Category: New Zealand Associations and Organisaitons

Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: World Health Organization advice – rights, roles and responsibilities of health workers

Health workers are at the front line of the COVID-19 outbreak response and as such are exposed to hazards that put them at risk of infection. Hazards include pathogen exposure, long working hours, psychological distress, fatigue, occupational burnout, stigma, and physical and psychological violence. This document highlights the rights and responsibilities of health workers, including the specific measures needed to protect occupational safety and health.

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Covid-19 guidance and resources

There is a range of guidance and advice out there for frontline healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve compiled some of the information and resources which are available to help support ASMS members and ensure their own health and safety is looked after. As you know the situation is rapidly evolving and some of the information could change.

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Childcare for essential workers

Finding appropriate childcare is a major concern for ASMS members and frontline health care staff during the Covid-19 crisis. The government has announced approved childcare companies which can look after the children of essential workers in their homes under strict protocols. It’s contained in the Ministry of Education’s update for schools. You can find it here

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Covid-19: Experts warn of hospital resources being stretched

DHBs around the country are placing travel restrictions on staff to maintain staffing levels during the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak amid warnings that hospital resources could be stretched. Staff at Auckland and Northland DHBs have been told if they go on holiday overseas and have to self-isolate on return, they’ll have to take unpaid or annual leave and will be unable to use sick leave or special paid leave. ASMS Executive Director Sarah Dalton speaks to RNZ’s Morning Report.

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Special tribute to doctor killed in mosque attacks

A new medal has been developed by The Royal New Zealand College of GPs to pay tribute to Dr Amjad Hamid who was killed in the Christchurch mosque attacks. Dr Hamid was a heart doctor and rural hospital consultant and a member of ASMS. He lived in Christchurch but commuted to Hawera Hospital in Taranaki for work. Read more here

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: International Women’s Day – Mind the Gap

International Women’s Day (March 8) was a good time to celebrate the achievements, progress, and vision for a gender equal world.  It was also a day to focus on the work still required to achieve gender equity. Fixing the pay gap for women across Aotearoa is a priority.

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: WHO advice to healthworkers on Covid-19

The World Health Organisation has issued advice to healthworkers around an outbreak of Covid-19 as cases increase globally.  It looks at the roles and responsibilities of healthworkers along with considerations relating to occupational safety and health.  There are some good principles and guidelines for both health workforces and organisations.  Read more here

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: An anaesthetist with a black belt

She’s a mum, an anaesthetist and she’s on ASMS’ National Executive – she also has a black belt in karate. When Katie Ben decided to join her two young sons in their karate classes six years ago, self-doubt got the better of her and she almost turned around and drove home. Now Seido Karate is her passion.  Read her inspiring story here 

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Middlemore doctor slams govt inaction on obesity

Middlemore Hospital intensive care specialist Dr David Galler sees the impact of obesity every day and believes his region has been abandoned in its fight against fat. Dr Galler and ASMS have been highly critical of the government’s decision to allow the food industry to continue self-regulating fast food advertising and have written to the Health Minister calling for tighter regulations. Read more

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Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: DHBs are a public good – let’s start treating them that way

Peter Davis makes a number of salient points about DHBs and public health in his opinion piece (‘Loss-making DHBs need a serious re-set’ Jan 9) and it was heartening to see a new board member from the country’s largest DHB speaking up.

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