Murray HealthPathways - March 2026 Newsletter

During the last three months, the HealthPathways team has been busy reviewing several major pathway suites and publishing a wide range of new pathways to support consistent, evidence-based care across the Murray PHN region. In this edition, we highlight recent updates, new statewide referral criteria developments, user engagement trends, and upcoming priorities for the months ahead.

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As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring HealthPathways remains current, evidence-based and aligned with local clinical practice, the following pathway suites have been reviewed:

• Haematology
• Paediatric Surgery
• Paediatric Orthopaedics

With new pathways including:

• Perthes Disease
• Limp in Children
• Scoliosis in Children
• Developmental and Atraumatic Orthopaedic Conditions in Children
• Pilonidal Disease
• Fracture and Other Orthopaedic Trauma in Children
• Bow Legs (Genu Varum) in Children
• Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) in Children
• Knock Knees (Genu Valgum) in Children
• Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis (SUFE) in Children
• Thrombotic Disorders (Thrombophilia)
• Neck Pain
• Illness in Returned Travellers
• Infant Routine Check
• Scrotal Pain or Swelling in Children and Young People
• Inguinal Lumps or Swelling in Children
• Rashes and Skin Lesions in Early Infancy
• Trigger Thumb in Children
• Acute Paediatric Surgery Referral (Same Day)
• Umbilical Pathology in Children
• Undescended Testes (UDT)

New Statewide Referral Criteria for Paediatric Orthopaedics in Victoria

The Department of Health has published comprehensive statewide referral criteria for paediatric orthopaedic conditions to guide referrers on when a child should be directed to public hospital orthopaedic services. The criteria will be implemented into clinical referral pathways on the Murray HealthPathways platform by 20 April 2026.

Statewide Referral Criteria for Lung Nodules

New statewide referral criteria for referrals to lung nodule services are now in effect. Patients can be placed on a specialist clinic wait list when a referring GP provides information that shows the referral meets the statewide specialist referral criteria. The criteria outlines what needs to be included in a referral, so that the patient can be directed to the best available service. The Lung Cancer Screening HealthPathway has been reviewed to align with the new criteria.

Snapshot of stats (Dec – Feb 2026)

Trending searches: hypertension, gout, acne and menopause.

Top five most viewed pathways:

1. Antenatal Care – First Consult
2. Headaches in Adults
3. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
4. B12 Deficiency
5. Hypertension

Since the introduction of individualised accounts in April 2025, more than 1452 primary care professionals have registered for access to Murray HealthPathways.

From January this year we have had 115 new registrations (55 GP Registrars, 37 GPs, 12 medical students, 11 Other)

Collaboration with WorkSafe

We recently collaborated with a subject matter expert from WorkSafe Victoria to update the ‘Medical Certification for Return to Work pathway’. The pathway now includes the WorkSafe Mental Injury Diagnosis Guide for Medical Professionals – an exclusive resource not available on any other platform. The guide outlines several frequently encountered conditions from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM‑5‑TR) to support clinicians in meeting WorkSafe Victoria’s expectations under the updated Scheme Modernisation framework.

Our team will be working on creating and updating new pathways to support the diverse and unique needs of communities living in our catchment, including:

• a new Refugee Health suite
• a range of updated Rural Health pathways
• updated Sexual Health pathways.

Want to access HealthPathways quickly from your mobile device?

You can save HealthPathways as a one-tap shortcut on your phone or tablet. Follow the instructions here.

Contact the Murray HealthPathways team

If you would like more information or to request access or assistance, contact the Murray HealthPathways team by emailing: infohealthpathways@murrayphn.org.au or calling 03 4408 5600.

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).
We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing.

We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Copyright © 2024 Murray PHN (ABN 92 156 423 755), All rights reserved.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this newsletter is accurate.
Murray PHN gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

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3-5 View Point, Bendigo VIC 3550 Australia

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