The Southern Highlands Division works with the National Prescribing Service (NPS) to bring the most recent, evidence based information to GPs about prescribing. Twice yearly, one-to-one visits in the surgery are offered by Gail Forlonge who is a trained NPS facilitator. Gail spends between 20 and 30 minutes with GPs discussing selected therapeutic topics and the latest developments with an unbiased approach based on best available evidence gathered by the highly qualified team at NPS. At the visit, GPs are given a detailing card with all the main information and references on the topic. These visits attract PIP incentives and 2 CPD points. The great majority of Highlands GPs receive two NPS visits per year on therapeutic topics. To arrange to receive these visits please contact Gail Forlonge .

NPS provides prescribing support to GPs directly through RADAR (Rational Assessment of Drugs and Research). NPS also invites GPs to participate in regular clinical audits and case studies.

Useful NPS Links

NPS - What's New?

More information on NPS RADAR

More information on NPS current Clinical Audits (paper based)

More information on NPS Clinical Audits (on-line)

More information on NPS case studies

NPS also promotes the provision of education to Practice Nurses and pharmacists utilising clinical audits, case studies and small group presentations or one-to-one visits if required. In addition NPS focuses on consumer education and support with campaigns, provision of the Medicines Line, regular editions of Medicines Talk and a wealth of information available from NPS.

Subscribe to NPS for nurses and midwives

Valuable information on NPS for consumers

Medicines Line Information for Patients

Medicines Line gives patients independent information from a qualified health professional on prescription, over-the-counter, and complementary (herbal/'natural'/vitamin/mineral) medicines.

Patients should call 1300 888 763 and talk to a pharmacist between 9am and 6pm Monday to Friday, Eastern Standard Time (EST) for the cost of a local call (mobile calls may cost more).

More information on Medicines Line

Home Medicines Review (Item 900)

The Pharmacy Guild provides a facilitator to assist GPs and pharmacists to utilise the Home Medicines Review (HMR) item number. The facilitator for the Southern Highlands is Mr Gary Brown who can be contacted on: 0401 385 785

For more information on HMR go to www.guild.org.au/mmr/