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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.

Medicare change will put patients at risk: AMA(WA)

AMA(WA) has given the Rudd Government a strong, unambiguous message about its planned changes to the Medicare levy surcharge – don’t put patient care at risk.

Deputy Executive Director Peter Jennings issued the warning to a Senate inquiry into the proposed legislation when it held its first public hearing in Perth on July 15.

“This is a poorly thought-out strategy that is bad for the public system, bad for State governments, bad for the private system and will ultimately affect patient care,” he told the inquiry.

Under the Government’s planned changes, the income thresholds for the Medicare surcharge will increase from $50,000 to $100,000 for singles; couples will be able to earn $150,000 up from $100,000.

For the full report, see the next edition of Medicus.

Government must act to encourage more young GPs

The Federal Government must immediately increase funding for training places in General Practice to attract more students to Primary Care after a groundbreaking survey of WA medical students revealed only 17 per cent intend to become GPs, the AMA(WA) said...>>more.

The WA GP Education and Training Medical Student Survey of more than 700 medical students revealed more than 25 per cent planned to become surgeons. General Practice ranked second, but the percentage was down from the heady days of the 80s when about half of all medical students wanted to be GPs.

"This does not bode well for the future of General Practice and action must be taken now to support and encourage more medical students into the profession and open up more appropriate training places," said Dr Steve Wilson, chair of the AMA (WA) Councill of General Practice. To see the full report, click here

New national survey backs AMA(WA) Super Clinic findings

GPs continue to overwhelmingly reject the Federal Government’s proposed Super Clinics with a new national survey showing almost 40 per cent of doctors are considering early retirement as a direct result of proposed health reforms.

The latest research, conducted by Medical Observer magazine, surveyed almost 360 GPs across the country about their attitudes towards Health Minister Nicola Roxon’s reform plans.

The results echoed those from an AMA(WA) online survey, which revealed that less than 8 per cent of  the 200 GPs who responded, would consider working in a Super Clinic... >>more.

New kids hospital good news for WA families

The AMA(WA) says the State Government’s decision to build a new children’s hospital will be welcome news for hundreds of thousands of West Australian families.

“It’s been a long time coming, but we now have commitments from both the Government and the Opposition to replace Princess Margaret Hospital with a new hospital on the QE11 site in Nedlands,” said association Vice President Dr Richard Choong.

“That will not only make parents happy, it will lift the spirits of over burdened PMH staff who have been working in unacceptable conditions for many years.” >>more.

BMA conference exposes NHS demise

Federal AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, was able to witness first hand many of the issues facing an aging National Health Service when she was an invited guest of the British Medical Association at their Annual Representative Meeting held in Edinburgh earlier this month.

“Delegate after delegate highlighted the lack of funding and resources, bureaucratic interference and the more recent failed attempts to prop up the NHS through the introduction of Polyclinics – Britain’s version of our proposed Super Clinics – and a scheme to privatise the NHS,” said Dr Capolingua, pictured with BMA Chair of Council Dr Hamish Meldrum.

“Further evidence of this demise was highlighted by a vigorous debate supporting increased health funding through the introduction of ‘gap’ payments.

“Interestingly this concept, which until now was unheard of in Britain, received strong support from many BMA members and most notably the younger members.”

She said the visit was an excellent opportunity to compare notes with other representative organisations including Ireland, Canada, Norway and the United States.

AMA(WA) AGM on August 6

AMA members are reminded 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 before the meeting.

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

Got the winter blues? Get away with an AMA(WA) deal

If the winter is getting you down why not take advantage of a fabulous offer exclusive to AMA(WA) members from Quay West Bunker Bay and take some time out. Go on, you know you want to – get away to Bunker Bay. For full details... >>click here. (scroll down to see both pages.)

Celebrate in style with Parmelia Hilton Perth

The Parmelia Hilton in Perth is 40 years old this year and to celebrate they are offering you the chance to enjoy the gift of a night of luxury with buffet breakfast plus complimentary canapes when you book a dinner or dinner dance to be held during September this year. Give yourself a spring treat and book now.

Relocating? Make sure everyone knows!

The AMA(WA)'s award-winning membership magazine, Medicus, has a professional notices column which allows practitioners to advertise when they have relocated.

The magazine 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 Peta at the AMA(WA) on 9273 3009, 0414 282 448 or email medicus@amawa.com.au.