President’s Message

Hello Colleagues,

It’s hard to believe October is almost upon us! It seems at least at my workplace in Brisbane the relentless winter workload has eased, and I hope the trend is similar around Australia and New Zealand.  It does appear that COVID-related admissions have really dropped off, at least for the time being, and that gives me some hope that perhaps in the not-too-distant future COVID-19 will be no more of a concern than any of the other respiratory viruses we contend with each year. 

In the coming months I look forward to attending Division Retreats and meeting some of you in-person – the Queensland Division Spring Weekend in early October and then the New Zealand Division Retreat at the end of the month, as well as the NSW/ ACT Spring Weekend later in November. There is nothing better than meeting colleagues face-to-face to share stories and experiences, and discuss the issues that matter to you; these discussions often provide great insights into ways the Society can better support you, its members. If you can, I encourage you to attend.

The first meeting of the Dementia Care Special Interest Group was held on 25 August with an enthusiastic attendance of 43 people. Under the capable guidance of Chair Professor Sue Kurrle, the SIG is off to a promising start with working groups planned around models of care, education, advocacy and BPSD that will all strive to achieve practical outcomes to support the work of our profession. I look forward to seeing the efforts of this group unfold.

It has been two and half years since the release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. In July ANZSGM was asked to contribute to a review of implementation of recommendations – thank you to those who contributed to this important submission. This review provided an important moment to really look at what these recommendations mean for our work as geriatricians. Of particular relevance to geriatricians is Recommendation 58 -Access to specialists and other health practitioners through Multidisciplinary Outreach Services. As a Society we will continue to advocate for sustainable funding of multidisciplinary outreach models of care in residential aged care, of which there are already numerous examples in cities and country areas across Australia. The work of the Out of Hospital Care Special Interest Group will be a key component of that advocacy.

ANZSGM has also had the opportunity to weigh in on the foundation principles that will help underpin the new Aged Care Act in Australia – a piece of policy work that we hope helps to build a more equitable and higher quality aged care system. Thanks to all those that contributed, particularly new members of the Clinical Advocacy Committee. Tackling a submission request takes time and thought and we appreciate your contribution.

Rob O’Sullivan
President
ANZSGM