ePulse V12 number 07

Tuesday 2nd February 2010

News

•    Health Minister presents at the RNZCGP Quality Symposium 2010
•    New Board emphasises best possible value to members
•    RNZCGP congratulates Chai Chuah
•    Influenza Immunisation Programme 2010 Reiteration
•    Journal Watch

Consultation

•    Regulation of Health professions; MOH discussion document
•    GPs providing LMC care
•    Aiming for Excellence: Fourth Edition
•    Access to high-cost, highly-specialised medicines in New Zealand
•    PHARMAC altering funding and access arrangements for special foods
•    PHARMAC (2 further consultations)

Vacancies and advertisements

CME

Conferences

News

Health Minister presents at the RNZCGP Quality Symposium 2010
The RNZCGP Quality Symposium in Wellington 12-13 February is approaching rapidly. Don’t miss Health Minister Tony Ryall’s symposium-opening presentation on the future direction of quality in the New Zealand health system. Register now at http://www.rnzcgp.org.nz/quality-symposium, where you can also view the full programme. The Symposium has been endorsed by RNZCGP and approved for up to 15 hours (= 15 credits) CME for General Practice Education Programme Stage 2 (formerly AVE) and MOPS purposes. The College of Practice Nurses have also approved the Symposium for 15 hours of CNE points.

New Board emphasises best possible value to members
Like most other organisations in the recession there is less money available for the RNZCGP. The new Board have emphasised the need to be certain that the College provides the best possible value to members, and that our contracts are economically sustainable and deliver value to all parties. College President Dr Harry Pert says that the Board are making sure the College is running as effectively and efficiently as possible. “We are looking closely at some of the contracts that the college has,” Dr Pert said when asked by NZ Doctor about the RNZCGP’s financial position last week. “We have already put in place quite a lot of changes…I’m very optimistic that we have a process and solution in place to ensure the viability, sustainability and growth of the college.”

RNZCGP congratulates Chai Chuah
RNZCGP congratulates Chai Chuah on his appointment as the new National Health Board’s first National Director. Chuah, formerly Chief Executive of Hutt Valley District Health Board, has led a number of national health service and health information programmes.

Influenza Immunisation Programme 2010 Reiteration
The Ministry of Health have released an information pack for clinicians containing full details of the two-stage influenza vaccination programme beginning in February. The pack includes information on the Early Protection Programme against pandemic H1N1 influenza for frontline health workers and those most at risk, and details of the immunisation benefit and payments. Please note that the programme is being co-ordinated locally via DHBs. Contact names and details for your local DHB are available on page 21 of the information pack. To assist with the programme, a short multi-dose vial training module has been developed by (IMAC) and can be accessed at http://www.immune.org.nz.

Journal Watch
• Ticagrelor better than clopidogrel in ACS with early invasive strategy
• Low vitamin D levels associated with worse adult asthma
• Lithium plus valproate versus monotherapy for relapse prevention in bipolar I disorder
• Less risk of arm fracture with Sand vs wood chip playground surfaces

Consultation

Thank you to those members who found time to provide comment on the issues in the previous edition of ePulse.

Regulation of Health professions: MOH discussion document
The MOH have released a discussion document How do we determine if statutory regulation is the most appropriate way to regulate health professions?

The Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (the Act) provides a framework for regulating health professions to ensure the public is protected from harm when receiving health services. This discussion document discusses the criteria for regulating health professions and seeks comment on proposed revised criteria. Submissions to the MOH close 5 March 2010. Please email your views to contribute to the College submission by 22 February to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz

GPs providing LMC care
The MOH are conducting a survey to identify the mechanisms DHBs have in place to improve the safety and quality of maternity services. The survey has gone to regional representatives of the midwives and obstetricians working as Lead Maternity Carers (LMCs), and also to DHBs. The MOH also wishes to include GP LMCs. If you are providing LMC services (including intrapartum care) and would like to participate in this survey please email frances.townsend@rnzcgp.org.nz to request a copy.

