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President's message
Welcome to our final newsletter for 2023. As we wrap up our work and prepare for 2024, we would like to thank all doctors who help keep our communities healthy throughout the year.
As health needs across NSW show no signs of slowing down, I acknowledge the demands this places on practitioners, and emphasise the importance of self-care this holiday season. We ask all doctors to take care of themselves especially at this time of year, and ask what well-being might look like for each of you. We have recorded a very special podcast with AMA NSW president and GP Dr Michael Bonning in conversation with Dr Penelope Elix on doctor self-care. We share a snapshot of our work from our latest annual report released this month including trends in the types of complaints referred to us.
Dr Jennifer Kendrick AM
President
Medical Council of NSW
Self-care for doctors and supporting better health
Doctors are deeply committed to caring for others but can sometimes neglect their own health needs and wellbeing, with only 50% of Australian doctors having their own GP, compared to 87% of the general population.
Listen to our latest podcast with host Dr Penelope Elix in conversation with and Dr Michael Bonning, GP and AMS NSW President on the importance of practitioners and students having a regular doctor and ways to access support and resources to support your own wellbeing.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast via Spotify, Apple or your favourite platform so you will be the first to hear our next episode on telehealth in 2024.
Medical Council snapshot
We wrap up our spotlight series for 2023, taking a look at the Medical Council's work in the 2022-23 financial year including complaint trends.
S8 Authority extended to new medical specialties
The Pharmaceutical Regulatory Unit (Ministry of Health) has updated the requirements to prescribe S8 psychostimulant medicines (dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate) to non-drug dependent patients for the treatment of ADHD. These changes recognise the scope of practice and expertise of psychiatrists, paediatricians and neurologists and are intended to reduce burden on patients, carers and families.
Psychiatrists, paediatricians and neurologists are now authorised to prescribe or supply a Schedule 8 psychostimulant medicine under the conditions of a class authority issued by the Ministry of Health.
Prescriptions issued under the class authority must be endorsed with the class authority number ‘CA2023’. For more information on who can prescribe psychostimulant medicines and approval requirements refer to who can prescribe a psychostimulant medicine.
Use of the title "surgeon" is now protected
New laws have been introduced as part of the suite of reforms by regulators to support patient safety in cosmetic surgery. As part of these changes, on 3 November an amendment of Part 7 of the National Law (NSW) was made, making it an offence for a medical practitioner to use the title “surgeon” unless they are a member of a “surgical class”. There is a maximum penalty of $60,000 for an individual and/or 3 years’ imprisonment or a maximum penalty of $120,000 for a body corporate.
A “surgical class” includes medical practitioners holding specialist registration in surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology (see section 115A of the National Law). The Ministerial Council has the power to add other surgical classes who can use the title “surgeon” via regulation. This important milestone will help to better protect practitioners and patients considering cosmetic surgery.
Medical students essay prize winners announced
Congratulations to all the NSW medical student who entered the Council’s annual essay prize. This year students explored and reflected on the importance of medical students and practitioners having their own doctor and ways to improve self-care and well-being within the profession. Read the winning essay from Callum Fraser (University of Western Sydney) and runner up Dylan Foskett (Macquarie University)
Voluntary assisted dying – changes to death certificate forms
The introduction of voluntary assisted dying for terminally ill people in NSW from 28 November 2023 has meant there have been changes to MCCD form.
News bites
Connect with us on LinkedIn
Our LinkedIn page is your helpful source to stay updated on the latest public developments, regulatory news, and insights from the Medical Council of NSW. Connect with our community of doctors, health regulators and thought leaders.
Holiday office hours
We are operating at reduced capacity over the holiday season. Our office will be closed on the upcoming public holidays only, and urgent complaints will still be processed over the remainder of this period.
You can send us an email if you have a particular comment or suggestion about this edition.
