The Rudd Government announced major structural reforms to Australia’s health and hospital system this week.
The Government claims that it will deliver better health services and better hospitals by establishing a National Health and Hospitals Network.
This new national network will be funded nationally and run locally.
These reforms represent the biggest changes to Australia’s health and hospital system since the introduction of Medicare, and one of the most significant reforms to the federation in its history. The National Health and Hospitals Network Report can be found here.

The If not dieting® Health Professional 2-day Training Program will be presented by Dr. Rick Kausman in Perth on Thursday 22nd & Friday 23rd of July 2010 at the St. John of God Hospital, 12 Salvado Road, Subiaco. The If not dieting® health professional training program assists Doctors, Nurses, Psychologists, Dietitians, Social Workers, and other Allied Health Professionals, to effectively help patients achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Not only does this exciting workshop draw from the most current world research in the field of weight management and eating behaviour, but incorporates Dr Rick Kausman’s 20 plus years of practical and unique experience in this field, and importantly, from the experiences of thousands of his patients. For more information about this training please contact Louise Wigg at louise@ifnotdieting.com.au or visit www.ifnotdieting.com.au

In order to reduce the clinical load at KEMH and promote community based maternity care, GPs are encouraged to continue referring low risk antenatal patients to their local maternity unit. Postcodes for the catchment area for each hospital are as follows:

The ‘Let’s Talk Culture’ seminar series aims to assist mental health clinicians and service providers across all sectors to work confidently in a culturally competent way with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. The seminar is on Thursday, 18 March, 9:30am – 12:30pm at the theatrette, Department of Health, 189 Royal Street, East Perth on 15 March 2010. Contact Bernadette.Wright@health.wa.gov.au or Gill Van der Watt on 9224 0289. More information…

GPs are cordially invited to a breakfast with Professor Markku Maki, Coeliac Society, Finland. The attached invitation has been sent on behalf of the Coeliac Society www.wa.coeliacsociety.com.au.
Markku Mäki is the Chair and Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Tampere and Tampere University Hospital, Finland. He is a prizewinning researcher and author in the field of gastroenterology and particularly coeliac disease. He is visiting Australia to promote Coeliac Awareness Week. His presentation will include a discussion on how Finland improved its diagnosis rates; key findings from the Finnish model; the prevalence of coeliac disease; new research and future directions. More information…

The Aboriginal Health Council of WA have their annual Aboriginal Health Sector Conference coming up on March 24 to 25 2010. The workshop will be at the Vines Resort – Swan Valley. To register your interest please contact Katherine Dann at katherine.dann@ahcwa.org and please check the AHCWA website regularly for further details. www.ahcwa.org.au

The Heart Foundation’s 'Will you recognise your heart attack?' action plan and patient fact sheet are now available in English and six other languages. These include Arabic, Greek, Italian, Simplified Chinese (Mandarin), Traditional Chinese (Cantonese) and Vietnamese.
The resources can be downloaded from the Heart Foundation website.
For more information about Warning Signs resources please call 1300 36 27 87 or email health@heartfoundation.org.au

March 15th 2010 Lynn Barnden and Beth Sperring CNS RPH – Wound Care on a Budget – Wound care options when working with Budget Restraints in the General Practice Setting. Learn new tricks and information in relation to different dressing products when working with limited stock. Start time: 7pm.
27th March 2010
Cost for members : $30 half day, $50 full day
The morning session is in conjunction with WA General Practice Network to present an immunisation update. Meeting the requirements for continuing competencies.
The afternoon session will include:
Paediatric update – Dr Peter Richmond PMH – TBC -“When to worry with a sick child”, Food allergies – Dietician – Ingrid Roche PMH – formulas and when to introduce solids. ASKIA guidelines, Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis – Shirley Harrison – Pharmacist and NPS facilitator – What is the impact of these conditions in the community and Interaction of OTC (over the counter) medications - fish oil, glucosomine, etc, also warfarin, Nurofen and many others. Start time: 9.15
Please confirm if wishing to attend any events to allow for catering and seating.
Ph 0449 256 648 or Email: rg_winsor@westnet.com.au - www.wapna.org.au

The GP Psych Support service provides general practitioners with free patient management advice from our team of psychiatrists. The service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. GP Psych Support provides specialist advice in drug & alcohol psychiatry, child & adolescent psychiatry as well as perinatal psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry and general psychiatry. You can provide patient information by submitting a webmail query at www.psychsupport.com.au, by calling 1800 200 588, or by sending a completed FaxBack form, downloadable from www.racgp.org.au/gpsychsupport/access, to 1800 012 422. GP Psych Support is managed by the RACGP, although you do not have to be a member to use the service. To register with GP Psych Support, please call 1800 200 588 or visit www.psychsupport.com.au.

