The PHAA Annual General Meeting will be held on:

When: Tuesday 17 September 2024 at 3.30pm - 4.30pm AWST during the Australian Public Healthcare Conference 2024.

Where: Golden Ballroom, Hotel Pan Pacific Hotel, Perth WA. 

The meeting will be chaired by PHAA President, Prof. Tarun Weeramanthri. Please find below the link to the meeting papers.

MEETING PAPERS

• 2024 AGM Agenda with supporting documents

In keeping with the PHAA's hybrid presentation of events, if you are unable to attend in person you can register for on-line access via ZOOM by clicking the link below:

Click here for ZOOM Registration

Please note, only registered attendees will receive a link to join the AGM. Please save this link in your calendar for access on the day.

As PHAA has done in previous years, and in interest of providing an opportunity for all, any questions are invited for the AGM prior to the meeting and no later than COB Monday 16 September 2024. These questions may be forwarded to phaa@phaa.net.au.

         

Source: PHAA AGM Reminder and Papers 10 September 2024

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) has shared relevant training information provided by the organisation DV-alert.

"As healthcare professionals, you are at the forefront of providing care and support to individuals affected by domestic and family violence. Frontline workers like you hold a unique position in the community. Patients often feel comfortable opening up to healthcare professionals, trusting them with their most sensitive concerns. This trust underscores the vital importance of equipping you with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to domestic violence situations."

Source: AHHA - Empower Your Practice: Join Free DV-alert Training Today 4 September 2024

Read the full AHHA email here.

Visit the DV-alert website for further details here.

    

The Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA) recently communicated the following item on Antibiotic Resistance. 

"A study published in the journal PLOS ONE revealed that the widespread and excessive use of antibiotics, along with unregulated access to critical drugs and poor disposal practices in laboratory rodent facilities, may be contributing to the global issue of antimicrobial resistance.

The survey, which covered 95 laboratories in Australia and New Zealand, found that 71% routinely used antimicrobial drugs, including antibiotics. Common practices involved adding antibiotics to rodents' drinking water and improperly disposing of medicated water and food.

Dr. Rebbecca Wilcox, the lead author, stated that if animals contracted a bacterial infection that could not be treated, it would be "catastrophic" for animal welfare. Additionally, the potential exposure to resistant bacteria posed a health and safety risk for both the staff working with the animals and nearby hospitals.

Read more at:

• Unregulated antibiotic use in animal research likely contributes to human drug resistance, study finds "
  
  

Source: AHHA Healthcare in Brief 30 August 2024

Consultation on Medical Devices – AUS Essential Principles – Part 2: Alignment with the EU General Safety and Performance Requirements

The above consultation is currently open on the TGA Consultation Hub until 16 October 2024.

The TGA Medical Device Reforms Project Teams are holding two webinars for stakeholders to raise any questions or topics related to the proposals in the Essential Principles consultation.  There will be a short presentation followed by a panel discussion which will initially focus on addressing any pre-submitted questions. If time permits there will be an opportunity to ask additional questions.

Register for webinar session:

The presentation and discussion on pre-submitted questions will be the same in both sessions.

Please select your preferred session time and register through the link on the webpage:

• Webinar 1: Wednesday 11 September, 5-6pm
• Webinar 2: Thursday 12 September,  12–1pm

Pre-submit questions/topics for discussion:

We strongly encourage you to send through your questions or specific topics you would like our panel to discuss. This will help us to provide the appropriate technical expertise and efficiently address as many questions as possible in the time available.

• You may submit a question or topic when completing the registration for the webinar in the “pre-webinar questions” field, however there is a 900-character limit.
• If you cannot fit your question in the registration form “pre-webinar question” field, please send through your questions to: devicereforms@tga.gov.au by COB Friday 6 September 2024.
• For any questions submitted after 6 September 2024, these may or may not be included in the webinar, depending on time.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email devicereforms@tga.gov.au.

The Federal Government has successfully gained the backing of the states and territories for its reform of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), breaking a lengthy deadlock.

On Wednesday 21 August 2024, NDIS Minister Bill Shorten announced the government had reached an agreement on several amendments to secure the states' support. These include a new dispute resolution process that escalates issues to premiers and chief ministers, as well as expedited timelines for implementing changes to NDIS rules.

Read more via the following articles: 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-22/ndis-bill-state-territory-agreement-analysis/104252426

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-08-21/states-territories-back-ndis-reform/104251108

https://theconversation.com/the-ndis-reform-bill-has-been-passed-will-it-get-things-back-on-track-for-people-with-disability-237024

https://www.racgp.org.au/gp-news/media-releases/2024-media-releases/august-2024/racgp-welcomes-bill-passing-to-get-the-ndis-back-o

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r7181

As per the Public Health Association Australia's (PHAA) email, their Student Think Tank Webinar is back for 2024.

Please join PHAA on 29 August at 6pm AEST to see the innovative solutions four student finalists came up with to address a pressing public health problem and ensure an inclusive public health system.

This year’s webinar will feature important topics such as First Nations' storytelling, addressing language barriers in health care for CALD communities, amplifying voices through youth engagement, and centering voices with lived experience. Come along and support the future public health workforce.

