ePulse Archives


Tuesday, 24 March 2009

News

College

  • Busy day at Council
  • Isotretinoin
  • Rural AGMs this weekend
  • ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING
  • Awards for 2009
  • Updated CVD guidelines handbook out this weekend

Consultation

Sector

Research

  • GP input requested
  • Simple test helps to predict lung cancer risk

Vacancies & appointments

  • GP Liaison Service- Canterbury

  • Addiction Psychiatrist/Lead Clinician - Waitemata DHB

  • Mount Maunganui
  • Auckland - North Shore
  • West Auckland
  • Central Hamilton

Medico-legal

Wonca Daily Alerts

CME

Conferences

 

News

College

Busy day at Council
The College Council's first meeting for 2009 faced a heavy schedule at their meeting last week. Among the decisions made were:

  • The College's stategic statement for 2009-2012 was approved by Council last week. Following production and printing it will be available soon on the College's website
  • Approved the subscription for 2009-2010
  • Approved a new standing committee structure better reflecting the functions within the national office of the College. Council approved new terms of reference reducing the three standing boards into only two.  The timeline will be:
    • 24 March : Call for nominations for the Education Advisory Committee that will incorporate education and assessment governance
    • 24 March: : Call for nominations for the Quality Advisory Committee that will bring together the governance for general practice standards (Aiming for EXcellence) and accreditation (CORNERSTONE).
    • 3 April : Nominations for both advisory committees close
    • 6-9 April : Assessment of nominations
    • 17 April : Recommendations to Executive
    • 29 April : Executive makes decision
    • 30 April : Old boards cease, new advisory committees start
  • Agreed to investigate a method to evaluate the impact of the change of community laboratory provider in Auckland.

Isotretinoin

In case you didn't read the special e-Pulse sent recently, please review the Isotretinoin update here
ePulse will update you each week on the progress on developing a learning module. Decision support information is already available on BMJ Best Practice.  The College has negotiated a free trial for members on BMJ Best Practice, go to the website and use the temporary username (or where it says on the page "type your email address here") is: "rnzcgp". password is "rnzcgp". Check it out. Please note this is a short term free trial, all college members are using the common username and common password.  We apologise if access to this link has been difficult, but we are assured things will improve.

Rural AGMs this weekend
The Annual General Meetings of both the Rural Faculty of the College, and of the Division of Rural Hospital Medicine will be held during the conference of the Rural GP Network in Wellington this weekend. Rural Faculty meets Saturday, the Division's AGM will start at 10am following the conference breakfast on Sunday.

ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC MEETING
9- 12 September 2009, Duxton Hotel, Wellington
The organising committee for The RNZCGP Annual Scientific Conference welcomes you to join them for what promises to be an inspiring and thought-provoking meeting, catering for a wide range of interests and offering varying learning opportunities a stone’s throw from Wellingtons vibrant and beautiful waterfront. This year's programme reflects the theme of the conference “Myths and realities in primary care” by including an eclectic mix of key note speakers, debates, facilitated discussions, plenary sessions and concurrent workshops. 

Call for Abstracts
The RNZCGP 2009 committee is now calling for papers to be presented at the Conference. For further information and to submit your abstract online visit. www.rnzcgp.org.nz/conference2009. We look forward to receiving your abstracts and welcoming you to Wellington.

Awards for 2009
Each year awards are presented during the annual conference. There is considerable process and paperwork to be undertaken before an award can be made. There are five types of awards, ie Distinguished Fellow, Honorary Fellow, Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Long Service Medal. The criteria for these awards are included on the Award Nomination Form attached.

These awards recognise achievement and contributions made to general practice and to the life of the College. We urge you to think about those individuals who would be worthy recipients of a College award and submit a nomination by 15 May. An explanation of the process and a nomination form.

Updated CVD guidelines handbook out this week

An updated edition of the New Zealand Cardiovascular Guidelines Handbook will be launched by Professor Norman Sharpe on 29 March at the Goodfellow Symposium in Auckland. A live link to the 8am launch, answers to frequently asked questions and details about activities planned to help implement the Handbook can be viewed at: www.nzgg.org.nz/cvdhandbook. The Handbook will be sent to practice managers to distribute to GPs and nurses during the first week of April. Extra copies can be ordered free from Wickliffe: (04) 496 2277. Order No: HP: 4738

Jonathan Fox, President, RNZCGP

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Consultation

Sector

 

