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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.

Please Note: The Med e-link (WA) distribution list has been updated. If you wish to change your email address, please reply to this email. If you wish to update your contact details with the AMA (WA), please email Dione Grose on dione.grose@amawa.com.au

Assurance on health rebates welcomed

The WA medical profession has welcomed Health Minister Dr Kim Hames' quick rejection of a veiled suggestion by Health Department bureaucrats that the 30 per cent private health rebate should be scrapped.

The reference to the rebate was contained in the WA Government's submission to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission and raised questions about the merit of the system.

It came as a shock to Dr Hames who wasted no time insisting he was a strong supporter of the rebate and was opposed to its abolition.

The worry, however, is that the issue was even raised in the submission without the Minister's awareness, particularly at a time when Canberra is looking for any excuse to rein in spending on the rebate to offset a looming $50-billion Budget deficit.

Getting the PM's ear!

Federal AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, took the opportunity to raise some important health issues when she met with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at a function in Perth this week.

She told the PM she was meeting with Joe Ludwig to discuss issues surrounding the Privacy of Patient Notes and with Health Minister Nicola Roxon to discuss the Health Budget and National Registration and Accreditation.

The PM advised Dr Capolingua that the Federal Government would be making big investments in medical research over the next five to ten years.

The event, hosted by WA Newspapers' chairman, Kerry Stokes (right), introduced the new management teams at Channel 7 and WA Newspapers and was organised to coincide with Federal Cabinet's visit to Perth.

Concerns over privacy of patients' records

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, has described the Government's proposed legislation allowing access to patient records as deeply disturbing and akin to 'Big Brother'.

"It is remarkable that a Government should take such a step to violate personal medical records," said Dr Capolingua.

"Doctors take their oath of patient confidentiality extremely seriously, but this legislation forces us to break this oath or face a hefty fine.

"Government has no business accessing these records. This information is between the doctor and the patient, and must remain so."

View media release

Fears for future of Halls Creek kids

The AMA (WA) has backed calls for restrictions on the sale of alcohol in Halls Creek, claiming a generation of children will grow up mentally impaired unless there's a reduction in drinking by the town's young pregnant mothers.

"What is happening in Hall's Creek is a shameful tragedy and cannot be allowed to continue," said association President Prof Geelhoed.

"Apart from the social consequences of alcohol abuse, we have serious concerns raised by the town's senior doctor, David Shepherd, that up to a third of children in Halls Creek have foetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

"These children are being raised by young women who have their own learning difficulties because of alcohol abuse by their mothers.

"If we fail to act and ignore the problem the next generation of Aboriginal kids will be condemned to a life of behavioural problems, neglect, health issues, educational failures, substance abuse and juvenile crime."

View media release

See the next Medicus for Dr Shepherd's graphic account of the Halls Creek tragedy.

Timely visit by Dr YES

The problems confronting the alcohol ravaged Halls Creek community is causing widespread concern amongst the town's young high schools students.

A timely visit by the Dr YES team earlier this month found students were eager to discuss the issue of alcohol abuse and dangerous risk-taking behaviour.

The Kimberley visit, supported by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, was a big success and more trips are planned for later in 2009.

More in April Medicus.

AGM set for June 10

The Association's 2009 Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at the AMA (WA) headquarters in Nedlands, starting at 6pm.

The evening will enable members to welcome the new Council for 2009/08 and farewell retiring office bearers.

It will also be an opportunity to take part in discussion on AMA (WA) business and to enjoy the fellowship of colleagues.

As usual, refreshments will be served after the meeting.

Industrial Updates

To view AMA (WA)'s two most recent Industrial Updates please click on the relevant link below:

• Royal Flying Doctor Service - New Industrial Agreement Registered
• Are Junior Doctors subsidising Health's deficit and 3% budget cuts?

Specialists available for WA work

The AMA (WA) has a range of Specialists seeking work opportunities in WA. They include orthopaedic surgeons, obstetricians, a neurologist and an ENT specialist.

View more information

Careers Forum

The School of Primary, Aboriginal and Rural Health Care, PGPPP and WAGPET will be holding a Prevocational Careers Forum on April 29 (6.30 – 8.30pm) at St John of God, Subiaco Clinic Conference Centre, to promote prevocational community placements.

The program allows Junior Doctors to gain practical experience across the range of medical and procedural disciplines in urban, rural and remote community settings.

The target audience includes 5th and 6th year students, Interns, PGY2 and PGY3 doctors.

There will be stalls with representation from site coordinators and placement opportunities.

The forum requires registration and interested persons can send their rsvp to lisa.thirer@uwa.edu.au or call (08) 9346 7324.

Practice Management Workshop

Through a partnership between AMA (WA) and University of New England, there is an opportunity for practice staff to gain training and a Diploma of Practice Management by attending a special course starting on June 19, 2009.

View more information

You can also register your interest by calling 1800 288 622.

Dining out for charity

The AMA (WA) is selling the 2009 / 2010 Entertainment Book to help raise funds for the AMA (WA) Foundation.

The Entertainment Books will be available from May 18, but if you order by May 1 you will receive extra bonus discounts.

This year the Entertainment Book features many of Perth's best restaurants, attractions and activities for families such as: Zafferano's, Oceanus on the Beach, Zanders, The Red Herring, Pizza Bella Roma, The Mullaloo Beach Hotel, The Carine, The Saint George, Adventure World and The Zoo.

The books cost $65 each and can be paid for by cash, credit card or cheque (made payable to AMA (WA) Foundation).

Unlimited purchases are available with $13 from each book sold going to the AMA (WA) Foundation.

Please return all order forms with payment to Diane Keenan at the AMA (WA) by fax (08) 9273 3043 or email diane.keenan@amawa.com.au

View order form

Special offer for AMA members at Maurice Meade

Members are being offered up to 20% off hairdressing services at Maurice Meade from Monday to Friday (usually 15 per cent). This offer applies until the end of April and conditions apply.