Announcements

Job title: Indigenous General Practitioner 

Dates: Immediately

Type of Contract: Permanent

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Salary: $260k per annum

Additional benefits: 4 weeks paid annual leave, 2 weeks sick leave, Super on top 9.5%, 10 days paid training leave 

 

Job title: General Practitioner 

Dates: Immediately

Type of Contract: Permanent

Location: Cairns, QLD

Salary: 65% of billings (70% of billings first 3 months initial guarantee)

Additional benefits: Regular GP or OCC health position available, All training provided for doctor interested in Occ Health

 

Job title: VR General Practitioner

Dates: Immediately

Type of Contract: Permanent

Location: Aberfoyle, SA

Salary: 65 % of billings 3 months initial guarantee

Additional benefits: Located 30 mins from Adeliade city, Full nursing support provided.

 

Job title: Junior Emergency Doctor

Dates: Various

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Port Lincoln, SA

Salary: $120 per hour

Additional benefits:  Self-contained Accommodation, return flights and car hire provided; Coastal location

 

Job title: COVID-19 Screening Doctor

Dates: 22/03/2021 – 30/06/2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Gold Coast & Robina, QLD

Salary: $116.50 per hour

Additional benefits: Flexible working arrangements

 

Job title: ED HMO 7/7 roster

Dates: 26/04/2021 – 07/02/2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Echuca, VIC

Salary: $120 - $140 per hour

Additional benefits: Flights and accommodation provided

 

Job title: FIFO GP VMO

Dates: Immediately until June

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Port Lincoln, SA

Salary: $200 per hour

Additional benefits: Sole accommodation, return travel and car hire. Accommodation is suitable for bringing families

 

Job title: General Practitioner 

Dates: 8/3/21- 2/4/21

Type of Contract: Locum

Location:  Wadeye, Remote NT

Salary: $1500 per day

Additional benefits: Travel and accommodation provided. Weekly travel to Darwin on weekends.

Here's the latest update from @Carl De Wet
COVID-19 vaccination program

• By the end of this week, all six Pfizer hubs in Queensland will be operational. It is one of those welcome instances where we are slightly ahead of schedule in healthcare; well done to everyone involved!
• In the next fortnight, Astra-Zeneca hubs will be established in every HHS in Queensland. It is anticipated that the Astra-Zeneca hospital hubs will begin vaccine administration as early as next week.
• It remains unclear when general practices will receive the first Astra-Zeneca vaccines for administration. At this time, the earliest estimated date is 15 March 2021. Please note that this is NOT the confirmed date – it is simply an indication of timelines to help practice teams plan and prepare.
• The Gold Coast PHN will be hosting a ‘CQI and the COVID-19 pandemic – get ready for vaccinations’ webinar on 9 March, commencing at 18:00. Registrations are free.
• The PHNs are currently exploring the possibility of an interactive COVID-19 Adverse Events from Immunisation (AEFI) template integrated into (some) GP software programs. We will keep you informed of developments.

 

Resources

• Queensland Health recently published a COVID-19 vaccination program ethical framework (attached). It is informed by six principles (page 4).
• Consent forms for COVID-19 vaccination in different languages: https://www.healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcht.nsf/PresentDetail?Open&s=Consent_form_for_COVID-19_vaccination

 

Public Health Directions

• From midday, 4 March 2021, updates to the Quarantine and COVID-19 Testing for International Air Crew (No. 8) will come into effect. Changes under the Direction will:

• introduce a mandatory requirement for all international air crew to complete the Queensland International Arrivals Registration.
• provide that a person may only open the door to their allocated room at a government-nominated quarantine hotel for a permitted purpose or when permitted by a quarantine facility worker
• provide that when the door to an allocated room in a government-nominated quarantine hotel is open, all quarantined persons in the room must be wearing a surgical mask
• provide that any travel when a person leaves (and returns to) quarantine to receive medical care at a hospital is by ambulance
• provide that any travel to leave quarantine for another permitted purpose must be either in an emergency services vehicle or by transport arranged by an airline operator.    
• introduce the concept of a ‘member of positioning crew’ and evidence requirements for these crew members including a Member of Positioning Crew form
• prohibit Queensland-based air crew from quarantining at home if they live with a ‘designated worker’ such as a person who works in a residential aged care facility or hospital
• introduce an Operational Guideline for International Air Crew outlining infection control and home quarantine requirements for Queensland-based air crew
• allow domestic pilots operating crew-only flights that are repositioning international air crew, to be exempt from quarantine on return to Queensland if they have been segregated from international air crew for the duration of the flight
• require that international air crew must be tested for COVID-19 on arrival to Queensland
• introduce the concept of a ‘ferry flight’ as an inbound flight to Australia transporting essential crew only with no passengers on board. Ferry flights are permitted to land in Queensland and on travel to another destination in Queensland or another State or Territory provided certain criteria are met.

​

Our corporate partner, Credabl, is hosting a three-part virtual event series this March to share the powerful stories, insights and experiences of Women in Medicine. From thoughts on entrepreneurship, to pioneering change, making an impact in the community, balancing careers with motherhood and more, you will be motivated by these women and their courage. 

Job title: General Practitioner

Dates: 01/03/2021 – 12/03/2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Keith, SA

Salary: $1,300 per day

Additional benefits: Travel, car and accommodation provided. Solo GP practice and on-call to urgent care.

 

Job title: General Practitioner

Dates: 06/03/2021 – 16/03/2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Coonamble, NSW

Salary: $1,500 per day

Additional benefits: Travel, car and accommodation provided; Monday – Friday hours.

 

Job title: General Practitioner

Dates: 15/03/2021 – 11/04/2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Inverell, NSW

Salary: $1,200 per day

Additional benefits: Travel & accommodation provided

 

Job title: General Practitioner

Dates: Immediate. Flexible dates  - 4 to 6 week placements at a time

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Tennant Creek, NT

Salary: $1,500 per day

Additional benefits: Flights, accommodation and car hire provided. NO AMS experience required.

 

Job title: General Practitioner

Dates: April or May for 4 weeks

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Coastal QLD

Salary: 65% of mixed billings or $150 per hour

Additional benefits: Flights, accommodation and car hire provided; Tropical coastal location

 

Job title: General Practitioner

Dates: Flexible

Type of Contract: Permanent

Location: Galston, NSW

Salary: 70% of mixed billings + $150 per hour initial guarantee

Additional benefits:

 

Job title: General Practitioner

Dates: Immediately

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Tuggerawong, NSW

Salary: 70% of billings + $150 per hour

Additional benefits: Flights and accommodation included

 

Job title: GR General Practitioner

Dates: Immediately

Type of Contract: Permanent

Location: Cairns, QLD

Salary: 65% of billings (70% of billings first 3 months initial guarantee)

Additional benefits: All training provided for doctor interested in Occ Health. Full books from day 1, Must be unrestricted

New information from @Carl De Wet
In Update 117 we shared information about Adverse Events following immunisation (AEFI) that included a reporting template, and the Queensland Health process for reporting. We subsequently received several queries requesting further clarification about AEFI, i.e., what is the definition of adverse events, and what qualifies as an AEFI for the purpose of mandatory reporting. In response, I would like to offer these practical reflections, based on my own understanding, informal discussions with Public Health, and perusing the literature:

 

• Ultimately, identifying an AEFI, or potential AEFI, is at the discretion of each individual clinician exercising clinical judgement. There is no definition (that I am aware of) that can provide perfect clarity.
• In some instances, clinicians may have doubt whether a symptom or sign is an AEFI. As a rule of thumb, if in doubt, report a suspected or potential AEFI. All reports are reviewed and triaged by the TGA/public health units before they are included (or not) in the national database. Reporting a suspected or potential AEFI therefore does not automatically mean that it will be recorded as one, but it does mean none are missed.
• Every potential AEFI should be reported, irrespective of its severity. This is a list with examples of potential AEFI. It ranges from common, mild and self-limiting symptoms like swelling and redness at the injection site through to rare and serious complications like facial drooping, anaphylaxis and death.
• This list is not exhaustive. It is very likely that other AEFI will be identified. The AEFI report template includes a section to describe AEFI (and potential AEFI).
• The practical implication is that there will likely be a considerable number of AEFI, and suspected AEFI, with an associated impact on workload creating and submitting reports.
• From a nationwide perspective, reporting AEFI is incredibly important. It helps us to truly understand the benefits and risks of the vaccine, and provide reliable, accurate and trustworthy information to all consumers.
• We will continue to monitor this issue, and provide updates as they develop. We will also discuss this issue during webinars. Please consider subscribing to the newsletters of your local PHN, College and professional Associations. The newsletters are invaluable in providing information about COVID-19 and educational events.

