Bullying, fear of reprisals rife among King Edward Memorial Hospital staff

An internal report has revealed that patient safety at Perth’s largest maternity hospital has been seriously affected by a raft of issues, such as bullying and chronic staffing shortages.

A survey of King Edward Memorial Hospital employees was told staff were afraid to disclose details of bullying throughout the ageing facility because they “had to watch their back”.

AMA (WA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said the report uncovered a host of worrying issues.

“Many of these issues are potentially dangerous, including inconsistent health quality, significant under-reporting of adverse events, evidence of a ‘bullying culture’ at the hospital and lack of clinical engagement,” he said.

For more on this report, please click here. 

Increased activity of the mosquito-borne Barmah Forest virus

The mosquito and arbovirus surveillance program undertaken by the Department of Health has detected ongoing activity of Barmah Forest virus (BFV) in mosquito populations in the southwest of Western Australia. BFV has been detected in 16 pools of mosquitoes collected in the Peel and Leschenault regions between August and October 2017.

However, notified human cases of BFV in the region have remained low with just one case in the Leschenault region in September and one case in the Peel region in October.

In contrast, while Ross River virus (RRV) has not been detected in mosquito populations in the southwest, there have been six human cases notified in the Leschenault region and 16 in the Peel region between August and October 2017.

Mosquito numbers in coastal areas of the south-west are increasing due to the recent warmer spring weather and the Department of Health wishes to remind general practitioners to request testing for both RRV and BFV for any patients presenting with symptoms to ensure all cases are recognised and reported. This will assist with defining high risk areas of the south-west so that vector mosquito populations in those areas are appropriately managed.

If you would like further information on mosquito-borne disease in WA, please contact Medical Entomology  

AMA Corporate Travel Insurance

AMA Insurance Brokers offers an Annual Corporate Travel Insurance that provides exceptional value and quality cover. 

Enjoy the benefits of a superior corporate travel cover without the paperwork, medical certificates or the need to predict your trips and confirm approval for changes.

Discounted premiums from $440* now apply. Speak to our Client Relations team on 1800 262 287 (Free Call) or email us to find out more

Health precinct a game-changer for Murdoch

Become a part of Perth’s world class health and knowledge precinct, featuring five integrated buildings that will include:

• 12,500sqm office/medical space*
• 5,000sqm retail space*

• 175 residential apartments*

• 150 bed aged care facility*
• Medical hotel
• Short-stay accommodation

Fini Group is seeking medical and commercial expressions of interest for the vibrant mixed-use precinct, where people will live, work and be entertained.

For further information, please click here.

*Approximately

Flu season ahead: be prepared

AMA Medical Products have teamed up with market leading Flu Vaccine Manufacturer Sanofi to ensure that we're one step ahead of the 2018 flu season.

AMA Medical Products is offering an early bird offer, so get in quick and beat the price rise on vaccines. Discounts apply to volume purchases.

For more information, please click here. 
 

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