Southern Highlands Division of General Practice

Gail Forlonge

Qualifications

CNC, BHlthSc, Dip Teach, Dip Bus

Programs

The Southern Highlands Division works with the National Prescribing Service (NPS) to bring the most recent, evidence based information to GPs about prescribing. Gail is a trained NPS facilitator and her role includes twice yearly, one-to-one visits to GPs in their practices . 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. The great majority of Highlands GPs receive two NPS visits per year on therapeutic topics. Gail also provides education on these therapeutic topics to Practice Nurses and pharmacists. To arrange to receive these visits please contact Gail Forlonge .

Gail also promotes prescribing support from NPS to GPs through RADAR (Rational Assessment of Drugs and Research) which provides independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and the latest research. NPS also invites GPs to participate in regular clinical audits and case studies as well on-line case studies which are now available.

Gail is the Division contact for the Southern Highlands Cancer Network Leadership Committee which ensures that money being spent locally by the Cancer Council NSW is directed to the most effective areas in a coordinated manner. Gail has also been involved in activities and research with The Cancer Institute NSW and the University of New South Wales to support health care professionals in providing smoking cessation services.

Chronic Disease Self Management is part of Gail's role working with the Sydney South West Integration Program (SSWIP). Dr Ruscoe is the chair of this project whcih focuses on encouraging effective integration of health services in the SSWAHS area. SSWIP is a Commonwealth funded initiative aimed at reducing demand on hospitals through a collaboration between the Area and primary health care providers. The project plans to utilise strategies such as upskilling practice nurses in chronic care and improving the information technology interface between SSWAHS and general practices to reach its goals.

Website Maintenance
The Division website has been developed in collaboration with e-motion design. If you have comments or questions about our website please contact Gail Forlonge at the Division.

Quality Use of Medicines
Cancer Support