Pharmac

 1.      Proposals regarding multiple diabetes management products and Mesalazine. This proposal relates to the funding and listing of various brands of blood glucose test strips, blood glucose diagnostic test meters, blood ketone test strips, urine ketone test strips, insulin pen needles, disposable insulin syringes, and mesalazine. It is also proposed to widen access to include the funding of blood glucose diagnostics test meters for people with gestational diabetes. Further detail is available at Consultation on proposals regarding diabetes management products and mesalazine. Closes 1 May 2009

2   Consultation on reducing the subsidy for dextropropoxyphene with paracetamol.
Closes 31 March

3    Consultation: to extend funding for pioglitazone and to award sole supply to Pizaccord.
Closes 8 April

Members wishing to comment on these proposals can click on the links for further information and respond directly to PHARMAC by the closing dates indicated. Should you consider that any of these proposals warrant a RNZCGP submission please email policy@rnzcgp.org.nz

Feedback on MCNZ guide to Best Health Outcomes for Pacific Peoples
To assist doctors in their interactions with Pacific peoples the Medical Council has asked Mauri Ora Associates to develop two resources, a guide to Best health outcomes for Pacific peoples and a summary document outlining the key points for doctors. The MCNZ is seeking comment on the draft guide and summary document, available at  http://www.mcnz.org.nz/News/tabid/55/Default.aspx

College members wishing to suggest comments for inclusion in College feedback to the MCNZ should email these to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz  by  17 April 2009.

Medsafe agenda
Agenda for the 41st Meeting of the Medicines Classification Committee

 

The agenda for the 41st MCC meeting is now available for comment http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/class/agen41.htm, The medications to be discussed are Lansoprazole, Chloramphenicol for ophthalmic use, Codeine, Famciclovir, Guaiphenesin, Pantoprazole, Zolmitriptan, Analogues of Sildenafil, Vardenafil and Tadalafil.Comment from interested individuals may be sent direct to Carole_Firth@moh.govt.nz by 16 April 2009.Any comments submitted will be included with the agenda papers and distributed to Committee members prior to the meeting. The meeting is scheduled to be held on 14 May 2009.

Research

GP input requested
The Ministry of Health is seeking input from GPs to influence the design of services to enable parents to access maternal and child health information on demand at any time via a number of communication channels.  To make the gathering of their knowledge simple, convenient and quick they have composed a short survey which will take about three minutes to complete and which is available on the web. The attachment contains further information about the Parent Information Project and a weblink to the survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ca2n2g4BbV9MD5EnYhFoeg_3d_3d.  They are looking to collate the completed surveys during March 2009.

Simple test helps to predict lung cancer risk

A simple lung function test could help to identify people at increased risk of lung cancer according to research from The University of Auckland and Auckland City Hospital.
Published online in the European Respiratory Journal, the study showed that smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), were six times more likely to get lung cancer than smokers without COPD.

The relationship between the two diseases, which is much closer than previously thought, means that routine testing for COPD could help to identify smokers at increased risk of lung cancer and who would benefit most from quitting smoking.
“By identifying smokers with reduced lung function (or COPD), people at greater risk of lung cancer can be identified at a time when quitting smoking can still significantly reduce their risk,” says lead researcher Associate Professor Robert Young from The University of Auckland. The research team believes that spirometry – a simple breathing test – should be routinely available through GPs to screen smokers for COPD. For people who smoke, being given a diagnosis of COPD, and knowing they have a significantly increased risk of lung cancer, are two things that can help them to quit

Associate Professor Robert Young  Ph: +64 9 630 9968 or 027 290 2266  Email: roberty@adhb.govt.nz

 

Vacancies & appointments


Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners
Group Manager Clinical Practice

  • Primary Care expert

Closing date now 27 March
In the role of Group Manager, Clinical Practice you will be responsible for ensuring patient centred clinical care is delivered in high quality general practices and that general practice is seen as the core of an effective and efficient New Zealand health system.
Having a reputation as a thought leader in the health sector, you will bring with you demonstrated experience in research; quality guidance; leading the development and implementation of strategic plans; the provision of robust, well researched and timely policy advice to key stakeholders at the highest level; and have expertise in the area of primary care.
You will have had an impeccable clinical career, enjoy championing process improvement, understand the importance of building and maintaining strong working relationships with your key stakeholders and have a desire to contribute to the growth of the health sector in New Zealand.The closing date for applications for this position is now 27 March.

