This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.

Major Announcements

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

04 August

Meeting of National Cabinet
National Cabinet met virtually to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, Monkeypox (MPX), Foot and Mouth Disease and the upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit, announced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Chief Medical Officer, Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the current COVID-19 situation, including the uptake of vaccine booster doses and COVID-19 treatments. The Commonwealth, State and Territory leaders discussed the continuing impact of COVID-19 on health system capacity and that they would work together to plan and prepare for likely future waves of COVID-19. First Ministers agreed to continue to work together to manage the response to Monkeypox, following an update from Professor Kelly on the emerging situation.
Download

Post-market review of antigen and rapid antigen tests
The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) is reviewing all COVID-19-specific laboratory antigen tests and rapid antigen tests (RATs), including point- of-care and self-tests, included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). The purpose of the review is to determine if tests have been impacted by the current known variants of SARS-CoV-2, with ongoing activity to assess their ability to detect emerging variants. In addition, the post-market review includes laboratory testing of all point of care (PoCT) and self-test RATs included in the ARTG to validate their performance in detecting the Delta and Omicron variants (and other emerging variants of concern).
Download

03 August

COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to under 5 years
The Government has accepted a recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation to make a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available to children aged 6 months to under 5 years in certain at-risk population groups, announced Minister for Health Mark Butler. Approximately 70,000 young children at higher risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 will be able to receive a vaccination from 5 September 2022. The Government has secured 500,000 doses of the specific vaccine for this age group and initial supplies will be arriving in Australia later this week and distributed to vaccination sites.
Download

RACGP welcomes children vaccine announcement
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the federal Government's decision to make a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine available to young Australian children. From 5 September, certain at-risk children aged 6 months to under 5 years at higher risk of developing severe illness from the virus will be eligible to receive the vaccine. This includes children who are immunocompromised, those with a disability, as well as children who have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of COVID-19. RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said it was another positive step forward in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. 'This is promising news for Australian families,' he said.
Download

NT: NT COVID-19 update
The Northern Territory Government is reporting the death of a woman in her 70s with COVID-19. The woman was from Greater Darwin, had underlying health conditions and passed away at Royal Darwin Hospital. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths recorded in the NT since the start of the pandemic is 56. There were 366 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the NT in the 24 hours to 4pm on 2 August 2022. There are currently 57 patients in hospital. There are eight patients requiring oxygen and one patient is in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 2,102.
Download

02 August

QLD: Over 1.65 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines delivered in QLD through community pharmacy
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President Chris Owen, announced that over 1.65 million doses of COVID-19 vaccinations had been administered to Queensland patients by community pharmacies since 7 June 2021. Mr. Owen said that community demand for accessing vaccinations through community pharmacies had remained steady throughout the pandemic. “I’m hearing from community pharmacists across the state that demand for vaccinations is still very high,” said Mr. Owen. “The good news is that stock levels are level with demand, so it’s pretty easy to get access to COVID- 19 vaccines through community pharmacy."
Download

01 August

TAS: Coronavirus Update
'Tasmania has recorded 690 new cases overnight. The total number of active cases currently stands at 5,999 and we now have more than 225,000 Tasmanians who have recovered from COVID-19. There are currently 39 people in hospital being treated specifically for COVID. There are 8 patients in ICU. Sadly, I can confirm a woman in her 50s and a woman in her late 80s have passed away. I extend my sincere condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones,' said TAS Premier and Minister for Health Jeremy Rockcliff.
Download

29 July

Protecting people living with disability from the latest COVID-19 wave
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, Minister for Health Mark Butler and Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten have announced that The Government is committed to protecting people living with disability and their carers from the latest COVID-19 winter wave and will launch a targeted text message campaign to protect their health. Beginning in August, text messages to more than a million disability support pension recipients and carer payment recipients will highlight the opportunity to access a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose and that anti-viral treatments may be available to people living with disability who contract COVID-19 to prevent severe illness.
Download

WA: COVID-19 update 29 July 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 4,423 new cases to 6pm July 28th. There are currently 27,557 active cases in Western Australia. To 6pm July 28th. there were 424 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 17 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes three deaths, which were reported to WA Health on 28 July - dating back to 8 May - a woman in her 80s, a woman in her 70s, and a woman in her 60s. Of the 4,423 cases, 1597 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 2826 were self-reported positive rapid antigen tests. A total of 6,628 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics.
Download

