ASMS Direct - Issue 2010-19
24 November 2010
Dear Member
We welcome any feedback on the contents of the 19th issue for 2010 of ASMS Direct.
- 1. National DHB MECA negotiations and business case
- 2. DHBs response to ASMS call for DHBs to support senior doctors in coping during MRT and laboratory workers strikes
- 3. University of Otago, Wellington Inaugural International Cancer Symposium, 13-19 February 2011
- 4. Medical Assurance Society and Canterbury earthquake
1. National DHB MECA negotiations and business case
Progress continues to be made in the national DHB MECA negotiations. The preoccupation since late September has been the development of the joint business case by the DHBs and ASMS. The business case has now been completed after being overseen by a joint steering group. The purpose of the business case is aptly summarised by its title, Securing a Sustainable Senior Medical and Dental Officer Workforce in New Zealand: the Business Case. As it has the effect of being a paper to cabinet it is currently confidential.
At its meeting on 17 November the ASMS National Executive voted unanimously to endorse the business case. Two days later the ASMS Annual Conference adopted unanimously the following resolution:
That Annual Conference endorses the National Executive’s actions in the national DHB MECA negotiations including development, jointly with the DHBs, of a business case for investment in the retention and recruitment of the senior medical and dental workforce.
The business case is currently with the DHB chief executives before being forwarded to the Minister of Health in early December for cabinet deliberation. Today (24 November) the ASMS and DHBs had an informal meeting to discuss the next steps for negotiations. Subject to the government’s response to the business case formal negotiations will resume on 9 February. Again, subject to the government’s response the purpose of the negotiations will be to apply the outcome of the business case to the current (expired) MECA.
2. DHBs response to ASMS call for DHBs to support senior doctors in coping during MRT and laboratory workers strikes
Previously we published our 27 October letter to the 20 DHBs calling on them to support our members in coping with being able to protect patient safety during the protracted MRT and laboratory worker strikes. On 8 November the ASMS received the following positive response from Karen Roach, Chair of the 20 DHBs Employment Relations Strategy Group:
Dear Ian
Thank you for your letter of 27 October 2010.
The concern you have raised in respect of the impact on service delivery and your members of the industrial action being taken by MRT and Laboratory workers is one that DHBs share.
DHBs are unified in the view that we will not encourage industrial action through acceding to “ransom” demands. However we also acknowledge that despite the best efforts of other DHB staff, and in particular senior medical staff, it is becoming increasingly difficult to continue to provide patients with the level of care that they deserve and expect. Like you we are extremely disappointed at the price patients are being asked to pay in these disputes. We agree with you that the intent of the Code of Good Faith is not currently being satisfactorily met.
DHBs are currently taking legal action to protect our ability to deliver appropriate Life Preserving Services (LPS). In addition we are in the process of developing a new template LPS agreement that simplifies and streamlines this process, and we thank ASMS for their contribution to this work.
However these are process steps, and that the practical delivery of LPS is still reliant on the on-going judgement and professionalism of clinicians. DHBs individually seek agreement on approaches that are appropriate to the local situation in order to manage LPS requests. The intention of such steps is to ensure an appropriate balance between the clinical need for information with the DHB’s legal obligations.
We do acknowledge that the long running nature of these disputes has had a cumulative effect on services, clinical staff and importantly patients. On behalf of my colleagues I would like to re-iterate that DHBs will fully support a clinician’s request for LPS tests or procedures where they have a genuinely held professional view that such information is necessary.
In the unfortunate event that a challenge is made by the striking union to the request, DHBs will seek to ensure the delivery of the requested procedure or test. Safety of the patients in our care has to be the first priority. Naturally the DHBs will actively support clinical staff in any discussions that result from that process.
I would also ask that you pass on our thanks to your members for their ongoing efforts to provide patients with the best possible care in such trying circumstances.
Yours sincerely
Karen Roach
Chair - Employment Relations Strategy Group
3. University of Otago, Wellington Inaugural International Cancer Symposium, 13-19 February 2011
The University of Otago is organising an Inaugural International Cancer Symposium Organising Committee at the Duxton Hotel, Wellington, from 13-19 February 2011. The Symposium consists of five programmes and two special sessions. Each programme is distinct and stand-alone but the common thread of translating today’s clinical excellence into tomorrow’s cure runs strong in each presentation.
The five programmes will focus on:
- Haematological Malignancies and Benign Haematology
- Medical Oncology: lung, head and neck, gastrointestinal cancers and melanoma
- End of Life /Palliative Care
- Scientific Advances featuring the meeting topics
- The Role of Tobacco Control in Cancer Prevention
and two special sessions will focus on:
- Progress and Innovation
- Medical Burnout
Many overseas participants will be travelling from the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and Arizona, the Dana-Farber in Boston, Royal Prince Alfred Sydney, Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, and the University of Birmingham.
Part of the programme will include a session on “Professional Burnout” The Hidden Cost of Healthcare, on Tuesday evening 15 February. Further information is available at www.uow.otago.ac.nz/cancersymposium.
4. Medical Assurance Society and Canterbury earthquake
The National Executive has received many reports of the excellent response of the Medical Assurance Society to its members affected by the dramatic Canterbury earthquake and the continuing after-shocks. The responsiveness and support has been described as excellent for many people in times of unexpected and unprecedented need and stress. The National Executive has expressed its appreciation to MAS’s chief executive Martin Stokes.
Kind regards
Ian Powell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
