shanka Karunarathne and 

Dr Anuk Kruavit will provide benefits 

of interventional pulmonology, referral 

pathways available in the northern 

region and information on a new 

service called Rapid Access Lung 

Lesion Clinic. 

Elizabeth Specialists Suites 

10 Oldham Road 

Elizabeth Vale SA 5112 


http://bit.ly/2L85Eh7 

Thu 3 rd Oct 

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm 

Southern Nurse Network 

For Practice Nurses 

Topic: Basic ECG Interpretation 

This session will upskill Nurses and 

increases their knowledge of basic 

ECG interpretation & life threatening 

ECG rhythms. James Thompson, Grant 

Gallagher and Claire Verrall will also 

discuss ways how General Practice 

can work collaboratively with SAAS to 

enhance patient care. 

Room N001, Flinders University 

Sturt Campus. Sturt Road 

Bedford Park SA 5042 


http://bit.ly/2L7itbF 

Thu 10 th Oct 

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm 

Southern Practice Managers 

Network 

For General Practice Managers 

Topic: Shared Debt Recovery - 

Medicare 

The Shared Debt Recovery Scheme 

commences under the Health 

Insurance Act 1973 on 1 July 2019. The 

Scheme enables the Commonwealth 

to hold both a practitioner (primary 

debtor) and another party (secondary 

debtor) responsible for repayment of 

compliance debts, arising as a result of 

incorrectly claiming Medicare benefits, 

through the making of a shared debt 

determination. 

The Clove Civic Centre 

1 Ragamuffin Dr 

Hallet Cove SA 5158 


http://bit.ly/2MCI2Et 

Mon 28 th Oct 

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm 

Diagnosing & Managing 

Heart Failure 


This session will provide information on 

recognising, evaluating and managing 

heart failure patients safely and 

effectively in primary care setting. Dr. 

Daryl Ooi, Cardiologist at NALHN and 

SA Heart, will provide information on 

currently available pharmacological 

options and ways to reduce hospital 

presentations and importance of nonpharmacological 

management. 

Education Development Centre 

4 Milner St 

Hindmarsh SA 5007 


http://bit.ly/2MCJ4jP 


RESOURCES 

Health 

Professionals 

Classifieds 

General Practitioners 

Martins Rd Family Medical Practice 

Looking for VR/Non VR doctor for 7 day 

bulk billing practice AGPAL accredited 

practice in the Northern suburbs of 

Adelaide. Practice nurses, pathology 

collection, podiatry, physiotherapy, 

dietitian, psychology and specialist 

services available. We are in a DWS 

area. We are offering 70% of received 

income or VR $150K or Non VR $125K, 

whichever is greater. Please contact 

Taryn Page Ph: 08 8283 4411 Email: 

tpage@martinsroadmed.com.au 

Blair Athol Medical Clinic Full and 

part time general practitioners are 

required for a rapidly growing clinic. Our 

clinic is doctor owned and managed, 

purpose built clinic 7 kms from the 

Adelaide CBD. We are fully accredited 

by AGPAL. A fully computerized 

practice using ZedMed . We offer 

practice nurse support. We also have 

allied health practitioners including 

physiotherapist, podiatrist, diabetes 

educator, dietitian and a psychologist. 

Pathology laboratory and Pharmacy on 

site. Clinic opens day and night, 7 days a 

week. Flexible hours are available with 

attractive remuneration. Dedicated car 

parking. If you are interested in joining 

our friendly team please contact Dr 

Wella 08 8349 9292 or email wella@ 

blairatholmedicalclinic.com.au 

Greenacres Surgery seeking VR GPS 

to join dedicated team of male and 

female doctors. Our well established, 

fully accredited practice is GP owned 

with exceptional support staff, on 

site pathology. We are offering full or 

part time positions with flexible days. 

Applicants must be Australian Citizens 

or Permanent Residents with full AHPRA 

registration and medical indemnity 

insurance. Please email or fax resume 

with cover letter to greenacres@ 

internode.on.net or fax: 8266 6899. For 

further information, please contact 

surgery on 8261 1122 and ask for Leigh 

Dryden (Practice Manger) or Dr Juliana 

Ling. 

Ingle Farm Medical Centre is looking 

for a male/female VR/Non VR GP 

to cope with increasing patient load. 