Aiming for Excellence: Fourth Edition
In preparation for the fourth edition of Aiming for Excellence, Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners seeks your views on its third edition by the end of April 2010. Your advice will help us understand whether Aiming for Excellence still measures what it was intended to measure. Our full consultation document can be found here. Contact maureen.Gillon@rnzcgp.org.nz with feedback.

Access to high-cost, highly-specialised medicines in New Zealand
The three person panel Review of Access to High-Cost, Highly-Specialised Medicines in New Zealand has released a preliminary report intended to promote discussion and elicit feedback. The report is available here. Members’ thoughts on this issue would be appreciated and can be sent to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz.

PHARMAC altering funding and access arrangements for special foods
The College will be making a submission on this consultation. It includes the proposal that vocationally registered general practitioners become eligible to authorise Special Food Special Authorities. Members comments on this and other recommendations can be sent to policy@rnzcgp.org.nz by Wed March 3rd, to inform the College response. The consultation document is available at:

• Consultation on altering subsidies for Special Foods. Closes Friday 19 March 2010

PHARMAC (2 further consultations)
Members wishing to comment on the proposals below can click on the link for further information and respond directly to PHARMAC by the closing date indicated. If you consider that this proposal requires a formal RNZCGP response please let us know by emailing policy@rnzcgp.org.nz.

• Proposal to fund ambrisentan (Volibris). Closes 4pm, Thursday 11 February 2010
• Proposal to fund donepezil and decline memantine applications. Closes 4pm, Thursday 25 February 2010

Vacancies and advertisements

Clinical Leader RHM
The Clinical Leader RHM will contribute to the College’s Strategic Focus of a high performing, sustainable workforce for general practice and rural hospital medicine through providing clinical leadership for the DRHM’s training programme. It is a 3/10 position but this can be negotiated. If you have any questions regarding this role please contact Lana Henderson, Rural Hospital Medicine Administrator. Complete cover letter and CV should be emailed to lana.henderson@rnzcgp.org.nz.

Aviation Medical Officer (Wellington based)
Medical Registrar/Trainee or Aviation Medical Officer position. If you have an interest in Occupational Medicine this could be the opportunity you have been looking for. This position offers a high degree of flexibility and may be attractive to an established Aviation Medical Practitioner or junior doctor interested in training in this field. The position may be suitable to anyone seeking to work full-time or part-time in this industry focussed on a regulatory function. You will provide specialist advice and training to medical staff, developing procedures and documentation and actively enhancing the activities of our Central Medical Unit. Applications close on 7 February 2010 and should quote vacancy number CAA 10/02. For a position description and/or application form please go to Vacancies on our website www.caa.govt.nz.To apply send a covering letter, curriculum vitae and CAA application form to the Human Resources, Civil Aviation Authority, PO Box 31-441, Lower Hutt, 5040.

Christchurch GP
Ferrymead Medical Centre has a fresh opening for a new partner (female preferred). We are a three person practice in large, purpose-built facilities, situated within the Ferrymead retail district and in a rapidly growing area of Christchurch. A great opportunity is open for a motivated and dedicated replacement for our outgoing partner. A permanent long term locum would also be considered. Contact Dr Brendan Smith at brendan.smith@ferrymead.pegasus.net.nz.

Miramar GP
Locum required for July 2010 to cover leave in a friendly four doctor family practice, 8 or 9/10ths preferred. Locum also required for July school holidays (5th to 16th) to cover leave, 4/10ths or more considered. Contact Raewyn, practice manager, on 04 388 7018 for more information on either position, or send CV to manager@miramarmedical.co.nz.

South Island – Solo GP
Available in a delightful South Island town, a solo general practice. Pleasant, well equipped premises, well managed, with excellent staff, contact joeballs@es.co.nz or phone 03 434 7697 or 021 349721.

