Hello Website Visitor

Welcome to the AMA (WA)'s online newsletter. Feedback on Med e-link (WA) is welcomed from members. Send your views to medelink@amawa.com.au.

August 31, 2007

GPs help ease PMH burden

Despite most WA GPs struggling to cope with the number of patients already on their books, it appears they have reacted positively to the AMA's request to help ease the burden on over stretched PMH staff... More >>

Within 24 hours of the AMA (WA) asking GPs to do their best to see more children at short notice with cold and flu symptoms, presentations at PMH started falling noticeably.

In the week that followed, daily presentations dropped to about 210 – compared to around 250 over the previous six weeks.

AMA (WA) Vice President Prof Gary Geelhoed, who is also the head of PMH's Emergency Department, said the response by GPs was fantastic and much appreciated by staff at the children's hospital.

August 27, 2007

Putting Health policies under the microscope

The AMA has serious concerns over Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd's plan to establish GP "super clinics" across Australia to provide patients with access to a greater range of medical specialists and relieve pressure on hospitals... More >>

With health now looming as a major issue at the next Federal election, the policies of both parties need to be closely analysed and evaluated to see that what they offer is in the best interests of the community and the medical profession.

The AMA (WA) welcomes the views of its members on any of these issues.

The AMA's own Health Election Paper will be released shortly.

Dr Yes bound for Mandurah schools

Mandurah and Pinjarra high school students will have the opportunity to discuss sexual health and drug and alcohol issues when the Dr YES team of dedicated medical students visit the region next month... More >>

Sponsored by the AMA (WA) Foundation, Dr YES is a health promotion program for adolescents with the twin aims of connecting young people with their family doctor and supporting them to make informed and healthy choices.

It is led by volunteer medical students who incorporate drama, role play and small group discussions in secondary school settings.

Unethical advertising

Recent advertisements placed by some members of the medical profession have raised concerns about ethical standards.
As a result, the AMA (WA) Ethics Committee draws the attention of all doctors to the relevant legislation and guidelines relating to advertising and warns that it will encourage the Medical Board to act when there are cases of potential infringement brought to its attention.

More >>

Research grants for WA projects

Eighteen WA research projects will share State Government funding of $2 million provided through the State Health Research Advisory Council. The projects were selected from more than 100 applications which had to demonstrate improvements in health care delivery through improved efficiency and cost savings. To view the list of successful applicants click here.

WAGPET report on rural workforce

WAGPET has released the report "Maintaining An Effective Proceduralist Workforce in Western Australia" for review and comment. The document makes interesting reading, particularly for rural GPs who may find it both alarming and confronting.

More >>

IR Update

Unresolved issues over salary negotiations

Since the last Industrial Update from July 2007, and despite strong argument from your AMA Industrial Agreement negotiating team, a number of matters remain unresolved. These include key concerns with the State Government's agenda to attach conditions to its offer (eg Seniors' mobility, Rights of Private Practice, Non-Clinical time) and failure to address aspects of the AMA's demands on Safe Hours and Teaching.

A General Meeting will be convened when an offer is received, or if otherwise considered necessary.

In the meantime, members should not hesitate to contact their AMA industrial representatives - or the AMA - if they have issues of concern.

Forum on organ harvesting

Renowned human rights lawyer David Matas (left), co-author of "Report into Allegations of Organ Harvesting of Falun Gong Practitioners in China", has been invited to give evidence to the WA Legislative Council on September 17. He will also address public forums in Parliament House and UWA the same day.

Mr Matas, who won the 2007 Tarnopolsky Human Rights Award, will talk about his investigative report on forced organ harvesting in China, which may be of interest to many doctors, especially renal physicians and transplant surgeons.

More >>

Doctors interested in attending the forum should contact Dr Albert Lin be emailing linalb@iinet.net.au. Dr Lim is the Australian representative for Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting. He is currently working as a medical adviser to Health Services Australia.

WorkCover conference

Some of the nation's most respected experts in the injury management field will join international speakers at the WorkCover WA Injury Management Conference - "Working together... a better future" on October 16-17.

More >>

Preparing for Istanbul

About 90 members and staff will be heading off to the AMA's 2007 Clinical Conference in Istanbul on September 13. Immediate past President, Prof Paul Skerritt, who will be the conference host during the nine-day tour, gave delegates a fascinating overview of Turkey's history and religious evolution during a special information evening at the AMA's Nedlands headquarters last week.

Qantas Club Discounts

AMA Members receive discounts on their Qantas Club membership. The usual joining fee of $330 is reduced to $200, and discounts are available on both 1 and 2 year memberships. To find out more about your options contact the Membership Office on (08) 9273 3055 or membership@amawa.com.au.

Medical ID Cards

Medical ID Cards are available free to members and will assist you in times of medical emergencies. Contact the Membership Office for more information.

Automotive Fleet Management

Never visit a dealership again! Just a phone call will make your next vehicle purchase the easiest ever. Automotive Fleet Management smash retail prices and there are no fees for members. Contact the Membership Office for more information on (08) 9273 3055 or email membership@amawa.com.au.

Even more rewards!

The AMA Member Rewards program offers huge savings on a wide variety of products and services.

Members can search the full list of restaurants, cafes, retail and leisure activities featured in the Rewards Program by clicking here or for more information call AMA Member Services on (08) 9273 3055 or email membership@amawa.com.au.