Australian Medical Association (NSW)

COSTS: Patients across NSW are being hit with unexpected out-of-pocket costs for pathology and many are confused about what Medicare does and does not cover. Medicare covers most standard blood tests, but rebates have not kept pace with the real cost of providing pathology services. Dr Kenneth McCroary, AMA (NSW) chair of general practice and a south-western Sydney GP, joined 2GB yesterday to discuss how funding shortfalls are creating inconsistent experiences for patients. He highlighted that no one should delay a test because they fear a surprise fee and called for clearer information and proper investment so people can access the care they need without hesitation.

NEW LEADER: The election of Kellie Sloane as leader of the NSW Liberal Party presents an important opportunity to refocus attention on the significant pressures facing the state’s health system. “Health is not a partisan issue," says AMA (NSW) president Dr Kathryn Austin. "Whether in government or opposition, political leaders have a responsibility to back evidence-based policy, long-term investment and show courage in looking after the people of this state.” https://lnkd.in/gzbw_Wqp

FIGHTING BACK: In today's The Australian newspaper, AMA (NSW) president Dr Kathryn Austin asks why patients must continue to pay the price of government under-funding.

NOT HAPPY: These are the faces of a Health Minister and AMA (NSW) president in response to the Federal Government’s demand that NSW public hospitals rein in spending. As Dr Kathryn Austin says: "You cannot tell an emergency department to slow down. You cannot delay trauma care. You cannot ask a sick child to come back when the budget improves. Hospitals respond to need. Need is rising and the Commonwealth must respond with responsible funding.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g6FM8rJS

MINISTER MEETING: AMA (NSW) held a productive meeting with NSW Health Minister Ryan Park at Parliament House this afternoon to discuss the state’s health system. President Dr Kathryn Austin, CEO Fiona Davies, Director Workplace Relations Dominique Egan and Northern Beaches doctors DAVID W DICKISON and Dr David Jollow met Mr Park to discuss the future of private services at Northern Beaches Hospital, and the shocking demand by the Federal Government this week that states rein in public hospital spending amid population growth and increased chronic disease burdens.

BOTTOMS UP: We’ve all heard the expression “blowing smoke up someone’s backside”, but did you know it comes from a medical treatment used on hospital patients in the early-1800s? The tobacco enema was used in Europe for a range of issues, including hernias, convulsions, gut pain and when resuscitating drowning victims. Its most notable use, however, was in treating patients with cholera, a disease which claimed the lives of millions of people globally. Doctors would mix tobacco with boiling water and inject it into a patient’s rectum. The patient would cease vomiting about an hour after the treatment and not resume purging. Fortunately, tobacco enemas declined in popularity after it was demonstrated that nicotine was a cardiac poison.

RURAL HEALTH: AMA (NSW) supports the Rural Health Action Plan put forward by Dr Joe McGirr today and is calling on the NSW Government to take immediate action. The April to June 2025 Bureau of Health Information report showed only 65.1 per cent of elective surgeries at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital were completed on time, a fall of 15.8 percentage points from the previous year. The median waiting time for non-urgent surgery has reached 370 days, exceeding the clinically recommended 365 days. "These figures confirm what rural communities already know. Regional health has been underfunded, underplanned and deprioritised for far too long,” AMA (NSW) president Dr Kathryn Austin said. "Rural NSW needs long-term funding that strengthens the workforce, expands local services and delivers real structural reform. Crisis spending after years of inaction is not leadership. The NSW Government must commit to Rural Health Action Plan in full.” Dr Austin said the action plan reflected AMA (NSW)’s priorities, including investment in permanent, local staff and restoring safe, medically led maternity care. AMA (NSW) also supports an independent Rural Health Commissioner to drive accountability and ensure rural communities are engaged in culturally safe and genuine ways.

ROAD TRAUMA: Today, AMA (NSW) CEO Fiona Davies, chair of council Dr Michael Bonning and councillor Dr Tom Morrison gave evidence at the NSW parliamentary inquiry into interventions to reduce road trauma in regional NSW caused by speeding, fatigue, drink and drug driving. Road trauma disproportionately affects country communties with almost 70 per cent of fatalities occurring in regional areas in recent years. AMA (NSW) advocates for urgent, targeted interventions addressing the unique risks and needs for NSW residents living and driving in rural and remote areas. We also support the National Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, which sets targets of a 50 per cent reduction in fatalities and a 30 per cent reduction in serious injuries by 2030.

NORTHERN RIVERS: Thanks to doctors in the Northern Rivers of NSW for meeting with AMA (NSW) Chief Executive Fiona Davies and Director of Workplace Relations Dominique Egan last night in Ballina to talk healthcare. The area is still recovering after the devastating floods of 2022 and 2025, and access to primary and tertiary level care close to home for patients in regional NSW, healthcare funding, current workforce challenges and upcoming industrial proceedings were high on the agenda.

GOOD PRACTICE: Cameron Thornton’s journey to practice management was far from traditional. After a decade as a teacher, he stepped away from the classroom to support his wife Alicia in her career as a dermatologist. Alicia has been an AMA (NSW) member since 2011 and that means she – and Cameron – have access to our expert Workplace Relations team to help them manage their practice and staff. “The Workplace Relations team has been excellent,” says Cameron. “It’s not just that they provide advice; it’s the speed and clarity that really make the difference. When you’re running a busy practice, issues don’t come up at convenient times. The assurance that inquiries or concerns will be addressed promptly and effectively instils confidence, allowing you to proceed without hesitation. “It’s also the breadth of support – it might be a staffing inquiry, an award interpretation, payroll changes, or a patient matter, and regardless of who responds, the advice is consistent and reliable. Access to expertise in these areas significantly reduces the demands placed on a practice manager. “ You can read more of Cameron’s story in the latest edition of our NSW Doctor magazine: https://lnkd.in/g8RkXd8f If you would like to know more about the services we provide doctors in private practice, please click here: https://lnkd.in/grPd5Ss8 You can join us here: https://lnkd.in/gj8srDav