Silver Chain Home Hospital is supported by the Friend in Need - Emergency (FINE) scheme, a Government of Western Australia initiative. Silver Chain Home Hospital caters for patients who have a range of short term clinical care requirements, offering the following services: Priority Response Assessment (PRA), Hospital@Home, Post Acute Care and Community Nursing.
Silver Chain Home Hospital is the next step in increasing the community’s capacity to maximise health, independence and wellbeing. Silver Chain look forward to working together to deliver a service that contributes to positive health care outcomes for the community. Download a Silver Chain Home Hospital brochure here or for more information visit www.homehospital.org.au/ or to refer your patient contact the Silver Chain Home Hospital referral line on 9242 0347.

Australia’s first stand-alone Mental Health Commission will start operations on Monday, March 8, placing mental health at the forefront of the Liberal-National Government’s social reform agenda.
Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs has appointed Neil Guard as Acting Commissioner for Mental Health, while recruitment continued for a permanent appointment.
“Improving and enhancing mental health services is a priority for the State Government and is a central element of our commitment to social responsibility,” Dr Jacobs said.
“Establishing the Mental Health Commission puts Western Australia among leading world nations in terms of the importance it places on mental health and ensures we have a structure in place which can support an ambitious reform agenda. http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=133194

Patients who have waited over boundary for elective surgery in Western Australia would be able to be managed by other hospitals with spare capacity, including private hospitals, Health Minister Kim Hames said.
Dr Hames said the new plan, which would involve funding for medical procedures following patients who were transferred from one hospital to another, would encourage doctors and hospitals to carry out required procedures.
"For example, under our rules a category three patient - which is non-urgent - should be scheduled for surgery within one year of being added to the waitlist. Patients who are approaching that boundary and do not already have surgery scheduled will be available to have surgery elsewhere,” he said. http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=133199

Goldfields families needing medical help will be treated in a new palliative care facility within the next three years, with work starting on the $55.8million upgrade of the Kalgoorlie Health Campus.
Mental Health Minister and Eyre MLA Graham Jacobs, Kalgoorlie MLA John Bowler and Mining and Pastoral MLC Wendy Duncan marked the occasion with a ceremonial turning of the first sod of soil on the site.
“The Liberal-National Government is pleased to be giving back to the Goldfields community which contributes so much to Western Australia’s prosperity. We are returning the rewards of our strong economic decisions to the community in the form of social and health services,” Dr Jacobs said.
“This first phase of the redevelopment, the construction of a new palliative care addition to the existing medical ward at the hospital, is well on track for completion by the end of this year.
http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=133201

Children staying in hospital will have the latest entertainment technology at their fingertips thanks to a Lotterywest grant to upgrade 35 mobile Starlight Fun Centres across Western Australia.
Health Minister Kim Hames today presented a Lotterywest cheque for $160,000 to the Starlight Children’s Foundation to fund the project.
“Each portable entertainment unit will have a fresh new look, including a DVD player, games console and the latest movies and games,” Dr Hames said.
“The machines can be wheeled to a patient’s bedside. They help ease boredom and provide a much needed distraction for hospitalised children and adolescents.
“The State Government, through Lotterywest, is helping make a child’s hospital stay a little brighter.” http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/Results.aspx?ItemID=133203

This weeks national health reform announcements provide the opportunity for better health for all
Australians but only if the Commonwealth acts quickly to strengthen the primary health care sector, says Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) Chair Dr Emil Djakic.
“While AGPN welcomes the moves to improve our public hospital system, real change – prevention of unnecessary illness and reductions in Australia’s high hospitalisation rates – will only occur through strengthened primary health care based around general practice,” Dr Djakic said.
“We therefore applaud the commitment by the Commonwealth to take total responsibility for all primary health care because if implemented correctly it has the potential to significantly improve health and reduce the pressure on hospitals. More information...

