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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.

Easyclaim will be convenient for patients

The AMA is encouraging doctors to adopt the new Medicare Easyclaim system as a service that will be greatly appreciated by their patients. Federal AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, joined Human Services Minister, Senator Chris Ellison, at a demonstration of the system in Perth late last month (pictured).

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November 9, 2007

WA hospitals crisis: Beds shortage exposed

Patients will continue to die unnecessarily in WA's public hospital emergency departments while the chronic shortage of ward beds causes alarming levels of over crowding, access block and ambulance ramping, according to the AMA (WA).

"This has been a never-ending nightmare which the WA Government promised to fix six years ago," said association President Prof Geoff Dobb.

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Meanwhile, AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, called on both the Coalition and Labor to acknowledge that Australia needs more public hospital beds and that current hospital occupancy in the major public hospitals is no longer tenable.

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October 26, 2007

GPs rate AMA as best advocate

GPs overwhelmingly think the AMA is the organisation best equipped to advocate on their behalf for a better health system, according to a recent national survey.

More than 50 per cent of GPs who responded to the survey conducted by Medical Observer magazine said the AMA policy statement for the Federal election "most closely represents the needs of the Australian health system".

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IR Update

Salaried doctors' pay deal

The AMA (WA) has been working hard to finalise details of the Industrial Agreement, which was formally accepted by salaried medical practitioners at last month's General Meeting.

The Association is also seeking to complete related agreements covering Country Health Services, Clinical Academics, Alcohol and Drug Authority and Health Department, so they can be registered at the same time.

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Election watch

"Super Clinics" doomed to fail

The AMA (WA) believes Labor's plan for two GP "Super Clinics" in WA is flawed and will not provide better access for patients or ease the pressure on local hospitals.

"This proposal has been cobbled together without any serious consultation with the medical profession and will lead to Government-controlled medical practices – a known recipe for disaster," said association President Prof Geoff Dobb.

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Coalition incentives for after-hours GP service

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the Coalition's Family Emergency Medical Centres policy is a sound response to community need for better access to GP services, especially after hours.
The Government is promising $433 million over five years to fund Family Emergency Medical Centres and expanded after hours services by all GPs.

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AMA Public Hospital Report Card 2007

The AMA last month released its Public Hospital Report Card 2007, which looks at the performance of the public hospitals in each State and Territory.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the conclusions of the Report Card reflected the recent media coverage of system failures and personal tragedies in public hospitals right around the country.

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AMA/Rural Health West agreement to focus on rural doctor shortage

AMA (WA) and Rural Health West (RHW) have signed a new agreement which will enable the association to provide doctors to RHW for both short and long-term placement in areas of high priority in rural WA.

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At the same time, Federal AMA President Dr Rosanna Capolingua has urged the major parties to copy the AMA's rural health policies to give country Australians some hope that the next Federal Government will resolve the widespread crisis confronting rural health services.

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HCN urged to fast track upgrade

AMA (WA) President Prof Geoff Dobb and DIT chair Dr Camille Michener have met with Health Corporate Network (HCN) chiefs to address a number of issues raised by members such as inefficiencies and delays in the system, which have resulted in errors in payslips.

HCN agreed to prioritise the doctors' payroll system but could not guarantee a timeframe due to underlying technical problems as they try and amalgamate payroll systems and upgrade effective technology over a proposed three year role out.

The Association has urged HCN to fast track the upgrade and in the meantime the department has agreed to work with the association to provide improved access to pay details and the provision of more information to AMA members.

Make Dr YES youth program national

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, has welcomed the Federal Government's decision to fund a $250,000 trial of WA's highly successful Dr YES (Youth Education Sessions) program in north west Tasmanian schools – but says all States should get adequate funding to introduce the program.

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Meanwhile, high school students in the Goldfields, Esperance and Albany 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 week.

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AMA Cup

Time is running out 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 9273 3077 or email john.gerrard@amawa.com.au.

Sony Central discount

If you're in the market for a new laptop or plasma screen, Sony Central offers all AMA (WA) members a 10 percent discount on their purchase.

To access these discounts please contact the Membership Office on (08) 9273 3055 or email membership@amawa.com.au.

Free USB when you renew your membership

Pay your AMA membership subscription by January 31, 2008 and receive a 2G USB. You will also be able to select from several medical information resources which can be pre loaded onto your USB.

For more information contact Skye Pember in our Membership Office on (08) 9273 3055.