Rotorua - Senior Registrar (GPEP 2)
Rotorua’s Ranolf Medical Centre has a vacancy for a GPEP2 Registrar to join us for a year or two. This is a busy Cornerstone accredited practice with great opportunities for further training in a very supportive, team oriented practice. Excellent conditions and remuneration. For further information talk to our current registrar, Eloise Fry at efry@rgpg.co.nz, or contact Debbie Morris, Practice Manager at dmorris@rgpg.co.nz.

Newtown GP
Newtown Union Health Service, Wellington, seeks GP to cover sabbatical leave from 25 March – 1 June 2010, or up to 12 months. We are an innovative, interesting, multicultural, and multidisciplinary community-owned practice with great staff and positive learning environment. The position is salaried and will be fixed-term contract, for up to 32 hours per week. Flexible hours and conditions considered. Enquiries to lesley@nuhs.org.nz or ph 04 380-2015.

Auckland Clinical Studies Medical Doctor
This position would ideally suit someone trained in General Practice who wishes to work either part-time or full-time in clinical research at the Auckland Clinical Studies unit at the Grafton site. There is an enthusiastic team of three other research physicians (two of whom are trained in General Practice), an experienced manager, six full-time nurses, five study co-ordinators, three pharmacists and several administration staff. Click here for further information.

Blenheim & Rural Havelock GP
Long term locum/salaried position, with a view to shareholding, available in 5 doctor, modern, purpose built, teaching practices, nurse led clinics, minimal after hours, happy, enthusiastic doctors and staff. Email address: lis_grant@xtra.co.nz. Ph: 021-474041

West Auckland GP
Part time GP wanted (Female preferred) for practice in West Auckland (10 minutes from Central Auckland). Flexible hours, good remuneration. We are a friendly practice, well supported with experienced nurses. Please email strevallyan@wuhealth.co.nz for more details.

Te Anau GP
Talk about a job with a view! Fiordland Medical Practice are looking for a long-term locum and possible new partner to join the team from July. Enjoy varied work in a friendly team atmosphere with a lifetime of recreation on your doorstep. Contact David Hamilton or Stephen Hoskin on 03 249 7007 or email general@fiordmed.co.nz.

Manukau GP
GP wanted parttime or fulltime for A and M, Manukau area. Friendly practice, contact 09 263 7770 or email ali1numan@yahoo.com.au.

Rotorua GP assistant
Full time outgoing GP assistant wanted to replace departing GP for Westend Medical Rotorua. Friendly, caring three doctor, fully computerised, expanding practice in Rotorua, at a high profile site. Click here for more information.

Wellington GP
We invite applications for GP positions at Radius Medical, Silverstream, to start December 2009 or January 2010. Radius Medical, Silverstream, is open five days, 9am - 5pm, offering patients a wide range of general practice services, including family health care, accident and sports injury, and minor surgery. A dispensing pharmacy is nearby. We are RNZCGP 'Cornerstone' quality accredited with a strong patient base and excellent opportunities for practice building. Five GPs currently work at Silverstream, complemented by an experienced practice nurse team. Appointments, accounting, medical records and patient recalls are computerised (MedTech 32) with a terminal in each consulting room. For details of conditions and remuneration, please contact susan.jenkins@radiusmedical.co.nz or phone 06 834 2388.

Click here to go to the College website for more vacancies.

CME

Southern Balint
A Balint weekend workshop will be held in Christchurch on February 20th & 21st, 2010.The workshop offers the opportunity for GPs, GP Registrars and other health professionals to experience a Balint group with a focus on the doctor-patient relationship. This workshop has been endorsed by the RNZCGP, and has been approved for 9 hours CME for General Practice Educational Programme Stage 2 (formerly AVE) and Maintenance of Professional Standards (MOPS) purposes. To register, please contact Cecile Pilkington at c.pilkington@auckland.ac.nz.

