Over-the-counter codeine - changes to supply

From 1 February 2018, medicines that contain low-dose codeine will no longer be available without prescription in pharmacies.

The medicines affected include codeine-containing combination analgesics, available under brand names such as Panadeine, Nurofen Plus and Mersyndol, and pharmacy generic pain relief products, and codeine-containing cough, cold and flu products, available under brand ranges such as Codral, Demazin and pharmacy generic cough, cold and flu medicines.

Research shows that current over-the-counter low-dose (< 30 mg) codeine-containing products offer little additional pain relief when compared to similar medicines without codeine.
 

There is evidence to suggest that paracetamol/ibuprofen combinations available as a single pill can be offered as an alternative to codeine-based analgesics for short-term management of pain in patients able to take NSAIDs and for whom paracetamol alone is not sufficient.

For more information, please click here. 
 

Update on hourly units for Sessional Practitioners

Health Shared Services (HSS) is planning to convert Sessional Practitioners from sessional units to ensuring they are paid in hourly units. This is a program that is scheduled to take place across the major hospitals from September 2017 through to June 2018 to ensure correct application of penalties on part sessions under the WA Health System – Medical Practitioners – AMA Industrial Agreement 2016 (the AMA Industrial Agreement).

The AMA (WA) has raised concerns about the process but not the payment of penalties. Based on past experience, practitioners have had entitlements reduced, or alternatively have leave accruals incorrectly applied which have to be paid back at a later date.

For more information on this update, please click here. 

Ross River and Barmah Forest virus disease risk warning

The Department of Health is reminding residents and travellers in the south-west region of Western Australia, including the Perth metropolitan area, to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites over the coming months.

The warning follows the first detection of mosquito-borne disease activity in the region for the 2017/18 mosquito season.

The Department has an information pack for health practitioners, to access this information, please click here. 

Hard copies of the GP guide and other resources are also available on request, simply contact
Dr Abbey Potter at the Environmental Health Directorate.
 

GP required for training practice in Rockingham

AMA Recruit is looking for a General Practitioner to work in a GP led, WAGPET family practice.

This family practice has six GPs, large consult rooms with natural light and you’ll work alongside two passionate partners, who have practised in the area for over 20 years -  so there is a loyal following in the community.

You’ll take over an established patient base, and there is high demand for GP services.

This is a purpose built medical centre, with well-resourced treatment rooms, alongside the district hospital.

If you’re interested in this role, contact Dave Bell at AMA Recruit.

2017 Dr YES Charity Golf Tournament

The AMA (WA) invites you to participate in the 2017
Dr YES Charity Golf Tournament on Friday 3 November 2017 at the Royal Perth Golf Club.

We look forward to welcoming you to this annual event to share an enjoyable day with your colleagues, business partners and clients. There will be some amazing items up for auction, and as usual, proceeds will go to AMA (WA)’s Dr YES program.

The Ambrose tournament will allow for players of varying degrees of golfing prowess to get involved, and will be just as much fun for the novice golfer as the more experienced players in your team.

Registrations are now open – simply complete the Acceptance Form and send to Skye Connor at AMA (WA) via fax (9273 3073) or email.

Last year’s event was fully booked, so be sure to sign up early to secure your place!

For more information or to register, please click here.

AMA Financial Services - the new super rules contain some good news

The 2017 superannuation changes provide new opportunities for you to finance the cost of your life insurance needs.

The 10 per cent rule is history. This rule prevented employees making additional tax deductible contributions into superannuation, even though their additional contributions were within the concessional (tax deductible) contributions cap.

Outline of new measures

From 1 July 2017, you may make additional deductible personal contributions into superannuation, provided that you do not exceed your concessional contribution caps.

This means that any unused concessional contribution cap amounts can fund personal insurance arrangements in a tax effective way.

For more information, please click here.

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MIGA Doctors in Training Grants Program

MIGA’s Doctors in Training (DiT) Grants Program provides funding to assist doctors in training pursue advanced training opportunities in Australia and abroad. 

The funding is intended to assist doctors meet the costs incurred in pursuing their training opportunity. Costs may include travel, accommodation, program fees and other associated expenses

Four individual DiT Grants of $5,000 each are available, and applications for the 2017 program are now open. 

For more information, please click here. 

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