Return to top

Aged Care

04 July

Casting a spotlight on aged care research
Australia is home to an aging population. With this comes an increased burden of care on the healthcare and aged care systems to look after the welfare of older and more vulnerable members of our community. The August issue of the Australian Health Review, the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA)'s peer-reviewed journal, has a strong focus on aged care and how AHPRA can best care for people as they enter their final stages of life. This issue features articles, perspectives and a policy reflection that examine recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
Download

Palliative care needs to be part of 24/7 RN plan for aged care
With the introduction of aged care reform bills to Parliament, Palliative Care Australia (PCA) is hoping to deepen plans to have Registered Nurses (RN) 24/7 in residential aged care. These recent parliamentary processes coincide with the delivery of PCA's October 2022 Budget Submission to the Minister for Health and Minister for Aged Care. PCA has laid out a modest plan to have aged care nurses trained in palliative care. 'People are always surprised to learn that palliative care is not an embedded practice in aged care,' said Camilla Rowland, CEO, Palliative Care Australia (PCA).
Download

02 July

Aged Care Employee Day is Sunday 7 August
This Sunday is the day to celebrate our dedicated aged care workers and say 'thanks for caring' on Aged Care Employee Day. Aged care providers, residents and families are gearing up to voice their thanks with morning teas, barbecues and simply a message of thanks to aged care staff who look after our older loved ones in residential care, home and community care, retirement living and seniors housing. Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) Interim CEO Paul Sadler said Aged Care Employee Day, was a chance to recognise the work, often above and beyond the call of duty, carried out by aged care staff.
Download

ACCPA welcomes passage of aged care reform bill
The ACCPA has welcomed the passage through Parliament of the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022. ACCPA Interim CEO Paul Sadler said the introduction of the residential care funding model, the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) and the establishment of the Independent Pricing Authority, are both positive steps forward in the delivery of real aged care reform. 'However, the government's promise of a 10 per cent increase in funding with the introduction of AN-ACC glosses over the fact that all of that additional funding will go towards hiring extra staff,' Mr Sadler said.
Download

Opposition welcomes belated passage of aged care legislation
'After delaying its passage for almost six months solely for political gain, the Government has finally passed the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response) Bill 2022. This comes after the Government refused to pass the legislation, which contains important reforms for the aged care sector, last night despite unanimous support in the Chamber. By delaying these reforms for an additional night, this stunt not only allowed the Minister to hold a prime-time press conference to highlight the passage of the Bill, but it also highlights the Government's 'light on' Senate legislative agenda,' said Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Anne Ruston.
Download

29 July

Swift action on aged care workforce welcomed with calls for dementia education as a priority
Dementia Australia welcomes the Federal Government's swift action in prioritising aged care in the first week of the new parliament. Maree McCabe AM, CEO Dementia Australia said they are looking forward to working with the government to implement these and other measures that support dementia including targeted education. 'Dementia education is a priority and needs to be embedded of the urgent solutions to the current aged care workforce crisis and as a long-term solution,' Ms McCabe said. 'All registered nurses, all new care staff and all those currently working in the aged care system must have a minimum level of dementia care education.'
Download

UnitingCare Australia welcomes action in aged care, social services in first sitting week of 47th Parliament
UnitingCare Australia welcomes the Government's actions to abolish the cashless debit card, implement the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission and legislate 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave. 'UnitingCare Australia has long campaigned for reform in aged care, justice for First Peoples and actions to tackle economic inequality. It is positive to see progress across these issues in the first sitting days of the 47th Parliament,' said National Director, Claerwen Little.
Download

Return to top

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

Return to top

Allied Health

01 August

Gender clinic closes due to unsafe treatments
Following parents, patients and whistleblowers going public on the practice of experimental, non reversible, and damaging treatments for gender dysphoric children such as puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and body altering surgery, the UK National Health Service have shut down the 102 year old Tavistock clinic, until recently thought to be UK's premier psychiatric clinic. The Australian Christian Lobby's (ACL) National Director for Politics, Wendy Francis, has welcomed the news, saying, 'There is an urgent need for our government to investigate the practices of Australian gender clinics where vulnerable children are being channelled into the same experimental and harmful treatment which is being shut down in the UK.'
Download

Return to top

Children's Health

None this edition.

