Taskforce established to combat sexual harassment: AMA (WA)

A taskforce has been established to plan how best to tackle the very concerning issue of sexual harassment in the medical profession, the Australia Medical Association (WA) has announced.

“Sexual harassment is an insidious practice. Sadly the medical profession is not immune. This new body, with representatives from the AMA (WA) and the Health Department of WA will examine ways in which the complaints system relating to sexual harassment can be strengthened and improved,” AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Gannon said.

The decision to establish the Taskforce Against Sexual Harassment (TASH) is the first step taken by the AMA (WA) and HDWA to tackle the issue.

“The Taskforce will have the job of investigating this complex issue and propose a framework which can be established to act on, and substantially reduce instances of sexual harassment in WA health,” Dr Gannon said.

For more information and access to the survey results, please click here. 

AMA (WA) welcomes announcement of new Health Minister

The Australian Medical Association (WA) has welcomed the appointment of the Hon. John Day MP as Western Australia’s new Health Minister.

“Mr Day is an experienced hand and a good choice,” AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Gannon said.

“We worked with him very productively in his previous time as Health Minister in the Court Government from 1998 to 2001.

“We look forward to assisting Mr Day in tackling the major challenges that health now faces, especially in protecting proper funding for the most important portfolio for all West Australians.

“The new Health Minister must ensure that health funding is protected from those in the financial portfolios who we understand will increasingly look to the Health budget to cut total spending,” Dr Gannon said.

For more information please click here. 

Health Care Homes trial highlights importance of general practice

The Federal Government’s new Health Care Homes trial recognises the vital role played by General Practitioners, the Australian Medical Association (WA) said today.

AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Gannon said the Government’s announcement was a ringing endorsement of the work general practitioners do on a daily basis, especially in the ongoing treatment of patients with chronic and complex health conditions.

“General practitioners play a unique role in our healthcare system by providing patients with a personalised care plan for a range of issues.

“For the majority of Australians the GP is already their healthcare home, providing all the health needs for them and their families.

“It makes sense to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for an individual’s health needs, particularly for complex and chronic diseases that need numerous visits to solve.

For more information, please click here. 

Introducing change at your workplace: Your rights

The AMA (WA) have received a number of calls from members wanting to know about their rights when management are introducing changes into their Departments.

Under Clause 53 of the AMA Industrial Agreement, management have a duty to consult you after they have made a decision to make a significant change. It is also a requirement that the AMA (WA) is notified at the same time.

‘Significant change’ includes such things as major changes in the composition, operation or size of the employer’s workforce, the skills required, the elimination or diminution of job opportunities, job tenure and the alteration of the hours of work. Consultation is not simply letting you know what is happening, it is actually asking for your input on the decision over the significant change.  

If you have had any experience where management are trying to introduce significant change into your Department but you are not being consulted, you should give the AMA (WA) call on 9273 3000 and ask to speak to an Industrial Advisor.

AMA (WA) 2016 Clinical Conference

Following the very successful 2015 conference to South Africa, the AMA (WA) is pleased to confirm that the 2016 AMA (WA) Clinical Conference will this year be held in Boston and Washington DC, with a post conference tour of New York.

For those who have travelled with the AMA before you will already know that our conferences are highly regarded and that there is a significant element of trust in what we do. 

The clinical component of the conference is well underway and is being developed in collaboration with the Harvard University Medical School.

The conference will take place from 7 October - 22 October, with four nights in Boston, three nights in Washington DC and an optional four nights in New York.

The formal part of the conference will be in Boston although we are extending part of the clinical conference to include Washington DC. We fully expect that some of you may want to spend a few more days in NY or seek to travel to other destinations in the US.

For more information, please click here.

For registration, please click here.

AMA (WA) Charity Gala Dinner

Bookings are now open for the AMA (WA) Charity Gala Dinner and Awards Night to be held on Saturday 25 June 2016 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Please join us for a magical night of celebration, entertainment and prizes.

For all queries or to reserve your table at the dinner, please contact Skye Connor on 9273 3028 or via email.

Bookings can also be made on the AMA (WA) website.

