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Welcome to the AMA's online newsletter

1 July 2016 Issue # 89

Feedback on Med e-link (WA) is welcomed. Send your views to medelink@amawa.com.au .

Excellence in medicine honoured at AMA (WA) Gala Dinner

One of Western Australia’s most distinguished academics and general practitioners, along with an indigenous health champion were recognised for their remarkable careers at a gala dinner held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre by the AMA (WA).

Emeritus Professor Max Kamien, who recently decided to restart his career as a GP in the town of Bourke at the sprightly age of 80, received the AMA Hippocrates Award for excellence in medicine. Prof Kamien is renowned for writing one of the most influential reports in Australian medical history. Popularly known as The Kamien Report, the report is one of the major reasons that rural medical training is now seen as vital for every medical school.

 

The AMA President’s Award, given to a non-clinician who has contributed greatly to health in Western Australia, was received by Associate Professor Ted Wilkes.


A/Prof Wilkes has collaborated with the AMA (WA) over many years to improve health outcomes for Indigenous Australians, producing the landmark publication A Medical Practitioner’s Guide to Aboriginal Health in 1998 – a resource that is still considered vital by any doctor who has interactions with Indigenous communities across the country.

For more on the AMA (WA) Gala Dinner and Awards Night, please click here

 

Dr Andrew Miller elected as AMA (WA) President

Dr Andrew Miller was elected AMA (WA) President at the Association's Annual General Meeting. 

Dr Miller served as Vice-President for the past two years under former President Dr Michael Gannon, who was recently elected AMA Federal President.

Dr Miller said he was excited to lead the AMA (WA) in the run-up to the coming State Election, to be held in March 2017.

 

“I’m looking forward to discussing the planned health policies of all political parties,” Dr Miller said.

“As AMA (WA) President I will favour the political party, be it government or opposition, that promises to genuinely consult with the AMA on changes to the health system and how best to find savings and improve morale and engagement.

“Unfortunately bureaucrat influence has taken precedence over many parts of health and they are making substantial changes in order to cut hospital budgets, while leaving clinicians in the dark, destroying valuable culture” he said.

“Bureaucrats are not the system. They are an important part of the system but they should not run the health system. It should be run in true partnership with doctors and nurses and the allied healthcare professionals who actually treat patients, Dr Miller said. 

 

Research shows impact of Medicare rebate freeze

Research from the University of Sydney’s Family Medicine Research Centre shows that, by the end of June 2020, an average full-time GP will have lost $109,000 in total income due to the Medicare rebate freeze since July 2015.

 

To account for this loss, researcher Christopher Harrison and his colleagues have found that, by July 2019, GPs would need to charge their general patients an $11.40 co-payment per consultation, assuming concessional patients are bulk-billed (relative to 2014-15).

 

For more information, please click here

 

2016 Hospital Health Check

How healthy is your hospital? The Hospital Health Check (HHC) is an annual opportunity for WA’s Doctors in Training (DiTs) to assess their hospitals on a range of issues.

 

The aim is to investigate just how well the metro hospitals are complying with their responsibilities under the Industrial Agreement and accreditation standards at both vocational and prevocational levels.

 

This year, around 500 DiTs undertook the survey and their responses have provided the AMA (WA) and its DiT Committee hard proof of where our system is working and where it isn’t. 

The results show that there is plenty of room for improvement for the hospitals to deliver what is required by the Industrial Agreement and accreditations standards for education and training.


The DiT Committee has shared the HHC data with each of the hospitals and invited them to collaborate with us to improve outcomes over the next 12 months. Their responses will be published in the next edition of Medicus.

To view the 2016 Hospital Health Check, please click here.

 

Clarification on HOD Guide Section 1: Overtime and Recall Business Rules

The AMA (WA) has been made aware of a document issued by PMH-PCH management entitled “HOD Guide – Section 1: Overtime and Recall Business Rules”.

 

It appears that there are several versions of this document, some marked as “draft”, others stamped as “version approved by PMH Executive”. 

