I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as your new Chair of the RACGP NSW&ACT Faculty. I am a GP and practice owner in the Sutherland Shire, where I live with my two kids, Billy age eight and Belle age seven.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Professor Charlotte Hespe for the exceptional work she has done during her six years as Chair. It’s daunting to follow in the footsteps of a Chair who has made such an impact on the College, but with Charlotte’s kind and thoughtful handover, I am ready to get started and give my best to you, our members.
I believe in saying yes. When someone suggests you do something, especially when it’s slightly outside your comfort zone, give it a go! And with the support of two wonderful Deputy Chairs, Dr Anju Aggarwal and Dr Michael Wright, and an exceptional Faculty Council behind me, I took on the Chair role with a big “yes” and I am very excited about it.
There have been some standout events this year that I look back on very fondly. WONCA was an enormous success, and I would like to say thank you to all the staff, presenters and members who made it such a wonderful event.
I’d also like to congratulate our NSW&ACT State Award winners who went on to win their national categories; Dr Richard Draper for GP of the Year and Dr Kate Manderson for GP Supervisor of the Year, a great achievement. Our Fellowship ceremonies are a highlight for me and this August we were welcomed back to the ICC for one of my favorite dates of the year. Seeing the joy from our New Fellows in NSW with their loved ones, as they celebrated their achievements was a wonderful experience. I look forward to attending the ACT Fellowship ceremony in the first half of 2024, for which planning has commenced.
Advocacy work has started straight away, and I have been working hard for GPS in several meetings in my first few weeks as Chair. I have met with a number of regional MPs to start building relationships and garnering their support in advocating for the needs of our RACGP members. The executive has also met with NSW Ministers for Finance and Health to discuss payroll tax and reiterate the need for clarification on contracts and an upholding of amnesty across the State. We are continuing our work in the ACT and have secured a meeting with the Australian Capital Territory Minister for Health where payroll tax will be on top of the agenda. I have also met with NSW Chief Health Officer to reflect on the last few years’ achievements in public health and look forward to our continuing work with the NSW Department of Health. I have also met with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to align our focuses for 2024 and to discuss the importance of the GP voice in pharmacy prescribing trials.
For many, December will bring merriment and time spent with loved ones over the summer break. However, this season is not a happy one for everyone and I would like to take this opportunity to share my support for anyone who is struggling at this time of year. I strongly encourage everyone to make use of the many wonderful support services that we have available for anyone experiencing a difficult time, no matter what month of the year.
The
RACGP GP Support Program is a free service designed to foster a culture of self-care amongst GPs.
DRS4DRS has been specifically developed by the medical profession to support the unique needs of medical professionals.
Lifeline is also here to offer 24/7 crisis support to anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, difficulty coping or staying safe.
We spend our working lives supporting the health and wellbeing of our patients and it is incredibly important that we offer that same compassionate care to ourselves.
As the weather heats up, don’t forget to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide to keep yourself sun safe and refamiliarise yourself with the
RACGP emergency response pages as bushfires continue to pose a threat to lives and property in NSW.
All my very best wishes for a happy, healthy, and supported month,
Bek