5 August 2021Some 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 President's messageNZSA 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. Aotearoa New Zealand Anaesthesia Annual Scientific MeetingJoin us and be part of thought-provoking and exciting conversations about our specialty (27-30 October, Christchurch). 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. Proposed changes to designated pharmacist prescribersWe 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 - updatesMinistry of Health implementation and information 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. NZSA member photo competitionLast 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 standardsThe 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 submissionsNZSA advocacy priorities and submissions can be read on our website advocacy page. Recent submissions include: In the media - Dr Tony DiproseAnaesthetist 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. President's blogThe 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 seriesLess 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 magazineNew 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. Wellness article from CICMAs 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. webAIRSDr 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. Pacific peoples health in NZA 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 2021Experience the latest science in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine 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 EventsFor more NZ events visit the NZSA events page NZSA Inpatient Pain Network meeting, 26 Nov, University of Otago, Wellington Perioperative Medicine SIG virtual meeting, 13-14 Aug 2021 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 - thanks for your supportMaking 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. 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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. Quick links |