Serco contract cancellation the right step. Now there must be an inquiry

The State Government has made the right decision in removing the Fiona Stanley Hospital sterilisation contract from Serco. However, it must immediately conduct a review into the circumstances under which it was awarded, AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Gannon has said.

“The proper sterilisation of operating theatre equipment is a core aspect of best practice clinical care. Who provides that service is a vital consideration in delivering world class health care,” Dr Gannon said.

For more information please click here. 

AMA (WA) submission for State-wide Methamphetamine Action Plan

The AMA (WA) welcomes the opportunity to comment on the WA Labor proposal to develop a State-wide Methamphetamine Action Plan.

With academic research and anecdotal evidence obtained by the AMA (WA) indicating that harms arising from methamphetamine use are increasing, this is a timely initiative and one which the Association strongly supports.

To view the Association's submisison, please click here. 

AMA (WA) congratulates WA Primary Health Alliance for winning Primary Health Networks contract

The AMA (WA) has congratulated the WA Primary Health Alliance Limited on its successful contract negotiations to operate WA's Primary Health Network (PHN).

With a Board that includes former AMA (WA) President Dr Richard Choong and AMA (WA) Councillor Dr Marcus Tan, both highly-regarded GPs, the AMA (WA) looks forward to  WA Primary Health Alliance strongly supporting and enhancing the service and delivery of General Practice in the State.

To read Federal Health Minister Sussan Ley's release on the launch of Primary Health Network, please click here.

Clarification regarding the use of Trivalent or Quadrivalent influenza vaccine

Following some confusion regarding the use of Trivalent and Quadrivalent influenza vaccines the Department of Health has provided the AMA the following advice:

• The 2015 National Influenza Vaccination Program is using a trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV).
• A quadrivalent immunisation vaccine (QIV) is also available on the private market.
• The QIV is expected to be at least as effective as TIV, and may offer additional benefit through protection against an additional influenza B strain.  However, there is currently little information on the extent that this will translate into additional clinical benefit for patients.
• It is anticipated that the National Immunisation Program 2015 TIV will offer good protection against the 2015 influenza season strains.
• The Immunisation Providers factsheet is available on the Immunise Australia website.

Patients who had the seasonal influenza vaccine anytime in 2014 still need to be vaccinated in 2015 to maintain immunity against influenza. Given the 2015 TIV vaccine contains two new strains, it is especially important that those at risk be vaccinated.

2015 Junior Doctor of the Year nominations now open

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 ths award are now open, and entries close on Friday 1 May 2015.

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

Locum Availability

Are you looking for a locum in July/August 2015?

We have a female vocationally registered doctor who is currently planning her locum commitments and has some dates available in her schedule for the months of July and August 2015.

If you would like to secure the services of our highly qualified and skilled locum during this period and are located in a District of Workforce Shortage please contact Margaret Templeton on 9273 3033 or via email.

AGPT Applications now open

Is General Practice the career for you? Then consider applying for the 2016 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program.

The AGPT program is three to four years of full-time training offered in urban, regional and rural locations nationally, delivered through training providers across Australia.

These training providers deliver training towards two vocational endpoints recognised by Medicare Australia: Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP), and Fellowship of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM).

Applications for the AGPT program  are now open and close on Friday 8 May 2015.

For more information contact WAGPET on (08) 9473 8200 or via email.

General Practice Stakeholder Group launches new website

The GP Stakeholder Group (GPS) has launched a brand new website for those interested in a career of general practice in Western Australia.

GPS is a collaboration between a number of organisations working together to support the promotion and recruitment of General Practitioners in Western Australia.

Established in 2009, the aim of the group is to increase the profile of General Practice in Western Australia and aims for the continuous improvement in the recruitment of doctors into general practice.

To receive information about opportunities in GP please complete an expression of interest form.

AMA (WA) Charity Gala Dinner - book now!

Bookings are now open for the AMA (WA) Charity Gala Dinner and Awards Night to be held on Saturday 1 August 2015 at the Crown Perth Ballroom. 

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.

Nominations for the 2015 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 1 August 2015.

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 1 May 2015.

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

2015 AMA (WA) Clinical Conference

The 2015 AMA (WA) Clinical Conference and Post Conference tours will be held in Cape Town, Pilanesburg and Zambia – Africa, from 20 August to 2 September.

This will be the eighth of our very successful overseas Clinical Conferences, following memorable tours to Shanghai, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, Spain and Portugal, South America and Russia. In Africa, delegates will once again experience the delights of an exciting overseas destination in the company of colleagues with the AMA looking after all of the details.

The Conference Itinerary promises an informative Clinical program featuring South African and Australian speakers on a range of clinical topics, spectacular sightseeing opportunities, luxurious accommodation, some fantastic shopping, traditional dining and an opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Africa. The tailor made itinerary includes many highlights to be shared with a group of colleagues from a variety of medical specialties and interests.

The Clinical program incorporates topics relevant to a range of medical disciplines and speakers from Australia and South Africa will present topical and interesting professional education sessions with CPD points allocated.

The AMA Tour Convenor will assist delegates throughout the tour to ensure that all they need to do is relax and enjoy the Africa experience. Our customised tours are exclusive to the AMA group and will be accompanied by expert guides. Family members are most welcome to join us for the Cape Town Conference tour as well as the Pilanesburg and Zambia Post Conference tour. You will see from the itinerary that there is something for everyone.

All you need to do now is take a look at the registration brochure for full details of the AMA (WA) Conference and Post Conference tours and complete the online registration. For any enquiries, contact Chris Kane at the AMA on 9273 3060 or via email.

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 from early May for only $65 you will receive over $20,000 worth of discounts and offers valid until 1 June, 2016.

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% 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.

AMA Annual Corporate Travel Insurance – Special Introductory Offer

AMA Insurance Brokers is pleased to announce a special introductory offer for those interested in recieving comprehensive and affordable travel insurance. 

Enjoy exceptional value and protection for your next trip, because the unexpected is the one thing you should expect when travelling.

Contact AMA Insurance Brokers on 9273 3077 or visit the website for more information. 

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