Palliative care forum for medical practitioners
The Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine (ANZSPM) invite you to attend one of 3 forums being held in New Zealand in March 2010. The invited speaker, Professor Janet Hardy, (BSc, MBChB, MD, FRACP, FAChPM) is palliative medicine specialist from Brisbane, Australia, and will be discussing What's new in pain control in palliative care - the science behind the myths. This workshop has been endorsed by the RNZCGP, and has been approved for 9 hours CME for General Practice Educational Programme Stage 2 (formerly AVE) and Maintenance of Professional Standards (MOPS) purposes. The forums will be held in 3 locations from 6.15-9pm (a light meal will be served): Christchurch on 29 March 2010, convenor Dr Kate Grundy; Palmerston North on 30 March 2010, convenor Dr Joy Percy; Auckland on 31 March 2010, convenor Dr Cathy Miller. For more information or to register: ANZSPM website www.anzspm.org.au or email Karen Cooper: karen@anzspm.org.au.

OBSTGYN 712 & 715
Want to update your knowledge in contraception, pre and early pregnancy or medical gynaecology? Click here for more information.

Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice
The Postgraduate Diploma in General Practice is designed to meet the needs of GPs and the Postgraduate Diploma in Rural & Provincial Hospital Practice is designed to meet the needs of doctors working in rural hospitals. Click here for more information or visit www.otago.ac.nz/dsm/gp.

Advanced Wilderness Life Support Course
Host; Southland Wilderness Medicine Group (WildMed). Venue: Crown Plaza, Queenstown, New Zealand. Dates 12-14 March 2010 or 16-18 July 2010. Approved by the RNZCGP for up to 17 hours endorsed CME. More information; www.wildmed.co.nz or wildmed@xtra.co.nz.

Spine in Action: Low Back Pain - Can Chronicity be Prevented? Auckland March 27-30, 2010
The NZ Association of Musculoskeletal Medicine is holding a Scientific Conference examining the factors that contribute to, or predispose to the development of chronic low back pain and how these factors can be managed. The neurobiological & anatomical substrate, as well as the clinical basis to the identification and management of low back pain will be explored. Internationally renowned speakers include Prof Lars Arentdt-Nielsen, Prof Johan Vlaeyen, Prof Paul Watson, Prof Jacob Patijn as well as local and Australian speakers. Visit www.musculoskeletal.co.nz for program and speaker details and registration. Earlybird rates apply until end January. The NZ Association of Musculoskeletal Medicine is an RNZCGP endorsed CME provider.

Skin Cancer Courses
HealthCert and the University of Queensland, Australia, have released the dates for skin cancer certificate courses. Essential theory and practical aspects are covered in basic or advanced workshops. 2010 courses include Certificates in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine; Surgery; Advanced Dermoscopy and Dermal Imaging. The workshops are presented by highly qualified, experienced lecturers and include hands-on practical sessions. Local expert presenter, Dr Sharad Paul (NZ) will be conducting the Surgery course and an Advanced Surgery Workshop. Dr Paul covers highly relevant and concise information for GPs. 2010 courses start in Melbourne, 20-21 Feb with the Certificate in Primary Care Skin Cancer Medicine and Primary Care Skin Cancer Surgery. The Certificate courses are individual short courses or they can be part of the Master of Medicine (Skin Cancer Medicine) programme. Now in its third year, this dynamic programme has seen over 180 students enrol and 75 students graduate. The programme offers doctors the chance to formalise and develop vital skills in Skin Cancer Medicine through an internationally recognised institution. For course information please visit www.skincancercourses.com.au or email christine@healthcert.com.au or call +61 7 3137 1399.

Mindfulness Training for Clinicians
14–18 February, Te Moata Retreat Centre, Coromandel Peninsula. The importance of mindfulness in reducing levels of stress and in supporting the well-being of clinicians and patients has been shown in a number of trials. Mindfulness is a profoundly simple and accessible way of using attention and supports the capacity of clinicians to cope with the everyday demands of practice and be compassionately engaged with the most difficult parts of themselves and their patients. James Carmody Ph.D is Associate Professor of Medicine at University of Massachusetts Medical School. He teaches and researches effects of mindfulness training on symptoms, immune function and well-being and is principal investigator on several NIH-funded clinical trials. He is a New Zealander and has practiced in mindfulness-based traditions for forty years and was an instructor in the UMass Center for Mindfulness Stress Reduction program. Tuition: $900. Contact Pat Wood pat.wood@xtra.co.nz.

