SUBMISSION FROM THE AUSTRALIAN PRIVATE HOSPITALS ASSOCIATION TO THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND HOSPITALS REFORM COMMISSION
Click here to see the submission to the NHHRC.

New Mental Health Advisory Council
The Minister for Health and Ageing Hon Nicola Roxon has announced that the Government will establish a new National Advisory Council on Mental Health “to provide the Rudd Government with independent advice from experts on mental health reform.” Further information on the new Advisory Council will be provided by APHA when it is released.

2008 APHA/Baxter Award Nominations Now Open
Nominations for the APHA / BAXTER AWARDS 2008 are now open. The awards criteria can be found at www.apha.org.au/publications.html

Consensus Guidelines for the Use of Anti-Coagulants During Heparin-Based Shortages
The Department of Health and Ageing has today released a set of Consensus Guidelines for Australian Clinicians for the use of anti-coagulants during heparin-based product shortages and a set of questions and answers for Health Professionals and Consumers, which can be found at www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/heparin-guidelines.htm
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Although there is not a short term shortage of the products in Australia, there are some concerns held with regard to the longer-term. The Guidelines outline a three-stage approach aimed at conserving use of the products and the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Professor John Horvath advises in his letter (click on the headline above)that Australia has moved to Stage 1 from today, 16 May. Professor Horvath’s letter also outlines the key features of Stage 1.

Credentialling workshops and Member Forums
APHA is hosting a series of workshops around the country to provide practical advice on the issues and processes around credentialling and defining the scope of clinical practice.

Dates of Workshops and Forums:

Friday 8 August 2008 - Sydney
Friday 15 August 2008 - Adelaide
Thursday 28 August 2008 - Brisbane
Wednesday 3 September 2008 - Melbourne
Thursday 30 October 2008 - Perth

Annual APHA National Congress
The annual APHA National Congress will take place at The Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide on 26 -28 October 2008. For more information see congress.apha.org.au/

Private Hospital Magazine submissions
APHA is seeking contributions for the October 2008 edition of Private Hospital magazine. The theme of the October edition is Innovation. Those who wish to submit news items or story ideas should contact Lisa Ramshaw, APHA’s Public Affairs Manager, on by cob 12 September 2008.