​​​

Latest update from @Carl De Wet
Adverse events after COVID-19 immunization

• As the Queensland COVID-19 vaccine program is extended, it is increasingly likely that consumers will present in primary care because of (potential) adverse events following immunisation (AEFI).
• It is mandatory to report all AEFI
• The process for reporting AEFI are described on the Queensland Health webpage: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseases-infection/immunisation/service-providers/adverse-event
• The AEFI report template is attached and available here: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/1025189/covid-aefi-reporting-form.pdf.
• Providers who submit this form does not need to complete a TGA AEFI form, as Queensland Health will notify them.
• We will be looking into the feasibility of creating an electronic template for Medical Director and Best Practice (thank you PHN)

 

Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine training module

• The Astra-Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine training module is now available - https://covid19vaccinationtraining.org.au/login/index.php
• It took me about 20 minutes to complete. I felt it was a useful and practical module. It provided me a first look at the vaccine (picture).

• We have received many queries about the vaccine ingredients, so I thought I would share this for interest. None of the vaccine ingredients are of human or animal origin and there are no food, latex or gelatin in the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available. If individuals have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines in the past, it does not mean that they will also be allergic to the COVID-19 vaccines (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy [ASCIA], 2021). 
• Non-active ingredients of the vaccine (no preservatives are used):
• L-Histidine (an amino acid). 
• L-Histidine hydrochloride monohydrate (an amino acid). 
• Magnesium chloride hexahydrate (supports many activities inside cells). 
• Polysorbate 80 (a stabiliser).
• Sodium chloride. 
• Disodium edetate dihydrate (EDTA, a binding agent) 
• Water for injection. 

Practical tips: COVID-19 vaccine consent, including in RACFs

• The ATAGI immunisation provider guide to obtaining informed consent for COVID-19 vaccine addresses frequently asked questions your patients may have regarding the vaccinations, along with suggested discussion points.
• The DoH has released a consent form for COVID-19 vaccination. It is not mandatory to use this consent form, or to obtain written consent, but practices will need a way to ensure patients have the relevant information prior to receiving the vaccine, and to document informed consent.
• The DoH has released a resource pack containing information for residential aged care providers, workers, residents, carers and families. It is comprehensive and excellent and worth saving for future refence. Two of the resources are particularly relevant:
• A RACF consent process flowchart (attached and online). The flowchart does not routinely include GPs in the consent process. The role of GPs relate to the following: ‘RACFs unsure of clinical suitability [will] seek clinical advice to determine suitability to participate’.
• The Clinical Governance requirements for COVID-19 vaccination clinics at RACF document further clarifies: ‘where there are concerns in relation to resident suitability for the vaccine, RACFs should consult with GPs. GPs may provide a phone assessment or may review the resident personally’ and ‘RACF is responsible for facilitating, seeking and recording informed consent for all residents…’ (page 2)

High incidence of respiratory disease in Queensland

• The latest Sullivan Nicolaides report confirms what many primary care clinicians suspect: a recent, sharp increase in the incidence of RSV and rhinovirus (thanks Mike).
• It remains important to continue to test for COVID-19

Webinars

• The Queensland Clinical Senate and Clinical Networks held a second COVID-19 vaccine information sessions for clinicians yesterday. The webinar is now available to view. It addressed, among other things:

• phase 1a vaccinations – how will I know if I’m included?
• the role of the recently established Vaccination Coordination Centre (VCC)
• advice for phase 1a clinicians who might be pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
• timing your COVID-19 vaccinations around other potential vaccinations.
• The Gold Coast PHN will be delivering a free, online COVID-19 update on 25 February at 19:00. Registrations are now open.