Return to top

Clinical Governance

04 August

Cochlear Limited - Oticon Medical
Cochlear Limited (Cochlear) proposes to acquire the shares and certain assets of Oticon Medical A/S (Oticon Medical) from Demant A/S. In Australia, Cochlear and Oticon Medical both supply hearing solutions, specifically cochlear implants and bone conduction solutions. Submissions are invited from interested parties regarding Cochlear's proposed acquisition of Oticon Medical. Submissions should be forwarded electronically (preferably in PDF format) to mergers@accc.gov.au(link sends e-mail) with the title 'Submission re: Cochlear / Oticon Medical - attention Marisa Kuhlewein / Andy Gallagher'. Following the closing date, queries regarding the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)'s review may be addressed to Marisa Kuhlewein / Andy Gallagher at mergers@accc.gov.au
Download

Catholic Health Australia urges senate to oppose trojan horse euthanasia bill
Catholic not-for-profit hospitals and aged-care providers say a Bill to restore Territory rights is nothing more than a cover for assisted suicide and euthanasia laws that have no place in the Commonwealth. The peak advocacy body Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is warning that the Bill now before the Senate has a single purpose - to allow the Territories to pass assisted suicide and euthanasia laws, not to provide equal powers with the states. The lack of honesty of the motives behind the Restoring Territory Rights Bill 2022 will inevitably stymie the debate.
Download

ACT: Canberrans to have free access to safe abortion services
The ACT Government will ensure Canberrans have access to safe, accessible and affordable abortion services with funding for free medical and surgical abortions up to 16 weeks, announced ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith and ACT Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women Yvette Berry. From early next year, all ACT residents will be eligible for this service, including those without a Medicare card. The Government is investing more than $4.6 million over four years to remove out-of-pocket costs. This investment is the latest action by the ACT Government to protect the rights of women and people who can become pregnant.
Download

03 August

Private Health Insurance Ombudsman - Ramsay and Bupa negotiations
In its role as the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office) seeks to protect the interests of people who are covered by private health insurance. To date, Ramsay Health Care and health insurer, Bupa, have been unable to reach a new agreement about cover for Bupa members accessing Ramsay facilities, following the expiration of their contract. The Office understands consumers will not begin to be affected by this until 2 October 2022 or later, depending on transitional arrangements. These transitional arrangements are explained by both Bupa and Ramsay on their websites.
Download

Phenix Health Pty Ltd directed to cease alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a direction notice to Phenix Health Pty Ltd (Phenix) to cease promoting the use and supply of nicotine vaping products to Australian consumers. The TGA was of the view that when taken in the context of the whole advertisement, the website URL, trading name and website content promoted the use and supply of nicotine vaping products. This is because it is alleged that Phenix:
- used references to the therapeutic good in the trade name and website URL
- advertised the benefits of using liquid nicotine vaping over other methods for smoking cessation
Download

NSW individual fined $2,664 for alleged unlawful advertising of nicotine vaping products
The TGA has issued a $2,664 infringement notice to a NSW-based individual for allegedly advertising nicotine vaping products for sale via their website. Despite being informed about the operation of the law for these prescription medicines, the individual allegedly continued to advertise nicotine vaping products to the public. Nicotine vaping products are prescription only medicines that may only be obtained with a valid prescription from an Australian registered doctor. Prescription only medicines are prohibited from being advertised to the public unless the advertisement meets the conditions of the Therapeutic Goods (Restricted and Prohibited Representations - Nicotine) Permission (No. 2) 2021
Download

Blood donor deferral changes - variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (Lifeblood) has implemented the removal of the indefinite geographical deferral for donors at risk of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) following approval from Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) The decision for this change was based on current clinical and scientific evidence and was reviewed by external medical experts. At all times, patient safety remains the highest priority in any decision relating to donor changes to deferral periods. Further information on this change is available at Lifeblood's website and the TGA website.
Download

02 August

RACGP slams cynical cash for vapes pharmacy scheme
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has slammed Big Tobacco plans for a secret vaping incentive program. It follows incredible reports that the world's largest tobacco company Phillip Morris is offering pharmacists financial incentives to dispense its vaping product. Pharmacies will not only receive a $275 payment when they order the tobacco giant's 'VEEV' vaping product but also a $5 fee when they refer customers to a GP to obtain a prescription for a vaping product, a $10 fee for 'educating' a new patient about the VEEV device, and even a 'dispensing support payment' of $5 every time they dispense a new script.
Download

NT: Public health alert: Two Japanese encephalitis cases confirmed in NT
NT Health has identified two cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) in the Northern Territory, including one current case and one historical case. The current case is a child from a remote community in the Top End region who became unwell in June 2022. The child has made a good recovery. The historical case is a Victorian man in his 70s who contracted the virus while travelling in the Top End region in May 2021 and has since recovered. The case is recorded as acquired in the NT.
Download