The March 2010 edition of Australian Family Physician, the flagship journal of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), features a range of articles and research focusing on key issues in general practice. The March 2010 edition includes the following articles: Impact of structured education and self management on rural asthma outcomes Ann Larson et al
This article details a study that trialled the outcome for asthma patients of a brief, nurse led, patient education session with general practice review of an Asthma Action Plan. The study demonstrated that structured general practice based education appears to be an effective preventive health care program, with the potential to reduce expensive unscheduled use of health services. More information...

Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has just presented the Government’s National Health and Hospital Network for Australia’s future report, which he described as ‘the most significant reforms to health and hospitals since the introduction of Medicare’.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has previously welcomed the broad directions proposed by the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission (NHHRC), most critically the evolution of a health system based on person and family centred care, greater equity and a strong emphasis on prevention.
Dr Chris Mitchell, RACGP President, understands that this was a presentation on the hospital system, but believes that this was a missed opportunity to talk directly about investment in general practice, primary health care and prevention. More information...

The Skills Laboratory at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Melbourne is conducting a two-day workshop in Minor Surgery for General Practitioners on 1 & 2 May 2010 at the Skills Laboratory, Level 1 East Wing Skills & Education Centre, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Corner of Spring Street and Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
This program aims to enhance the surgical skills required for minor surgical procedures most likely to be carried out by GPs in rural or remote settings where specialists are not readily available. For more information please contact Dr David Lawrence, Manager, Skills and Education Centre, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons on (03) 9276 7455 or via email on david.lawrence@surgeons.org

The Inaugural Annual Conference of the Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law at the University of Adelaide, North Terrace campus (South Australia) 1-4 July 2010.
The Call for Abstracts is now open and submissions close 12 March. Full Conference details are available http://www.plevin.com.au/aabhl2010/

One Day Workshop for General Practitioners, Practice Nurses, Divisions of General Practice and Health Services focused on preventing falls in the community.
40 RACGP CPD points.
This workshop includes information and tools on:
• An overview of falls in the elderly- insights and recommendations;
• Utilizing a multidisciplinary team to reduce falls;
• Utilizing a whole-of-practice approach to reduce falls;
• Managing patients at risk of falling including quick tools to identify falls risks and polypharmacy triggers;
• Strategies to improve patient self-management, fostering self-care
• Community falls prevention programs including the usage of Exercise Physiologists More information…

This 26 minute program will be broadcast on the Foundation's satellite network and was awarded winner in the psychiatry section of the International Medical Media Awards - "The Freddies" in 2009.
The program is also available to order free from the Foundation. Visit the program page to order http://www.rhef.com.au/programs/program-1/?program_id=376

Local Hospital Networks will be established across the country and paid directly by the Australian Government for each public hospital service they provide.
Local Hospital Networks will be made up of a small group of hospitals that will work together to provide a range of hospital services and manage their own budgets.
Local Hospital Networks will be:
• Run locally
• Funded Nationally
• Accountable for their performance against strong national standards.
The way in which public hospitals are operated and controlled today varies substantially across the country – some States devolve control to the local level, other States have highly centralised models managed by large area health services.
As part of the Government’s reforms, Local Hospital Networks - comprised of between one and four hospitals, with regional networks potentially including more small hospitals – will be responsible for the running of public hospital services. More information…

The Rudd Government’s new National Health and Hospital Network will help ensure the long-term sustainability of Australia’s finances and underpin high-quality health services into the future.
The Australian Government will take majority control of the hospital system – funding 60 per cent of all public hospital services – and take full financial and policy responsibility for GP and primary care services.
This plan is fully funded over the forward estimates and wholly consistent with the Government’s fiscal strategy. More information…

The PHCRIS eBulletin is designed to inform you of recently published articles and reports, news items, media releases, upcoming conferences and courses. This week’s headline topic is “Guidance for developers of health research reporting guidelines" http://www.phcris.org.au/publications/ebulletin/