Online resources

• The RACGP COVID-19 information for GPs and COVID-19 vaccine information for GPs webpages
• The DoH and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have a collection of resources for clinicians, including advice and guidance on delivering COVID-19 vaccinations.
• The vaccine eligibility checker, hosted by healthdirect, is now live

Public Health Directions

From midday 22 February 2021, updates to the Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 5) and Border Restrictions Direction (No. 23) came into effect. The updates implement improvements to the Queensland end-to-end quarantine system and include:

Quarantine for International Arrivals Direction (No. 5)

• You can only open the door of your quarantine room for a permitted purpose, such as to collect food, laundry or medical supplies, and if everyone inside is wearing a surgical face mask.
• You can only leave government arranged quarantine for medical care at a hospital, in an emergency situation or to depart on a connecting international flight.
• Travel when allowed to leave and return to quarantine must be in an ambulance, emergency services vehicle or transport arranged by a government authority and you must wear a surgical face mask.
• International arrivals must complete a Queensland International Arrivals Registration, unless they have travelled to Queensland on a quarantine-free flight. You should complete a registration 3 days before you depart for Queensland.
• International transit passengers can arrive in Queensland and leave on another international flight if they follow the Australian Government Department of Health advice.

Border Restrictions Direction (No. 23)

• You can only open the door of your quarantine hotel room for a permitted purpose, such as to collect food, laundry or medical supplies, and if everyone inside is wearing a surgical face mask.
• Travel when allowed to leave and return to a quarantine hotel must be in an ambulance, emergency services vehicle or transport arranged by a government authority and you must wear a surgical face mask.
• Travel when allowed to leave and return to home quarantine must be by private vehicle and you must wear a surgical face mask. You cannot travel in a taxi, rideshare or by public transport.
• Air crew when allowed to leave and return to home quarantine or crew accommodation must travel by private vehicle or transport provided by the airline. They cannot travel in a taxi, rideshare or by public transport.
• If you need to enter Queensland from a COVID-19 hotspot for court or tribunal obligations, you must have written confirmation or an order of the court or tribunal that confirms you are required to attend in-person and that alternative arrangements, such as video link, are not appropriate.
• You cannot leave quarantine for medical supplies unless you have an exemption from the Chief Health Officer.

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Job title: GP

Dates: 8th March - 5th April

Type of Contract: Locum

Location:  Cardwell, QLD

Salary: $150 per hour

Additional benefits: Flights, accommodation and car hire provided.

 Job title: GP (Pre-Employment & Occupational Health Medicals)

Dates: ASAP

Type of Contract: Part Time and Full Time positions

Location: NSW multiple locations 

Salary: $220k per annum

Additional benefits: Monday - Friday role only, 5 weeks annual leave plus 18 days paid sick leave.

 

Job title: GP

Dates: Immediate start & ongoing

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Northern NSW

Salary: $1200 to $1500 daily rate

Additional benefits: Accommodation, flights and car hire provided. VMO opportunities for additional remuneration.

  

Job title: GP 

Dates: Immediate

Type of Contract: Permanent

Location: Outback NSW

Salary: $1200 - $1450  daily rate

Additional benefits: Accommodation, flights and car hire provided for both locum, FIFO and perm arrangements.

  

Job title: Emergency Registrar

Dates: From 1 day to a few weeks

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Sydney, NSW

Salary: Up to $3000 per day

Additional benefits: Accommodation and flights provided. 

  

Job title: GP

Dates: Flexible

Type of Contract: Permanent Position

Location: Cobram, NSW

Salary: 65% of billings or initial guarantee

Additional benefits: Flexible hours with VMO opportunities for additional remuneration available.

  

Job title: GP

Dates: Flexible

Type of Contract: Permanent

Location: Brisbane, QLD

Salary: 65% of billings or $150 per hour initial guarantee

Additional benefits: DPA handover position for Doctors restricted by 19AB

Job title: GP VMO/ED

Dates: Immediate start & ongoing

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Port Lincoln, SA

Salary: $2000+ daily rate

Additional benefits: Accommodation, flights and car hire provided.