Position Description for Group Manager, Clinical Practice

Application for Employment

GP Liaison Service

The Canterbury Initiative is an exciting initiative sponsored by Canterbury District Health Board Planning and Funding and the five Canterbury Primary Health Organisations and is actively supported by general practice and hospital clinicians. This initiative, which will change the way health care is delivered in Canterbury, is focussed on general practice and hospital clinicians working collaboratively to provide the best possible care for patients. We have a range of GPL roles available across several services including ENT, Neurology and Child Health.
See more

Maori Health Implementation Group (MaHI)
There is currently a vacancy on the College's Maori Health Implementation Group Committee (MaHI), for a medical student or a junior doctor (PGY I or PGY II).
If you know of any person who may be interested in being a member of MaHI, please have them e-mail Pam Berry (pam.berry@rnzcgp.org.nz) who will send a copy of the terms of reference

Part-time Medical Officer - Air New Zealand
With almost 11,000 employees globally Air New Zealand’s dedicated Medical Unit ensure and support the health and well being of a diverse cross section of people in a wide variety of work environments.
We are seeking a suitable doctor to join this high performing team on a part-time basis while working towards fellowship in occupational medicine.
Working alongside both occupational and aviation medical specialists, the main focus of this role is the clinical management of occupational health issues across engineering, airport services and corporate staff.
Read more

PHO Performance Management Advisory Group
An RNZCGP representative is required for The PHO Performance Management Advisory Group, which meets for a full day (9-3) every two months. The Terms of Reference and the list of other member are available from Annie Fleetwood. Please send you CV with the name of two Fellow referees to Annie. The website is: http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/pagesmh/5817/$File/PHOperfmagmtsummaryinfo.pdf

 

Osteoporosis Board
Requires a GP representative
If you are interested in any of these positions,  Please send your CV with the name of 2 Fellow referees to Annie Fleetwood or contact her for further information.

Mount Maunganui,  We have a job opportunity from Easter to replace an existing female associate with a growing client base (currently working 8/10). Come and enjoy the Mount lifestyle in our purpose-built happy medical centre, well-organised accredited Med tech 32 practice, with doctors who enjoy a healthy work-life balance. Contact Dee St Medical Centre 07 5754057 (Helen Matehaere practice manager or GPs John Aiken/ Heather Burling / Simon Meech) or email accounts@deestreet.co.nz

Auckland – N/Shore,  Locum/Associate (+/-withview) F/t or P/t, no AH’s.  Oversight available. A busy, well organised Med Tech 32 practice, professional supportive team, good  remuneration.  Contact Sue Morrison, Practice Manager, 094779000 or  email torbaymed@xtra.co.nz

West Auckland
Practice for sale in West Auckland - 6 tenths with potential to grow to full time. Friendly, supportive staff and patients. Expressions of interest to sue.hancock@xtra.co.nz

Central Hamilton
Permanent long term, part-time general practitioner required for a central Hamilton CORNERSTONE accredited medical centre. Attractive remuneration, flexible hours with potential to increase. Phone (after 6pm): 07 854 1943 / 021 357 539.

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Medico-legal

 

Advice/Support for Small Business

The Government has come up with a series of measures designed to assist NZ firms, including:

• an 0800 hotline (0800 42 49 46, operating 24/7);

• free business health checks: this online tool - www.bizhealth.co.nz - enables a business to get an independent, confidential assessment of the actual position of their firm. Once the business identifies where help is needed they can submit a request for specific information, or they can ring 0800 42 49 46 and talk to the trained adviser who can assist them; and

• free seminars on managing in an economic downturn: to help established small and medium sized businesses understand what best business practice is, how to mitigate risk and, when the difficult times are over, how they can emerge as better and stronger businesses. The new seminars started running at different times around the country from the end of February.

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/sites/all/files/brownleefactsheetfinal.pdf

http://www.bizhealth.co.nz

Keeping it Legal
How to keep up-to-date with legal risks and responsibilities

Keeping it Legal is a success! An evaluation - just out - shows that overall, Keeping it Legal E Ai Ki Te Ture has been overwhelmingly well received.  Keeping it Legal is widely recognised within the community and voluntary sector as a quality resource keeping organisations up-to-date with their legal risks and responsibilities.

Evaluation - http://www.nzfvwo.org.nz/files/KiLEvaluation2009.pdf

http://www.keepingitlegal.net.nz/

 

Wonca Daily Alerts

CME

PHARMAC Seminar Series - Upcoming Seminars

The PHARMAC Seminar Series provides high quality educational seminars for health professionals. PHARMAC covers the cost of travel to and from the seminars, including flights. The cost to attend is $112.50. The Seminars Series is a RNZCGP endorsed CME provider.

