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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.

General Meeting

Doctors accept MHS Industrial Agreement

A special General Meeting held on December 18 has voted in favour of finalising the Metropolitan Health Service Industrial Agreement.
The meeting was called because of widespread concern amongst salaried doctors over the WA Government's insistence that the agreement provides for Senior Practitioners to be temporarily relocated anywhere within the Perth metropolitan area for up to three months.

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January 14th, 2008

Wait list funding needs sustainable support

AMA (WA) says extra Federal funding to provide surgery for about 2,700 children and adults on WA's surgery waiting lists is welcome, but the Government needs to work with the medical profession to ensure programs are sustainable and sustained - not just a quick fix in the lead up to an election.

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Busy start to AMA's Events Calendar

A wide range of training and educational workshops have been arranged for the first three months of 2008 as part of the AMA's busy Events Calendar.

The year starts on February 2 with CPR Training for AMA member GPs at the AMA's office in Nedlands.

Youth Friendly Doctor Training session will be held on March 11 and April 1 at the AMA and on the social side, the annual Interns' Cocktail Party takes place on February 21 at the Matilda Bay Roe Room.

For a full run down on events to the end of April click here.

GST and workers' comp

A new regulation effective from December 8, 2007, clarifies a long standing policy position of WorkCover WA that GST is not to be deducted from injured workers' entitlements.

The new regulation also makes clear that recommended fees for medical and allied health services are scheduled exclusive of any GST that may be payable. Members providing services to workers' compensation claimants – or insurers – should familiarise themselves with WorkCover's advice.

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AMA subscriptions due

Yes, it's that time of year again - AMA Membership Subscription renewals. This will be the best value for money you get all year in terms of member benefits and services. Those working in public hospitals will see a significant benefit from the Industrial Award negotiations early in the New Year. And knowing the friendly AMA staff are available to assist with professional, workplace and practice problems brings peace of mind that is priceless. Remember, you can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Diners or AMEX. If you prefer Direct Debit, this is now free of any premiums. Don't forget if you pay by January 31 you will receive a USB worth $50!

Call the Membership Office on (08) 9273 3055 or pay online.

Praise for smoke free hospitals

January 1, 2008 marked the day WA hospitals and their grounds became smoke free. Health Minister Jim McGinty deserves praise for this bold decision. Done in conjunction with measures to support patients (and the few staff who still smoke) to quit the habit that may have contributed to the disease causing their hospital admission, this is a very positive public health message. Following through the hospital intervention with ongoing support from GPs in the community could help drive down WA's smoking participation rate even further - for everyone's benefit.

Meanwhile, the AMA (WA) continues to urge Mr McGinty to follow the lead of some other States by banning smoking in vehicles carrying children and to declare all alfresco dining areas smoke free.

Ban on hospital junk food

While handing out bouquets to Jim McGinty, it would be remiss to overlook his directive on the removal of junk food from public hospital canteens and vending machines. Again, this sends out a very strong public health message when there is an unprecedented obesity epidemic. Individually, it is easy to deride such interventions as having minimal impact, but with time and repetition every little bit can help.

AMA wins medical equipment tender

AMA (WA) Medical Products was recently awarded Panel Contracts with the WA Health Department for all Government public healthcare units. The HCN Electromedical Equipment Contracts are for General Use, Theatre, Physiotherapy and Audiology.

The AMA was successful with some 230 items, many from the Welch Allyn equipment range.

AMA Medical Products' summer specials

AMA Medical Products represents many medical device manufacturers and distributes quality medical products for more than 200 hundred companies. Specials are regularly negotiated with suppliers enabling a range of popular products being available to customers at discounted prices.

To view the summer and equipment specials click here.