 

Job title: GP

Dates: Immediate - ongoing

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Fraser Coast, QLD

Salary: $1200 to $1500 daily rate

Additional benefits: Accommodation, flights and practice car provided.

Latest news from @Carl De Wet 

• The COVID19 vaccine web page has been significantly updated with content and FAQs.
• The asset library (https://assetlibrary.health.qld.gov.au/share/D17AB8D2-23AB-4E3B-B17766BA724F7A49/) has also been updated with:

• patient fact sheet, to support informed consent
• consent forms for adults and children – please note that the consent form is not mandatory; we are sharing it for consideration in case it is useful
• Clinical questionnaire (will be added later today)
• Roadmap (will be added later today)

 

Commonwealth General practice COVID-19 vaccine EOI

• There are rumours that some practices have already been informed about the outcome of the EOI. To the best of our knowledge this is not the case – no one has been notified at this time.
• The Commonwealth has advised that all practices that were successful in the EOI will be notified at the same time (although not all will commence delivering vaccines at the same time). No date has been fixed, but it is unlikely to be before next week.

Vaccines and the elderly

• The TGA assessed the Astra-Zeneca vaccine as safe and effective for all people aged 18 and over.
• The caveat about administering the vaccine in the elderly relates to patients who are very frail, in which case an individual assessment of risk/benefit should be made – which is no different to any other immunisation or therapeutic intervention. There is not requirement for everyone older than 65 to routinely discuss the vaccine with their GP.

 

Public Health Directions

From 5.00pm, 17 February 2021, updates to the Restrictions on Businesses, Activities and Undertaking Direction (No. 13) came into effect. Changes to this Direction mean:

• events with more than 10,000 people attending must submit their COVID Safe Event Plan for Chief Health Officer approval a minimum of 20 business days before the event
• multi-day events with onsite accommodation (including camping) must have a COVID Safe Event Plan approved by the local Public Health Unit (for up to 10,000 people per day) or the Chief Health Officer (for more than 10,000 people per day)
• large lectures in universities and other higher education institutions (such as TAFEs and RTOs) are now allowed up to 100 per cent capacity if seating is ticketed and allocated.

For interest

• COVID-19 infographics: I attached the most recent, weekly infographic of the COVID-19 situation in Australia for interest. This is the link to the site for future infographics: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2021/02/coronavirus-covid-19-common-operating-picture-11-february-2021.pdf
• What is the difference between a mutation, a variant and a strain? Answer: https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/what-s-the-difference-between-mutations-variants-a?utm_source=racgpnewsgpnewsletter&utm_campaign=newsgpedm&utm_medium=email

​​​​​​​

There are a number of COVID vaccine resources available on the Department of Health website 

COVID-19 vaccination – Consent guidance material for residential aged care

COVID-19 vaccination – Site readiness checklist for COVID-19 vaccination in residential aged care

COVID-19 vaccination – Consent process flowchart for residential aged care

COVID-19 vaccination – Planning checklist for vaccination day in residential aged care facilities

COVID-19 vaccination – Clinical governance requirements for COVID-19 vaccination in residential aged care

COVID-19 vaccination – Resource pack for residential aged care

COVID-19 vaccination – What to expect on COVID-19 vaccination day at your residential aged care facility

COVID-19 vaccination – Australia's COVID-19 vaccine national roll-out strategy

COVID-19 vaccination – Forum on COVID-19 vaccines – summary

COVID-19 vaccination – ATAGI advice on influenza and COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccination – Community pharmacy COVID-19 vaccine rollout from Phase 2A

COVID-19 vaccination – Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine rollout – General Practice EOI process – Frequently asked questions version 2

COVID-19 vaccination – How to stay informed (newspaper poster for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

COVID-19 vaccination – Australian COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccination – Expression of Interest for primary care participation in Phase 1b COVID-19 vaccine rollout

The  2021 Palliative Care in Queensland Statewide Awards are now open.

