Health alert: Multi-drug resistant gonorrhoea
The Department of Health (DoH) has advised that two cases of gonorrhoea with resistance to ceftriaxone, azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, penicillin and tetracycline were identified in early 2018; one diagnosed in Western Australia and the other in Queensland.
GPs are reminded to gather a full travel history on all those who present with a sexually transmissible infection. Whenever possible, take swabs for culture and antimicrobial resistance testing, particularly from those who may have acquired the infection in Southeast Asia.
The DoH has released a statement and published a fact sheet for clinicians.
Visit the DoH website for further information and supporting resources.
The indicators of, and impact of, regional inequality in Australia
RACGP Rural is preparing a submission to the Senate Economics References Committee, who are conducting an inquiry into the indicators of, and impact of, regional inequality in Australia.
RACGP Rural is seeking feedback from GPs regarding experiences of unequal access to opportunities and unequal outcomes in non-metropolitan areas, views on the causes of inequality between regions and examples of solutions that can help address inequality and allow regions to prosper.
Please submit your feedback to rural@racgp.org.au by 30 April 2018. All comments and feedback received will be treated confidentially.
2018 RACGP Awards: Rural general practice
Each year RACGP Rural recognises three exceptional individuals for their contribution to rural general practice with three awards.
The Brian Williams Award, the Rural Registrar of the Year Award and the Rural Medical Student Bursary Award are designed to recognise, highlight and reward the hard work and dedication of our rural members.
Nomination forms for the RACGP Rural Awards can be downloaded from the RACGP website.
Members are also reminded nominations are still open for the 2018 RACGP Awards.
Nominations close 5.00 pm AEST 18 May 2018. Visit the RACGP website for further information.
In Practice Poll
Medical clearances
Patients often request medical clearance from their GP to participate in various health-related programs. For example, a patient’s gym may ask them to seek GP clearance before they can participate in a fitness program. GPs are often expected to provide clearance with very little information about what the program involves or the risks of participation for the patient. Some members have sought advice from the RACGP regarding the provision of medical clearance for patients and the legal obligations or consequences of providing medical clearances to participate in programs.
We would like to hear from you about how comfortable you are responding to requests of this nature from your patients. Your feedback will help us determine how we can assist GPs in these situations.