This week marks Veterans' health week with the theme 'Keep connected'.
Veterans' health week runs this week from 13-20 October, and with the theme 'Keep connected' aims to promote good health and wellbeing in the everyday life of veterans and families, and shines a spotlight on the importance of social connectedness.
Chair of the AMA Committee on Public Health - and veteran - Dr Michael Bonning offered the following words on Veterans' health week.
"The transition for veterans can be challenging. It is critical that we keep veterans connected with their identity and recognise the experience, highlights and hardship of service and allow that a space in consultations and when caring for veterans," he said.
"As a GP who loves hearing and sharing stories about a career in the service what I know is that like everyone else, veterans are looking for connection and validation of their experience and as a former RAN medical officer I am honoured to be their GP in the community."
The week follows the AMA's own survey canvassing the views of non-GP specialist members on current Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) funding arrangements.
Over 200 members took the time to complete this survey. We want to thank members for their engagement. Of the respondents who treat veteran patients, an overwhelming majority reported these consultations as more complex, with DVA patients having a higher level of co-morbidity andrequiring more time.
The survey response also highlighted concerns with DVA rebates not being high enough. Despite this, the majority of respondents expect declared their intention to continue treating DVA-funded patients.
Member feedback demonstrated a clear desire to see a coordinated effort to increase advocacy to DVA to gain assistance on the issue of indexation.
Your feedback will inform the AMA of next steps in our advocacy.