First held in 2018, this is the only event of its kind in Queensland that recognises the individuals, innovators and leaders within the palliative care sector.  In 2021 the Palliative Care in Queensland Awards Ceremony will be held virtually during National Palliative Care Week (23-29 May 2021).

This is an opportunity for Queenslanders to celebrate the amazing people, teams and organisations driving innovation, inspiration and excellence within the palliative care sector in Queensland. 

Samsung is offering AMA Queensland members $50 off their next Samsung device

Greater Melbourne has been declared a hotspot from 1am Saturday 13 February.

• From 1am Saturday 13 February, anyone who enters Queensland and has been in the 36 local government areas in Greater Melbourne since 9 February will be directed to quarantine in government-arranged accommodation for 14 days.
• People will still be able to transit through Melbourne airports, as long as they don’t go out into the community in the declared hotspots.
• Anyone who has been in Greater Melbourne on or since 5 February, but hasn’t been to one of the affected venues, should come forward for testing and isolate until you receive a negative result.
• Border passes will be reinstated for anyone travelling to Queensland from Victoria.

To view the list of affected venues in Greater Melbourne, visit the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services website

See latest update from @Carl De Wet Primary Care Clinical Lead | SHECC | Queensland Health

Epidemiology

• No locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours; one overseas acquired case detected in hotel quarantine
• >8000 samples were tested in the past 24 hours

 

Advice for travellers from Victoria or NSW

• Anyone in Queensland who has been in Victoria since 5 February who attended venues at specified times and dates attended by a positive case should get tested immediately, isolate for 14 days and call 13HEALTH.
• In addition, anyone who been at any of these venues (at other times) or who has been in Greater Melbourne since 5 February should come forward and get tested if they experience any symptoms.
• A number of venues in Sunbury, Victoria have also been listed as exposure sites.
• Anyone in Queensland who has been in New South Wales since 2 February should check the list of venues attended by the latest case and get tested if they have any symptoms.

 

Resources

• The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) has been released a set of FAQs to answer questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination in relation to allergy, immunodeficiency and autoimmunity
• This article provides a clear and practical estimate of the required workload for a successful COVID-19 vaccination in program. An alternative estimate I heard was the equivalent of 5 to 10 Influenza vaccine programs!
• The RANZCOG guideline about COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant and breastfeeding women remains a potential useful resource in addressing vaccine related concerns and questions.

 

COVID-19 vaccine training modules

• The Australian Government released the COVID-19 vaccination training program this week. You can register for an account and login here.
• Practical tip: remember to check your junk-mail folder if you do not receive the confirmation e-mail after registering
• There are six (6) core modules. Completion of all six is ‘compulsory for health professionals wanting to supply and/or administer COVID-19 vaccinations’
• One certificate is issued after all six modules have been successfully completed.
• In addition to the six core modules, there is an additional module for each vaccine. At this time, there is only a Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine module. A second certificate of completion is issued after a vaccine specific module is completed. In time, there will be an Astra-Zeneca vaccine module.

• There is a quiz after each module, with a required pass rate of 100% (multiple attempts are allowed).
• Personal experience suggests that the estimated 3 to 4 hours for completion is realistic (but as with so many things in life, there will be exceptions)

 

Inspirational thought

• I have not heard the wonderfully descriptive phrase ‘vaccine hesitancy’ before the COVID-19 pandemic. This article explains ‘how to deal with the Craig Kelly in your life: a guide to tackling coronavirus contrarians’. I especially enjoyed the reminder to ‘check yourself; and don’t play misinformation whack-a-mole’. It also reminded me of Voltaire: ‘think how difficult it is to change yourself, and you will realise how insignificant are your chances to change others’.

 

​

The Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) recently launched Nowhere Else to Go, examining why Australia's mental health system is failing people presenting to the emergency department in mental health crisis, and the urgent reforms needed. The commissioned report, prepared by the Mitchell Institute for Education and Health Policy at Victoria University, was launched last September at a webinar that brought together over 400 stakeholders from across Australia.

