AMA (NSW)

24/07/2025

UNACCEPTABLE: It is extremely disappointing to learn a legal bare-knuckle fighting event will be staged in Queensland in September, given it was rejected by Western Australia due to its brutality.
It remains highly concerning that the NSW Government is considering whether a similar event will go ahead here.
“Any suggestion that fighting without gloves presents fewer risks to those involved must be wholly rejected,” says AMA (NSW) president Dr Kathryn Austin.
“Even one blow to the head can cause irreparable damage or death, and repeated blows can result in chronic traumatic encephalopathy, causing cognitive, emotional, and behavioural problems which may progress to dementia.”
A study of 141 bare-knuckle fights in United States between 2018 and 2020 found 123 injuries, including hand and facial lacerations, hand, nasal, orbital and dental fractures and periorbital haematomas. Three people were taken to hospital with traumatic brain injuries.
“Bare-knuckle fighting is not only dangerous for participants but sends a terrible message to young people that physically hurting others is socially acceptable," Dr Austin says.
"We support comments made by AMA WA president Michael Page that bare-knuckle boxing is 'the human equivalent of dog fighting' and poses an unacceptable risk.”

The former boxing world champion has unveiled plans to stage Australia’s first big-time bare knuckle event, declaring the sport safer than its brutal appearance.

23/07/2025

CALL FOR REVIEW: NSW opposition health spokeswoman Kellie Sloane has called for an urgent review of Blacktown Hospital after a second incident in the ED was revealed today.
2GB has reported a woman slept in her car due to a lack of beds while awaiting treatment for an alleged bowel obstruction.
Public hospitals across the state continue to be under enormous pressure due to years of under-funding, and most are struggling to meet increasing patient demand.
We call on the NSW Government to focus on investing in staff to prevent more of these tragic situations.

22/07/2025

ON THE RUN: When you join AMA (NSW), you get expert medico-legal and HR advice; and high-level policy and advocacy representation across state and federal governments.
But that’s not all.
As part of AMA (NSW)’s run club, you also get to hit the streets with like-minded colleagues to bond over cadence, stride and intervals.
Early yesterday, board member Dr Michael Bonning and Director of Member Engagement and Commercial Partnerships Gary White clocked up seven kilometres from AMA House in St Leonards to McMahon’s Point and back.
For those in tip top condition, it’s only 18 days until the City2Surf.
For those who are not, you’ll be relieved to hear it’s 1087 days until the next summer Olympics.
For more information on our run club, please email events@amansw.com.au.
To join AMA (NSW), please click: https://www.amansw.com.au/join-the-ama/

22/07/2025

WESTERN SYDNEY CRISIS: Today’s Daily Telegraph highlights a patient allegedly waiting 24 hours for help on the floor of Blacktown Hospital’s emergency department.
These crises appear regularly in the media due to years of under-investment in our public hospitals.
AMA (NSW) has a five point plan to improve the system for doctors and patients.
We need a greater focus on preventive health measures to keep people out of hospital; more funding for public hospitals; more consultant positions in public hospitals; service planning with more consultant-led surgical services and modernised industrial arrangements to attract and retain doctors.

22/07/2025

MEDICAL RECORDS: When it comes to managing medical records and responding to third-party requests, do you know when it's okay to share and when it’s not?
In our next Workplace Wednesday Webinar, AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations advisor Anastasia Livanova will guide you through understanding patient consent and confidentiality; when medical records can be lawfully disclosed; and managing requests from family members, insurers, lawyers, employers and government agencies.
Join us on July 30 at 12.15pm for our Medical Records and Disclosures to Third Parties webinar.
To register, please https://www.amansw.com.au/event/ama-nsw-webinar-medical-records-and-disclosures-to-third-parties/

