Election 2010 did not deliver the result we were expecting and certainly creates a sense of uncertainty within our particular sector with the policies from the ALP and Coalition being significantly different. I have taken heart from some of the independents comments, in particular Rob Oakeshott, that they are keen to see the work of expert committees and reviews implemented. I think for me that is the most potentially disheartening aspect of this election – to see the excellent and highly consultative work of the National Hospital and Health Reform Commission, the National Preventative Healthcare Taskforce and the National Primary Health care Strategy Expert Reference Group, be to no avail. If the independents can influence both parties to ensure that this excellent work is carried forward into policy - that will be a good outcome for all of us. Julianne Badenoch has written to the independents to express our desire for a strong, flexible and well-funded r ole for nurses in general practice and how critical this will be for the growing burden of chronic disease, meeting the needs of the ageing population particularly in areas of GP workforce shortage. If any of you are in electorates with the independents, this may be your opportunity to express what you want to see.
Speaking of a stronger role for nurses within the health system, there is a very interesting article by a range of experts here http://www.sa-lives.com/entry/13/why-nurses-should-be-more-prominent
On another note we have announced this week when and where the APNA conference 2011 will be held – Sydney 7-9 April. The conference committee met for the first time on Monday and comprises a great range of nurses including ENs, RNs, and an NP candidate who come from a range of settings, including rural and urban, indigenous health, academia and sexual health. The enthusiasm in the room was very infectious and is reflected in the theme decided- Roadmap to the Future - Great Expectations. And this in the face of uncertainty about the election outcome!! As well as a very detailed program being developed with a range of fantastic topics, a theme for the dinner of' Route 66' was chosen with a lot of laughter and fun. Please out this date in your diary and hope to see you there.
I had the privilege last week of going out to the East Brunswick Medical Practice where 2 of our members Teresa Reid and Roz O'Reilly had invited me to come and talk with their GPs about the new PN incentive. It was a fabulous experience as the practice is very progressive and we had a very constructive and useful discussion about their desire for a greater role for their nurses, impact of the block grant funding models and their desire to have undergraduate nursing students etc. Teresa AND Roz had presented at the APNA conference on their innovative model on new patient registrations done by practice nurses and the improvement in GP throughput and comprehensive records.
Finally, keep the calls and emails rolling in. Calls this week have included issues around pap test provider numbers, bereavement leave entitlement under new awards, EN supervision issues and much more.
