Welcome to our monthly NSW&ACT update.
The vaccine rollout is well underway, and we’ve been having regular conversations with ACT and NSW health officials to ensure collaboration on vaccine administration and distribution. I had a great meeting with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant to discuss collaborating on the rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine to over-50s and Pfizer to the under-50s. The Premier was grateful for the wonderful work GPs have done to keep NSW safe and for our pivotal role in converting hesitancy into vaccinations. We’ll continue to advise at both national and state/territory levels on vaccine education and promotion to all Australians.
Our broader political engagement is also gaining momentum in the lead-up to the federal election. We’ve met with Anthony Opposition Leader Albanese and Deputy Tanya Plibersek, who are my local members of parliament for home and work! We promoted the RACGP’s Vision for general practice and increasing funding for primary healthcare.
Thankfully telehealth provisions have been extended to the end of 2021 – albeit only for standard/short consultations. The withdrawal of funding for all other items has particular significance for treating our most vulnerable populations, especially those needing mental health oversight.
We celebrated our New Fellows in May with four small, COVID-safe ceremonies. It was lovely to have RACGP President Karen Price at these meaningful events. Many thanks to our RACGP NSW&ACT team, particularly the Events team, for a wonderful day. We look forward to the Canberra ceremony in September.
Finally, to our members still recovering from the April floods: we know coming back from a disaster like this takes time, and you’re still confronting the effects on your patients and yourselves. Take care of yourselves and please reach out to the faculty team for help.