Current Media

ASMOFQ in partnership with AMA Queensland has continued to secure major wins for doctors employed by Queensland Health. PPE fit-testing Ensuring that Queensland Health deliver a consistent program of fit-testing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline staff, was advocated for by ASMOFQ and the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU). This was the focus of a recent dispute before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) where both ASMOFQ and the QNMU achieved strong safety measures for doctors and nurses working in high-risk environments with potential exposure to COVID-19. The QIRC supported ASMOFQ and the QNMU’s ...

Couch-surfing may soon be a thing of the past for Brisbane student Chloe Batchelor, who has won an AMA Queensland Foundation scholarship for medical study. The $5,000 annual scholarship helps financially disadvantaged medical students to study the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery ( MBBS) course at a Queensland university. Ms Batchelor, 27, said the scholarship would make a world of difference to her life, allowing her to focus on studying at Griffith University without the stress of wondering whether she could meet her living expenses. “I’m the first person in my family to finish high school,” Ms Batchelor said. Ms ...

ife’s school of hard knocks has failed to dampen the caring calling of Townsville student Isaac O’Dempsey, who has won an AMA Queensland Foundation scholarship for medical study. The $5,000 annual scholarship helps financially disadvantaged medical students to study the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery ( MBBS) course at a Queensland university. Mr O’Dempsey, 21, said the financial scholarship would allow him to focus on studying at James Cook University without the stress of wondering whether he can meet his living expenses. “This is enough for me to afford basic living expenses, textbooks and writing materials,” he said. ...

AMA Queensland’s 2021 Budget submission calls for palliative care services to be adequately funded before state parliament votes on Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). Speaking at the start of Palliative Care Week, AMA Queensland President Professor Chris Perry OAM said an additional $275 million per year was urgently needed to meet growing demand. “We expect the VAD legislation to be presented to state parliament this week and debated in September, so there’s no time to waste,” Professor Perry said. “The State Government must properly fund palliative care so patients have a true choice when it comes to end of life care. “It’s proposed that VAD be accessible ...

AMA Queensland is urging everyone to go to a GP for a COVID vaccination, as doctors fully understand a patient’s medical history and are best placed to deal with possible side effects. AMA Queensland president Professor Chris Perry said patient safety must take priority over convenience when it comes to delivering the vaccines. “The State Government has announced that COVID vaccines will be available in pharmacies in parts of rural and regional Queensland in the coming weeks,” Professor Perry said. “We want everyone to be vaccinated but it’s a poor reflection on the Queensland health system that patients in these regional areas do not have access ...

Queenslanders are relying on their family GP more than ever, with a growing number of patients seeking mental health support as a result of the COVID pandemic. In the lead up to World Family Doctor Day on May 19, AMA Queensland Council of General Practice chair Dr Maria Boulton said the pandemic showed just how important it was to have a family GP you trust and could rely on. “We are at the front line during COVID,” Dr Boulton said. “Whether it’s administering vaccines, educating the community or helping them deal with mental health stresses from the continuing uncertainty. All the while we continue on with our usual GP work. “About three-quarters of people ...

The State Government’s $100 million funding boost for public hospitals was a small step towards fixing a $3 billion problem, according to Queensland doctors. Emergency physician and AMA Queensland member Dr Kim Hansen welcomed the extra money for 65 new beds and support services but said it was not enough to alleviate clogged emergency departments across the state. “It’s good to see the State Government responding but our public hospitals need innovative and effective models of care, as well as more funding,” Dr Hansen said. “Queensland needs a five-year ED action plan to get us out of this mess.” AMA Queensland president Professor Chris Perry said AMA ...

AMA Queensland has welcomed the Australian Government’s initial commitment of medical equipment and supplies to help India, as it faces an unimaginable COVID crisis. AMA Queensland President Professor Chris Perry said the devastating loss of life and shocking number of new infections in India demanded a large and long-term response. “Our worst nightmare is unfolding in India, where the health system is being overwhelmed,” Professor Perry said. “Indian-trained doctors make a tremendous contribution to the health sector in Australia and we know thousands of our Indian colleagues are desperately worried about the safety of their families, friends and colleagues. ...

AMA QUEENSLAND MEDIA RELEASE - 11 APRIL 2020 Doctors warn new laws endanger the lives of Queenslanders New drug protocols announced today that allow pharmacists to dispense a wider range of medications and to substitute drugs without consulting a GP endanger the lives of Queenslanders, doctors have warned. Australian Medical Association (AMA) Queensland Councillor Dr @Nicholas Yim said new amendments, announced by Health Minister Steven Miles, were unnecessary and dangerous. "Without any consultation with doctors, Mr Miles has made amendments that empower pharmacists to prescribe a wide range of medications, including for people with chronic ...

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11 March media clips HERE Highlights AMA and AMA Queensland Coronavirus AMA Media Release - Coronavirus health package welcome but much more to do – here 7 News – 10/03 - Heightened response to the coronavirus outbreak - Interview Dr Dili Dhupelia, AMA Queensland President - here Courier Mail – 11/03 - Sick with flu? See a GP before heading to hospital fever clinics, says Queensland Health – quoted Dr Dilip Dhupelia, AMA Queensland President ABC – Flu vaccinations in the wake of coronavirus outbreak - Interview Dr Dili Dhupelia, AMA Queensland President Grant Broadcasters radio network – 10/03 - ...