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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

Health Budget fails those most in need

The AMA says the most alarming element of last night's Federal Budget is the total absence of health support measures for the unemployed.

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the Budget predicted one million Australians would be out of work, but made no provision for caring for their health needs.

"These people are vulnerable. Unemployment has a huge impact on health. Stress levels rise dramatically, people cut corners on healthy living and it all takes a physical toll. The emotional impact can be even greater, often leading to debilitating mental health issues, including depression.

"Without proper care these health issues can destroy individuals and families."

View media release

Treasurer urged to ditch 3 per cent Health cuts

The WA Health Budget should be quarantined from the three per cent "efficiency" cuts and properly funded to enable WA public hospitals to maintain a satisfactory level of patient care, the AMA (WA) said today.

"Any money saved by realising efficiencies should be immediately ploughed back into front line health needs," said Association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"If the Government allows health standards to deteriorate to save money, they will betray all West Australians who were promised our public hospital system would be restored to full health. "

View media release

MOU signed

The AMA (WA) is pleased to advise that it has recently negotiated a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) governing the establishment and operation of Medical Advisory Committees, Clinical Privileging processes and processes to review clinical conduct of clinicians arising from complaints etc. within non-tertiary public hospitals.

The MOU is a product of many years of negotiation by the AMA (WA) and reflects an updated version to that negotiated in 2005.

View MOU (AMA Members only)

Smoking laws to save millions

Legislation to reduce the ravages of passive smoking in WA will eventually save the community millions of dollars each year, the AMA (WA) said today.

"The toll from second-hand smoke not only claims lives but leads to hundreds of West Australians being hospitalised with heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory illnesses," said Association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"Extending smoking restrictions to all alfresco dining areas, in cars carrying children and in a range of other public areas will result in a whole generation of young kids growing up in a much healthier and safer environment.

"The consequent savings in health costs will be enormous."

View media release

Halls Creek alcohol curbs welcomed

The AMA (WA) has welcomed the Licensing Court decision to restrict the sale of liquor in Halls Creek and says it will go a long way towards helping restore the health and well being of the alcohol-ravaged Indigenous community.

"Alcohol abuse in Halls Creek is a tragedy which has impacted on the lives of nearly everyone in the town," said Association President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

"Had the Licensing Court not intervened, a whole generation of Aboriginal kids would have been condemned to a life of behavioural problems, neglect, health issues, educational failures, substance abuse and juvenile crime."

View media release

AMA Submissions

The AMA has presented two submissions to the Federal Government relating to the following:

• National Registration and Accreditation Scheme
• Compliance Audits on Medicare Benefits

Indigenous Award

A former police officer and industrial paramedic who wants to help improve the health of Aboriginal people has won the AMA Indigenous Peoples' Medical Scholarship for 2009.

Terry Morich (44) was awarded the scholarship at UWA last week by AMA Federal President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua.

Valued at $9,000 for each year of study, the scholarship provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying medicine.

Pictured with Terry Morich is Dr Capolingua (left) and Dea Delaney Thiele, CEO National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (NACCHO).

View media release

AGM set for June 10

Just a reminder to members that the AMA's 2009 Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at the AMA (WA) headquarters in Nedlands, starting at 6pm.

GP Training Program applications open soon

GP Training Program applications open Friday, May 22 and close Monday, June 22. To apply, log on to www.agpt.com.au.

Indigenous Services - Pilbara Region

AMA Recruit urgently requires a locum GP for Indigenous Services in the Pilbara Region for the end of July.

A permanent full time doctor is also required Monday to Friday with no on-call. Base remuneration is $3,500 - $4,000 per week plus 9% superannuation, with accommodation and a car provided as part of the package.

For more information on how you can be a part of this great community, please contact Jamie Schrank at jamie.schrank@amawa.com.au or phone (08) 9273 3033.

Women's Health Diploma

King Edward Memorial Hospital Postgraduate Medical Education, in association with AMA (WA), is currently offering a Vocational Graduate Diploma of Women's Health.

To attain the Diploma, participants need to complete three themes which include:

• Family Planning and Sexual Health
• Office Gynaecology
• Non-procedural Obstetrics

This activity is approved by the RACGP QA & CPD Program and participants are eligible for 5 Category 2 points for each session they attend or 40 Category 1 per theme.

View more information

For further information email kemhpostgrad@health.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9340 1388.

Dining out for charity

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

This year the Entertainment Book features discounts for many of Perth's best restaurants, attractions and activities for families.

The books cost $65 each and can be paid for by cash, credit card or cheque (made payable to AMA (WA) Foundation). $13 from each sale goes to the 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