 

Whilst the document purports to provide an interpretation of the relevant provisions of the Department of Health Medical Practitioners (Metropolitan Health Services) AMA Industrial Agreement 2013 (“the AMA Industrial Agreement”) relating to overtime, on call and recall applicable to JMOs and consultants, the Association wishes to state clearly that:-

 

  • it has not been consulted in the preparation of the document;
  • it does not agree with the content of the document;
  • the document does not have the official Department of Health status of an Operational Directive.

 

The Association met with PMH Management on 27 June to express its concerns. PMH Management acknowledged that the “guide” had no official status and was in the process of being further revised.

 

The Association has clearly communicated its view that any work performed by a practitioner whilst on call ought to be paid as a recall, regardless of whether the practitioner is performing unscheduled work or work which was expected to be performed as a matter of routine (such as weekend ward rounds).

 

Where weekend ward rounds are rostered as part of the practitioner’s ordinary contracted hours, this should be discussed with the practitioner, and their ordinary hours (and days) worked during the week must be reduced accordingly. 

 

If a practitioner’s claims for payment for call back has been rejected by HSS, the practitioner is advised to first refer the matter to Medical Administration at PMH, before contacting the AMA.

 

Access to core information critical to E-health record success

Doctors and other health workers need to have access to core clinical information in electronic medical records if the Federal Government’s My Health Record system is to deliver an improvement in patient care, the AMA has said.

 

Following the release of the AMA’s updated position statement, Shared Electronic Medical Records 2016, Federal AMA President Dr Michael Gannon said that giving patients the ability to block or modify access to critical information such as medications, allergies, discharge summaries, diagnostic test results, blood pressure and advance care plans compromised the clinical usefulness of shared electronic medical records loaded on the My Health Record system.

For more information, please click here

 

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.

 

Let HTA recruit quality trainees for your business

Looking for entry level reception and administration staff to support your busy practice? Consider traineeship recruitment through Health Training Australia (HTA).

 

It is a low risk, cost effective employment option for your business because the entire recruitment process is managed for you.

 

Our service includes the management of all advertising, pre-screening and interviewing of potential trainees at no cost to you; as well as payroll requirements such as Superannuation, Workers’ Compensation cover, mediation and associated employment paperwork. 

 

All trainees are employed directly by HTA and placed with your business as the ‘Host Employer’, while completing their training in BSB31115 Certificate III in Business Administration (Medical). HTA charges are very competitive and based on cost recovery.

 

AMA members seeking further information about traineeships and how they can support your business can contact HTA via email or call 9273 3033.

 

Book now and save for GP16

It’s time to start planning your attendance at GP16 – The RACGP conference for General Practice.


GP16 is Australia’s premier event for General Practice and offers the opportunity to earn both Category 1 and Category 2 QI&CPD points through a range of active learning modules (ALMs), workshops, sessions, short paper presentations and CPR workshops.


GP16 also features one of Australia’s largest general practice exhibitions and an exciting social program full of networking opportunities.


Register before 15 July 2016 to save up to $100 with early bird rates.

For more information and registration, please click here

 

Update on Australian Red Cross Blood Service Agreement

The AMA (WA) has finalised negotiations for a replacement enterprise agreement at the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. 

 

The Agreement should be registered in the next month. The Agreement affords members a 2.5 per cent increase per annum for a term of three years
 

For more information, please contact Simon Bibby on 9273 3000 or via email

Improve your customer service with AMA Training Services

AMA Training Services is delivering the Certificate IV in Customer Engagement (BSB40315), which is ideally suited for medical practice staff who undertake complex customer interactions and need excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

This nationally recognised Certificate is suited to people whose roles involve receiving and responding to complex customer requests or enquiries; handling customer complaints; using multi-channel communications; applying key performance indicators; leading a team; coaching staff; scheduling and organising; and gathering, interpreting and organising data capture.

The Certificate is available to both new and existing workers under a Traineeship arrangement through the WA Department of Training and Workforce Development. Employers may be eligible to receive up to $4000 in Australian Government incentives that could be used to cover the cost of the course where new workers are enrolled in the qualification. 

Members seeking further information about traineeships, course pricing and training material should contact Yvette McQueen or telephone (08) 9273 3033.