QLD: Medical fees update - effective 1 August 2022
WorkCover Queensland has updated the Medical Items Table of Costs. Changes take effect on 1 August 2022. The update reflects the recent amendments to the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) for 1 July and 1 August 2022. The updated table of costs is available on the fees page of this website. There may be further amendments to item numbers and/or fees after 1 August 2022. Please refer to the WorkCover fees page as they will endeavour to update the table of costs as quickly as possible, should this occur. WorkCover has increased fees to Diagnostic Imaging MRI codes (63307-63743) reflective of recent MBS scheduled fee increases.
Download

01 August

Greens call for bolder approach to drug decriminalisation
On 2 August Johnathan Davis MLA will call for a more progressive approach to drug law reform as part of the debate on the 'Drugs of Dependence (Personal Use) Amendment Bill 2021'. 'The ACT Greens have always championed drug law reform because we know that a compassionate society supports the most vulnerable, and that drug use should be considered a health issue, not a criminal one,' said Johnathan Davis MLA, ACT Greens Spokesperson for Drug Harm Reduction. 'The Government's amendments as they stand will create a new arbitrary possession threshold that will retain criminal penalties.
Download

WA: Murray Valley encephalitis warning for Kimberley region
Residents and travellers in the Kimberley region are being urged to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites after Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) was reported in an individual residing in the West Kimberley. WA Department of Health Acting Managing Scientist, Craig Brockway, said this was the first human case of MVE reported in Western Australia since 2018. The patient is now recovering. 'Murray Valley encephalitis virus is carried by mosquitoes, and while the risk of being infected and becoming unwell is low, the illness caused by the virus can be severe or even fatal,' he said.
Download

30 July

Vape suppliers, Victoria and Queensland dishonourable recipients of Dirty Ashtray awards
Victoria and Queensland have received a Dirty Ashtray Award for their lack of efforts in preventing vapes being sold to children, with retailers who illegally supply vapes to young people also getting a gong. Presenting the awards with the Australian Council on Smoking and Health (ACOSH), Australian Medica Association (AMA) National President Dr Omar Khorshid called on Queensland and Victoria to require all tobacco retailers to be licenced to protect young people for the enormous harm caused by tobacco products. 'Inadequate priority has been given in these jurisdictions to implementing existing state laws, and ensuring compliance with those laws, to prevent the sale of illegal e-cigarettes to children and teenagers,' Dr Khorshid said.
Download

29 July

Private health insurance legislation amendment rules (no. 9) 2022
The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 9) 2022 (the Amendment Rules) make consequential changes to the Private Health Insurance Rules to reflect changes to Medical Benefit Schedule (MBS) commencing 1 August 2022, announced the Department of Health and Aged Care. Further information on the new temporary item, including fact sheets and quick reference guides will be made available at MBS Online. The Amendment Rules were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation to commence on 1 August 2022.
Download

Amazon acquired a large healthcare company. Should we worry?
Amazon announced plans to fork out US$3.9 billion (A$5.6 billion) to acquire US healthcare company One Medical, said InnovationAus. One Medical reportedly provides primary care on a membership basis to some 800,000 people across the United States. In its own words, it claims to be 'on a mission to make getting quality care more affordable, accessible and enjoyable for all'. But why is Amazon - the company that helps you get a cheap home projector, or a toaster - investing in this area?
Download

Return to top

Construction and Health Infrastructure

02 August

NSW: Construction of new Tweed Valley hospital hits highest point
The new seven-storey $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital development has reached a major milestone, hitting its highest point of construction. NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new hospital campus is the state’s largest regional hospital project. “This is about delivering world-class health facilities and services closer to home to transform healthcare for communities in the Tweed Valley region,” Mr Toole said. Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said the hospital will feature two new major services, including an interventional cardiology service and an integrated cancer care service with radiotherapy and PET-CT.
Download

Return to top

Dental

None this edition.

Return to top

Disabilities

None this edition.

Return to top

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

None this edition.

