Hello Website Visitor

Welcome to the AMA (WA)'s first online newsletter. This service will provide members with up-to-date information about the wide range of activities conducted by the association. It is anticipated that Med e-link will be distributed to members every two weeks.

We look forward to your feedback. Email medelink@amawa.com.au.

Prof Geoff Dobb
President AMA (WA)

July 11, 2007

Flu deaths: AMA working with WAHD

The AMA (WA) is working closely with the WA Health Department to keep GPs informed on their investigations into the combined flu and bacterial infection which claimed the lives of three young children last week.

The association has circulated a HD information sheet to GPs and the department is advising parents whose children have cold or flu-like symptoms, including a cough and a fever, to see their doctor.

They are also advising parents to have their children vaccinated.

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July 5, 2007

Prof. Dobb re-elected AMA (WA) President

Prof Geoff Dobb has been re-elected President of the AMA (WA).

At the association's Annual General Meeting last week Dr Richard Choong and Prof Gary Geelhoed were also re-elected as Vice Presidents.

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July 3, 2007

AMA applauds new driver drug tests

The WA Government's planned assault on drug affected drivers has been applauded by the AMA (WA).

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June 29, 2007

AMA plan for improving Indigenous health

Aboriginal health in WA needs to come under the umbrella of a lead agency to co-ordinate the many departments and non-Government agencies now trying to cope with the problem, said the AMA (WA).

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Hotline for NT volunteers

The AMA has established a hotline for volunteers with professional skills who want to assist in the Federal Government's emergency initiative to address Indigenous child abuse in the Northern Territory.

Expressions of interest are being co-ordinated through the Federal AMA on (02) 6270 5400 (business hours only), fax (02) 6270 5499 or email ama@ama.com.au.

Industrial Update

Increased rates for clerical and nursing staff

From July 1 the rates for WA industrial awards including the Clerks (Commercial, Social and Professional) Award and Nurses (Doctors Surgery) Award, increased by up to $24 per week.

These increases apply to medical practices in the WA Industrial System and may not apply where practices are corporations and covered by Federal Workchoices legislation.

Members can access the new rates on the AMA (WA) website at http://www.amawa.com.au/professional/awards/index.asp.

For further information on WorkChoices legislation please contact the association on (08) 9273 3000.

Obituary

Sad loss of Dr Mark Rooney

AMA (WA) councillor and highly respected psychiatrist, Dr Mark Rooney, passed away suddenly last month.

Dr Rooney (48) was recently Area Director, Mental Health, South Metropolitan Area Health Service. He was a General Councillor of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists and Chair of the WA branch from 1998 to 2001.

He also sat on a large number of other mental health related councils and committees. Dr Rooney joined the AMA in November 1996 and became a Council member in 2004.

AMA (WA) President Prof Geoff Dobb said: "Mark's death has shocked and saddened us. Our thoughts are with Mark's wife Anna, their children, family and friends at this tragic loss."

AMA Activities

WorkChoices seminars

AMA (WA) will be conducting free information workshops and one-on-one practice based consultations on agreement making under WorkChoices.

The workshops will be held from July to October 2007 and will cover the following areas:

• NAPSA's and Awards
• Types of Workplace Agreements
• Recruitment
• Termination

The workshops will provide the perfect opportunity to obtain further assistance on the complex IR reforms to ensure that you are complying with your legal obligations under WorkChoices.

To register contact Julie Watson at the association on (08) 9273 3000 or email seminar@amawa.com.au.

AMA 2007 Awards Night fully booked

The 2007 AMA (WA) Charity Awards Night, on Saturday August 11, has caused great interest among members and is already fully booked.

Istanbul Conference

There are still a few places available for the AMA's 2007 Clinical Conference being held in Istanbul and Anzac Cove between September 13 and 22, however they are filling up fast.

For inquiries contact Chris Kane on (08) 9273 3027 or email chris.kane@amawa.com.au.

2007 Events Calendar

You can check the date and location of all upcoming AMA (WA) events on the AMA (WA) website.

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Even more rewards!

The 2007 Member Rewards Program is now even more rewarding.
There are great savings on a huge range of health and beauty services including cosmetics, skincare, hair care, fragrances and vitamins.

This is in addition to the usual discounts at restaurants, takeaway outlets, magazine subscriptions and a variety of leisure activities as well as up to 50 per cent off the rack rate at many popular hotels and resorts.

For more information call AMA Member Services on 9273 3055 or email membership@amawa.com.au