Early Christmas present for NSW doctors and patients
AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that the NSW Government's medical indemnity changes represent one of the most significant breakthroughs for the NSW public hospital system in living memory.
Dr Phelps said the initiatives announced by NSW Health Minister, Craig Knowles, combined with news of the Prime Minister's medical indemnity summit in the new year, will be a great relief for doctors and a comfort for patients.
"The doctors and patients of NSW have been given a very big early Christmas present today," Dr Phelps said.
"Doctors confronted with outrageous medical insurance bills and the prospect of going out of business in the New Year can now look to the future with confidence.
"People concerned about the availability of medical services amid the indemnity crisis can now be assured that doctors will be on hand to treat holiday season victims of accident, mishap and misadventure.
"The NSW changes are comprehensive and will provide certainty for doctors working in the public system for the next five years at least.
"The AMA - at both the Federal and State level - has been working with the NSW Government towards this outcome for years.
"Craig Knowles is to be commended for his personal attention to the medical indemnity crisis.
"He has shown that great health benefits for the community can be obtained through working closely with the medical profession.
"Today's announcement lays the foundation for the Prime Minister's summit next year to produce a national plan that will deliver a similar successful outcome for all Australian patients," Dr Phelps said.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Sarah Crichton (02) 6270 5472 / (0419) 440 076