29 December 2024
GPs CALL FOR REFORMED AFTER HOURS CARE
THE Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) urges reforms to after-hours care, highlighting the need for improved funding and GP involvement to ensure accessibility and continuity of care. The RACGP advocates for after-hours rebates, multidisciplinary teams, and tailored services for rural and vulnerable populations. President Dr. Nicole Higgins stresses the importance of redesigning funding models to keep practices open longer and improve patient outcomes.
29 December 2024
SPECIALIST TRANING IS NOT SO HEALTHY
THEAMA’s 2023 Specialist Trainee Experience Health Check highlights challenges in medical training, with no program rated above a C+. Key concerns include inadequate exam feedback, low confidence in reporting harassment, and limited rural training opportunities. Only 34% of metropolitan trainees consider rural practice, compared to 78% of rural-based trainees wanting to stay. The AMA urges reforms to improve support, feedback, and rural training options to address workforce shortages and trainee wellbeing.
29 December 2024
WHY DENTISTS URGE REGUALR KIDS CHECKUPS
DENTISTS are urging parents to prioritise regular dental check-ups as the 2024 Oral Health Tracker Report reveals a surge in preventable hospitalisations for children due to dental issues. Tooth decay affects over 27% of kids aged 5–10, contributing to hospital pressures. Initiatives like Bupa’s Members First Ultimate and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule offer cost-effective options for families to maintain oral health, reduce hospital demand, and prevent long-term dental problems.