AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen provides an update on the past week at the national AMA.
Hello, and happy Friday,
I hope you enjoy our new streamlined format for Rounds!
I'm sure you're all well and truly aware by now that the federal government has finally called the election for 3 May 2025. So, I'll be in your inbox every week to ensure you're aware of everything your national AMA is doing to advocate for you and your patients.
There are challenges and pressures; gaps and cracks and failings right across our healthcare system. This must be a health election to ensure you can get on with delivering care for your patients.
We've got solutions and reforms ready for general practice, for public hospitals, for private healthcare and for preventative health and we are ready with campaigns targeting voters and candidates. The AMA's strength and influence opens doors, and we'll be taking every opportunity to ensure the voice of the profession is heard. Both parties may think they've ticked the box on health with some large budget measures - but we all know that reforms are needed for a long term, sustainable solution to resourcing all arms of our healthcare system and providing the best possible patient care.
Clear the hospital logjam
Today we launched our renewed Clear the Hospital Logjam campaign. Those with a keen eye will recognise the campaign, but it has had a full refresh with updated performance data for 352 hospitals around the country. Sadly, the news isn't good - it will be of no surprise to all of you that overall, hospitals are performing worse than three years ago. Fewer hospitals are meeting benchmarks for ED and planned surgery wait times. Patients are waiting too long. Doctors are stretched. Governments must act, to resolve public hospital resourcing.
At our campaign webpage