Return to top

E-Health

02 August

VIC: Virtual care easing pressure on our health system
A new care pathway is being introduced for older Victorians living in residential aged care as part of a Victorian Government investment to help ease pressure on hospitals and ambulances, said Victorian Minster for Health Mary-Anne Thomas. The 90-bed Berengarra Residential Aged Care facility is just one of many facilities that will benefit from this new initiative to better connect and coordinate Triple Zero calls - avoiding unnecessary ambulance callouts and trips to hospital. Victorian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Colin Brooks said Ambulance Victoria’s triage services will begin drawing upon the Virtual ED run out of Northern Health to improve how Triple Zero calls from aged care facilities are triaged.
Download

Return to top

Education and Training

03 August

Harm minimisation, pharmacist registration and full scope under the spotlight at Pharmacy Connect
This year's Pharmacy Connect offers three pre-conference workshops on harm minimisation, how to protect your pharmacist registration and full scope of practice, providing an in-depth look at these important subjects. Pharmacy Connect is the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's key event in the second half of the year and is being held on 1-3 September at the Hilton Sydney. The pre-conference workshops will be held from 2:00pm on Thursday 1 September. Workshop one will explore the use of licit and illicit drugs (and habits) and the mechanisms available to pharmacists to keep communities safe.
Download

29 July

AMA announces 2022 indigenous medical scholarship recipients
Indigenous medical students Malissa Hodgson and Cameron Howard have received this year's AMA Indigenous medical scholarships. The scholarships provide recipients with $10,000 per year during the course of their study and are made possible through the generosity of AMA members and other donors. Australian Medical Association (AMA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said presenting the Indigenous medical scholarships was one of the most enjoyable parts of his presidency. 'I congratulate Malissa and Cameron and wish them well in their studies and for their careers ahead in medicine,' Dr Khorshid said.
Download

28 July

QLD: Less than four weeks left to enrol in the fully subsidised pharmacy assistant training course
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch, is reminding Brisbane and Logan residents of the upcoming August intake for the fully subsidised Skilling Queenslanders for Work Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course. Successful course graduates will receive a SIR20116 Certificate II in Community Pharmacy and become qualified as a pharmacy assistant to work in Queensland's network of almost 1,200 community pharmacies. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, said the Fundamentals of Community Pharmacy course is fully subsidised for eligible participants through the Queensland Government's Skilling Queenslanders for Work Program.
Download

Return to top

Funding

01 August

Changes to cost recovery arrangements from 1 August 2022
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Cost Recovery Fees and Charges webpage has now been updated with the fees that will apply to PBS/NIP applications for the 2022-23 financial year. New fees will apply to all PBS/NIP listings from 1 August 2022. The PBS Cost Recovery Fees and Charges webpage has been updated for the 2022-23 financial year including:
- Updates to the fee table commencing 1 August 2022; and
- Link to the National Health (Pharmaceuticals and Vaccines - Cost Recovery) Amendment (Fees) Regulations 2022.
Download

Return to top

Health Professionals

02 August

Medicines Australia appoints Gail Morgan as new Head of Government Relations
Medicines Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Gail Morgan as the organisation's new Head of Government Relations. Gail has worked in and around government for her whole career, with the last 15 years spent consulting in government relations, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications. Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said Gail has experience as a political adviser, a public servant, and in the private sector. 'On behalf of all at Medicines Australia, I welcome Gail Morgan as the new Head of Government Relations from 15 August,' Ms de Somer said.
Download

01 July

RACGP launches Alcohol and Other Drug GP Education Resource library
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has launched an innovative resource library to help GPs care for patients who use alcohol and other drugs (AOD). The Alcohol and Other Drugs GP Education Resource Library contains tools and resources developed as part of the college's Alcohol and Other Drugs GP Education Program designed to help GPs address the challenges they face every day with patients who use alcohol and other drugs. The resources include clinical approaches, links to patient handouts and helpful case scenarios.
Download

Welcome to the new AMA President, Professor Steve Robson
The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the announcement from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) that Professor Steve Robson has been elected as the Association's new President. CHF CEO Leanne Wells said that Professor Robson, a senior specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Canberra, has been a champion of consumer-centred care and has always shown a willingness to meet with consumers and have a conversation about issues of mutual interest. CHF has worked closely and productively with the AMA on major health reform challenges such as Primary Health Care reform.
Download

31 July

New AMA President and Vice President elected at AMA National Conference
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) elected a new President, Professor Steve Robson and Vice President, Dr Danielle McMullen. The election, at the AMA's National Conference, follows the conclusion of the two-year terms of President Dr Omar Khorshid and Vice President Dr Chris Moy. Professor Robson is a senior specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and has been in practice in Canberra for 20 years. Professor Robson first joined the AMA in 1984 as a medical student in Queensland. He has served as ACT President and is in his fifth term on the AMA ACT Board and is a Federal Councillor.
Download

