5 August 2021 

Some highlights:  President's message | Aotearoa NZ A ASM | Pharmacist prescribing | End-of-Life Choice Act updates | NZSA photo competition | New health and disability standards | In the media - Dr Tony Diprose | Environmental news | Visiting Lectureships | New issue NZSA magazine | WFSA Congress

 
 

Vacancies - click here!

 

President's message

NZSA President Dr Sheila Hart

So much is happening in New Zealand's health sector right now - the mass COVID vaccination program, impending reforms to our health and disability system, and implementation of the End-of-Life Choice Act. This is on top of what is already a stressed system, especially in the winter months. We trust you find this issue of the E-Zine informative in keeping you up-to-date.

Within this challenging and busy environment there are so many in our specialty who go beyond the call of duty. Here's your opportunity to help recognise and celebrate this contribution - nominate an anaesthetist colleague for the NZSA's inaugural President's award. Find out more on the
NZSA website, including award criteria. The award will be presented at this year's AGM, to be held at the Annual Scientific Meeting in Christchurch. 

Speaking of conferences, with AQUA just two weeks away I look forward to hearing our guest speakers and catching up with attendees in Queenstown. I'll also have the opportunity to introduce you to our new CEO Michele Thomas. See you there!

 
 

Aotearoa New Zealand Anaesthesia Annual Scientific Meeting

Visit the ASM website to register. Regular updates on Twitter #NZASM21.

Join us and be part of thought-provoking and exciting conversations about our specialty (27-30 October, Christchurch). 

Early bird registration closes 26 September. Register here


An awesome conference program with inspiring and educational talks and workshops. Keynote speaker Prof Carol Peden (Univeristy of South California) will deliver the Alan Merry Oration on "The UK National Emergency Laparotomy Audit: A quality improvement journey from audit to ERAS guidelines."

Another keynote is Prof Daniel Sessler (Cleveland Clinic, Ohio) who founded and directs the Outcomes Research Consortium - the world’s largest clinical anaesthesia research group. Dr Sessler is an editor for Anesthesiology and director for the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research. He will be speaking on "Defining hypotension: the power of big datasets," and will also be doing a talk during our perioperative session. 

You can explore the outdoors... biking, tramping, golfing or just strolling through the city and gardens. And we also have our not-to-be missed conference dinner at the Christchurch Art Gallery, showcasing the best in locally sourced food with a focus on vegetarian, plant-based, options.

 
 

Proposed changes to designated pharmacist prescribers

We are preparing a submission in response to the Ministry of Health's proposed amendments to the schedule of specified prescription medicines for designated pharmacist prescribers. The Ministry is recommending the addition of 198 prescription medicines and 25 controlled drugs to the schedule. View the proposed additions to the medicines list here, which includes anaesthesia drugs. The NZSA has strong concerns about these proposals in the interests of patient safety and believes these anaesthesia drugs need to be prescribed by a trained medical practitioner.  Please provide feedback to Daphne Atkinson comms@anaesthesia.nz by 8 August as submissions are due Mon 9 August.

 

End-of-Life Choice Act - updates

Ministry of Health implementation and information
The Ministry of Health’s work to implement the End of Life Choice Act 2019 (the Act) and establish an assisted dying service in New Zealand from 7 November 2021 is well advanced. The current focus is to develop and finalise the care pathway, or the steps in the assisted dying service that an eligible person and a practitioner will follow; and also developing the details of the funding mechanism for the service. These details are being informed by health and disability sector partners, Māori health equity and community voices and stakeholders.

The MOH website has information for health professionals to outline their rights and responsibilities under the Act (whether involved in assisted dying, wishing to conscientiously object, and/or needing guidance on how to talk with patients who may raise the issue). There is an information booklet for health professionals also. View here.

Statutory body established for NZ's assisted dying service
The statutory body for the assisted dying service, the Support and Consultation for End of Life in New Zealand (SCENZ) group, has been formed. Appointments to SCENZ have been made by the Director-General of Health, Dr Ashley Bloomfield. SCENZ's responsibilities include maintaining the list of health practitioners and psychiatrists involved in providing assisted dying services; and providing contact details for replacement, or independent medical practitioners as part of the service. SCENZ will have oversight of the standards and work closely with the secretariat of the assisted dying service at MOH once the assisted dying service becomes legally available from 7 November 2021. MOH media release here

Ministry of Health learning modules
The first learning module about the Act and assisted dying aims to provide all health professionals with a working knowledge of their roles and responsibilities under the Act, including conscientious objection. MOH strongly encourages all health professionals to complete this module as it may help if a patient asks about assisted dying. Further training modules are being developed for health professionals, including on the care pathway.

