Message from the President

Last week both houses of the Australian Parliament passed the Health Workforce Australia Bill 2009, which establishes the Health Workforce Authority (HWA) as proposed by the Council of Australian Governments (CoAG). The college and the profession have provided extensive feedback regarding the legislation.

General announcements

Agenda items for the 2009 RACGP Convocation

Agenda items for the 2009 Convocation are now being accepted.

Influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu alert

Influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu update

23 June, 2:00pm: On 17 June the Australian Government announced the new pandemic response phase to manage the outbreak of influenza A (H1N1). On 23 June, Victoria also moved to the 'Protect' phase. This phase recognises that this new disease is mild in most cases, though severe illness does occur. The focus is now on treating and caring for people in whom the disease may be severe. For more information on what this new phase of the response means for general practice, visit www.healthemergency.gov.au and www.racgp.org.au/h1n1/32426 (FAQ).

A summary sheet for GPs, a copy of the Phase Annex to the Australian Medical Plan for Pandemic Influenza, and a DoHA discussion paper on Medical and Scientific Data on H1N1 Influenza 09 are available at www.healthemergency.gov.au/internet/healthemergency/ publishing.nsf/Content/healthprof#clinical.

The RACGP is working with the Australian General Practice Network to provide training for division staff who will be supporting local general practices in preparing to manage pandemic influenza. The project is funded by the Australian Government. For more information, visit www.racgp.org.au/media2009/32366.

Updated information and detailed resources to support Australian general practice in managing the current influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, including the revised RACGP Pandemic Flu Kit, can be found at www.racgp.org.au/h1n1.

The RACGP has established a telephone hotline that GPs can call with queries relating to influenza A (H1N1) and RACGP pandemic resources. GPs can telephone 1800 200 769 Monday to Friday (9 am–5 pm) and they will be directed to their relevant state faculty office.

Information regarding the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and practice posters and other resources.

AFP logo

Weird Skin Stuff

The theme for the July issue of AFP is Weird Skin Stuff. This month's articles include Presentations of rash, Cutaneous melanoma - atypical variants and presentations, Blistering skin conditions, Difficult to diagnose skin cancer - the 'aggresive' BCC and Skin manifestations of systemic disease.

GP Pathway module two: Fulfilling the fundamentals

GP Pathway module two: Fulfilling the fundamentals

Are you, or do you know someone, considering a career in general practice in Australia? Could you use more confidence in your knowledge of the basic requirements for a smooth and enjoyable general practice career?

Communicating with people with intellectual disability

Communicating with people with intellectual disability

Identify and address communication barriers encountered during a general practice medical assessment and help ensure optimal care is provided for patients with intellectual disability and associated communication difficulties.

Overview of childbirth-related mental illness

Overview of childbirth-related mental illness

Can you confidently differentiate between—and manage—postpartum blues, depression and psychosis?

Challenging/problem behaviours in people with intellectual 
disability

Challenging/problem behaviours in people with intellectual disability

Examining the issues that arise in general practice when treating patients with intellectual disabilities exhibiting challenging behaviours.

Publication Date: 3 July 2009
Authorised By: RACGP

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