Supporting family doctors – AMA listening tour

The Federal AMA has started a series of grassroots meetings with GPs around the country to hear first hand how the current reforms of the health system are affecting general practices and family doctors at the local level.

On Wednesday night, Federal AMA Vice President, Dr Steve Hambleton, and AMA Queensland President, Dr Gino Pecoraro, hosted a meeting of local doctors – AMA members and non-members, local graduates and international graduates – in suburban Brisbane.

Issues covered during discussions included e-Health, the Government’s proposals for practice nurse subsidies, the capped funding diabetes care plan, the proposed Medicare Locals, and the plight of overseas trained doctors in Australia.

The AMA is planning similar GP meetings around the country – both city and regional – in several states ahead of the Federal Election.  [Read more]

If you are unable to attend a meeting but would like to provide input on the current reforms of the health system, you can register your comments on the Support Family Doctors website.

AMA member survey:  new diabetes scheme

The AMA is conducting a series of surveys of GPs on aspects of the Government’s health reform program.

Our latest survey focuses on the Government’s new diabetes scheme, under which diabetic patients will be given the opportunity to voluntarily enrol with a nominated general practice from 1 July 2012. This model
represents a fundamental shift in the way that the provision of care to patients with diabetes will be funded and has the potential to undermine the doctor/patient relationship

We need to hear your views on the Government’s changes and what impact you think they will have on patient care and your own circumstances. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. Please click here to start the survey.

GPs get extra support to train new GPs

The AMA has welcomed Wednesday’s announcement that the Federal Government has increased funding for GP supervisors who are teaching and training the next generation of GPs.

Dr Hambleton said the 20 per cent increase in the supervision allowance acknowledges the dedication of GP supervisors to preserve and promote the vital role of general practice in the Australian health system. The funding increase, although modest, will help encourage more GPs to become involved in teaching and training and gives greater recognition to the additional costs involved in providing this important function.  [Read more]

Primary care infrastructure grants
 
The Government has released the tenders for the primary care infrastructure grants that were announced in this year’s Federal Budget. Grants up to $500,000 for capital works are available for existing general practices to expand or upgrade space for GPs, nurses or allied health professionals and to train new doctors. Prior to the budget, the AMA lobbied the Government strongly for existing practices to get access to funding to enhance infrastructure.

Under the Government’s program, $177 million in funding will be available and applications are open to any eligible organisation or individual operating an existing general practice, primary care or community health service, or Aboriginal Medical Service.  

Further details on the grants are available at www.health.gov.au/tenders

Members recognised in Queen’s Birthday honours list

The AMA congratulates those GP members who were recognised in the Queen’s Birthday 2010 honours list for service to medicine, general practice and the community.

• Member (AM) of the Order of Australia – Dr John Mickan AM and Dr Peter Sharp AM
• Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia – Dr Richard O'Bryan OAM and Dr Patrick Giltrap OAM