CPMC Chair Dr Kym Jenkins welcomed all College Presidents in Australia and New Zealand to the 153rd meeting held in a virtual context and acknowledged the traditional lands. All College Presidents extended their appreciation for the efforts of all personnel working in the health and ageing sectors.
CPMC welcomed Dr Claire Tait as the new President, Australasian College of Dermatologists, and thanked Dr David Francis for his strong contribution to CPMC during his term in office.
CPMC remains active in COVID meetings with the Chief Medical Officer and peak general practice bodies, along with Departmental liaison concerning medical regulation. Dr Jenkins and Ms Magarry attended the ACCC pre-determination meeting on Honeysuckle Health/ NIB operations in Australia. The importance of the medical and nursing professions on the Independent Accreditation Committee to oversee the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme for Health Professionals have been conveyed to the Minister for Health and Department. COVID awareness campaign continues. The Training review research project has concluded and reporting publicly is expected in August. SRSA Funding Round 4 and 5 recipients impacted by COVID to have grants rolled to FR6.
The Australian Government Department of Health as represented by Dr Andrew Singer AM reported on the vaccine rollout program, awareness campaigns, outbreak management and noted the requirement for more COVID vaccines. The National Medical Workforce Strategy will soon be sent to the Medical Workforce Advisory Committee for finalisation.
The Intensive Care update was provided by Dr Mary Pinder, President College of Intensive Care Medicine, noting the increase in COVID presentations and management arrangements around Australia.
The primary care update was provided by Dr Karen Price, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and Dr Sarah Chalmers, President Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine on the extension of telehealth support, vaccine rollout eligibility and in outreach.
The New Zealand update was provided by Dr Sally Langley, President of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons noting the implementation of reforms to the New Zealand health system continue. All College Presidents discussed scheduling and holding examinations given snap lockdowns. CPMC endorsed the RACS Charter of Wellbeing.
Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 18 August with the Professional Observer’s Forum, Thursday 19 August 2021. CPMC will receive an update from the Medical Council of New Zealand and Avant.
Contact: Ms Angela Magarry, Chief Executive: ceo@cpmc.edu.au