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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.

IR Update

October 5, 2007

General Meeting - Wednesday, October 10

A General Meeting of members will be held on Wednesday, October 10 to report on the State Government's response to the association's Industrial Agreement claims.

After months of negotiations a small number of issues remain unresolved before the association feels it could support an offer. These include items specific to Doctors in Training and Seniors, the Government's position on mobility (which the association believes is unacceptable), private practice and some smaller matters. The association is striving to resolve these issues before the General Meeting. It is important for members to consider the progress that has been made, the conditions attached to the offer and options for resolving the agreement. The package provides conditions that facilitate retention, recruitment and training as well as offering a high-quality, safe and professionally satisfying career in the public sector. Therefore it is vital that salaried staff attend the General Meeting which will be held at the FJ Clarke Lecture Theatre, QEII Medical Centre starting at 6.15pm.

Please contact the AMA (WA) on (08) 9273 3000 if you need more information.

October 5, 2007

Call for action on rural doctor crisis

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) are urging the Government to commit to a major rescue package of rural-specific support incentives to get more doctors working in country Australia.

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October 3, 2007

Boards best way to save public health system

Putting management back in the hands of the community by establishing regional boards and providing additional resourcing would revive WA's ailing public health system, the AMA (WA) said today.

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October 2, 2007

Govt's allergy plan could save young lives

The State Government's decision to fund a $6.6 million plan to help WA school children who suffer severe allergic reactions has been warmly welcomed by the AMA (WA).

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Medicare rebates for rural primary health care services

The AMA (WA) has been advised by the WA Country Health Service that a Section 19(2) exemption under the Health Insurance Act (1973) has been attained (pursuant to COAG) to enable potential Medicare rebates for primary health care services delivered at public hospitals in towns with populations less than 7000.

The initiative is designed to increase services in remote/rural WA to provide greater access to under-serviced populations and not compete with General Practice.

The proposal raises a number of issues and possible concerns regarding control over private General Practices, indemnity and VMP arrangements etc. Further details will be published in Medicus.

The Association has also requested a meeting to discuss the above and other issues including the report on Maintaining and Effective Procedure Workforce in Rural WA, current salaried negotiations and funding for WACHS.

Breast Cancer Care Award

The search is on for healthcare professionals who provide exceptional support to patients with breast cancer.

The inaugural AstraZeneca Breast Cancer Care Award aims to recognise GPs, surgeons, oncologists, pharmacists, nurses and social workers for their commitment and compassion to their patients.
Nominations are open from now until December 31, 2007.

To receive a nomination form email breastcancercareaward@porternovelli.com.au or phone
02) 8424 8521.

AMA Cup

There is still time to register for the annual AMA Cup, taking place at the Royal Fremantle Golf Club on Friday November 30.

For a registration brochure click here.

Contact John Gerrard for more information on (08) 9273 3077 or email john.gerrard@amawa.com.au

Accommodation discounts

Thinking of getting away for a relaxing weekend?

The Burswood Intercontinental offers members a 10 per cent discount off a Classic King or Twin Room and 10 per cent off a Club Intercontinental King or Twin Spa Room. The Sheraton Hotel Perth and Saville Hotel Group also offer members a range of corporate discounts. For more information contact the Membership Office on (08) 9273 3055 or email membership@amawa.com.au.

Capel Vale offer

AMA members receive a 10 per cent discount off Capel Vale cellar door wines. The cellar door and tasting area is open daily between 10am and 4pm and is located in Capel, approximately 200 kms south of Perth, between Bunbury and Busselton.

For these and other great discounts contact the Membership Office.