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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.

Premier signs WA doctors up for national registration

WA Premier Alan Carpenter has this week signed an agreement with the Council of Australian Governments to scrap State-based medical boards and implement a controversial national registration system for all doctors.

The AMA(WA) vocally opposed the national registration scheme, which will hand control of screening and disciplining doctors to a central body to be based in Canberra.

AMA(WA) President Professor Geoff Dobb said it was possible that WA would lose out under the new program, which did not allow for the challenges faced by the medial profession in WA where the tyranny of distance presents unique difficulties for health care... >>more

The AMA suggested retention of State Medical Boards but with harmonised legislation which would provide national recognition of fully-registered practitioners to address mobility needs, but not transfer power to Canberra... >>more

The COAG intergovernmental agreement will also mean an additional $1 billion of funding for health, which will mean an increase in WA of about $108 million, and 50,000 new training places around the country... >>more

Have your say on Superclinics

The AMA(WA) is conducting a survey of GPs and Doctors-In-Training to establish the memberhip's attitude towards the Federal Government's move to build two so-called Superclinics in WA, with another six mooted for the State in the future... >>more

A discussion paper will accompany the survey, the results of which will help the AMA(WA) lobby for the most appropriate changes to the proposed clinics.

The AMA Federal office has also responded to the issue... >>more

Keep an eye on inboxes and letter boxes for the survey.

AWAs abolished under new Labor legislation

The face of industrial relations in Australia has changed again with the introduction of the Rudd Government's Workplace Relations Amendment (Transition to Forward with Fairness) Act.

The new Act effectively rolls back the former Government's WorkChoices legislation. From March 27, no new AWAs may be signed, and any agreements signed but not yet lodged but be lodged within a fortnight.

If employers want to make new individual workplace agreements they will need to use Individual Transitional Employment Agreements.

For more information, see the next edition of Medicus... >>more

Mandatory reporting to improve road safety: AMA(WA)

AMA(WA) President Professor Geoff Dobb has congratulated the State Government on the introduction of “Mandatory Reporting of Medical Conditions” which will improve road safety in WA and put the onus to report medical conditions that may affect driving on to patients... >>more

Professor Dobb said the new legislation, which requires patients with long-term illnesses that may affect their ability to drive to report the condition to the Department of Planning and Infrastrucutre, gave people the opportunity to take control of their health and improve road safety.

He said it would not mean automatic disqualification of licences for all those who reported illnesses and injuries as many conditions which affected driving could be effectively managed... >>more

In the know: presentations on the new agreement continue

The AMA(WA) Hospital Meetings Program to provide details and answer questions on the successful negotiations between the AMA(WA) and State Government, resulting in a new MHS Salaried Doctors agreement, are continuing.

Presentations have been given to Doctors-In-Training... >>more and senior doctors... >>more. Presentations to psychiatrists and senior doctors at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital are also being scheduled in the near future.

Keep butts out of kids' flicks, AMA tells Government

The AMA has written to the Federal Attorney General, Robert McClelland, and to the Classification Board, requesting a classification system that provides clear warnings about the extent and nature of smoking in films, particularly those aimed at children. 

AMA Federal President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said that health groups had been calling for changes to the classification system for years and it was now time for the regulatory authorities to stop talking and take action.

“We already have clear warnings for coarse language, nudity, and violence – why not smoking, which we know is a serious health risk?” Dr Capolingua said... >>more

Flu vaccine launch pending as vaccine arrives

Vaccine for the WA Health Department's paediatric flu trial is starting to roll in to WA and GPs have been advised that they should have access to supplies for children under the age of five from next Monday, April 7.

If GPs have not received an allocation of the free vaccine, they are asked to contact the Health Department to ensure they have sufficient supplies to meet demand.

Free supplies for the over-65s are also available and supplies for adult vaccination are also available through the AMA. To place an order, email sales@amawa.com.au or call 9273 3022.

The public health campaign to promote the free flu vaccinates for under 5s and over 65s is set to include print and radio advertising, particularly with a view to encourage parents to speak to their GP about having children vaccinated... >>more

Getting to know the next generation with targeted training

Medical practitioners keen to engage and work with adolescents can take advantage of the AMA(WA)'s Youth Friendly Doctor training program.

The program includes an elective seminar on the psycho-social wellbeing of young people on May 6.

The session will focus on case discussions, is interactive and provides support services for GPs in the form of case management. It costs $50 for non-members or one training voucher for members and runs from 6pm to 9pm at the AMA headquarters on Stirling Highway in Nedlands.

The session is worth RACGP 40 points (category 1) QA&CPD per module and to register, call 9273 3033, email yfd@amawa.com.au or fast-track your registration by signing up online... >> more

Flying high with the Qantas Club and AMA(WA)

AMA(WA) members looking to travel this year can take advantage of a new deal with the Qantas Club. Fully financial AMA(WA) members can save up to $175 off membership to the exclusive Qantas Club which can take the edge of flight travel. Club members get dedicated check-in desks, priority reservation services and luggage handling, a personal travel profile for seats and meals and extra baggage allowance, not to mention access to the exclusive Qantas Club lounge.

To take advantage of this special offer brought to you by the AMA(WA) and Qantas, please contact Chris Kane on 9273 3027 for an application form.

Dust off the black tie for this year's Charity Dinner

Tables are booking up fast for the 2008 Charity Dinner and Awards Night, which will also mark the first presentation of the new AMA(WA)/Healthway $10,000 Healther WA Award. The dinner, scheduled for June 14, will be held at the refurbished Government House Ballroom... >>more

Nomination forms for the 2008 awards will be distributed in the March edition of Medicus, to be sent out in the coming week.

For dinner bookings, please call Chris Kane at the AMA(WA) on 9273 3027 or email chris.kane@amawa.com.au.