Upcoming seminars:

To find out more about the PHARMAC Seminar Series, and to register for seminars, head to our website: www.seminarseries.pharmac.govt.nz

University of Queensland
Certificate in Primary Care Skin Cancer Surgery
The format of the Certificate in Primary Care Skin Cancer Surgery is designed to meet the needs of generalist GPs as well as those with more procedural experience. These courses are practical based workshops with theory content.  Successful completion of the Certificate in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine (which includes basic surgical management and techniques) is encouraged for enrolment in the Certificate in Primary Care Skin Cancer Surgery. However this course is open to any doctor who has experience in minor skin surgery.
This course is presented by a New Zealand surgeon, Dr Sharad P Paul joined by experienced GPs to assist in optimising the learning outcomes. The content covers sections on theory plus hands-on practical sessions. This course is designed to assist GPs to develop confidence in arious procedures and understand their limitations without further practical experience.
Info: http://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/assets/uploads/e_pulse_pdf/University-of-Queensland.pdf

Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care presents medical/forensic management of adult sexual assault training weekend
27 – 29 March, 2009, Marion Davis Library, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland.  This is an initial and refresher training course for doctors and nurses to learn the skills of medical examinations for adult victims of sexual assault.  For details contact Meagan Kerr at DSAC dsac@ihug.co.nz phone: +64 9 376 1422, fax: +64 9 376 0790.

Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care presents paediatric training course in the medical assessment of sexually abused children and adolescents
28 April – 1 May, 2009, Marion Davis Library, Auckland City Hospital; and Puawaitahi, Grafton, Auckland.  This is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary course for clinicians: GPs, paediatricians, paediatric registrars and nurses wanting to gain competence, or to have an update, in the medical assessment of children and young people referred for alleged sexual abuse.  For details contact Meagan Kerr at DSAC dsac@ihug.co.nz phone: +64 9 376 1422, fax: +64 9 376 0790.

Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society
Clinical Bone Densitometry Course, Wellington, 6-7 June 2009. The aim of the course is to train technologists and medical specialists in all aspects of densitometry - including safety, technical, scientific, statistical, QA, organisational -to international best practice standards.
An online multiple-choice examination is held two weeks after completion of the lecture series. Upon completion of the course and achievement of a pass mark in the examination, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion in Clinical Bone Densitometry, which satisfies the requirements of radiation safety legislation in most Australian states. We have applied to The New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technologists for the maximum number (10) of continuing professional development points, in recognition of the content of the course.
Further information: Julia Gallagher, Osteoporosis New Zealand Ph: +64 4 499 4862  Email info@bones.org.nz. or http://www. bones.org.nz

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Conferences

Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners’ Annual Scientific Conference, Wellington
9-12 September 2009 further details: http://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/2009-annual-conference/

Rural GP Network Conference
27-29 March 2009 in Wellington
Topics include ultrasound, oral health, suturing, zoonoses, strapping for mobility, sexual health and the painful red eye - mind that No. 8 wire.
The Division of Rural Hospital Medicine will hold their AGM and Forum on Sunday, 29 March. This will start at 10am following on from the breakfast. The Rural Faculty of the College will hold their AGM on Saturday.

National Maori Asthma, Respiratory Conference
A special conference for Maori and non-Maori doctors and other health professionals will be held at Orakei Marae, Auckland, 18 - 20 March, 2009, hosted by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation.  Asthma and other respiratory illnesses and speeches and workshops will include ‘the paediatric consultation’ by Dr Cass Byrnes, Pediatric Respiratory Specialist at Starship Children’s Hospital, ‘the state of Maori health’, by Dr Lorna Dyall, a Senior Lecturer at Auckland University and, ‘the new asthma self management plan’, by Ruth Gardener and Robyn Ingleton from the Foundation. Early bird registrations close on 6 March, 2009 and cost $350 and late registrations cost $380 (covers food and accommodation).

Goodfellow Symposium 2009
"Mastering the Knowledge Mountain", 27-29 March, Hyatt Regency, Auckland. The theme will explore effective ways of learning and demonstrate interactive ways to stay up to date. The programme includes: an update on stroke, paediatric vignettes, non-accidental injury, interpretation of lab results and X-rays, suturing, bipolar disorder, CBT skills for depression, multiple medication, asthma, managing lifestyle change, carpel tunnel syndrome, CVD screening, practical ENT and hot topics in primary care.

Delegates' Competition
The competition prize is a complimentary luxurious spa treatment at the Hyatt Regency.  Click here to find out more about the competition.

Register online or find out more at www.goodfellowsymposium.org.nz
Earlybird discounts are available until 20 February, 2009. Some sessions have restricted numbers so register now for your preferred sessions. As the Goodfellow Unit is a registered RNZCGP provider, GPs are eligible for CME credits.