We offer a competitive minimum 

salary or 70% of billings depending on 

qualifications. We are a DWS site and 

accredited by AGPAL. Please contact Dr 

Muazzam Rifat ,08-82652227, ADMIN@ 

IngleFarmMedical.com.au 

Salisbury Medical Clinic seek fulltime/part-time 

GP to work in a busy, 

established practice. The practice is 

modern with young VR GPs. The practice 

is able to accept applications under 

the District of Workforce Shortage 

Guidelines. Hours are negotiable. Offers 

excellent remuneration and incentives. 

Fully computerised and well equipped. 

Friendly staff with excellent registered 

nurse. Practice accredited. No after 

horus or off-site visits. Agencies need not 

apply. Currently we are not accepting 

applications from candidates with limited 

registration. Our surgery currently has 2 

rooms available to rent which would be 

ideal for a General Practitioner, Lawyer 

or Allied Health Professional. Contact 

Nick Vlahoulis on 8258 1732 or email Lynn 

Hannaghan on lhannaghan@gmail.com 

Springback Medical Centre require 

a VR GP in DWS area – Burton SA. 

Springbank Medical Centre is a mixed 

billing ‘Teaching Practice’ practice. The 

centre has adequate parking and easy 

access from Waterloo Corner Road. Do 

you want to work in a practice with a 

great team of professionals who are 

committed to the care of patients within 

the Community? The practice is very 

busy and well established. The clinic 

provides holistic quality medical services 

to the local community including the 

usual complement of onsite Allied Health 

services and on site pathology collection. 

Remuneration depending on experience 

and competency of practitioner 

between $200,000 - $300,000 p/a. 

Please contact Mrs Fiona Brabender – 

pmanager@sbmedical.com.au 

EBM Family Medical Practice is looking 

for caring, empathetic doctors and/or 

experienced RMOs to join fast growing, 

multicultural practice. We are located in 

a thriving, town which has DWS status. 

EBM patient base is very varied from 

the very young, to the elderly and with 

many international university students. 

Hours would be 6.00pm – 10.00pm 

with a good rate of pay on offer for the 

right person. Contact Raelene Fry on 

0409 099 110 for further information. 

Europa Medical Centre is looking for 

a full-time VR GP who is motivated 

and enthusiastic to join our busy 7-day 

Practice. Our team consists of 8 GP’s, 

4 nursing staff and our friendly admin 

and reception staff. Our practice is fully 

computerised, accredited practice 

with on site Pharmacy, Dental, Physio, 

Pathology, visiting Specialists and Allied 

Health Providers. We are willing to give 

a sign on bonus to the right applicant. If 

interested, please forward your CV to 

europamedical@adam.com.au 

Madison Park Family Medical Practice 

URGENTLY needing VR/Non VR Doctor 

full registration for 7 day Bulk Billing, 

GPA Accredited practice in the northern 

suburbs of Adelaide. Once off Bonus 

$20,000 for VR & $10,000 NON VR. 

Practice Nurses , pathology collection, 

podiatry, physiotherapy, dietitian, 

exercise physio, psychologist available. 

We are in DWS area .VR $150K or NON 

VR $125K, up to 70% of receipted income 

whichever is greater. Contact: Miss 

Leticia Bugg Ph: 08 8182 5700 Email : 

lbugg@martinsroadmed.com.au 

North Eastern Health Centre are 

seeking an unrestricted VR GP to join us 

at our exciting, new purpose built busy 

practice in Tea Tree Gully. We are a 

family friendly practice that has a team 

of doctors and staff who all share a 

passion for quality care. New, dynamic 

and growing practice, open 7 days, 

Pathology and Allied Health onsite, Mixed 

billing practice, flexible hours, 65%-70% 

billings negotiable, Contact Clinical 

Manager admin@gullymedical.com.au 

or phone 82642300 

Surrey Downs Medical Centre and 

Klemzig Medical Centre have both 

full time and part time opportunities 

available for GPs to assist with large 

patient bases. Both centres are 

long established family practices, 

conveniently located in Adelaide’s north 

eastern suburbs. You will be joining a 

strong team of Doctors and support staff 

and the centres also offer treatment 

room and CDM nurse support. Excellent 

Allied Health facilities are available 

onsite.All applicants must be currently 

living in Australia, and ideally should hold 

General or Specialist Registration with 

AHPRA. For further information contact 

Moira Fritsch on 0477 323 361 or email 

moira.fritsch@ipn.com.au 

Modbury North Medical Centre 

seeking full-time VR GPs with full AHPRA 

registration to work in fully equipped 

pratice with excellent nursing and 

administration support. If you enjoy 

working in a dynamic team environment 

where patient care is your focus contact 

Practice Manager on (08) 8264 7824 for 

a confidential discussion or send your 

resume at manager@mnmc.com.au 

Cross Keys Medical Centre (DWS) 