ACEM are now planning a Queensland specific roundtable event to bring together stakeholders from emergency care, psychiatry, general practice, mental health consumers and government to consider the recommendations and steps that should be taken to improve the outcomes for people with mental health conditions.

We must work collectively to address the issues and improve the timeliness and experience of care for consumers. Only with collective action can we hope to develop systems of care that are holistic, client centred and provide the right level of care in the right environment at the right time.

The Queensland online roundtable event will be held Thursday 25 February at 1:00pm AEST.

To express your interest in participating, please contact our Policy Manager Jeff Allen j.allen@amaq.com.au by COB Wednesday 10 February.

You could win a $250 Myer voucher today! Simply buy your $10 Play for Purpose raffle ticket today in support of the AMA Queensland Foundation and go into the draw for a $250 Myer voucher as well as an amazing prize pool totalling $300,000.

Voucher winners announced tomorrow.

 

When you buy your ticket today in support of AMA Queensland Foundation you’re funding a range of causes to help Queenslanders in need.

 

You'll also go in the draw to win a first prize worth $250K and hundreds of other amazing prizes - see table below.

Message from Queensland Health
The rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations to Queensland’s healthcare workers is one of the hottest topics at water coolers around the state. Details of the rollout continue to evolve and emerge on a daily basis and this can make staying up-to-date a challenge.

This virtual information session, hosted by Queensland Clinical Senate Chair Dr Alex Markwell, will bring together two of the key players in the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines to Queenslanders. 

Alex will be joined by Prof Keith McNeil, A/Deputy Director-General and Chief Medical Officer Prevention Division and Dr Sonya Bennett, Executive Director Communicable Diseases Branch, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Chair CDNA. Questions may be asked via the online chat function in Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft Teams Live Event
10-11am
Thursday 4 February 2021
Click this link to join the session.

This session is open to all Queensland Health employees and will be recorded and posted to QHEPS for anybody who is unable to attend. Out of session questions are also welcome via FrontlineCOVIDadvice@health.qld.gov.au.

EOIs for GPs to participate in the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out have been extended to 11.59pm AWST Wednesday 3 February 2021 (1.59am AEST Thursday 4 February).

In October 2019, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) introduced treatment cycle arrangements for referrals from general practitioners (GPs) to allied health providers (AHP). The arrangements are currently being independently evaluated by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) at the request of DVA.

QUT needs to engage with GPs and AHPs who have implemented the allied health treatment cycle arrangements. 

We encourage all suitable members to complete the survey https://survey.qut.edu.au/f/195211/2ad4/.

What will be involved for participants?

1. The study will involve an online survey which will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Participants cannot be identified in any way and their decision to participate is voluntary.
2. After completing the survey, participants will be invited to discuss their opinions and experiences via an optional follow-up interview to be arranged for a preferred time and date.

More information

For more information please visit the evaluation website: www.qut-dva-treatmentcycles-evaluation.com

 

See message from Queensland Health

Queensland Health’s participation in the My Health Record (MHR) system is expanding, this (20/21) financial year.

While most Queensland Health Hospital and Health Services (HHS) are currently uploading discharge summaries, medical imaging and pathology results to the MHR system, work is underway to enable the uploading of emergency department event summaries, pharmacist shared medicines lists, shared health summaries and event summaries.

Associate Professor Nick Buckmaster, Senior Responsible Officer to the Queensland Health MHR project and member of the Queensland Health Special Interest Group for National Digital Health said the expansion of the system has many benefits.

“Facilitating the circulation of current and accurate patient data and advancing information sharing between clinicians in hospital and community settings and between consumers will improve the continuity of care exponentially”, Associate Professor Buckmaster said.

“Specifically, uploading more patient documents to the national digital system will benefit complex patients and those at risk of complications in the community.”

The MHR project team is also continuing to work with Queensland Health HHSs, providing staff training sessions to improve awareness of MHR and increase the viewing of documents uploaded by non-Queensland Health providers.