Please note, following your completed online registration you will be redirected to the AMA (WA) homepage, and a confirmation email of your successful booking will be sent to your email address.

Management Liability Insurance – Giving you peace of mind.

“I don’t need another Liability policy, I already have Public & Products Liability Insurance?” “Surely, my Professional Indemnity policy already covers me?”

Imagine the impact that any one of the following claim scenarios could have upon your business:

• A personal claim against you by a disgruntled competitor, creditor or shareholder;
• Your criminal prosecution as a result of a breach of OH&S legislation;
• Allegations of discrimination, harassment, unfair dismissal etc. by an employee - past or present;
• Employees (including your most trusted) committing fraud or embezzlement of your funds.

For more information, please click here. 

GP Locum required

GP is required for Perth Metro Locum, South of the River, from 27 June to 15 July 2016.

You will be working in a busy three-doctor, AGPAL accredited private general practice.

There is a long-established patient base and you will be supported by the experienced practice nurse and the efficient, friendly reception staff.

For more information and to register your interest, please click here

Clinical Academic Contracts

The AMA (WA) understands that a number of clinical academics have not had contracts renewed, or been given notice that the contract will not be renewed.

If you are in this position the AMA would like to hear from you by contacting one of our industrial advisors, namely Marcia Kuhne, Josephine Auerbach or Simon Bibby.

Nominations for the 2016 AMA (WA) Awards now open

The AMA (WA) is calling for nominations of medical professionals who have made a significant contribution to medicine.

The award will be judged by an independent panel, with the prestigious 'Hippo' prize at the AMA (WA) Awards Dinner to be held on Saturday 25 June 2016.

Nominations are invited from all sectors of the medical  profession. It is expected that nominees will have demonstrated a tireless dedication to either the service of others, their chosen fields, or be a pioneer in the health and medical research sector.

Nominations close on Friday 29 April 2016.
 

To nominate an individual for this award, please send an email with a summary of your nominee's achievements and contributions to Skye Connor.

2016 Junior Doctor of the Year Award

This annual Award has been established by Helen and Norm Michener, with the assistance and support of the AMA (WA), to honour the life and achievements of their beloved daughter, Dr Camille Michener, who tragically died in a car accident on 24 July 2009.

The Award recognises the significant and outstanding contribution of our Doctors in Training to the Medical Profession and the Community in areas such as teaching and education; leadership and advocacy; and doctor’s wellbeing and community service.

These were all activities and values significant to Camille. The Award establishes a fitting legacy to all that Camille achieved in her short time with us and will ensure that we celebrate the ongoing contributions that our Doctors in Training make amongst their colleagues, the profession and in and for the Community.

Nominations for this award close on Friday 29 April 2016.

For further information about Dr Camille Michener, including eligibility and criteria, please click here.

Notification of lead poisoning

AMA (WA) members are reminded that any medical practitioner attending a person who is or may be suffering from lead poisoning is required to notify the Executive Director, Public Health.

The NHMRC has recently reviewed the evidence on the health effects of lead and how these health risks can be minimised. After extensive consultation, the NHMRC now recommends that if a person has a blood lead level greater than 5 micrograms per decilitre, the source of exposure should be investigated .

It is proposed to amend the Health (Notifications of Lead Poisoning) Regulations 1985 to provide for the blood lead level required for notification.

In line of the recommendation of the NHMRC the regulations will define 'lead poisoning' as a blood lead level of greater than 5 micrograms per decilitre.

Comments on the regulation change are welcomed - if you would like to provide comment to the Department of Health. please do so via email by 13 May 2016. 

AMA National Conference 2016

With the chance of an early Federal election in July, the AMA National Conference in Canberra in May is the perfect opportunity to put the national spotlight on health policy.

The AMA 2016 Conference will be a showcase of politics, policy, and medical professionalism.

Featured speakers on opening day are Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (tbc), Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, Health Minister Sussan Ley (tbc), Shadow Health Minister Catherine King, and Greens Leader Senator Dr Richard Di Natale.

Date: Friday 27 May - Sunday 29 May

For more information, please click here. 

For registration, please click here. 

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