Talk about the zeitgeist. Our Medicus cover story this month is all about climate change, particularly as it applies to the health system, and what we can do to start addressing these issues as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.

The cover headline is 'Time is Running Out'. Well, for the Coalition in government, time did run out, and climate change played a major role. This is clear from record votes for the Greens, and, in particular, the impact of a swathe of independents.

They essentially took on the Liberal Party in traditional seats, mostly on the back of a call for greater action on climate. In eyewatering numbers, they won, including, most likely, Kate Chaney in the blue-ribbon Liberal seat of Curtin.

The 2022 Hospital Health Check (HHC) is officially up and running. Hospital Health Check is more than just a survey, it's the perfect opportunity for doctors in training to have their say about workplaces and working conditions. Views are shared anonymously on everything from teaching and training to overtime and payslips.

Hospital executives and administrators use the HHC survey results to identify what they're doing well, and where they need to improve. Some hospitals then develop initiatives or revise existing processes to effect real change. This is the power of the HHC.
HHC was created by DiTs to help their peers assess working conditions and make informed decisions when selecting the health campuses where they wish to work. Interns and DiTs use the survey results for this very reason every year.

How does your hospital rate? Where will you apply to work next year? Watch this space. And make sure you’ve completed the survey before 1 June.

Doctors in Training (DiTs) have long borne the brunt of the significant deficit in access to personal and PD leave.

“Leave access is appalling – it takes months for leave to be approved or rejected. They don’t hire adequately so there is no cover for sick days or annual leave,” said one survey respondent to the 2021 Hospital Health Check, which painted a damning picture of the situation at most public hospitals.

While the border opening and removing of public health measures has exacerbated the issues, this 2015 article shows just how long DiTs have bemoaned their plight and sought solutions.

While the AMA (WA) has been calling out the Government for failing to restore a mask mandate, and not bringing back key public health measures, pressures have been increasing on the ambulance service, with some tragic outcomes in recent days.

The Government has responded by increasing its oversight over St John's. However, with hospital capacity still severely lagging, and the new peak not yet reached, it remains to be seen whether the situation improves with the urgency required.

The Federal AMA has been putting its resources to these matters from a national perspective, reflecting a troubled health system, not just in WA, but nationally. Take a look at the AMA Ambulance Ramping Report Card to see just how bad the situation has become.

The Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (RO Act) imposes financial accountability obligations on Federal Registered Unions.

The ASMOF WA Branch Financial Report is now available and was emailed to ASMOF WA members on 13 May 2022.

ASMOF WA members who would like more information can email industrial@amawa.com.au.

The Department of Health Clinical Excellence Division is seeking to appoint a talented doctor to this senior leadership role. This is a fixed-term, full-time appointment for up to five years. Part-time will also be considered for the right candidate.

This role ensures the development and achievement of the strategic aims and objectives of the WA health system in clinical and related activities. It will also provide leadership within the Department of Health in respect to system-wide clinical matters and oversee the development and planning of the medical workforce in Australia

Applications close: 26 May at 4pm.

Members are invited to attend the 61st AMA (WA) Annual General Meeting (AGM). Due to high COVID-19 caseloads in WA, this year's AGM is being held online via Zoom on Monday 13 June from 6.30pm. 

You must register to attend the online AGM. Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

It is anticipated that the AGM will last no longer than 45 minutes. A copy of the AGM agenda can be found here.

The results of the AMA (WA) Council Elections 2022 will also be announced on the night of the AGM.

To help you complete your tax return, including Working from Home (WFH), this checklist outlines income and expenses you need to disclose to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) when lodging your return. We’ve also provided an overview of the types of tax offsets and deductions you may be entitled to claim plus other handy tax tips.

We welcome Briony Gouldthorp to the AMA Financial Services team. She brings a wealth of experience in her role as a Financial Advisor, with a view to developing long-term relationships with members by providing an ongoing, comprehensive advice offering and working together to understand their individual circumstances.

Michael Crossland has packed an incredible amount into a life that's included a long stint in hospital, having survived a rare form of life-threatening cancer and been the sole survivor of a cancer drug trial. 

Somehow that hasn't stopped him from representing his country at sport, forging an outstanding corporate careeer, or running a school and orphanage in Haiti.

Now, participants at MEDCON22 get to join more than 600,000 people worldwide who've heard Michael's reflections on how he got to where he is, and what he's learnt along the way.

Prepare to be inspired!

Do you have a pair of loud, quirky or 'crazy' socks? Interested in winning $600 for promoting the message that doctors' mental health matters?

The Doctors' Health Advisory Service WA (DHASWA) is excited to announce its annual Crazy Socks 4 Docs Competition 2022.

Crazy Socks 4 Docs (CS4D) was established by Dr Geoff Toogood to break down the stigma of doctors' mental health. This year, CS4D Day will be held on Friday 3 June.

The Competition encourages doctors to spread the #crazysocks4docs message of awareness, advocacy, and action in doctors’ mental health. The Competition gives doctors, medical students, and organisations the opportunity to win $600 towards a wellbeing activity simply by posting your socks and following DHASWA.

The annual AMA (WA) Awards are nearly upon us again. Nominations are now open for the Hippocrates Award and the Junior Doctor of the Year Award (Dr Camille Michener Legacy Award).

This is your chance to make sure the outstanding work of your colleagues is recognised and celebrated. Please spread the word, and encourage others to nominate.

This year, the awards will be presented at MEDBALL22 during MEDCON22.

Submit your nominations below.