30 July

Nepean doctor wins AMA's Doctor in Training Award for advocacy
A Nepean hospital doctor, who played a key role in establishing the annual Hospital Health Check survey and in introducing an online claiming system for unrostered overtime in NSW, has won the Australian Medical Association's Doctor in Training of the Year Award. Dr Sanjay Hettige was presented the award by Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Omar Khorshid at the association's gala dinner in Sydney following the first day of the AMA's annual conference. Dr Khorshid told the dinner the AMA is committed to fostering the next generation of Australia's medical leaders with the award recognising the outstanding achievements of doctors in training in leadership and advocacy and encouraging the development of leadership skills.
Download

The AMA's outgoing President and voice of calm during the pandemic receives special citation
AMA Board Chair, Rosanna Capolingua presented outgoing President Dr Omar Khorshid with a Citation for Exceptional Leadership of the Medical Profession at the AMA's gala dinner in Sydney. Dr Capolingua presented the citation in recognition of Dr Khorshid's exemplary leadership on behalf of Australia's medical profession during the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. 'I am so pleased to be able to present this special Citation to Dr Khorshid, who on Sunday finishes his two-year term as president and what a two years it has been,' Dr Capolingua said.
Download

29 July

New AMA Federal Council achieves gender target
The Australian Medical Association (AMA)'s new Federal Council, which begins its term on Monday 1 August, will meet its gender target for the first time. The target, set in 2019 is 40 per cent female, 40 per cent male and 20 per cent flexible. Outgoing AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said recent strategies to see more women in AMA leadership roles were clearly working. 'The AMA has acted to ensure there is better representation of women in its leadership roles with a review last year of how Federal Council is appointed helping achieve the target,' Dr Khorshid said.
Download

Professor Emily Banks awarded AMA Gold Medal for outstanding service to medicine
This year's recipient of the prestigious AMA Gold Medal is Professor Emily Banks AM for her outstanding service to medicine, including internationally recognised, ground-breaking research establishing evidence of the significant harms of e-cigarettes. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid presented the award, the AMA's highest honour, to Professor Banks at the AMA's National Conference Gala dinner in Sydney. Dr Khorshid said Professor Banks had made exceptional contributions to medicine and public health over her career.
Download

Support for Other Doctors wins doctor leadership award
A Victorian doctor whose work has resulted in many thousands of doctors receiving support has won the AMA's annual Women in Medical Leadership Award. Dr Kym Jenkins received the award from Dr Helen McArdle (Chair of the AMA Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Diversity) at the AMA's National Conference for her outstanding dedication and commitment to advancing women leadership, quality care and contributing to medical politics. 'Dr Jenkins has dedicated herself throughout her career to improving the working conditions and wellbeing of doctors in all their career stages,' Dr McArdle said.
Download

Canberra doctor wins AMA's inaugural Diversity in Medicine Award
A Canberra doctor who founded a not-for-profit organisation championing diversity, equity and inclusion in orthopaedics has won the AMA's first ever Diversity in Medicine Award. Dr Jennifer Green, an Orthopaedic Hand and Wrist Surgeon based in Canberra, trained in NSW and undertook Fellowship training at the Indiana Hand Centre, Indianapolis, USA and Institut de la Main, Paris, France. Dr Helen McArdle, Chair of the AMA's Committee on Equity, Inclusion and Diversity presented the award to Dr Green at the AMA's National Conference. 'I am delighted to announce Dr Green as the recipient of this award for her outstanding contribution to promoting and implementing equity, inclusion, and diversity,' Dr McArdle said.
Download

Diversity champion wins AMA Women's Health Award
A Sydney psychiatry trainee doctor, who helps patients 'feel more like themselves' during health crises, has won the AMA's 2022 Women in Health Award. Dr Ashna Basu received the award from outgoing AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid, for her passion and dedication to gender equity, mental health, and the social determinants of health. 'Dr Basu is a champion for diversity of representation in all forms and has been a reliable leader in bringing a new generation of doctors to understand and value the important role of women in medicine,' Dr Khorshid said. 'She joined the AMA as a student and has been an active figure in medico-politics for many years.'
Download

Sydney doctor receives top award for excellence in healthcare
A Western Sydney doctor, whose innovation has been used by multiple providers to monitor patients remotely during the pandemic, has been awarded the 2022 AMA Excellence in Healthcare award. Dr Kean-Seng Lim received the award from outgoing AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid on day one of the 2022 AMA National Conference. Dr Khorshid said he was delighted to present the award to Dr Lim for his passion in embracing innovation in healthcare. 'Dr Lim's commitment to improving healthcare through the use of technology has the power to revolutionise the delivery of patient care in Australia,' he said.
Download