The NZSA has a webpage with collated EOLC Act information, news updates and resources. Bookmark to stay up-to-date here. You can also sign up for regular MOH updates.

 

NZSA member photo competition

Last week we launched our first-ever NZSA member photo competition and emailed members with information. We have great prizes from our sponsors MAS and Device Technologies, and the NZSA. This is your opportunity to reflect the diversity of our specialty and membership by showcasing 'A Day in the Life of an Anaesthetist.' For competition criteria, more details and waivers (if including others in your photos such as colleagues and patients) visit our website. Please email your entries to nzsa@anaesthesia.nz no later than 20 September 2021.

 
 

New health and disability standards

The Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard (HDSS) outlines the steps health and disability service providers must take to ensure they are providing safe, quality services. The updated Standard comes into effect on 28 February 2022.

Over 650 different providers across the health and disability system must demonstrate compliance with the Standard, including DHBs, aged care, and hospices. It sets out what people can expect from the services they receive, and is one of the tools to continuously improve New Zealand's health services. 

NZSA CEO Michele Thomas is attending a two-day event this week to learn more about the standards. We will provide updates to members about the changes and what it will mean for your everyday practice.  

     

    NZSA submissions

    NZSA advocacy priorities and submissions can be read on our website advocacy page. Recent submissions include:

    - The Government's review of PHARMAC and how it performs against its current objectives. Our feedback included the need for improved timeliness and transparency of decision-making. 
    - The Ministry of Health's proposed funding mechanisms for health professionals who will be providing services for end-of-life care outside of the DHB setting. Our key point was that it is not clear whether it is a fixed fee or time based and clarity is required. We suggested that time based funding is more appropriate. The funding will be through a section 88 notice, although a pricing schedule is yet to be developed.

     

    In the media - Dr Tony Diprose

    Anaesthetist Dr Tony Diprose, a member of the NZSA Global Health Committee, is in Fiji assisting with non-life threatening surgeries, working with Fijian colleagues amid the country's COVID-19 crisis. Dr Diprose was interviewed on TV One's Breakfast this morning.  "In a way I’m kind of doing my day job, but in a very different setting and with a very different bunch of people and unfortunately with a lot of patients who have Covid as well…" Interview here

     

    Environmental news

    - Ora Taiao (the NZ Climate and Health Council), of which NZSA is as member, recommends a new article which explores the health sector's role as a significant driver of environmental pollution. The article looks at surgical and anaesthetic services, which are among the most resource-intensive components of the health system. ‘Operating in a Climate Crisis: A State-of-the-Science Review of Life Cycle Assessment within Surgical and Anesthetic Care' can be read here.

    - In Ora Taio's latest newsletter a tip for health professionals to consider - when scheduling your next patient consultation or conference, look at whether ‘Zoom or SKYPE might be appropriate. It won’t work for everyone but cutting travel cost and emissions when possible is good practice.

    - In our last E-Zine we highlighted the Sustainable Health Sector Network conference. Most of the talks from this conference are now available here. 

    - The latest article from the NZSA's Environmental and Sustainability Network, written by Dr Paul Currant, explores the possibility of carbon neutral anaesthesia. Read it in the latest NZSA magazine, which will be delivered to members soon. 

       

      President's blog

      The President's blog was published in our last E-Zine, and focused on the significant and impending changes to our health and disability system. In case you missed it, we encourage you to read Dr Sheila Hart's comprehensive update here.

       

      New-look Visiting Lectureship series 

      Less than a month away! Dr Nick Lightfoot and Dr Rob Burrell will inform and entertain you with the inaugural new-look Visiting Lectureship Series (2 Sept @ 6pm) in a webinar format. More details on speaker topics and registration here

       

      New issue of NZSA magazine

      New Zealand Anaesthesia - the magazine of the NZSA - will be delivered to your letter boxes or inboxes in the coming week. Highlights include an article from NZSA member Dr Paul Currant on whether carbon neutral anaesthesia can become a reality; a profile of our new CEO Michele Thomas; a trainee column on personal wellbeing; and an update on the COVID crisis in Fiji and what NZSA is doing to assist.

