Australian Medical Association

At a meeting in Canberra today, United General Practice Australia (UGPA) leaders unanimously expressed concern about the lack of preparation for the practical implementation at practice level of the Personally Controlled Electronic Health Record (PCEHR), which is due to be introduced on 1 July this year.

UGPA members have been working tirelessly with the Government and agencies for some time to ensure the PCEHR becomes a reality.

AMA Federal Budget Submission 2012-13 - The AMA is calling on the Federal Government to use the May Budget to strengthen the ‘pillars’ of the Australian health system at a time when the world is entering a phase of economic uncertainty.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that in hard times it is important for governments to strengthen those parts of the health system that will provide the greatest benefit to patients and the community.

“There is every indication that this will be a frugal Budget across the board, but health funding must not go backwards,” Dr Hambleton said.

“The ‘pillars’ of the health system – the parts that work well and which patients and communities rely on – must be recognised and funded accordingly in the Budget,” Dr Hambleton said.

Federal AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, will spend the next two days meeting with local family doctors in New South Wales to hear first hand how they are dealing with health reforms and policies, most notably Medicare Locals, GP Super Clinics, and Local Hospital Networks, with a special focus on working to improve the integration between hospitals and general practice.

United General Practice Australia (UGPA) leaders have warned the Commonwealth and State Governments to ensure there is genuine consultation with GP groups on primary health care policy and reform or risk alienating the core sector of the reform process.

During a meeting today in Canberra, UGPA reiterated the need for better consultation and communication about the role of Medicare Locals.

Federal AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, will this week attend a series of meetings with Queensland doctors to discuss the impact of national health reforms – including Medicare Locals, Local Hospital Networks, and GP Super Clinics – at the local level.

Federal AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, will visit Tasmania today and tomorrow, 20-21 September. 

Dr Hambleton will be in Hobart today to meet with the management of General Practice Tasmania (Medicare Local), tour Royal Hobart Hospital, attend a meeting of local doctors to discuss health reform and working conditions, and attend the AMA Tasmania Parliamentary Dinner, which will be attended by the Premier, the Hon Lara Giddings, and Health Minister, Michelle O’Byrne. 

Tomorrow he will travel to Launceston for a meeting with local GPs to discuss the impact of health reforms, including primary care issues around Medicare Locals and GP Super Clinics. 

Dr Hambleton is available for media interviews throughout his visit. 

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the creation of the Independent Hospital Pricing Authority would help to deliver greater transparency in public hospital funding.

The AMA submission on the National Health Reform Amendment (Independent Hospital Pricing Authority) Bill 2011 generally supports the proposed arrangements for the Authority, but recommends changes to strengthen and clarify the Authority’s functions and procedures.

Transcript: AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, with

                Hugh Riminton, Michelle Grattan and Steve Lewis

                Meet the Press, Channel Ten

                Sunday, 21 August 2011

Subject:    Asylum seekers; private health insurance; national health reform agreement

AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton addresses the AMA Parliamentary Dinner. He reviews the Government's National Health Reform Agreement, discusses the AMAs health reform plan, congratulates the Government on plain packaging legislation, and raises the health of asylum seekers.

Transcript: Media Doorstop

                Rydges South Bank Hotel, Brisbane

                Tuesday 2 August 2011

Subject: COAG National Health Reform Agreement