Registrations for the inaugural World Health Care Networks (WHCN) Conference – In our hands: Transforming health systems through health care networks – are open.
The Conference is the first major event of the newly formed coalition which has come together with the aim of making a real and lasting difference to the health and wellbeing of people throughout the world. It will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from 22-24 July, and will be preceded by a study tour covering health services in Christchurch and Auckland.
Information on the conference can be found on the WHCN website at www.whcnetworks.com

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), the Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ), and the International Society of Internal Medicine (ISIM) are pleased to host the World Congress of Internal Medicine 2010, to be held in Melbourne, Australia on 20 – 25 March 2010. The Congress will be held in conjunction with the annual RACP Physicians Week. http://www.wcim2010.com.au/

The first Australian Clinical Networks Conference is to be held in Melbourne in 2010 and is being hosted by Victorian Department of Human Services.
The conference will bring together Clinical Networks from across Australia and internationally to provide an opportunity to share and promote ideas on Clinical Networks.
Sharing examples of ‘best practice’ in Clinical Networks will be a key theme looking at areas such as:
• Establishing and maintaining effective networks,
• Evaluation and outcomes of clinical networks,
• Consumers as network participants and partners in improving care, and
• Connected and collaborative care. More information...

Each year, over 2,000 people from all walks of life meet at Happiness & Its Causes to examine the big issues of life. The conference brings together the world's top psychologists, scientists, philosopher's and thinkers to explain practical strategies to enhance the happiness of yourself and others.
Happiness & Its Causes, now in its fifth amazing year, is a conference like no other. http://www.happinessanditscauses.com.au/index.stm

Across Australia, there are a number of people, organisations and communities working together to address indigenous alcohol and drug issues and associated harm. Recognising that harmful alcohol and other drug use contributes significantly to the poor health outcomes of indigenous Australians, the continuing capacity and quality of these efforts is contingent on learning good practices and skills, building a local workforce and strengthening indigenous communities to respond effectively. More information...

The largest healthcare event in Australia
Hear an unrivalled roster of over 60 international and local healthcare leaders sharing their ideas, debate strategy and discuss long term solutions
Policy reform and implementation
Understand how structural reform, funding models and technology will impact on the delivery and quality of healthcare
Have your say in the healthcare reform debate
Make your thoughts known and influence outcomes by participating in high level panel sessions and networking activities
Pre-Conference Masterclass:
Chronic Disease Self-Management More information…

The theme of the conference is: Primary health care research and health reform: Improving care.
Primary health care and prevention are at the forefront of the reform agenda, research in these areas is vital to ensure changes will improve care. The Conference will provide a forum for the presentation of research relevant to Australian primary health care and to health reform.
This conference is a must for anyone with an interest in primary health care research, evaluation and development. It will provide essential opportunities for researchers, decision makers, practitioners and consumers to share ideas, debate critical PHC matters, form collaborations and network with speakers and other delegates. http://www.phcris.org.au/conference/2010/index.php?promoid=305&stk=di

The Local Organising Committee of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) invites you to attend the 13th Winter Congress to be held at the Hyatt Regency, Perth from the 29 – 31 July 2010.
The CNSA is an independent body for cancer nurses in Australia who are committed to achieving and promoting excellence in cancer care. The theme for this Congress is “Leadership, Diversity and Innovation: The Global Picture”. The local organising committee are currently developing what is set to be an impressive program, which will encompass the Congress theme.
http://www.cnsa2010.com/

The Australian Health Promoting Schools Association 8 National Conference will be held on 6 – 8 October 2010, at the Burswood Entertainment Complex. This is a biennial conference which will incorporate the association’s AGM.
A range of dynamic local, national and international speakers will address key issues in school health promotion. Delegates can be assured they will not only be inspired but will leave this two day event with a raft of new ideas to apply in their own school/workplace. More information... or visit website.

Sharing and collaborating on Indigenous health. Conference partners The Rural Clinical School of Western Australia and Rural Health West invite you to be part of this the fourth annual Rural Clinical School conference and inaugural joint conference with Rural Health West, the Western Australian rural workforce agency. This year the conference will be held in Broome in collaboration with the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council and the Kimberley Division of General Practice.
The Scientific Committee is now accepting applications for papers, posters and workshop presentations. The closing date for submissions has been extended from Monday 5 February 2010 to Monday 22 February 2010. More information…