This time of year can bring health issues to the fore. It is important that fear about mandatory notification does not prevent you or a colleague you know from seeking treatment. Read more on changes ahead to mandatory notifications and how they affect you.

As we start to wind down, the upcoming festive season is an opportune time to consider your own health. So why do you need a doctor if you are one? Dr Elizabeth Campbell explains why having your own GP is an essential element of self-care and what makes doctors unique patients. We also share what some NSW practitioners are doing to support their health during the break and beyond.  I hope their ideas inspire you to reflect on your own well-being goals in 2020.

Mandatory notifications: don't let them stop you seeking the help you need

In early 2020, the requirements to make a mandatory notification will change. Ahpra has launched a campaign aimed at educating medical and other health professions on the changes ahead, whilst ensuring practitioners feel safe and supported in seeking help with their own health without fearing a mandatory notification.

Iron infusions - 5 things you can do to
avoid complaints

An increasingly popular method of treating general practice patients with iron deficiency involves intravenous iron infusions with Ferinject ®. 

However, an uncommon but known complication from iron infusion treatment is permanent skin staining as a result of perivenous leakage from the intravenous administration site. 

Need some self-care inspiration? Here's what colleagues are doing to manage their health and well-being in 2020:

Dr Norman Swan, medical journalist:

"My New Year's resolution for this year was to get my own GP. Found someone great.
New Year's resolution for 2020 is to visit my GP....!"

Is poor peer communication putting your patient at risk?

Good two-way communication is an essential element in successful doctor-patient relationships. But a communication breakdown between treating GPs can result in poor patient care and missed diagnosis.

Why do I need a doctor when I am one?

Medical literature frequently highlights the proven benefits of having your own doctor. But do doctors heed this advice? We speak with Dr Liz Campbell about why having a GP is worthwhile and what makes doctors unique patients. 

Have you had your say?

Thank you to everyone who responded to our call-out in the last edition to complete our short social media use survey.  If you haven’t done so, we would love to get your feedback so we can develop social media content and channels in 2020 that support your professional practice and interests.

Recent disciplinary decisions

In the last newsletter, the Council referred to a NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) decision HCCC v Dr McCroary as including inappropriate self-prescribing as an issue. Allegations of inappropriate self-prescribing were in fact withdrawn. The Council apologises to Dr Kenneth McCroary for the error.

News bites 

Emergency Department Clinicians’ Guide to My Health Record

As more consumers and health providers move to My Health Record, it is rapidly becoming a richer and more useful source of information to inform ED decision-making. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare has released a guide that provides ED clinicians with essential information about the features and capability of My Health Record.  

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