Click link to learn what documents are being uploaded in your region: 

Job title: ED Registrar IC

Dates: Various

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Tamworth, NSW

Salary: $3,000 per shift

Additional benefits: Travel and accommodation provided

 

Job title: General Practitioner (DPA, RRMA 3, MMM 2)

Dates: 15/02/2021 – 26/03/2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Cairns, QLD

Salary: 65% of billings or $150 per hour + GST

Additional benefits: Mixed billing practice, nursing and administration support

 

Job title: General Practitioner (DPA, RRMA 4, MMM 4)

Dates: Immediate start

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Gilford, NSW

Salary: $150 per hour

Additional benefits: Bulk billing, Monday to Friday hours

 

Job title: General Practitioner (DPA, RRMA 4, MMM 4)

Dates: From mid-February 2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Tuggerawong, NSW

Salary: 65% of billings or $150 per hour

Additional benefits: Accommodation and fuel reimbursements, mixed billings

 

Job title: Site Doctor

Dates: 04/02/21 – 20/02/2021, 05/03/2021 – 13/03/2021, ongoing 2 weeks on and off in April

Type of Contract: Casual and on-going

Location: Snowy Mountains, NSW

Salary: $8,000 + GST per week worked

Additional benefits: Beautiful location, travel, accommodation and on-site meals provided

 

Job title: General Practitioner (DPA, RRMA 5, MMM 3)

Dates: From February 2021 (flexible dates)

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Coastal QLD

Salary: 65% of mixed billings or $150 per hour + GST

Additional benefits: Accomodation, car and travel provided

 

Job title: General Practitioner (DPA, RRMA 6, MMM 6)

Dates: From February 2021

Type of Contract: Locum

Location: Carnarvon or Geraldton, WA

Salary: $1,500 per day + GST

Additional benefits: Flights, accommodation and car provided for duration of locum

A shout out to all our members who will work through the festive period, including Christmas Day. We are sure all Queenslanders appreciate your sacrifice and feel safer knowing you are there to care for them during this busy time. 

To all of our members, we wish you the very best Christmas and we hope that 2021 brings good health and well-being to you all.

AMA Queensland has developed this 5-minute survey to seek the advice and input from members about the development of the proposed VAD legislation in Queensland.

TAKE SURVEY HERE: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VAD_QLD

The survey closes on Wednesday, 18 November 2020, 12am.

ALL ANSWERS WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE

AMA Queensland Foundation Raffle | Get your $10 ticket today for your chance to win $250,000 first prize pack and 394 other prizes!

When you buy your ticket in support of AMA Queensland Foundation you're funding a range of causes to help Queenslanders in need including vital medical equipment for patients suffering from MND, bursaries for disadvantaged medical students and life changing research programs.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The new AMA Member on-the-go APP launches on Monday 22 June!

All your AMA member benefits right through your phone.

Anytime, Anywhere access to AMA Queensland and all your member benefits, discounts and resources.

Find the answers to your key questions about telehealth, PPE, triage criteria, support for doctors and more on our new COVID-19 webpage: https://qld.ama.com.au/COVID_19#faq2

The PM has announced that from midnight tonight all elective surgery, other than category 1 and urgent category 2 cases, will be suspended.

This applied to both public and private hospitals.

The decision was agreed to by the state and territory leaders in conjunction with the Federal Government, Mr Morrison said.

He said the cancellations were based on the advice of the expert medical panel.

[It will] allow the preservation of resources including personal protective equipment and allow health services to prepare for their role in the COVID-19 outbreak.

New MBS items require providers to bulk bill telehealth services.

This page provides guidance on how to bulk bill telehealth and obtain patient consent:

Additional item numbers have been added to the MBS from 13 March 2020, under the Australian Government’s comprehensive $2.4 billion health package in response to COVID-19.

These temporary Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) items allow doctors, nurses and mental health professionals to deliver services via telehealth - provided those services are bulk billed.

The AMA has called for all Doctors, be they GPs or Medical Specialists, to be able to use telehealth for any regular consultations with their patients, not just those patients needing testing or care for COVID-19.

Find the item numbers and read the full summary of changes here: http://www.mbsonline.gov.au/internet/mbsonline/publishing.nsf/Content/news-2020-03-01-latest-news-March