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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.

September 6, 2007

AMA sets election health priorities

Federal AMA President Dr Rosanna Capolingua has released a summary of the major health issues the association wants used as a primary reference when assessing the health policies of the major parties during the forthcoming election.

The document, Key Health Issues for the 2007 Federal Election, has been sent to all MPs and Senators.

Dr Capolingua said the document would enable people to focus on practical solutions in areas of the health system that were failing all - or some - Australians.

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September 17, 2007

Survey shows smoking bans must go further

A survey of 93 hotels and night clubs around Perth has revealed that smoking remains widespread in the majority of premises and impacting on the health of staff and non-smokers, despite the introduction of smoking restrictions more than a year ago.

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September 12, 2007

ED expansion plans step in the right direction

The AMA (WA) has welcomed the State Government's decision to undertake a $40 million expansion of public hospital emergency departments.

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AMA (WA) secures workers' comp rebate increase

Following representation by the AMA (WA), a 4.23 per cent increase in insurance rebates for claims for reimbursement of medical fees for treatment of compensable injuries in the workers' compensation system, has been agreed to by WorkCover WA.

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Waiting lists - good and bad news

The Health Department releases its elective surgical waiting list figures each month and invariably the AMA (WA) is asked for comment. However, interpreting the figures is far from easy; they can be massaged like all statistics.

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Indigenous committee lacks Health input

Premier Alan Carpenter is to establish a Cabinet committee to focus on Indigenous affairs.

For more than a year, the AMA (WA) has been calling for an integrated approach to Aboriginal health that recognises the importance of education, employment and social infrastructure.

While the Premier's initiative is potentially a step in the right direction, the committee will be made up of the Treasurer plus the Ministers for Police, Child Protection, Indigenous Affairs and Planning and Infrastructure. But where is Health Minister Jim McGinty?

Surely, the current health outcomes for Aboriginal Western Australians should make Mr McGinty an automatic member of the committee - and addressing their health needs one of the committee's top priorities.

Send us your comments medelink@amawa.com.au

IR Update

IR agreement moves a step closer

After months of intense negotiations, a formal offer in relation to the AMA Metropolitan Health Service Industrial Agreement has now been received.

The offer has been put forward by Health Minister Jim McGinty on a without prejudice basis.

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WorkChoices: New series of workshops

The AMA (WA) has started a second series of practical workshops and one-on-one consultations to help private medical practices comply with the Federal Government's WorkChoices legislation. This follows the successful first round of seminars which were held in centres throughout the State.

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AMA Activities

Off to Istanbul

About 90 AMA (WA) members and staff took off from Perth International Airport for Istanbul last week to attend the association's 2007 Clinical Conference. The nine day tour takes in the historical, architectural and religious attractions of the Turkish capital and includes conference sessions of the Ottoman Physician, health economics, depression and Medical Defence update.

Student project to help needy hospitals

UWA medical students have launched a project to help provide medical aid to impoverished hospitals in the developing world where students spend their elective.

The Local and International Contribution Scheme (LINCS), set up by medical student volunteers, collects donations of equipment and pharmaceuticals and matches them to "wish lists" provided by the needy hospitals.

If you wish to donate to LINCS or become a sponsor, contact Angela Anson on 0422 509 474 or email angela.anson@gmail.com.

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.

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WASO

AMA members receive a 10% discount on any Western Australian Symphony Orchestra Masters & Great Classic Concerts. To find out more about your options contact the Membership Office on (08) 9273 3055 or membership@amawa.com.au.

Maurice Meade

For that new hairstyle, colour or even a blow dry, why not contact Maurice Meade? Members receive a 15% discount on all hairdressing services, available Monday through Friday. For details on the different salons, contact our Membership office.

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.