Achievements

The association has been very active in the past 12 months and has accomplished much for rural doctors. Outlined below are some of the activities that RDASA has been undertaking and some of the many achievements the association has made on members' behalf.

1. Industrial Advocacy

RDASA representatives have strived to achieve improved working conditions for rural doctors. Some significant outcomes include:

• increases in on call payments for doctors providing emergency medicine, obstetric and anaesthetic services in hospitals in rural South Australia
• RDASA members have provided input to clarify the SAMSOF emergency item numbers and have given advice into new definitions and the structure of funding for those doctors providing services to inpatients in country hospitals
• RDASA works with the 6 practicing rural doctors who have been appointed as the Chief Consultants in Anaesthetics, Surgery, Obstetrics, Quality and Safety, Accident & Emergency and Mental Health

2. Workforce

RDASA representatives have participated in many critical workforce forums with the South Australian Government. It has held numerous high-level discussions with the executives of SA Country Health and the SA Minister of Health, John Hill MP, regarding the crucial need for ongoing supports for rural doctors.

The association was also active at the South Australian Government/AMA Workforce Expo held in May 2010.

3. Medical Student Issues

RDASA has been very active with Medical Student issues with the following outcomes:

• lobbied strongly in the media and with written and personal representations to the Premier of SA and the Minister of Health to increase medical student numbers and the number of rural-origin students entering our medical schools
• representatives have participated in seminars to both Flinders University and Adelaide University Rural Health Clubs and participated in training weekends for students at Quorn and the lower Flinders Ranges
• representatives have been active on the selection panel for John Flynn Scholarships for medical students wishing to undertake these valuable scholarships in rural and remote Australia

4. Financial Support for Doctors without State Government Hospitals

RDASA has actively lobbied for better supports for doctors providing essential medical services in rural communities that do not have a public hospital. These communities include; Robe, Yankalilla, Goolwa and Keith. We have urged that these doctors should be recognised for the important work they do and be included in the new after-hours SAMSOF award. These towns doctors and practice staff provide many essential services from their own practice infrastructure.

5. Rural Doctors Workforce Agency

A number of rural doctor representatives are active on the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency. RDASA continues to have a strong relationship with the Agency and we are currently working on the annual combined RDWA conference and RDASA AGM, planned for Friday 11th & Saturday 12th November 2011. 

The conference program will highlight the advances in rural health care and you will all have an opportunity to contribute to the clinical content. This is also an opportunity to catch up with fellow rural doctors and to participate in an excellent academic and social program planned by rural doctors and the RDWA.