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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.

New President set for election battle

AMA(WA)’s newly elected President, Prof Gary Geelhoed (pictured left, being congratulated by outgoing President Prof Geoff Dobb), has issued a warning to both major political parties – ignore health at your peril.

Within 15 hours of  his appointment at the association’s Annual General Meeting this weel... >>more Prof Geelhoed was in election mode telling both the Opposition and the Government that health was still the number one issue for most West Australian families.

"There are long-term plans on the drawing board, but the public health system has many problems that need to be addressed now," said Prof Geelhoed.

"We want both parties to tell us how these problems will be addressed so that patients waiting years for elective surgery, or sitting for hours in over crowded emergency departments, can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

 “We’re still waiting for someone to "fix" health."

GPs urged to attend Super Clinic meetings

The Department of Health and Ageing and the WA Health Department will hold meetings in Wanneroo and Midland to provide information about the 'Super Clinic Program' and the establishment of clinics in those areas.
  
The Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon will attend both meetings, providing GPs with an ideal opportunity to express their views. All GPs are urged to attend at least one of the meetings, particularly if their practices will be directly affected by the clinics.

Surveys by the AMA(WA) show that the majority of GPs have grave concerns about Super Clinics, so it's important they involve themselves in public forums such as these.

Registration forms must be completed and faxed back to the Department of Health and Ageing as soon as possible. Forms are available at the following link:

Midland form

Wanneroo form

Lord Mayor a breath of fresh air

Perth Lord Mayor Lisa Scaffidi take a bow!

Thanks to her leadership and commitment, Perth City Council this week voted to ban smoking in all alfresco dining areas, affecting about 150 premises within its boundaries…>>more.

The PCC decision follows a move last year by Fremantle City Council to make areas like the Cappucino Strip smoke free; other councils are expected to join the "ban" wagon very soon.

Two PCC councillors raised objections during this week’s meeting, but Ms Scaffidi argued convincingly that the council could not ignore the health risks associated with passive smoking and "needed to stop pandering to the minority on this issue".

Her compelling arguments resulted in a unanimous vote in favour of the ban.

The first to congratulate Ms Scaffidi after the meeting was AMA(WA) immediate Past President Prof Geoff Dobb (pictured, with Ms Scaffidi), whose two-year term as President ended the next day.

"I couldn’t ask for a better farewell gift," he said.

Propaganda brochures a waste of health funds: AMA(WA)

The State Government has been criticised for spending more than $280,000 spruiking captial works in the WA health system with glossy, home-delivered brochures.

AMA(WA) President Prof Gary Geelhoed said cost of the the brochures would have been better spent propping up cricital health care services in WA and replacing obsolete and faulty equipment.

About 650,000 brochures were sent out to Perth homes detailing the Carpenter Government's $5 billion investment in the State's health service, with four versions of the brochure targeting particular projects such as the Fiona Stanley Hospital or expansion of the Joondalup Health Campus.

New RFDS jet will save lives: AMA(WA)

The AMA (WA) says more lives will inevitably be saved thanks to the $11.4 million emergency jet service being launched by the Royal Flying Doctor Service and mining giant Rio Tinto.

"This venture will bring outback health services into the 21st Century and be of great comfort for those West Australians who work in some of the remotest places on earth," said AMA(WA) Immediate Past President Prof Geoff Dobb, who attended the launch.

"Sadly, the WA Government seems reluctant to fund the RFDS to the level it requires to buy speedier aircraft, so the community should be very grateful when companies like Rio Tinto recognise the problem and are prepared to step up to the plate." >>more

Golfers - we need you to chip in!

The 2008 AMA(WA) Foundation Charity Golf Day tees off on Friday, October 31 at Royal Perth Golf Club – and we need YOUR support.

The event raises funds for the Foundation’s Dr YES (Youth Education Sessions) program which delivers health education sessions to thousands of high school students each year.

To register or to find out more, click here

Fake sick notes fraudulent: AMA

Fake sick notes that could trick employers into granting days off work are fraudulent and could lead to employees losing their jobs, AMA Federal President Dr Rosanna Capolingua said.

The fake notes, which were available from the London-based doctorsnotestore.com, were guaranteed to pass the most intense inspection by an employer and retailed for about $40.

The notes supplied carried the names of real Australian doctors without permission.

When the AMA(WA) visited the site, Australian certificates were no longer available...>>more

Celebrate in style

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 40 per cent off Sunday bed and breakfast rates.

Enjoy a relaxing night of luxury before the working week and give yourself a spring treat. Book now.

Got some new skills? Make sure everyone knows!

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

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.