 |
Dear
Welcome to the AMA's online newsletter |
1
September
2015 Issue #
79
|
 |
AMA (WA) fully supports evidence given to Parliamentary Inquiry
The AMA (WA) fully supports the comments made by Dr Ian Jenkins at the recent Parliamentary Inquiry into Fiona Stanley Hospital.
AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Gannon said that he stood by the evidence Dr Jenkins gave to the Standing Committee, adding the AMA (WA) speaks with “one voice”.
“Dr Jenkins was there representing the AMA. I couldn’t think of anyone more appropriate – a former AMA (WA) Vice President, the Chairman of our Public Hospital Doctor’s Committee and someone who works in the hospital. What better person to give evidence before the Inquiry,” Dr Gannon said.
The AMA (WA) met with the Minister for Health, Dr Kim Hames, on 31 August 2015 to discuss the responses to the AMA’s survey relating to the reconfiguration of SMHS which were highlighted during the AMA’s evidence to the Inquiry.
At the meeting it was agreed the Government and the AMA would work collaboratively together to find improvements at Fiona Stanley Hospital for the benefit of patients, staff and the community.
For more information, please click here.
|
|
 |
Medicare Scam warning for GPs
The AMA (WA) warns GPs that a number of practices have received hoax letters from a company claiming to be Medicare.
The letter refers to 'unusually high servicing levels', and warns that an assessor may have to come and review your practice.
Any GPs who receive this letter should call medicare direct and not the number listed on the letter. A sample of the letter being sent to practices can be found here.
For further details or information, please contact the AMA (WA) on (08) 9273 3000 or email Michael Prendergast.
|
|
|
Evaluation of the Paediatric Chronic Diseases Transition Framework
The WA Child and Youth Health Network are undertaking an evaluation of the implementation of the Paediatric Chronic Diseases Transition Framework.
The objective of the Paediatric Chronic Diseases Transition Framework is to provide clinicians, healthcare staff, patients and their carers with a comprehensive suite of strategies to assist in the effective and seamless transition of young people to adult services.
The evaluation will focus on how the framework is currently being implemented within adult hospitals to assist patient transition from paediatric to adult services.
We encourage you to have your say in the evaluation of the transition framework through the online consultation.
|
|
 |
AMA Apprenticeship & Traineeship Services
If you are looking to recruit an apprentice or trainee for your organisation, or would like information on training options and government incentives, please contact AMA Apprenticeship & Traineeship Services (AMAATS) on 1800 808 568, or send us a message via our website.
AMAATS is an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) that can help you streamline and reduce the complexities involved in trainee and apprentice recruitment. Operating across Western Australia, our field officers are located in Albany, Broome, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Mandurah, Northam and Port Hedland.
|
|
 |
Support AMA (WA) Foundation - Order your 2015/2016 Entertainment Book now!
The Entertainment Book and Digital Membership is your guide to the most popular restaurants, attractions, shopping, travel and more.
Available now for only $65 you will receive over $20,000 worth of discounts and offers valid until 1 June, 2016. Check out the book and all its offers by clicking here.
Digital Membership makes it more convenient by having it available on your iPhone or Android, while the traditional Book Membership comes with a Gold card and Vouchers.
With every membership sold 20 per cent will be donated to the AMA(WA) Foundation. The AMA (WA) Foundation was established in 1996 and is comprised of The Dr YES and Youth Friendly Doctor programs which were developed to address important health issues facing youth.
Each year more and more GPs are trained to be Youth Friendly and thanks to the Dr YES program thousands of young people across Western Australia engage in high school sessions which encourage open and honest communication about the important health issues that they are facing.
In light of your support, the AMA (WA) will be offering free postage for a limited time.
|
|
 |
AMA Medical Products launches new website
AMA Medical Products is proud to announce the launch of its new website.
Simplify your next fit-out and have a look at the extensive range of products on offer at the new e-commerce store.
With over 6000 products sourced from international and Australian manufacturers and suppliers, AMA Medical Products acts as the preferred or exclusive local supplier for Becton Dickinson, Welch Allyn, Vitalograph, EDAN Instruments, Siemens, Patterson’s Medical, Interacoustics and Cardiac Science.
To access the website, please click here.
|
|
|
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 health care 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.
There are still spaces available in the remaining Youth Friendly Doctor workshops for the 2015 program:
- 20th October: Young People, Ethics and The Law
- 3rd November: Mental Health Disorders: Diagnosis and Assessment
- 17th November: Mental Health Disorders: The Psychosocial Wellbeing of 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.
If you would like more information about the program please contact the AMA (WA) via email or phone (9273 3000).
|
|
 |
AMA CPR Training
A three hour CPR training course is available for you and your staff, either on-site at your practice or we can book the training at AMA training rooms. Please click here for information.
The learning outcomes of this unit provide the participant with a Nationally Recognised Unit of Competency:
HLTAID001 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Please contact AMA Training Services by email or phone (08 9273 3033) for more information and a competitive quote.
|
|
|
Report on Trends in hospitalised injury Australia
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released a new report on Trends in hospitalised injury Australia: 1999-00 to 2012-13
This report shows that the rate of injury hospitalised cases in Australia rose from 1999-00 to 2012-13 by an average of 1% per year. In 2012-13, case numbers and rates were higher for males than females for all age groups to 60-64, and higher for females for age groups 65-69 and older.
For more information, please click here.
|
|
|
Lyme Disease Progress Report: New guideline and current research
The latest Progress Report on Lyme Disease in Australia issued by the Chief Medical Officer announces the release of an Australian guideline on the diagnosis of overseas acquired Lyme disease/borreliosis, to assist doctors when considering Lyme disease infection in Australians travelling in endemic areas.