National College of Practice Nurses NZNO Annual Conference
“Outside the Square”, Convention Centre, Palmerston North, 1-3 May, 2009. Contact: Karen Lowe; phone 06 356 8033 (work) or Andrea Ropiha; phone 06 356 8033 (work).  http://mpnc2009.scarletvault.com

NZMA GP CME 2009
General Practice Conference & Medical Exhibition
11-14 June 2009, Energy Events Centre, Rotorua.
The programme provides a good general practice update, with short, sharp and to the point clinical content; including key take home messages to change practice behaviour immediately. Many practical workshops are on offer across a broad spectrum of GP content. Dedicated Practice Managers and Registered Nurses programmes will also run on Fri 12 and Sat 13 June. Surgical Skills (Basic and Advanced) and Resuscitation Courses to level 5 and 7 standard are also an option.
Details of the programme are available at www.gpcme.co.nz Visit the website or contact leon@conferencematters.co.nz for further details.

Wakefield Health 2009
Frontiers of Medicine and Surgery Conference, Friday 4 and Saturday 5 September, Te Papa Museum, Wellington. Registrations will open in June. To register your interest in the conference or if you have any queries please email Kate Cooney, Conference Manager, on kcooney@dazzleevents.co.nz or phone 04 494 5121.

2009 NATIONAL IMMUNISATION CONFERENCE
From Science to Service Delivery,19-20 November 2009
Owen Glen Building, University of Auckland
COMING SOON: Call for abstracts, International speakers
Epidemiology of
• Vaccine Preventable Diseases
• Vaccine Coverage
Science and Research
Adverse Events Following Immunisation
Addressing the Issues
• Community
• Primary Care
• Population Planning
Info: p.harrington@auckland.ac.nz

International

The Australasian College of Skin Cancer Medicine
Skin Cancer Diploma Workshops: Perth – Part 1 – 27-29 March/Perth – Part 2 – 12 14 June  
Sydney – Part 2 – 1-3 May
2 day certificate weekend:  Perth – 28-29 March, Melbourne – 16-17 May, Cairns – 30-31 May, Brisbane – 20-21 June, Auckland – 20-21 June.
Intense dermoscopy workshop for doctors:  Brisbane – 18-19 April
Annual conference 2009 – focus on melanoma:  Gold Coast – Bond University, 28, 29 & 30 August. These events are accredited by RACGP and ACRRM.  Further details are available at http://skincancercollege.com/Home.aspx

ICPM 1st international course on pain medicine
www.ICPM.net, Granada, Spain, 28-31 May, 2009.
The ICPM aims to provide an overview of the main chronic pain entities, from their pathophysiological mechanisms to the diagnosis and most advanced and efficient treatment options available.

2nd Geneva Conference on Person-Centred Medicine:  From Concepts to Practice
Geneva, Switzerland, 28-29 May 2009
Organised by the World Medical Association (WMA), the World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca), the World Psychiatric Association Institutional Program on Psychiatry for the Person, and the International Network for Person-centered Medicine, in collaboration with several international medical and health organisations, with the cooperation of the Paul Tournier Association, and with the auspices of the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).

Conference Secretariat:  Prof. J.E. Mezzich, International Center for Mental Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Fifth Ave & 100th Street, Box 1093, New York, New York 10029-6574, USA. Tel 1-718-334-5094, Fax 1-718-334-5096, Email: juanmezzich@aol.com.

9th WONCA Rural Health World Conference
www.ruralwonca2009.org, Heraklion, Crete, Greece,12-14 June, 2009.
Hosted by the Clinic of Social and Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Crete, Greece, in conjunction with the practice-based research rural network of Crete and Greece.  Theme:  Health Inequalities, covering technology suitable for rural settings, island medicine and health services for immigrants. The deadline for abstracts is 17 February. Inquiries to: Ms Francy Foskolou, wonce2009-scientific@acnc.gr or http://www.ruralwonca2009.org , http://www.ruralwonca2009.com

WINFOCUS 2009 congress
5th World Congress on Ultrasound in Emergency and critical care medicine, Darling Harbour, Sydney, 4 - 6  September 2009.
The congress program will feature high quality presentations, extensive networking opportunities  and workshops in aspects of critical care and emergency point of care clinician ultrasound.
Website: http://www.winfocus2009.org.au
WINFOCUS 2009 Secretariat - Tel. no. +61 2 9437 9333 Fax. no. +62 2 9901 4586
email: winfocus2009@conferenceaction.com.au

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