 

Update for policy holders of AMA Corporate Travel Insurance

Accident & Health International has issued a position statement in relation to the recent bombings at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul, with guidance on how any claims will be handled.

To view the statement, please click here. Members are encouraged to contact AMA Insurance Brokers on (08) 9273 3077 if they have any queries.

AMA Medical Products 2016 EOFY Promotion

AMA (WA) Medical Products is pleased to announce the launch of its 2016 end of financial year promotion!

 

With the promotion set to end by July 31 2016, there’s no better time to snap up some of the fantastic deals on offer.

 

For more information about the promotion, please click here, or call (08) 9273 3022.

 

 

 

Secure the financial future for you and your family

Alarmingly, less than half of Australians have it, (and most of us don’t think we need it), but income protection insurance is one insurance everyone of working age should be considering.

 

AMA Financial Services can assist you with Income Replacement, Life, Total Permanent Disability and Critical Illness Insurance to protect you and your family.

 

Call us on 08 9273 3077 or click here to make an enquiry.

RACGP QI&CPD Points when you complete Youth Friendly Doctor Workshops

The Youth Friendly Doctor (YFD) Program seeks to build the capacity of General Practitioners to communicate more effectively with young people, address the barriers young people face in accessing healthcare and promote adolescent friendly policies, facilities and service delivery.

 

This program is accredited with the RACGP and attracts Category 1 and or Category 2 QI&CPD points.

The next workshop in the YFD program is:

 

2 August: Eating Disorders in Young People

16 August: Social Media and the Internet: The Impact on Young People’s Wellbeing

30 August: Overweight and Obesity in Young People

 

Each workshop has an online classroom and therefore rural participants are encouraged to apply.

FREE for AMA (WA) members. $50 per workshop for non-members.


Please click here for the Registration Form.

If you would like more information please contact the AMA (WA) via email or phone (9273 3000).

 

Perth General Practice Conference & Exhibition

Perth GPCE, taking place from 23-24 July at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, is your opportunity to earn QI&CPD points across one weekend, network with peers and enjoy a rich educational program to support your continued education as a primary healthcare professional.


The AMA (WA) has two registrations to the event up for grabs valued at $770 each! Simply email Des Michael to go into the draw.

For more information and registration, please click here

 

Enjoy great savings with Aurelio Costarella

Aurelio Costarella is one of Australia’s most respected designer brands with seasonal collections ranged in the flagship boutique in Perth, Western Australia and in David Jones stores nationally. The E-boutique carries the largest selection of pieces and features online exclusives.

AMA (WA) members can enjoy up to 40 per cent off selected items, for more information and to view what's on offer, please click here


 

Free tickets to Swoon Choral Concert

On return from New York the magnificent Perth Symphonic Chorus, with conductor Margaret Pride, will perform a concert of exquisite and fun choral works to send you swooning. Enjoy some of the greatest hits from Elvis, Grease and many more. 

The AMA (WA) has two free tickets on offer - simply email Des Michael for your chance to win.

For more information and tickets, please click here

 

Enjoy 40 per cent off Le Creuset cookware

Le Creuset is recognised the world over for market-leading, premium quality ranges of enamelled cast iron cookware, multi-ply stainless steel, toughened non-stick, and stoneware, along with its outstanding range of wine accessories.

Established in 1925, Le Creuset has been making world-class cookware for almost 100 years, and innovation remains at the forefront of Le Creuset’s success. Used by leading chefs and keen cooks around the globe, Le Creuset cookware offers outstanding performance time after time.

The AMA (WA) is pleased to offer members an incredible 40 per cent discount on Le Creuset’s Casserole range.

For more information and to put in your order with the AMA (WA), please click here

 

Member Benefits

A wide variety of exciting events and movies are on offer in this month's On The Town.

 

To enter, visit AMA (WA) for your chance to win free double passes to one of these events.

 

Remember, AMA (WA) members have exclusive access to discounts across a wide range of goods and services.

 

Various categories of benefits are available and these can be viewed by visiting Member Benefits.

 

Not a member? Join now!

 


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