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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.

Superclinics: Friend or foe?

The AMA (WA) has this week requested more information from the Federal Government regarding a proposition to build two new Government GP "superclinics" in WA. The AMA (WA) was concerned the draft program overview failed to detail who would retain ownership of any clinic, how billing practices would function and what effect the clinics would have on patient care.

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The $232 million program would provide $10 million for clinics in WA, to be matched by the Carpenter Government. The clinics are slated for Wannerroo and Midland. The AMA (WA) has prepared a discussion paper and welcomes any feedback on the issue.

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Free flu jab for under-5s ready next month

Perth children aged six months to five years will this winter be eligible for a free influenza vaccination after the Health Department negotiated a supply from manufacturers CSL and Sanofi Pasteur. Director of Communicable Disease Control Paul van Buynder said when making the announcement the vaccine would become available in mid-to-late March and the immunisation of Perth's children would be evaluated for efficacy in preventing prevalence of flu in the community.

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Minister McGinty must remember the kids

The AMA (WA) has called on the State Government to make a long-awaited decision on the future of Perth's flagship children's hospital. The relocation of Princess Margaret Hospital, together with King Edward Memorial Hospital, to a site next to a tertiary adult hospital was first flagged in the 2004 Reid Report. The State Government is yet to commit to relocating the two hospitals to the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital site, which has left the future of WA women’s and children's healthcare in limbo.

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New proposed Public Health Bill up for comment

The Carpenter Government has released a new Public Health Bill for comment, the first of its kind since the current Act was adopted in 1911. Newly appointed executive director of public health Tarun Weeramanthri (left) launched the draft Bill on February 1, saying in a statement it would remove legal barriers to public health standards being applied to Indigenous communities and strengthen the State's capacity to deal with public health emergencies, among other things. The AMA (WA) would be interested in hearing from any members with feedback on the draft Bill.

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AMA welcomes new National Health Commission

The AMA has congratulated Dr Christine Bennett and the other nine appointments to the Rudd Government's National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission. AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, committed the AMA to supporting the Commission in its efforts to build a modern, responsive, affordable and equitable health system. The Commission includes past president Mukesh Haikerwal and former WA premier Geoff Gallop.

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In the know: AMA (WA) gives details of the pay deal

AMA (WA) deputy executive director Peter Jennings (left) has been presenting the details of the latest MHS pay deal with the State Government secured recently by the Association. The presentation has been well received by all, including Academics, clinical staff at Princess Margaret Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital and Doctors-In-Training. Drug and Alcohol Office representatives and Director-General representatives have been appraised.

Stilnox gets 'black box' warning

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) has advised consumers concerned about possible adverse reactions associated with the sleeping medicine Stilnox to visit their doctor to assess whether they are at risk. Stilnox is a brand name for the medicine zolpidem, which the Therapeutic Goods Administration has ruled must carry a "black box" warning of possible side effects.

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NPS chief executive Dr Lynn Weekes said it was recommended those suffering sleeplessness use non-medicine strategies to solve sleeping problems like regular exercise, relaxation and avoiding stimulants such as caffeinated drinks.

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Book a date for the Charity Dinner or tour the pyramids

D'oh, we were wrong: The latest Medicus – out this week - advertised the date of the much-awaited Charity Dinner and Awards Night incorrectly. The date is in fact June 14 at the Government House Ballroom so make sure you pen it in your diaries and book early. Also on the social agenda this year is the 2008 AMA (WA) Clinical Conference in Cairo scheduled for early September. The trip will give members the opportunity to check out the pyramids, tour the Nile and network with other WA practitioners. For more information, contact the AMA.

Wealth Package Plus AMA (WA)

In conjunction with the Commonwealth Bank, we are pleased to offer members a discount of up to 0.85% off the standard variable rate for new Home Loans, Investment Home Loans, Viridian Lines of Credit and Commonwealth Portfolio Loans (this applies to loans taken after 1/12/2007) Speak to Chris Kane at the AMA on (08) 9273 3027 or Melinda Walker at the CBA on (08) 9211 1701 regarding criteria.
More information is available on our website.

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