June brings on the winter solstice, heralding the start of winter with the longest night of the year. As we spend more time indoors with loved ones, it’s important to note that COVID case numbers in NSW continue to hover around the 14,000–15,000 range each week, with a potential fifth wave on the horizon. It’s crucial to remain vigilant around infection control over the coming weeks to protect ourselves as GPs and the communities we serve.
The 2023–24 Federal Budget included additional investment in general practice in response to the RACGP’s advocacy efforts to support GPs, practice teams and patients. The college looks forward to continue working collaboratively with the Government on longer-term reforms to strengthen Medicare and rebuild general practice care for patients.
The NSW&ACT Faculty Council has been working hard behind the scenes meeting with members of parliament to discuss various issues relating to general practice. At a combined meeting with
Ryan Park, NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health, and
Courtney Houssos, NSW Minister for Finance and Natural Resources, members of the Faculty Executive and NSW AMA President, Dr Michael Bonning, discussed issues relating to payroll tax on medical practices and improving access to primary care in NSW. The Faculty Executive also attended a meeting with Greens Upper House MP
Dr Amanda Cohn, who is responsible for the health portfolio, to discuss how the work of the college can be supported in this new term of Parliament. AHPRA representatives attended the recent NSW&ACT Faculty Council meeting where the scope of the regulator’s work was discussed as well as cosmetic surgery reforms requiring GP referral, and the expectations of the GP.
The recent Wellbeing Weekend was held at the beautiful Sails Rydges, on the waterfront of Port Macquarie. We delved into workshops that explored nutrition, relationships, intimacy and support, as well as physical and creative activities to encourage a focus on health and wellbeing whilst managing the daily stressors of general practice. As a participant, I had a great opportunity to chat to most of the attendees and share our experiences as GPs in NSW and ACT. I also really enjoyed learning some new drawing skills that challenged my creative brain.
Nominations for the 2023 RACGP Awards are now open online until Sunday, 16 July 2023. Award criteria are detailed on the
college website, and nominations may be made by members of the public, fellow health professionals or RACGP members who want to pay tribute to those excelling in general practice. As well as the state and national awards, the NSW&ACT Faculty administers the
Eric Fisher Award. This award recognises a New Fellow who has a strong focus on the emotional well-being of their patients and colleagues. Nominations for this award are also open and may be made via the online form.
In signing off for this month, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of Mia Dhillon, State Manager, and Nina Aubin, Faculty Officer, during their tenure with the college. Mia and Nina joined our team during the difficult work times of COVID and are now moving on to new and exciting career endeavours outside the college. I know that I speak for all of you when I wish them every success in their new roles.
As always, take care, prioritise your health and try to stay well as the temperature outdoors starts to drop over the coming weeks, bringing the inevitable winter respiratory illnesses.