2 July 2020Some highlights: President's blog| NZSA 2020 conference | NZSA AGM 2020 | Drug shortages | Health and Disability System Review | RMO proposed rotation date changes for 2021 | NZ Annual Scientific Meeting 2021 | In the media | Anaesthesia representation on Standards NZ committees | Environmental webinars President's blogThe goals of the Simpson Health and Disability System Review report (see our news item for details) are commendable, however understanding the actual impact of the report's recommendations is difficult. Will it be a catalyst for truly reforming our fragmented, siloed health system? Will it bridge inequities? In her latest blog NZSA President Dr Kathryn Hagen writes that there were suggestions in the report that she could directly relate to her practice and interactions with patients which highlighted "A real need to improve health inequities in New Zealand and for greater integration between primary and secondary/hospital level care." Read more here NZSA 2020 conferenceA message from Dr David Kibblewhite, convenor of the NZSA 2020 conference and NZSA Immediate Past President. Our conference will be an outstanding opportunity to emerge, reflect and reconnect as a specialty in what has been a tumultuous year. We look forward to welcoming you. NZSA Annual General Meeting 2020The NZSA's 2020 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Wellington on Friday 16 October 2020 (time to be confirmed) at TSB Arena, where we will also be holding our NZSA Conference Anaesthesia 2020: Emerge, Reflect and Reconnect. The agenda and papers will be circulated to all members in due course. All members are welcome to attend. Drug shortagesThe issue of drug shortages is a moveable feast. The most recent information from Pharmac is that suxamethonium stock is very likely to run out, whereas shipments of propofol (20 & 100ml) have been delivered (back to TIVA!) and alternate fentanyl has also been secured and registered with Medsafe (thus avoiding section 29 criterion). The other ‘medication’ currently at risk is skin preparations of chlorhexidine, all concentrations. Many centres are ring-fencing 0.5% solutions for Neuraxial applications and for use on premature babies. However, NZSA President Dr Kathryn Hagen received an email response from Dr Ken Clark (Acting Pharmac Medical Director) on Friday stating that alternative supplies have been found and an ‘out of stock’ notice will be avoided. This is good news, but we are very aware of the precarious nature of supply chains and stock getting to NZ currently and we endeavour to maintain contact with Pharmac to remain abreast of new changes or concerns. Health and Disability System ReviewThe primary goals of the recently released Health and Disability System Review, released a few weeks ago, are to reduce regional variability of services across the country, and to address health inequities especially for Māori. Key recommendations to achieve these goals are:
The NZSA welcomes the aim to achieve more centralised, integrated health services with stronger oversight and clearer lines of accountability. The NZSA views the report as an opportunity to fix long standing weaknesses in the system and will be engaged in discussion and providing input on implementation. COVID exposed some of the failings of the system due to weak centralisation (e.g.) the auditor’s report last week was critical of how the Ministry of Health handled PPE supply and distribution to DHBs. In our advocacy to Government, we will be discussing the report and are keen to hear member views on it. There was widespread media coverage when the report was released including on STUFF, One News, and a Radio NZ interview with the Health Minister. RMO rotation dates for 2021The NZSA is developing a submission in response to proposed changes to RMO rotation dates for 2021, with the assistance of our trainee representatives. The NZSA is supportive of the proposed changes as we believe there are considerable benefits including ensuring that the current cohort of trainees is not disadvantaged by COVID-19 disruptions, that medical education standards are upheld for the benefit of patients through optimal supervision, and that the wellness of trainees is at the forefront. You can read the Consultation Document here, which includes a series of questions on the proposals. The submission is due 8 July. ANZCA PS51 amended and pilotedANZCA has made amendments to PS51 Guidelines for the Safe Management and Use of Medications in Anaesthesia that allow for ampoule splitting in certain circumstances. This document has been approved and the new version is being piloted. This is particularly relevant due to concerns about global drug shortages owing to COVID-19. NZ Annual Scientific Meeting 2021The Aotearoa New Zealand Anaesthesia Scientific Meeting will be held 3-6 November 2021. The conference will be held at the Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch. The Convention Centre has published an article on the conference which includes quotes from Event Convenor, Dr Ben van der Griend who says the conference is expected to attract upwards of 400-500 delegates to the city. Read more here AIC Journal - easier member accessThe Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Journal, a key benefit of NZSA membership, is currently managed and only accessible through the website of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists. This creates a double password requirement and a longer access process for members as you need an ASA login and password to access the journal. We have had to use this system as our current website does not have the capability to host the journal in a tiered system. As part of our new website and database upgrade, to be launched later in the year (see above item), the AIC Journal will be accessible to subscribing members in the members only portal area once they login to the NZSA website. The Journal will be available to fully paid members, or subscribing members e.g. trainees who have selected this option. Providing simplified access to the Journal has taken some development and testing time to ensure robust security around accessibility. We are excited to offer this direct access to you and already see the advantages of upgrading our database capacity. We will provide further details on the new system, and guidance on how to access it as we progress our development. David Clark resigns as Health MinisterDavid Clark resigned as Health Minister today. He will continue to serve his electorate of Dunedin North, and intends to stand in the seat again in September. The NZSA wishes him well and plans to organise a meeting with newly appointed Health Minister Chris Hipkins in due course. In the mediaDrug shortages NZSA representation on Standards NZ committeesStandards New Zealand is seeking anaesthetists to join technical committee (TC), ISO/TC 121 Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment and some of its subcommittees (SC). For each TC/SC of which NZ is a participating member, Standards NZ has established an International Review Group made up of NZ stakeholders and interested parties who discuss, consult and put forward ‘NZ Inc’ opinion and votes in regard to the standards being developed by the TC/SCs. The specific TC/SC’s New Zealand holds participating membership of are below. Click on these for information about each committee:
Each of the above page links provide hyperlinks which identify the standards the TC/SC has published and the standards currently under development. If you are interested in finding out more about these committees and possibly being an NZSA representative please contact NZSA Communications Manager Daphne Atkinson comms@anaesthesia.nz who is collating the information for Standards New Zealand. The process involves the potential member submitting a brief bio/CV which details skills, qualification(s) and sector experience in relation to the work being conducted by the TC/SC’s they wish to join. WFSA resolutionsThe NZSA Executive has voted in favour of two resolutions presented to member societies by the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists (WFSA) Board and Council in light of the 2020 World Congress having had to be postponed until next year. Resolution 2020/1: To hold the next ordinary meeting of the General Assembly in Prague in 2021 on the occasion of the next World Congress. Resolution 2020/2: To hold, without convening a meeting of the General Assembly, the elections to WFSA Board and Council positions with votes to be cast electronically in September 2020 and with the results to be announced by the end of October 2020. The second resolution allows the WFSA to hold elections for WFSA Board and Council positions in September 2020. A number of NZSA candidates are up for election for positions on WFSA committees and Dr Wayne Morriss is vying for the role of WFSA President. Environmental webinars
Visit the NZSA Events page for more events. Sustainable Healthcare and Climate Health Aotearoa Webinar Series (June through to Oct 2020) Program content covers climate change mitigation and adaptation in relation to health. There is a strong focus on equity and how the right post-COVID response can bring co-benefits to health and well-being. For more information and to join these webinars, register here Anaesthesia Continuing EducationThe ACE website is a one-stop shop for anaesthesia events. Members convening conferences, workshops or meetings, which assist CPD requirements, are encouraged to add their event to the website. Advertising and quick links |