Federal Health Minister announces Onsite Aged Care Pharmacist Consultation Paper
The Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, has used his opening address at PSA22 to officially launch the Federal Government's consultation paper on the Onsite Aged Care Pharmacist Program. He was joined by Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, and Rural and Regional Health, Emma McBride MP MPS. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President Dr Fei Sim welcomes the announcement and thanks the Minister for his ongoing dedication to embedding pharmacists in residential aged care facilities.
Download

NSW: More Nurses 24/7 in aged care? You wish!
The Government introduced its aged care reform legislation in the Parliament, said the NSW Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA). Registered nurses on site in nursing homes 24 hours a day, seven days a week will be the law from 1 July 2023, a year earlier than recommended by the Royal Commission. Commendable, but the Royal Commission wanted to get there in two stages. First, by 1 July 2022 (four weeks ago) each nursing home resident was to receive 200 minutes of care, including 40 minutes of care by a Registered Nurse.
Download

QLD: 770 extra nursing and midwife graduates a year to boost health frontline
The Government will hire an extra 770 graduate nurses and midwives a year in a major boost for frontline health services. QLD Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath said new recruiting push would increase Queensland Health's total annual nurse and midwifery graduate intake to 2500. 'We're bringing an extra 1,540 nurse and midwife graduates online in the next two years and this will make a massive difference in our busy public hospitals,' the Minister said. 'There will also be an additional 100 Clinical Facilitators and Nurse Educators to help guide the new nursing and midwife graduates.'
Download

Return to top

Hospitals

05 August

VIC: Bigger, better Swan Hill Emergency Department
05 AUG: Swan Hill families are a step closer to having better healthcare closer to home, with the Government’s work on an upgraded emergency department at Swan Hill District Health set to begin. Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp announced the next stage of the $48.7 million project is about to start. The upgrade will more than double treatment spaces so locals can access emergency care quicker. Early works will be completed by AW Nicholson and are expected to get underway later this month. The initial steps will involve demolition and construction of a temporary pathology lab and cafeteria allowing for the main construction works to begin.
Download

Return to top

Insurance

None this edition.

Return to top

Medicare

29 July

CHF adds consumer voice to strengthening Medicare
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) welcomes the Government's commitment to strengthening Medicare and the establishment of a Taskforce to listen to voices across the health sector and in the community to improve primary health services. The Taskforce meets for the first time in Sydney on 29 July with the Hon Mark Butler, Minister for Health and Aged Care chairing. 'The Consumers Health Forum is pleased that the Government has made a commitment to invest in urgent reform following decades of review, neglect, serial funding cuts, over reliance on fees for service, and blanket restrictions to Medicare rebates,' said Leanne Wells, CEO of the Consumers Health Forum.
Download

Return to top

Men's Health

None this edition.

Return to top

Mental Health

04 August

Engaging with young people is key when it comes to their mental health
'Engagement with their GP is the difference between a young person coming back and seeking health vs never coming back and being so afraid of the interaction.' This was one of the insights in a series of videos released by NPS MedicineWise. The videos support health professionals when talking to young people about their mental health. This is part of a broader educational program where NPS MedicineWise is visiting GPs across Australia to discuss supporting young people with their mental health. Mental health was the most common long term condition reported in the 2021 Census.
Download

02 August

Talking about mental health gets easier - new survey results of young Australians
NPS MedicineWise released survey results about young Australians with mental health issues. Almost half (47%) were uncomfortable speaking to their doctor about it when first diagnosed. This got easier over time. Around 4 in 10 (43%) had used a mental health safety plan. This is something that can lower the risk of suicide by almost half. NPS MedicineWise carried out the survey from 25-29 June 2022. 309 Australians between the ages of 16 and 24 diagnosed with a mental health condition took part.
Download

01 August

Suicide prevention for boys and men
'Boys and men are three times as likely to die by suicide in Australia than girls and women. The Buoy Project is testing seven different suicide prevention programs that target boys and men. The aim is to find out which programs might be most effective in reducing male suicide. Seventy-five per cent of all suicides in Australia are by boys and men, said Professor Jane Pirkis from the University of Melbourne. Suicide is the leading cause of death in Australian males aged 15-49. Jane's research indicates that could be because fewer males reach out when they are not travelling so well,' said the Department of Health and Aged Care.
Download

