14 February 2017
Some highlights in this issue: President's blog | NZSA launches rebranded website | NZSA staff change | Membership survey | Invitation from NZSA Executive | National Obstetric Anaesthesia Group | NZSA Code of Conduct | BWT Ritchie Scholarship | 2017 ASM Rotorua | Recertification of vocationally registered doctors | NZSA Health and Safety update |ANZCA 25th anniversary | Anaesthetist vacancy on Medical Sciences Council |
Vacancies: The NZSA posts vacancies on its website, for positions in New Zealand and overseas.
"...we need to lift our game from where it currently is and many jurisdictions are now mandating a higher standard of practice."
NZSA President David Kibblewhite asks whether it's time for the specialty to change its approach to
neuromuscular monitoring. He looks at the results of the survey we sent to members on PS18, the professional document stipulating monitoring standards and in particular those relating to neuromuscular monitoring. Read David's latest blog here
NZSA launches rebranded website
We are very pleased to launch our newly rebranded website
which offers members a dynamic, modern design and improved navigation and functionality. Key features of our website redevelopment include: · A reconfigured, streamlined structure to make it easier for you to find and access information. There is a stronger focus on core areas of member interest accessible via our home page: Relative Value Guide, Health and Safety Manual, Networks, Trainee Portal, Vacancies and Education/Events. · A new design aligned to our new brand. · A mobile platform so you can access the site on your phone or ipad. While we have made these initial changes, in the longer-term we plan to
deliver an even more simplified and streamlined website structure. We will continue to work on refining membership access, login and registration; integrating our database with our financial package; and aligning the layout of the website to our core objectives. The website will be a key agenda item at our executive planning day on 3 March.
A friendly reminder that NZSA membership renewal fees are due. Thank you to members who have already paid and we welcome payment if you have not yet done so. For information on payment options and an overview of our key work and achievements read our President's letter. If you have any queries contact us on membership@anaesthesia.nz, or 04 494 0124.
It is with regret that we inform members that Di Quirk, our Office Manager, is leaving after almost two and a half years with the Society. She has been very instrumental in developing the office management role and has served the membership faithfully. We thank her for her commitment to the Society and the contribution she has made, and wish her all the best. Di is moving to a part-time position closer to home. We have begun the recruitment process for this role.
NZSA survey - let us know your views
Thank you to members who have completed our membership survey. We appreciate you taking the time to engage with the Society and to share your views to help shape the NZSA's direction and activities. There's still time to complete the survey, which closes on 20 February at 6pm. Click here to access the survey. Your feedback will help to guide the Executive when it meets on 3 March in Auckland for our NZSA planning day.
Invitation from NZSA Executive
The NZSA Executive warmly invites members, both current and potential, to meet them on Friday 3 March in Auckland.Beverages and finger food will be provided. The Executive looks forward to seeing you.
National Obstetric Anaesthetists Group
Improving communication and team work between obstetric anaesthetists in New Zealand to enhance the care of women at each District Health Board is the key aim of the National Obstetric Anaesthetists (NOA) group. NOA is supported by the NZSA and the NZ National Committee of ANZCA. NOA Chair Dr Douglas Mein, from Capital and Coast DHB, says that NOA aims to strengthen regional clinical leadership in obstetric anaesthesia and that it is an excellent forum for sharing information, guidelines and educational material to help resolve issues of common concern across DHBs. “We want to promote consistent approaches where appropriate and to offer strong collegial support to members of the group and other anaesthetists working in obstetric anaesthesia.” The group has representatives from 19 of the 20 DHBs, and representatives from 21 hospitals have attended meetings. NOA has had four meetings since its formation about a year ago, with the most recent one last November. This meeting proved challenging as it was scheduled for 14 November in the capital, which was the day following the Wellington and Kaikoura earthquakes. The NOA meeting went ahead however, via Skype, and Douglas says that the award for the bravest one in their group must go to John Wilson, who was staying in a Wellington hotel on the night of the quakes. Topics discussed included: The Maternity Clinical Information System (MCIS). NOA provided feedback to the NZSA outlining concerns about safety and that the system is not ready to be rolled out further.