The Progress Report also has news of recent research into potential pathogens in Australian ticks that has revealed at least one new species for further investigation. Professor Peter Irwin’s research, while not detecting Lyme disease Borrelia bacteria in Australian ticks, has detected the DNA from a Borrelia species associated with relapsing fever.
The species was detected in one Australian tick collected from a wild echidna, out of a sample of 196 ticks. Professor Irwin emphasises that it is not yet appropriate to link the bacteria he found in the ticks to them causing disease in humans.
For more information, please click here.
|
|
|
Primary health care system overhaul
In recent weeks, the AMA has been preparing its response to the Primary Health Care Review, which forms a major part of the Government’s efforts to remodel the primary health system to improve the care of patients with chronic and complex conditions.
The Review, chaired by immediate-past AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, recently released a discussion paper that outlines a range of areas for potential reform, some of which the AMA has long supported, such as GP-led team-based care.
Federal AMA President, Professor Brian Owler, said that the discussion paper also challenges the profession to consider new payment models, and this is something that will require ongoing discussion.
“If the Government is genuine about improving how we care for patients with chronic and complex disease in primary care, greater investment and genuine commitment to positive reform is needed,” Professor Owler said.
For more information, please click here.
|
|
|
|
Automated PBS Authority approvals expected by the end of the year
The AMA has received advice from the Department of Human Services (DHS) that it is planning to implement, by December 2015, the PBS Authorities Online, which will streamline and automate the PBS authority approval process for general authority items and increased quantities and repeats.
The online solution will allow Approved Prescribers to apply for a PBS authority approval through two online channels:
Health Professionals Online Services (HPOS), or Web services integrated into clinical or prescribing software.
The Department has been consulting with the profession about this proposal through monthly forums, on which the AMA is represented.
The AMA has also been helping the Department coordinate site visits to practices to help inform the development process.
Further updates will be provided as they become available.
|
|
End of Life Care Seminar
This interactive session is intended for health professionals at any stage of their career to better assist patients with end of life care planning and issues relating to capacity. Speakers from MDA National will lead discussions involving:
-
the practitioner’s role in evaluating capacity;
-
fitness to drive;
-
issues around Enduring Power of Attorney and Guardianship, death certification and reportable deaths;
-
how to effective manage bereavement and appropriate release of deceased patients notes; and
-
detailed discussion on end of life care and Advanced Health Directives – legal aspects, communication and managing family expectations.
Date: Tuesday 15 September 2015
Venue: 14 Stirling Highway.
For more information, please click here.
| |
Co-occurring alcohol and other drugs and mental health
Comorbid mental health and alcohol and other drug
(AOD) use issues are common.
Many people experience multiple disorders, a severe illness course and have poor treatment outcomes despite high utilization of services.
These patients present substantial challenges for practitioners and treatment services who may find themselves ill-prepared and/or lacking confidence in their ability to effectively respond.
This session will explore some of the issues impacting clients with comorbid issues and address the importance of routine screening and brief interventions.
Date: Tuesday 22 September 2015
Venue: 14 Stirling Highway, Nedlands
For more information, please click here.
| |
AMA (WA) Annual Charity Golf Day
The AMA (WA) invites you to participate in the AMA Foundation Charity Golf Day on Friday 30 October 2015 at Royal Perth Golf Club.
We look forward to welcoming you to this annual event to share an enjoyable day with your colleagues, business partners or 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.
For more information, please click here.
|  |
Get a great gift for Father's Day with Bose
Treat dad with a special gift from Bose Subiaco this Father's Day.
Featuring a fantastic range of products and surround sound options at massively discounted prices, there's something here for everyone!
For more information, please click here.
|  |
Exclusive Father's Day Gift Specials
Take advantage of these Mother of Pearl cufflinks from Willie Creek Pearls exclusively priced at $45 for AMA (WA) members.
Simply enter the relevant code on the online store in the checkout section to recieve your offer.
Free delivery and gift wrapping is availble for all online orders.
Offer is valid until 8 September or while stocks last.
Click here to start shopping!
|  |
Discounts on Cirque du Soleil's latest blockbuster
The critically acclaimed TOTEM from Cirque du Soleil has arrived in Perth and is now playing under the Big Top at Belmont Park Racecourse.
The AMA (WA) has secured an exclusive discount of 25 per cent off Level 1, 2 and 3 seats for selected performances from 1 to 13 September.
Featuring a cast of 45 acrobats, actors, musicians and singers, TOTEM is an uplifting array of athleticism, comedy, heartfelt emotions and surprising visual effects.
To access this incredible offer, please click here.
Full priced tickets for other dates or for VIP or Premium seats are also available here.
|  |
Exclusive discounts to whale watching tours courtesy of Rottnest Express
AMA (WA) Members have been offered an exclusive 25 per cent discount on Whale Watching Tours courtesy of Rottnest Express.
Witness the largest migration of whales in the southern hemisphere on this incredible two hour tour, with the guarantee that you see whales or your next tour is free!
The season operates from 5 September to late November 2015.
For more information, 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!
|  |
The Med e-link (WA) distribution list has been updated. If you wish to change your
email address, please reply to this email. To update your contact details with the
AMA (WA), please email us at mail@amawa.com.au.
If you no longer wish to receive this service, you can
unsubscribe
|
Copyright © 2013 Australian Medical Association of Western Australia
14 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009. Ph (08) 9273 3000 |
|
|