Hogg talks mental health with Vic farmers in Mallee
As part of Grain Producers Australia new mental health awareness initiative, cricketing legend Brad Hogg will be attending the Mallee Machinery Field Days on Wednesday, 3 August 2022, to share important messages about the importance of mental health. Brad will be hosted at the Victorian Farmers Federation's Making Our Farms Safer stand. GPA is the VFF Grains Group's peak national representative group and has been working with the Making Our Farms Safer team on farm safety initiatives, with GPA Training. GPA's partnership with Rural Aid, Lifeline and Nufarm will allow Brad to share his personal story and messages about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention at events throughout Australia, as the inaugural ambassador of the Farmer Mates Mental Health initiative.
Download

Return to top

Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

Return to top

Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

04 August

Australia secures new third-generation monkeypox virus vaccine
The Government has secured 450,000 doses of the new third-generation monkeypox virus (MPX) vaccine by Bavarian Nordic, announced Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler. The first delivery of around 22,000 doses will arrive in Australia later this week. The remainder will arrive later this year and in 2023. Australia is one of a limited number of countries to secure supplies of this vaccine in 2022 and in doing so, is ensuring the increased safety of those at higher risk of exposure to MPX. In preparation for the arrival of the vaccine, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has recommended key groups to be vaccinated.
Download

2022-2023 Proposed changes to the permissible ingredients determination - low-negligible risk
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is conducting a public consultation and seeking feedback from interested parties on proposed changes to the requirements of ingredient used in listed medicines. The proposals address the following issues:
1. Warning statement requiring healthcare professional supervision for the ingredients Chelidonium majus and Larrea tridentata
2. Liver injury associated with Valeriana officianalis
These ingredients are included in the Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination ('the Determination').
Download

Update to listed medicine ingredients in August 2022
Listed medicine ingredients and requirements for their use have been updated in the Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination (No. 4) 2022, which commenced on 02 August 2022, announced the TGA. This determination replaces the previous instrument, the Therapeutic Goods (Permissible Ingredients) Determination (No. 3) 2022. This instrument is updated frequently and there may be a more recent version of the instrument. Ensure you are accessing the current version of the instrument through the Therapeutic Goods Determination page. A complete list of the 32 changed ingredients is included.
Download

Monkeypox vaccine a breakthrough moment
The Federal Government's procurement of Monkeypox (MPX) vaccines is a breakthrough moment for people at risk of contracting the virus and has been warmly welcomed by the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations (AFAO) and ASHM. The Government has announced it has secured 450,000 doses of the MPX vaccine. 22,000 doses of the vaccine will arrive in Australia later this week with the balance to arrive later in the year and in 2023 for populations most at risk of transmission through GP surgeries and medical centres. All but two of the 58 reported cases in Australia have been among travellers returning from overseas.
Download

RACGP welcomes monkeypox vaccine announcement
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed Australia securing a new third- generation monkeypox virus vaccine to help keep patients across the nation safe. The federal Government has secured 450,000 doses of the monkeypox virus vaccine by Bavarian Nordic. The first delivery of approximately 22,000 doses will arrive in Australia later this week with the remainder to arrive later this year and into 2023. RACGP Rural Chair Dr Michael Clements welcomed the news. 'This is a breakthrough moment in the fight against the monkeypox virus,' he said.
Download

03 August

Harm minimisation, pharmacist registration and full scope under the spotlight at Pharmacy Connect
This year's Pharmacy Connect offers three pre-conference workshops on harm minimisation, how to protect your pharmacist registration and full scope of practice, providing an in-depth look at these important subjects. Pharmacy Connect is the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's key event in the second half of the year and is being held on 1-3 September at the Hilton Sydney. The pre-conference workshops will be held from 2:00pm on Thursday 1 September. Workshop one will explore the use of licit and illicit drugs (and habits) and the mechanisms available to pharmacists to keep communities safe.
Download

If you have any issues viewing this e-mail, please contact LexisNexis Capital Monitor on 02 6100 0801 or help@capmon.com

Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Privacy Statement | Contact Us | Twitter | Linkedin

© 2022 LexisNexis Capital Monitor

COPYRIGHT WARNING: This Newsletter is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, copied or redistributed, in part or in whole, without the express permission of LexisNexis Capital Monitor.

WARNING - This email is confidential and may contain copyright material. If you are not the intended recipient of LexisNexis Capital Monitor original e-mail, please notify by return e-mail, delete your copy of the message, and accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused. Republication or re-dissemination, including posting to news groups or web pages, is strictly prohibited without the express prior consent of LexisNexis Capital Monitor. © 2022 Reed International Books Australia Pty Ltd  (ABN 70 001 002 357) trading as LexisNexis. LexisNexis and the Knowledge Burst logo are registered trademarks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., and used under license.