ePulse Archives

Tuesday, 21 April 2009

News

College

  • 2009 OECD Economic Survey of New Zealand
  • Here to further support you
  • Isotretinoin
  • Awards for 2009

Consultation

Sector

  • Maternity Services
  • Revised Credentialling Framework for Health and Disability Sector
  • MCNZ draft statement on beliefs and medical practice.
  • Draft CTA specification for postgraduate nursing
  • Interim Specification for the Midwifery first year of practice programme
  • PHARMAC (3 consultations)
  • Agenda for the 41st Meeting of the Medicines Classification Committee

Research

  • Wonca Working Group on Research

Vacancies & appointments


  • Manager, Human Resources – Wellington (Part-Time)
  • Assistant Accountant – Wellington
  • GPEP2 Facilitator - Hamilton/Waikato
  • Locum Doctor in Auckland
  • GREAT OPPORTUNITY – West Rodney
  • Maori Health Implementation Group (MaHI)
  • PHO Performance Management Advisory Group
  • Cancer Treatment Advisory Group
  • Statutory Committees

    • Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal

  • Ad Hoc Appointments Committee

Wonca Daily Alerts

CME

Conferences

 

News

College


2009 OECD Economic Survey of New Zealand

The 2009 OECD Economic Survey of New Zealand was released last week.  The Executive Summary highlights the role of healthcare costs in the New Zealand economy, saying that “GPs should be given stronger incentives for both prevention and efficient care.”
Pages 8, 9 and 10 of the report discuss past health sector reforms and suggest ways in which health system efficiency can be improved.  In respect of the Primary Health Care Strategy the report states recommends the following:

  • Practices should have access to capitation payments directly from the DHBs to avoid restrictions to competition by PHO “club membership” obligations.
  • The PHOs should be either eliminated as an unnecessary new bureaucratic layer or else their role and obligations must be more clearly defined, particularly with regards to facilitating the development of new clinical models, with the DHBs using part of their funding to the PHOs as a lever.
  • Fees should be better regulated by the DHBs but balanced sufficiently with capitation payments in order to maintain doctors’ intrinsic motivation to exert effort. The appropriate balance may need to be tailored to the needs of particular groups.
  • In the interests of both fiscal sustainability and health-care market competition, the authorities should consider a greater, well-regulated role for private insurance.
  • To improve burden sharing, the recent move to extend eligibility for lower co-payments to wealthier people could be rolled back. “
Suggestions in relation to DHBs include:
  • instil stronger incentives for efficiency through a formal separation of hospitals from DHB funders.
  • more actively monitor performance while devolving its purchase function to the DHBs
  • bureaucratic reporting burdens should be radically cut
  • developing user-friendly databases of best practices, performance benchmarks

A summary of the OECD report is available from the link below.
http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/62/41/42564695.pdf

Here to further support you

Heather Watt (Ngati Rangi o Nga Puhi) is the College’s new Group Manager, Member Support. She will be responsible for ensuring that the College delivers value to members. Heather’s last role involved managing support to members of an NHS mental health Trust in East London. She has previous experience in the publishing industry. Heather, who joined the College yesterday, noted: "It’s great to have the opportunity to work in support of a membership group dedicated to improving the health of all New Zealanders."


Isotretinoin

The new BMJ learning module on acne is now available online at http://learning.bmj.com/learning/search-result.html?moduleId=10011988
Please use the RNZCGP learning channel URL: http://learning.bmj.com/rnzcgp
Work towards assessing the decision support tool that has been developed by BPAC is continuing. 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". Please note this is a short term free trial, all college members are using the common username and common password. NB: please do not update the user details when log in, as others cannot get access until the system is reset.

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.


Jonathan Fox, President, RNZCGP

 

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Consultation

Sector

Maternity Services

On 7 May the Minister of Health will be meeting with the Maternity Services Strategic Advisory Group to discuss the Maternity Action Plan. Members wishing to convey comment on maternity issues to the RNZCGP representative on the Advisory Group can email Frances Townsend .

Revised Credentialling Framework for Health and Disability Sector

This document proposes extending credentialling which currently only applies to Senior Medical Officers, to include other health professionals including nurses and general practitioners. This has major implications and the College will be making a submission. A copy of the document is available at

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/improvingquality-credentialling-framework 
Thank you to those College members who emailed comments for inclusion in College feedback to the MOH.