Managing Sexual Problems for Medical Practitioners
An evidence-based up-to-date online training programme specifically designed for GPs and approved by RNZCGP for 12 hours CME credits: download in writing to produce a surgery reference; download in audio form to listen to as you travel to work and back. Access all three forms for the same cost plus make the most of email access to ask tutor, Clinical Psychologist Robyn Salisbury, director of Sex Therapy NZ about your patients’ sexual dysfunctions. Enquiries: admin@sextherapy.co.nz or ph 0800 739843 (0800 sextherapy) or register on www.sextherapy.co.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.

Otago Study Options 2010
Otago 2010 study options. Semester one: primary health care, longterm conditions management, Maori health, tropical medicine and travel medicine. Semester two: longterm conditions management and wilderness medicine. Enquiries: Johanna.meaclem@otago.ac.nz. Then there’s Health Research Ethics BITX 406, introducing the basic ethical aspects of health research on humans. Enquiries: Vicki.lang@otago.ac.nz.

Conferences

Doing the Right Thing – The New Zealand General Practice Conference
This year’s RNZCGP conference will be held at the Christchurch Convention Centre, 2-5 September 2010. Book the date in your diary now.

Infant Toddler Preschool Mental Health Conference
The University of Auckland, 18-20 February 2010. International Experts in the Field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health will talk about: Relationship Disorders, Premature Birth, Early Behaviour Leading to Conduct Disorder, Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Further information is available here.

RPGN 2010
NZ’s premiere rural general practice conference looms. With just under six weeks before the start of the annual New Zealand Rural General Practice Network conference, rural general practitioners and other interested medical professionals are urged to register now for this not-to-be-missed event on the calendar. This year’s programme is one the best put together by the conference committee and features workshops and sessions as diverse as Wilderness Medicine and Acupuncture in pain control to Fracture management and Dealing with legal issues in twenty-ten. With an emphasis on the inventiveness and resilience of rural general practice, this year’s theme is, aptly, “Rural Health – No. 8 Wired”. Come and listen to sessions on:

•    fertility in rural versus urban
•    wilderness medicine
•    homecare nursing
•    rural practice management
•    emergency transport
•    asthma control and management
•    pain management
•    and much more

Conference 2010 has been endorsed by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and has been provisionally approved for up to 16 hours (= 16 credits) CME for General Practice Education Programme Stage 2 (formerly AVE) and Maintenance of Professional Standards (MOPS) purposes .The conference runs from March 11-14 at the Christchurch Convention Centre. If you have any questions or queries please call Network communications manager Rob Olsen on 04 495 5887, 021 82 2468 or email rob@rgpn.org.nz. Visit www.rgpn.org.nz to register.

Evolving Communities Beyond Services, Building Bridges National Conference for Community Mental Health and Addictions 2010
Conference summary: Transcending barriers, cultures and differences in our approach to community mental health and addictions services. 14 – 16 April 2010, Wellington Convention Centre, Wellington. For more information, go to www.buildingbridges.co.nz.

International

19th Wonca World Conference of Family Doctors, Cancun, May 2010
For the first time in the history of the World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca), a Latin American country will be the venue for the World Conference of Family Doctors: the Mexican College of Family Medicine is designated organizer of the 19th Wonca World Conference of Family Doctors, to be held in the city of Cancun, Mexico, from 19 to 23 May 2010. The Conference will spread the latest scientific and technological breakthroughs and will lead to the reflection on the technical and social role that Family Medicine must have to achieve the international goals that were proposed in the 2000 Millennium Summit: the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). For more information visit http://www.wonca2010cancun.com.