NOA is keeping a close eye on this project and liaising with the Ministry of Health to find out about progress, including a definitive timeline. The NOA representative on the MCIS Governance Group is the lead Obstetric Anaesthetist for Waikato Dr Aidan O’Donnell.
Maternal death in New Zealand.
NOA member Ann Hart, who sits on the Maternal Mortality Working Group, spoke about the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee Report. In New Zealand, there has been no change in the three-year average mortality rate (14.9/100,000 births). By comparison in the UK it is 9/100,000. Fluid in embolism is cited as a direct cause of maternal death – with a higher mortality rate in New Zealand than other countries. Difficulties of gaining consent for anaesthetic interventions in labour. There was discussion about HDC advice, including that information should be provided in advance, and that providers need to show that they have made adequate attempts to comply with the Code of Consumers’ Rights. The group's first meeting for the
year is on 26 March. Find out more about NOA on the NZSA website page. To provide comments or information for the group to discuss, please email nzsa@anaesthesia.nz
The NZSA has developed a Code of Conduct to outline the relationship between the NZSA and its members, which is based on mutual reciprocity, respect and responsibility. The Code of Conduct reinforces our commitment to represent, advocate, inform and support members both professionally and personally, while outlining the responsibilities of members to the NZSA, their profession, and patients. The Code can be read on our website and will be provided to new members when they join. We are grateful to the Australian Society of Anaesthetists for sharing their Code of Conduct with us, which we used as a reference to develop our own.
NZSA Member Discount - Firstcheck for Summer Reminder
The NZSA is very pleased to offer our members access to a new wellness app with a special NZSA member price.
Unique discount code: NZSA16 Firstcheck, a New Zealand start up, is helping to revolutionise the early detection of skin cancer. You can have any skin condition checked by your local NZ skin specialist, via your smartphone or tablet. Firstcheck means that with a couple of clicks and pics you can have a dermatologist or skin specialist review your skin concern, anonymously from the comfort of home. The Firstcheck SkinScope™ fits on your smartphone or tablet and enables you to take high definition dermoscopic images. The offer gives you the best deal for individual purchases and can be used again and again. The coupon code expires 28 February 2017
so get your skinScope package today! Find out more on how to stay skin healthy
2017 Annual Scientific Meeting
2017 New Zealand Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)
8-11 November, Rotorua - SAVE the DATE
Jointly hosted by the NZSA and ANZCA NZNC, the ASM will feature top overseas and local speakers exploring the theme of “Fear and Excitement” offering a wide range of topics to help you navigate those clinical conundrums that give you the willies in the dark hours of the night. Great social events will enable you to relax and catch up with colleagues, and there is always something new to check out in the healthcare industry exhibition. Visit the conference website
to learn more. We encourage you to bookmark this site as information will be regularly updated during the year. Registrations open April 2017.
BWT Ritchie Scholarship update
Every year the New Zealand Anaesthesia Education Committee (NZAEC) receives applications for the BWT Ritchie Scholarship. Dr BWT Ritchie set up the Scholarship to assist registrars in financial hardship to travel overseas to extend their training from New Zealand, and return to practise here.This year a number of applications were received that showed registrars are embarking on exciting and challenging fellowships abroad. The committee however made the decision not to award the Scholarship in 2016. While the quality of applications was high, all applicants were moving to salaried positions in international departments, which did not meet Dr Ritchie’s requirement that the Scholarship support applicants in financial hardship. The Committee encourages applicants in 2017 to look
at overseas opportunities that may not have an associated salary, but offer professional extension. Examples of this are fellowships perusing research or higher professional degrees. These may of course be undertaken as part of a paid fellowship, but the additional costs of these often become overwhelming, especially if added to international travel. If a tenure like this interests you, the committee encourages you to apply for the 2017 award. Clinical Directors will be notified during the year of the closure dates.