MCNZ draft statement on beliefs and medical practice

The Medical Council has prepared a draft Statement on beliefs and medical practice to explore the ways doctors should approach some of the issues arising from their own personal beliefs and those of their patients.
This statement attempts to balance doctors’ and patients’ rights – including the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and the entitlement to care and treatment to meet clinical needs – and advises doctors on what to do when those rights conflict. Further information is available at http://www.mcnz.org.nz/NewsandIssues/tabid/55/Default.aspx  

The College may respond to this submission and members wishing to comment for inclusion in College feedback to the MCNZ should email these to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz  by 24 April 2009


Draft CTA specification for postgraduate nursing.

This draft document outlines the eligibility criteria for CTA funding for postgraduate nursing education.  The College may make a response to this submission and College members wishing to suggest comments for inclusion in College feedback to the CTA should email these to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz  by 24 April 2009. The document is available at
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/consult-draft-revised-specification-postgrad-nursing-funding


Interim Specification for the Midwifery first year of practice programme

The CTA invites those who have an interest in midwifery first year of practice training to provide them with their views on the interim specification. Further details are available at

http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/consultation-on-the-Interim-specification-midwifery-first-year-practice-programme


The College may make a response to this submission and College members wishing to suggest comments for inclusion in College feedback to the CTA should email these to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz  1 May.


PHARMAC (3 consultations)

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


1.    Proposal to widen access to dipyridamole. Closes 30 April.

2.    Consultation on widening access to rituximab in indolent NHL. Closes 1 May 2009

3.    Consultation on proposals regarding diabetes management products and mesalazine. Closes 1 May 2009

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.

Medical Council Roadshow - Guaranteeing Professional Standards
During May this year, the Medical Council will be undertaking meetings with doctors throughout New Zealand on two major initiatives:

    - Proposed use of practice visits by peers
    - Proposed new framework for supervision of IMGs

Consultation papers on these two topics will be available on the MCNZ website from Thursday, 23 April.

Dates and venues of the various meetings we are holding throughout New Zealand can be viewed here
http://www.mcnz.org.nz/  
College submissions on these topics can be found here

 

Research

Wonca Working Group on Research

The College is seeking a Fellow to represent it on the Wonca Working Group on Research. As a world body, Wonca provides a network for researchers to present, discuss and exchange experience. This enables the transfer of expertise and the development of common 'state-of-the-art' research outcomes. Although much of these activities concentrate around the increasing number of international Wonca conferences, Wonca plans to be a permanent clearing-house for research tools, skills and expertise. The Wonca Working Group on Research meets annually. Contact Annie Fleetwood. For more information:

http://www.globalfamilydoctor.com/research/research.asp?refurl=r

  

Vacancies & appointments


College Vacancies

Manager, Human Resources – Wellington (Part-Time)

  • Reporting to the CEO
  • A commitment to excellence                                                            
  • New role with exciting times ahead

A new opportunity exists for an experienced senior human resources professional who is interested in the medical industry in New Zealand.

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners is a professional membership organisation working to strengthen the professionalism and practice of its members. The College provides education, assessment, quality and support services for general practitioners and rural hospital medicine; and represents its members by providing advice and expertise to government and within the wider health sector.
In the role of Manager, Human Resources you will be responsible for effectively developing and implementing the College’s Human Resource Business Plan, ensuring that all HR policies and procedures comply with relevant legislation, are effective and efficient and ensuring that the College has the capacity and capability to deliver on its Strategic Statement.
Read the full advertisement

Assistant Accountant – Wellington

  • Experienced in Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable
  • A commitment to excellence
  • Reporting to the Manager, Finance

Do you consider yourself to have exceptional data entry skills, an eye for detail, the ability to reconcile financial statements to the last cent and enjoy month end reporting?  If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to explore. Read the full advertisement  


GPEP2 Facilitator - Hamilton/Waikato

We are looking for a FRNZCGP living in Hamilton or the Waikato to take on a one-tenth role as a GPEP2 facilitator.  This is a rewarding and flexible position, assisting those on the pathway to Fellowship.  Position description  Closing date: 7 May.  If you are interested in this position, please send your CV to Michael Gould or contact him for further information.