seeking full-time VR & non-VR GP 

(General Registration only) with full 

AHPRA registration to work in our 

fully equipped practice with excellent 

nursing & administration support. If 

you enjoy working in a dynamic team 

environment where patient care is your 

focus contact Practice Manager on (08) 

8264 7824 for a confidential discussion 

or send your resume at manager@ 

solitairemedicalgroup.com.au 

Para Hills Medical Centre seeking 

VR GP (up to 80%). Adelaide Northern 

suburbs, in DWS area. 7 Days Modern 

Medical Centre with 7 consulting rooms, 

1 treatment room. Friendly team of 6 

GPs, 3 RNs, Fulltime PM. Supportive 

experienced admin team. On-site 

Allied Health and Pathology. AGPAL 

accredited. Large patient base 

Full-time GP with FRACGP/FAACRRM. 

80% of receipted billings. Not suitable 


for doctors under limited or provisional 

registration. IMGs with APHRA General 

Registration (unrestricted) can apply. 

Email adelaidemedpostions@gmail. 

com or 0434028703 for confidential 

discussion. 

Salisbury Heights Surgery fully 

equipped, established, modern and 

purpose built general practice seeking 

male or female full-time GP. Practice 

open Monday-Saturday (Saturday 

work optional). 70% billing, AGPALaccredited. 

Contact Dr Stephen Ghan on 

08 82582878 or email stephenghan@ 

yahoo.com 

Parahills Medical Centre seeking a VR 

GP (up to 80%) in Adelaide Northern 

suburbs, DWS area. 7 Days Modern 

Medical Centre with 7 consulting rooms, 

1 treatment room. Friendly team of 6 

GPs, 3 RNs, Fulltime PM. Supportive 

experienced admin team. On-site 

Allied Health and Pathology. AGPAL 

accredited. Large patient base.Full-time 

GP with FRACGP/FAACRRM. 80% of 

receipted billings.Not suitable for doctors 

under limited or provisional registration. 

IMGs with APHRA General Registration 

(unrestricted) can apply. Email 

adelaidemedpostions@gmail.com or 

0434028703 for confidential discussion. 

Wellcome Medical, Dental & Specialists 

Centre Established Medical Practice 

at a prime location in Paralowie. 

Requires VR & non VR, full-time and 

part-time female & male GPs. Flexible 

days and session times to suit doctor. 

Attractive remuneration (80% of billings), 

unlimited long-term security with 

many other attractive & rewarding 

practice opportunities. A.O.N/DWS on 

application, accredited practice (AGPAL). 

Fully computerised with Best Practice 

software. Experienced & supportive 

Practice Nurse (RN). Pathology & allied 

health services on site. Large, new & 

modern premises. Experienced, friendly 

& supportive staff. Contact Sheryl on (08) 

8250 1333, Joe on 0412 744 394 or by 

correspondence to email 

ahmcsa@gmail.com 

Allied Health Professionals 

Playford Family Medical Seeking 

Clinical Psychologist for weekend work 

at a busy and growing medical practice 

to work with a range of presentations in 

children, adolescents, adults, families and 

couples.Essential Criteria: post Graduate 

degree in Psychology, appropriate 

registration with the Psychology Board of 

Australia, full AHPRA registration.To apply, 

please send cover letter and resume to 

manager@playfordfamilymedical.com. 

au. If you wish to discuss the position 

please call Pankaj Malik on 0430 917 635 

Hyde and Partners (Gawler) are 

seeking a Physiotherapist to work in a 

highly desirable clinic, 40 minutes from 

the CBD. Established for more than 40 

years with an excellent reputation for 

providing high quality medicine. Hyde 

and Partners service a population of 

70000 people and currently have 

wait lists of 2-3 weeks for regular 

appointments. We can guarantee a 

busy position and financial rewards from 

the start. Please contact our Practice 

Manager, Jo, on 85230689 or manager@ 

hydeandpartners.com.au 

Nurses 

Resthaven is hiring Registered Nurses for 

both Residential and Community sites. 

