Overview
The General Practice Tasmania network is funded by the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to provide information and support to Divisions of General Practice regarding the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service and to act as a point of contact for DHHS regarding implementation in Tasmania. Through the Divisions, GPT acts as a conduit for information to and from general practice regarding utilisation of the Get Healthy Service.
Divisions are funded under partnering agreements with GPT to provide general practice engagement and support for implementation of the Get Healthy Service in Tasmania.
About the Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service
The DHHS launched the Tasmanian Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service on 1 July 2010.
The Get Healthy Service is a free, confidential telephone-based service that helps people make lifestyle changes in relation to healthy eating, physical activity and achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
The service is staffed by qualified health professionals and has been running in NSW since February 2009, with participants reporting greater fruit and vegetable consumption, less take away food consumption, increased physical activity and reduced weight and waist circumference. The service has been shown to reach a wide demographic mix across gender, age, socio-economic status, urban, rural and remote areas, and at risk population groups.
Participants in the Service are given a detailed information kit and can elect to take part in a six-month coaching program. Through the coaching program, participants will be assigned their own health coach, who will provide information and support, help them set healthy lifestyle goals, overcome barriers and maintain motivation to achieve long-term lifestyle changes.
The health coach provides up to ten telephone-based coaching sessions and these can be scheduled at a time that suits individual participants over a period of six months.
The Get Healthy Service provides interpreter services for people who do not speak English, and relevant telephonic services for people who are deaf, hearing impaired or speech impaired.
People wanting to participate in the Service or find out more can call the Service on 1300 806 258 (Monday–Friday 8am-8pm) or visit www.gethealthy.tas.gov.au
All adults (18 years and over) living in Tasmania can access the Get Healthy Service.
Partners
Effective primary health care relies on solid relationships and integration between general practice, allied health services, government and non-government sectors. General Practice Tasmania has partnerships with the following organisations:
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Tasmanian State Department of Health and Human Services
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The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN)
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State Based Organisations (SBOs) across Australia
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Divisions of General Practice (DGPs)
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The Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
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The Tasmanian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance
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Peak bodies representing non-government organistions in the prevention and management of chronic conditions
Further Information and Resources for GPs
Information for General Practice
For general practice outlining the Service and processes for referral
Information for Patients
For consumers outlining the Service and how to access information
Medical Clearance Forms
Some people who contact the service may be assessed as needing medical clearance by their GP to participate. These people will be sent a medical clearance form/letter to take with them to their GP, which then needs to be faxed back to the Service for them to participate.
There is a health professional link on the Get Healthy Service website for further information.
Referral Forms
Although it is not a requirement for a person to have a referral from a health professional to access the Get Healthy Service, there is a referral form that GPs or practice nurses can use to refer patients they think would benefit from accessing the Service.
Medical Director, Best Practice and Med Tech 32 templates are available for GPs and practice nurses to refer patients to the Get Healthy Service. These templates can be downloaded below:
Divisions of General Practice can provide information and support on downloading and using these templates.
Link to Division websites:
Overview of Get Healthy and Related Programs
Overview of Get Healthy Service, Diabetes COACH Service and Lifestyle Modification Programs (1 page document outlining program structure, eligibility requirements, referral processes and contact information)
Related MBS items
Related Links
Contact Officer
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Name:
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Tessa Saunders
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Position:
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Health Programs Coordinator
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Email:
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Phone:
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(03) 6220 6402
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Mobile:
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0400 054 852
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Fax:
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(03) 6224 3384
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