Locum Doctor in Auckland
Wanted a female long term locum 7 to 8 tenths +/- with a view from 25 May 09. Busy, well organised Med Tech 32 practice, professional supportive team, oversight available.Contact drmng@ihug.co.nz or phone 09 5804155  or 021 663812.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY – West Rodney
8/10 position available for Vocationally qualified (minimum PRIMEX, FRNZCGP preferred) female GP – in interesting & varied rural teaching practice. Wonderful patients & supportive team. Good package. 45 mins from Auckland CBD. Great lifestyle for the right person. Interested? Contact John Issott, Practice Manager at: admin@kaiparamed.co.nz or phone 09 420 8400.

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 advise Pam Berry who will send a copy of the terms of reference.

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 your 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

Cancer Treatment Advisory Group: This group was formerly known as the New Zealand Cancer Treatment Working party. There will be half day quarterly meetings in Wellington . The Chair is Dr Garry Forgeson from Palmerston North. Details available from annie.fleetwood@rnzcgp.org.nz If you are interested in any of these positions,  Please send your CV with the name of two Fellow referees to Annie Fleetwood or contact her for further information.

 

Statutory Committees
http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/sbc-appointments-to-health-statutory-bodies#FVDRC

Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal

The Ministry of Health is seeking applications to fill six GP vacancies on the panel of the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal. The closing data for applications is 14 April. Further information is available at http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/sbc-appointments-to-health-statutory-bodies#FVDRC

The Ad Hoc Appointments Committee of the College Executive have in the last six months nominated VR general practitioners. Those who have been have been appointed to various organisations include Read the list.

  
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Wonca Daily Alerts

CME

Canterbury Medicolegal Society
Date: Wednesday 6 May.
Time: Tea and coffee from 7:30 for 8pm meeting
Venue: The Camelot Room, Chateau on the Park
Topic: Making Decisions on Behalf of Incompetent Individuals: Legal mechanisms including Enduring Power of Attorney/Legal Guardianship under the PPPR Act and the use of Advance Directives.
Invited speakers will include Prof Peter Skegg, Faculty of Law, University of Otago .
RSVP: by 5pm Monday  4 May to maryleigh.moore@otago.ac.nz

Smoking Cessation in Practice – E-learning tool
An e-learning tool for registered health workers is available online at:

www.smokingcessationabc.org.nz

The tool introduces ABC, the new approach for managing people who smoke (as outlined in the New Zealand Smoking Cessation Guidelines), and contains practical information about giving brief advice and Nicotine Replacement Therapy.  The tool takes between 20 and 40 minutes to complete. 

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

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/

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.

 

Skin Cancer Collegiate Association of New Zealand
Upcoming SCCANZ endorsed courses in NZ:
University of Auckland – Dermoscopy and Skin Cancer Surgery Workshop, 24-26July Rotorua. Newly designed 3-day Auckland University course designed for primary care practitioners in the field of skin cancer, presenters Dr Sharad P Paul (Surgery) and Dr Amanda Oakley (Dermoscopy)

Certificate Exam: The University of Auckland Workshop will be followed by the SCCANZ Certificate Exam.
Info: http://www.skincancercollege.org.nz

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 2 – 12 14 June  
Sydney – Part 2 – 1-3 May
2 day certificate weekend:  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

10th International Mental Health Conference
Advancing with Knowledge, 12-14 August 2009, Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise.Call for abstracts has been extended to 8 April. This year the conference will review the accumulated knowledge and clinical wisdom over the past 10 years for the High Prevalence Disorders - anxiety conditions, mood disorders and substance abuse, and will focus on how this knowledge will inform practice in the next five years.
url: www.anzmh.asn.au/Conference9

Australia & New Zealand Mental Health Association Inc.
C/- PO Box 10928, Adelaide St Post Office, Brisbane 4000

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

The 2nd International Conference on Fixed Combination in the Treatment of Hypertension,
Dyslipidemia and Diabetes Mellitus
Valencia, Spain, 10-12 December 2009.
Website: www.paragon-conventions.com/fixed09 Tel: +41- 22- 5330-948,
Email: rkatzir@paragon-conventions.com

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