Recertification of vocationally registered doctors
Anaesthesia Continuing Education
The Anaesthesia Continuing Education Co-ordinating Committee (ACE) encourages members convening conferences, workshops or meetings, which assist CPD requirements, to add their event to the ACE website. The parent groups, NZSA, ANZCA and ASA, host the site as part of the tripartite committee. Learn more about the many CPD opportunities on the ACE website
NZSA health and safety update
Did you know that you are legally obliged to have a Health and Safety policy if you are a PCBU? (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking). If you are an anaesthetist working in a private hospital you are considered a PCBU. The NZSA has produced a Health and Safety Manual for members with the information you need to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act including an instruction sheet, forms, videos, and a hazard register. You can download your copy today by using your member login for the NZSA website. The resource is under the Resources tab on the home page or can be found on the revolving banner, also on
our home page.
The NZSA congratulates ANZCA on its 25th anniversary which it celebrated last week. ANZCA President Professor David A. Scott said that the anaesthesia community has much to celebrate: “As a specialty, we are constantly striving to improve patient care and outcomes. With our ageing population undergoing more complex procedures, we are becoming even more involved in helping patients prepare for surgery, and in caring for them afterwards. The growth of perioperative medicine is an important new frontier, with anaesthetists taking a lead role in patient care before, during and
after surgery. The College supports specialist anaesthetists in increasing their collaboration with other specialties around perioperative care. “The last 25 years has seen anaesthesia and pain medicine become increasingly sophisticated, effective and safe. We will continue that progress." ANZCA has taken a leading role in many areas including: - The treatment of pain by establishing the specialty of pain medicine and the Faculty of Pain Medicine.
- Setting professional standards for anaesthetists through professional documents and accreditation.
- Advancing medical research by recruiting more than 30,000 patients to help with $25 million worth of studies for the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network.
- Supporting anaesthesia in developing nations such as Papua New Guinea with clinical and educational visits.
- Establishing intensive care medicine as a specialty by instituting training and accreditation programmes through a joint Faculty of Intensive Care, and by helping found the Australian and New Zealand College of Intensive Care Medicine.
Anaesthetist vacancy on Medical Sciences Council
Call for Nominations for the Medical Sciences Council
The Ministry of Health is seeking nominations/applications for an anaesthetist to be appointed to the Medical Sciences Council, which is the regulatory health authority for anaesthetic technicians. For more information and application forms visit the MOH website here. The closing date is Friday 3 March 2017.
PHARMAC medical devices forums
PHARMAC is running a series of forums at DHBs around the country to provide an update on its hospital medical devices activity.
PHARMAC’s work in medical devices is expanding with national contracts and market share agreements. They are keen to continue their partnership with DHB staff to ensure processes are mindful of the implications for patients, clinicians and staff.
You are invited to attend the forums (taking place in March, April and May), which will be a 10-15 minute presentation with time for questions after. PHARMAC staff will be available more informally following the session to talk. Lunch will be provided after the forum presentation. Click here for details of locations, dates and to RSVP.
Real World Anaesthesia Course (RWAC)
30 Oct-3 Nov 2017
Christchurch Hospital Preparing anaesthetists
for work in low and middle income countries (“the real world”) More details
SPANZA PANNZ Update Meeting, Wellington
11 March 2017, Wellington HospitalDiscounted rate for NZSA and SPANZA members
Plus early bird rate if you register on or by 27 February 2017 The update meeting will be a one-day course suitable for the occasional paediatric anaesthetist and other staff (nursing/technical) wanting to upgrade their knowledge of current paediatric anaesthetic management. To view the programme and for further information on location, accommodation and how to register for the meeting, More information here
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Junior Research Award
Applications are invited for the Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Junior Research Award from ASA, NZSA, or ANZICS members who are in training or within five years of their specialist qualification. To be eligible, applicants must be the first author of a paper published in ‘Anaesthesia and Intensive Care’ in 2016. Ideally the paper would describe work conducted in Australia or New Zealand. The award will be made on the basis of the scientific merit and originality of the paper. The award will be made separately to the ‘Jeanette Thirlwell Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Best Paper Award’ and will carry the same cash prize and cover the same expenses to attend the annual ASA National Scientific Congress to receive the award. Applications in the form of a
letter indicating the name of the paper and the date published should be addressed to the Chief Editor, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care by 30 April 2017 at aic@asa.org.au
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