REGISTER HERE

My Dearest Readers

Greetings! Or as they say in New Zealand, Kia Ora! For those of you who are a fan of my work about the inner operations around the ton on Bridgerton, I thought it only necessary to share with you the tales of idle gossip surrounding Tylen and Ebony’s venture to the highly anticipated NZOHA Conference in Auckland. Oh, the thrill of it all! Allow me to regale you with the highlights they so generously shared from their enriching experience.

This annual gathering brought together thought-provoking leaders, industry experts, and passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds, all converging to explore a myriad of wonderful, educational, and inspiring topics.

Ah, the most invaluable part of any gathering such as this is undoubtedly the opportunity to network with peers and professionals alike. The NZOHA Conference did not disappoint in this regard. From casual coffee breaks to sumptuous lunches, the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for oral health care was simply delightful. These interactions expanded not only their interprofessional circle but also introduced fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to enhance patient care.

The heart of every conference lies in its keynote presentations, and the NZOHA Conference dazzled with an impressive line-up of speakers. From visionary oral health professionals to pioneering researchers, each keynote offered unique insights into the vast diversities of our profession and the evolving landscape of care. Themes ranged from the intriguing world of oral microbiomes and patient care, to the profound impacts of antimicrobial misuse on global healthcare, and even the innovative use of oral probiotics. It appears Tylen and Ebony may have developed a professional admiration, or a ‘crush’ if you will, for Dr. Victoria Sampson based on her captivating lectures.

In addition, the attendees were abuzz with discussions ranging from the intricacies of forensic odontology to the mysterious realm of dreams for practical considerations in dental office waste disposal. Attendees were treated to enlightening journeys into practice ownership, the transformative capabilities of dental lasers in patient care, and a thorough review on managing oral pathology and dental trauma. The threads of these discussions intertwined seamlessly, leaving all in attendance inspired and eager to apply their newfound knowledge in their respective domains.

Innovation permeated every corner of the conference venue, from its splendid setting to the cutting-edge technology showcased in the trade displays. Attendees had the rare opportunity to witness firsthand the next wave of advancements that could shape the future of our noble profession. The enthusiasm and creativity on display were infectious sparking lively conversations about the possibilities ahead.

Beyond the sessions themselves, the NZOHA Conference fostered a sense of camaraderie among attendees. Informal discussions during meals, evening receptions, and chance encounters in the hallways contributed to a vibrant atmosphere of collaboration. It was heartening to witness competitors setting aside rivalries in pursuit of shared goals—truly a testament to the unity within our field.

As I reflect on the experience for those who attended the NZOHA Conference, I am reminded of the enduring value of continuous learning and staying attuned to industry trends. The knowledge gained and connections made at such gatherings undoubtedly pave the way for future professional endeavours. I encourage all who harbor a passion for innovation and growth to consider attending similar conferences in the future. The insights gleaned and relationships formed can be transformative, both personally and professionally.

In sum, the NZOHA Conference transcended mere event status—it was a transformative experience that will resonate for years to come. I am grateful to the NZOHA for their organisation and for the opportunity for Tylen and Ebony to have participated and eagerly anticipate applying these newfound insights in all their future endeavours.

Until we meet again, stay ever curious and continue exploring the frontiers of knowledge!

Warm regards,

Lady Whistledown*

NZOHA Conference attended by ADOHTA CPD & Finance Director Tylen Burt and Membership & Sponsorship Director Ebony Woods.

Article by ADOHTA CPD & Finance Director Tylen Burt in the tone of Lady Whistledown from Bridgerton.

The Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research provides the latest of their Issues Brief, dated 11 June 2024 below. 

Deeble Institute -Harnessing-data-to-improve-patient-care-and-prevent-hospital-acquired-complications-.pdf

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DEEBLE INSTITUTE

A series of changes to the National Law come into effect this week from 1 July 2024, including new powers to prevent unregistered practitioners from treating patients and making it possible for a practitioner’s alternative name to be listed on the register alongside their legal name.

The new changes complete a series of reforms to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law agreed by all health ministers aimed at strengthening public protection and improving the operation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme.

You can read more about the new changes in the Ahpra and National Boards Media Release: Greater Protection for the Public Under National Law Changes, as well as find information about all the changes over the past two years at the National Law Amendments page.

The Stronger Medicare Awards honour Medicare Champions - the people, team and practices who have made an exceptional contribution to the health of their community. 

Anyone can nominate a primary care worker, team, clinic or community health centre before nominations close at 5:30pm on 30 June 2024.

Some common examples of primary health care include general practice, community health centres, community nursing services, mental health services and allied health services.

Successful finalists will be notified in August and a ceremony will be held at Australian Parliament House in November 2024.

What You Can Do

Please view the information kit to support promotion of the Stronger Medicare Awards. This includes background information and communication templates, such as:

• Social media posts
• Posters to print and display in your offices or clinics
• Newsletter templates
• Ministerial video

Help recognise Australia’s outstanding primary health workers by sharing this information with your colleagues and nominate a Medicare Champion today. 

Further information is available via email request at medicare40@health.gov.au.