Message from Chair
 

Hello from the General Practice Mental Health Standards Collaboration (GPMHSC), and welcome to the autumn edition of our newsletter.
 

GPMHSC Specific Populations Resource Hub 

In March, the GPMHSC launched the Specific Populations Resource Hub; a new suite of guides to assist GPs in providing inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally safe care to patients from diverse backgrounds. 

These guides, each developed in collaboration with GPs, a carer representative and a consumer representative, are designed to support Mental Health Treatment Plans, offering practical tips to build trust, ask sensitive questions respectfully, and recognise when to proceed with caution. The guides also recognise and acknowledge the importance of intersectionality among these and other populations. There are currently 5 guides: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTQIA+, Veterans, CALD, and Refugees. 

You can read more about the resources and download the PDF versions to use in your practice here. 

Welcome to Newest Member of the GPMHSC Committee 

The GPMHSC Committee appointed a new member in April, Dr Karen Spielman. As the latest RACGP representative to the Committee, Dr Spielman brings over 25 years of experience in primary care, specialising in Psychological Medicine and Eating Disorders, and is also Chair of the RACGP Psychological Medicine Specific Interest Group. We look forward to the wealth of knowledge and insight Dr Spielman will bring to the Committee and the GPMHSC’s future works. 

FPS Compliance for the 2023-2025 Triennium 

The extended compliance period for completing FPS CPD for the 2023-2025 triennium came to an end in March and GPs who had not completed their FPS CPD have been deregistered as providers of FPS. Any GPs who are unsure if they are compliant for the previous triennium or need advice on how to reregister, please contact the GP Secretariat. 

Meet the GPMHSC team 

The GPMHSC will be attending a number of conferences this year, including GPCE in both Sydney and Melbourne. We look forward to sharing more details about the GPMHSC’s exhibition at these conferences and future events.

Assoc Prof Morton Rawlin
Chair, GPMHSC