      We have refreshed our magazine design as it's been five years since we rebranded. We hope you like the new look, and we welcome your feedback and story ideas. Contact Daphne Atkinson comms@anaesthesia.nz

       

      Wellness article from CICM

      As COVID continues to disrupt our lives, the College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand is sharing an article on the importance of self-care.

      "Given that the pandemic is likely to be prolonged in its effects on the healthcare system, it is even more important to pay attention to self-care and not ignore or defer one’s own needs. To do so is ultimately a disservice not only to oneself, but also to the patient." This article has some great reminders on the fundamentals of self-care and support available. Read here

       

      webAIRS 

      Dr Russell Rarity, ANZTADC committee member, will give a webAIRS presentation on Saturday 30 Oct, 2021 at the Aotearoa New Zealand Anaesthesia ASM: Advisory Notices for Anaesthetists – Alerts issued by webAIRS based on case reports during Session 11, from 1330 –1400. View the full program of the Aotearoa New Zealand Anaesthesia ASM, which will be a hybrid meeting with both on-site and virtual registration options. 

      The NZSA will be sending out a member survey soon on webAIRS to gauge awareness and use of this online reporting tool, as well as the value members place on webAIRS. 

         

        Pacific peoples health in NZ

        A new report, Bula Sautu – A window on quality 2021: Pacific health in the year of COVID-19, paints a stark picture of the healthcare challenges faced by Pacific peoples in New Zealand. The report calls for urgent systemic changes to address health inequities. The report has been developed through a partnership between the Health Quality and Safety Commission and Drs Corina Grey, Api Talemaitoga, and Debbie Ryan. It includes contributions from Pacific health and community leaders, clinicians and health workers.

         

        WFSA Virtual World Congress 2021 

        Experience the latest science in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine
        (1-5 Sept 2021). Interact with global experts and advance your knowledge and career.

        100+ scientific sessions – live and on-demand, 400+ international speakers, 1800+ posters, workshops, and Meet-the-Experts. Review and watch sessions for three months post-conference. Without travel and accommodation expenses, WFSA aims to welcome the largest global community of anaesthesia and perioperative care providers ever assembled for a WFSA Congress www.WCA2021.org

           

          Events

          For more NZ events visit the NZSA events page



          For NZ + international events visit the 
          ACE website 

          NZSA Inpatient Pain Network meeting, 26 Nov, University of Otago, Wellington
          Registrations are filling up fast!

          The meeting provides targeted education for regional pain services, networking opportunities, and a place to celebrate our joint efforts providing pain management in New Zealand. More information and registration details here. Learn more about this network on our website. 

          Perioperative Medicine SIG virtual meeting, 13-14 Aug 2021
          10th Australasian Perioperative Medicine Symposium “Perioperative Care: Collaborating against Complications.” More here

           
           

          Anaesthesia Continuing Education

          The 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.

          The parent groups ANZCA, NZSA and ASA, host the site as members of the tripartite committee. Click here to add your event. 
          Visit the ACE website and follow ACE on Twitter  @ace_acecc

           
           

          Advertising - thanks for your support

           

           

           
           

          Making healthcare better is our priority and we believe technology can play an even greater role in improving people’s lives. In addition to alleviating pain, restoring health, extending lives, we work with others to create seamless, more efficient care. Learn how we’re taking healthcare Further, Together at Medtronic.com

          WM Bamford is an independently owned NZ company with extensive knowledge of the NZ health sector providing trusted, flexible medical solutions.  Well-established brands include Hot Dog Patient Warming products and the Heine range of Laryngoscope Blades and Handles complementing an extensive range of Wound Care products.

          Promed Technologies distributes the Masimo range of products. Masimo has extended from gold standard pulse oximetry into Brain Function Monitoring and offers exciting clinical parameters including next generation Sedline EEG, O3 cerebral oximetry, ANI nociception and non-invasive Hb monitoring on one platform.  Promed also supplies mounting systems, carts and patient warming mattresses into the theatre space. We pride ourselves on providing quality products with a high level of customer service.

           
           

          Quick links

           

           
          FacebookTwitter
           

          NZ Society of Anaesthetists
          Level 1, Central House
          26 Brandon Street
          Wellington, Wellington 6011
          New Zealand 
          You are receiving this email because you are a current or past client of NZ Society of Anaesthetists. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please unsubscribe below.
          Preferences  |  Unsubscribe