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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.

WA doctors reject Super Clinics: AMA(WA) survey results

The majority of West Australian doctors have given the thumbs down to the Federal Government's plan for a national chain of Super Clinics, an AMA (WA) survey has revealed.

More than 200 GPs responded to the survey conducted last month, with less than 8 per cent prepared to consider working in a Super Clinic.

Sixty five per cent of respondents said Super Clinics would not improve access to primary health care for patients, 22 per cent were not sure and less than 12 per cent thought the clinics would improve health outcomes.

AMA Federal President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua and AMA(WA) Council of General Practice chair, Dr Steve Wilson, teamed up to launch the results at a media conference this week.

The survey went out to more than 1000 WA GPs and the full results will be published in the next edition of Medicus... >>more.

The AMA(WA) President Prof Geoff Dobb thanked all who participated in the survey.

"The response is a measure of the concerns of General Practitioners throughout WA and we hope the results will be noted by the Federal Government," Prof Dobb said.

Best of the best recognised at AMA(WA) Awards night

Renowned neurosurgeon Prof Bryant Stokes (pictured centre, with other winners Peter Forbes (left) and Robert Reekie) was recognised for a lifetime of dedication at this year's AMA(WA) Awards night on June 14.

Prof Stokes received the trademark bust of Hippocrates in regonition of his skill as a leading neurosurgeon who has contributed significantly to the development of neurosurgery nationally and his committment to the health system generally in a number of senior roles.

The AMA (WA) President's Award went to Mr Peter Forbes, Managing Director of MDA National Group, who was recognised for the role he played in medical indemnity over two decades, including the leadership he showed during the international and interstate medical indemnity crisis in 2002-2003.

And a self-funded Busselton support group, MATES, which provides counselling services for men caught up in domestic violence, won the inaugural Healthier WA Award.

The $10,000 award, jointly sponsored by the AMA (WA) and Healthway, was presented by Health Minister Jim McGinty at the dinner, held at Government House.

"The program is very proactive and police say it's resulted in a 95 per reduction in domestic violence in the Busselton region," said AMA (WA) President Prof Geoff Dobb...>>more.

Government forced to act on EDs after AMA(WA) pressure

A threat by WA’s emergency physicians to resign en masse because of the lack of consultants to help ease the pressure on their departments has jolted the State Government into action with promises of funding for an extra 36 doctors.

Provision is also being made for an extra 125 nursing assistants and 15 trainee doctors. Additionally, the Emergency Department Taskforce, headed by acting Health Department Director General Peter Flett, will call for more undergraduate nursing students to work in hospitals.

The breakthrough comes after more than nine months of frustration for emergency doctors who have been increasingly concerned over the lack of action by the Government, despite acknowledgement by Health Minister Jim McGinty that the crisis in EDs needed to be addressed.

AMA(WA) Vice President, Prof Gary Geelhoed, (pictured) said Perth's emergency departments had some of the most difficult working conditions in the nation.

AMA(WA) AGM on August 6

AMA members are advised that the Annual General Meeting will be held at the association’s offices in Nedlands on August 6, starting at 6pm.

It will be an opportunity to meet colleagues, farewell retiring President Prof Geoff Dobb and welcome his successor.

Refreshments will be available after the meeting.

RSVP to Odette Bennier on Odette.bennier@amawa.com.au or 9273 3008.

AMA welcomes boost to organ donation

The Australian Medical Association has congratulated the Rudd Government on its multi-million dollar proposal to assist in the organ transplant rate in Australia.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the answer to the organ transplant problem was not just about increasing the number of donations.

"The Government’s new funding of $136.4 million goes a long way towards ensuring that more organ transplants actually can take place," she said.

The AMA has been calling for an investment in doctors and capital infrastructure in this area for some time.

"It is very pleasing to see the Government has provided additional resources such as more hospital beds, equipment, and doctors in order for organ harvesting and organ transplantation to occur.

"This of course is in addition to the importance of providing more public education and counselling...>>more.

AMA anti-violence kit to help protect GPs

As part of General Practice Week during June, the AMA sent out a new anti-violence kit, We care for you, you care for us, to all its GP members – explaining the risks of violence in medical practice.

Research has suggested that more than half of GPs are exposed to work-related violence in any 12-month period. GPs are very concerned about protecting their patients from violence in their practices.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said this violence could take many forms – including assault, stalking, verbal abuse (the most common), threatening behaviour, sexual harassment or property damage...>>more.

Have your say in developing AMA(WA) members' benefits

As part of the commitment to improve service to our members, the AMA(WA) has appointed Joanna Sullivan (pictured) to the role of Membership Manager.

Joanna will be working on a number of projects to improve member communications and benefits, both professional and commercial. She is currently exploring the differing needs of AMA members and is very keen to hear any comments or suggestions you want to make. Take this opportunity to have your say and ensure that the services we provide are the services you want. Contact Joanna on Joanna.sullivan@amawa.com.au.

Don't let your message get lost in space: Advertise in Medicus

The AMA(WA)'s award-winning membership magazine, Medicus, caters to a specialised demographic and publishes both display and classified advertisments of all descriptions. Discount rates are available for AMA(WA) members who place classifieds and professional notices.

Click here to see the Medicus rate card.

Click here to see the last edition of Medicus (password required).

For more information, call AMA(WA)