18/07/2025

NEVER FORGOTTEN: Former AMA (NSW) president and GP Dr Brian Morton was a force to be reckoned with – and a passionate man with time and kindness for all.
AMA (NSW) Chief Executive Officer Fiona Davies gave this eulogy at his recent funeral.
To read, please visit: https://www.amansw.com.au/dr-brian-morton-eulogy/

17/07/2025

SWEET TALK: NSW public hospitals continue to be under strain and it is vital a stronger focus is placed in preventing hospital admissions – a key plank in AMA (NSW)’s five point plan to improve the health system.
The AMA has called for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages at a rate of 50 cents per 100 grams of sugar in a bid to reduce obesity and its associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes.
More than 100 jurisdictions around the world already have a sugar tax, and modelling shows it could reduce annual sugar consumption in Australia by about two kilograms per person while raising $3.6 billion in government revenue to be invested in other crucial preventive health measures.
Thanks to AMA (NSW) member and paediatrician Dr Mike Freelander for talking to The Daily Telegraph on the issue.
To read more about the proposal:
https://www.ama.com.au/sites/default/files/2025-03/ama-budget-sub-2025-sickly-sweet.pdf

16/07/2025

WE ARE THE GLUE: Since 1880, AMA (NSW) has been supporting doctors across NSW by repeatedly calling on governments to better fund public hospitals and address critical workforce shortages – behind the scenes and through the media.
We have influenced public policy by working with stakeholders and we have helped drive improvements in frontline medicine.
We support doctors working in private and public health, freeing you up to do what you do best – care for patients.
Join us now: https://www.amansw.com.au/join-the-ama/

14/07/2025

FUN FACT: Dr James Cox was a founding member of the NSW branch of the British Medical Association, established in 1880, but did you know he was also an authority on shells?
As a child in Mulgoa in Sydney’s west, Dr Cox frequently played with Aboriginal children, learning the lore of native birds and animals.
In his adult years, he combined his work as a leading physician at Sydney Hospital and Prince Alfred Hospital with writing on conchology of Australia and the South Sea islands; government regulation of oyster beds; Aboriginal drawings; wax figures and stone implements.
His works include Catalogue of the Specimens of the Australian Land Shells (1864), A Monograph of Australian Land Shells (1868), An Alphabetical List of the Fishes Protected Under the Fisheries Act of 1902 (1905), and an Alphabetical List of Australian Land Shells (1909).
He was also a trustee of the Sydney Museum, which inherited his prodigious shell collection.

10/07/2025

MEDICAL RECORDS AND DISCLOSURES: Are you in private practice and seeking more information on the disclosure of medical records to third parties?
The expert AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations team is holding a webinar for members on July 30 to provide guidance on your professional and legal obligations.
The session will cover:
• Understanding patient consent and confidentiality
• When medical records can be lawfully disclosed
• Managing requests from family members, insurers, lawyers, employers and government agencies
• Best practices for compliance with your privacy obligations.
Register now to join: https://www.stickytickets.com.au/O70AT

08/07/2025

VALE: It is with much sadness that we advise Dr Brian Morton AM has died.
Dr Morton was the president of AMA (NSW) from 2008 to 2010 and served as the chair of the Federal AMA Council of General Practice for many years.
He was a fierce advocate for the profession, particularly his beloved general practice, and was endlessly supportive of colleagues.
Dr Morton's funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 15 at 11am at St Swithun's Church Pymble, followed by a gathering at Avondale Golf Club.

05/07/2025

NOT ENOUGH: It is pleasing to see NSW Health tackling elective surgery waitlists following reports that more than 8500 people were waiting longer than clinically recommended in the first quarter of this year.
But this boom or bust style of crisis management is anything but healthy.
We need appropriate, sustainable funding to allow local health districts to treat patients in a timely manner.
Thanks to AMA (NSW) president Dr Kathryn Austin for providing information for this story with ABC News.

Data on the number of people waiting for surgery paints a grim picture, but while the NSW health minister says it's improved, he also admits it's not enough, writes Nick Dole.