Phelps says unity will bring benefits to doctors
Newly re-elected President of the AMA, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said tonight that her re-election and that of her Vice-President and Treasurer is a clear sign that doctors have faith in the AMA leadership and there is support for the AMA's campaign for a better deal for doctors and their patients.
Dr Phelps and her leadership team were re-elected unopposed.
Dr Phelps said that there was unprecedented unity right across the medical profession behind the AMA's campaign for implementation of the Relative Value Study (RVS) and for better funding for public hospitals.
"The AMA is running the right agenda to get the Australian health system and Medicare in shape to support not just this generation, but the next," Dr Phelps said.
"We need to provide support for our doctors and our hospitals if we are going to be able to provide proper care for our patients into the future.
"The RVS, the revival of Medicare and the right level of public hospital funding will provide the necessary foundation for the health system for the next twenty years.
"It is the AMA's job to convince the Government to make this commitment to the health and well-being of all Australians.
"A united medical profession is essential to that task."
Dr Phelps said she was encouraged and heartened by the support of her colleagues in re-electing her President.
"I thank all AMA members for their support, especially my leadership team who have all worked hard at a critical time for doctors and their patients," she said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761