If you have aged care experience with 

AHPRA registration, visit www.reshaven. 

asn.au for further information and 

details on how to apply. 

Greenacres Surgery seeking an 

experienced Practice Nurse to join our 

dedicated team. Our well established, 

fully accredited practice is GP owned 

with exceptional support staff and on site 

pathology. We are offering a minimum 

of 16 hours a week with flexible days. 

Applicants must be Australian Citizens 

or Permanent Residents with current RN 

registration, Insurance, Police check and 

CPR Certificate. Experience with health 

assessments, care palns and childhood 

immunisations preferred. Please email 

or fax resume with cover letter to 

greenacres@internode.on.net or fax:8266 

6899. For Further information, please 

contact surgery on 8261 1122 and ask for 

Leigh Dryden(practice manager) or Dr 

Juliana Ling. 

Wellcome Medical Centre requries a PT/ 

FT Registered Nurse to work in a busy GP 

practice in the Paralowie area. Previous 

experience preferred. Flexible tiems & 

days to suit RN. Attractive remuneration. 

Modern and new building and facilities. 

Fully computerised with Best Practice 

software. Accredited practice (AGPAL). 

Supportive and friendly staff. For more 

information, contact Joe on 0412 744 394 

or (08) 8250 1333. 

EBM Family Medical Practice looking 

for experienced Registered Nurse 

required to run specialized clinics and 

all general practice duties. Seeking 

someone who is experienced in General 

Practice with AHPRA registration, 

National Police clearance and current 

CPR certificate. If you have a passion for 

making a difference, growing a practice, 

love a challenge and are not afraid to 

go the extra mile to get things done, this 

could be the position for you. Please 

contact Raelene on 040909110 for more 

information. 

Practice Staff 

Calvary Central Districts are looking for 

an experienced and motivated Infection 

Control Health Professional. Join one of 

Australia’s leading health, community 

and aged care providers.Permanent 

Part time position – flexible hours 

available. Excellent salary packaging 

options available. To join our diverse, 

compassionate and dedicated team 

for a rewarding Calvary career, please 

submit an application to: Toni-Ann Miller, 

Director of Clinical Services toni-ann. 

miller@calvarycare.org.au 

Room for Rent 

Northern Eye Specialists Consulting 

rooms available for Sale or Lease – 

1/ 14-16, Hurtle Parade, Mawson Lakes. 

88m2 area. Close proximity to other 

GP and specialist practices. Would suit 

specialist or allied health. Rent $24,000 

per annum plus outgoings $GST. Contact 

Siva on 0449047905 or email siva. 

madike@ilmobilityequipment.com.au 

for arranging inspection or for more 

information. 

North Eastern Health Centre a 

well-established General Practice in 

Tea Tree Gully which has been in the 

area for 50+ year’s recently relocated 

to new purpose built building. We 

have the rare opportunity of room to 

rent suitable for visiting Specialist or 

Allied Health. available as a lease or on 

sessional basis. Contact Clinical Manager 

admin@gullymedical.com.au or phone 

82642300 

Mawson Lakes Specialist Centre in 

central shopping area of Mawson 

Lakes has a room available for rent. 

We have been operating for 15 years 

in a Multidisciplinary team of Physios, 

Podiatrist and Hand Specialists. Would 

suit a range of professionals including: 

Naturopath, Audiologist, Speech 

Therapist, Psychologist, Massage 

Therapist, Lawyer, Accountant etc. 

Please contact us on 0421489409 or 

email ania_helena@yahoo.com 

ADVERTISE WITH US 

Health organisations and services in 

Adelaide’s north enjoy free advertising 

in our ‘Opportunities’ section. To be 

eligible, your advertisement must be 

written in text, no more than 80 words 

and relevant to one of the following 

categories: 

• General Practitioners 

• Nurses 

• Allied Health Specialists 

• Practice Staff 

• Room for Rent 


See you there! 

#BigRedKidneyWalk 

Step out 

for kidney disease 

Register now at bigredkidneywalk.org.au 

Sunday, 

8 September 2019 

in a location 

near you 

Small steps 

make a 

BIG difference

Sonder - Your Local Health News- Aug 2019

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