VICDOC Autumn 2025 - Magazine - Page 49
and a commitment to pro-rata fees
and broader equity principles in future
fee-setting. While this is progress,
AMAV continues to push for lasting
structural reform.
RECOGNISING WOMEN IN MEDICINE
-
To honour the contributions
of pioneering female medical
practitioners, AMAV has submitted 21
nominations for the Name A Place, an
initiative that seeks to name public
locations after women who have made
a lasting impact. AMAV is also inviting
members to submit nominations for
the Victorian Honour Roll of Women,
ensuring that the achievements of
women in medicine are properly
recognised and celebrated.
HEALTH SERVICES PLAN
-
The Victorian Health Services Plan
presents an opportunity to reshape the
State’s healthcare system. It represents
a significant shift in how healthcare
is coordinated, with the Government
establishing Local Health Service
Networks to improve regional decisionmaking. AMAV is actively advocating
for genuine consultation with doctors
and professional associations to
ensure these changes address critical
workforce shortages, patient access
issues, and service sustainability particularly in rural and
regional Victoria.
PAEDIATRIC SAFETY AND SENTINEL
EVENT FRAMEWORK
-
Victoria’s current sentinel event
framework lacks consistent oversight
when it comes to healthcare-associated
paediatric deaths. AMAV has written
to the Victorian Minister for Health,
calling for greater clarity, transparency,
and compassionate handling of these
cases to ensure they are reviewed with
appropriate scrutiny and care.
CLARIFYING WORKSAFE'S ROLE IN HOSPITAL
PATIENT INCIDENTS
-
Recent high-profile cases - particularly
concerning the deaths of Indigenous
women in mental health services have exposed inconsistencies in
WorkSafe’s involvement in hospital
patient incidents. AMAV has sought
assurances from WorkSafe that hospital
patient incidents are a priority area for
intervention and that any involvement
will be clearly defined. Legislative
changes are being explored, alongside
training programs for WorkSafe
inspectors working in hospital settings.
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE TAC’S
COLLECTION OF HEALTH INFORMATION
-
AMAV has raised concerns with the TAC
regarding proposed changes to how it
collects health information under its
Protocols. Currently, TAC staff request
a GP report first, followed by clinical
notes only if further information
is required. The proposed change
would reverse this order, making
clinical notes the primary source of
information, with a GP report requested
only if specific additional details are
needed. While AMAV acknowledges
the intent to streamline processes,
there are concerns regarding informed
consent, administrative workload, and
appropriate remuneration.
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