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In Practice: RACGP Close the Gap Day event
The theme, ‘Agency, Leadership, Reform’, highlights the role of leaders in improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
The RACGP supports closing the gap in healthcare disparities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
This week’s In Practice also includes a reminder for members to join new RACGP Funding and Health System Reform Working Groups, details on the Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme, supplement prescribing, and a handful of upcoming events for Western Australia members.
Close the Gap Day
Webinar: Thursday 20 March, 7.00 – 8.00 pm (AEDT)
CPD: 1 EA hour
Register online
For 2025 National Close the Gap Day, the RACGP is celebrating the recent launch of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Health Training Framework. Developed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health experts, this groundbreaking initiative equips GPs with the cultural understanding to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients receive respectful and empowering care.
RACGP members are invited to be part of this important conversation, embrace leadership and agency, and learn how to drive reform in their practices to shape a more equitable future for healthcare in Australia.
RACGP Funding and Health System Reform Working Groups
The RACGP is calling for member nominations for the newest Funding and Health System Reform (FHSR) Working Groups:
- Business Viability
- Regulation and Compliance
Reporting to the RACGP Expert Committee – FHSR (REC–FHSR), these Working Groups are advisory groups. The REC–FHSR has oversight of Working Group activity and decisions.
RACGP Fellows who are financial members as of 1 July 2024 are eligible to apply. Terms of Reference for each group and the EOI form can be downloaded from the
RACGP website.
To apply, complete the EOI form with responses to the selection criteria and send with a current CV to
healthreform@racgp.org.au. Nominations close at 9.00 am (AEDT) Monday 17 March.
Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme
From May 2025, the Chronic Wound Consumables Scheme (CWCS) will cover the cost of wound consumable products for older people aged 65 and over, or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, who have diabetes and a chronic wound.
Currently, most patients must pay the full cost of wound consumable products. These costs can put significant financial pressure on patients. The CWCS will help
eligible patients manage their chronic wounds, covering the full cost of products they need to heal, such as bandages, dressings and adhesives.
A health professional will assess the chronic wound and order the required care products for their patient through an online portal, which includes various wound care products to choose from. The wound care products will be delivered to a patient’s home or health professional’s office, at no cost for the patient. More information is available on the
Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Supplement prescribing: What GPs need to know
Webinar: Tuesday, 25 March, 7.00 – 8.00 PM AEDT
CPD: 1 EA hour
Register online
This webinar will discuss the role of supplement use for patients’ common medical conditions, such as depression and fatigue, to enable GPs to review and master the latest in evidence-based complementary medicine knowledge.
Adjusting scripts to include supplements alongside lifestyle, nutrition, or pharmacological management will inform better patient-centred care with evidence and authority to navigate discussions regarding management of chronic complex disease and improve health outcomes in general practice.
WA members: Firearms Authority Health Assessment
Webinar: Wednesday 26 March, 7.00 – 8.30 pm (AWST)
CPD: 1.5 EA hours
Register online
Western Australia’s Firearms Authority Health Assessments commence 31 March and RACGP WA is providing an overview of the
Firearms Act and the upcoming reforms, including practical considerations and the role of GPs in the mandatory Firearms Authority Health Assessment (FAHA) process.
Presented by Dr Mariam Bahemia and Dr Richard Taylor, facilitated by RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman, and delivered in partnership with the WA Department of Health, the session will cover:
- how the FAHA will be rolled out across WA
- the practicalities of the health assessment and how it is submitted
- IT requirements, safeguards and security in practices
- what role the FAHA plays in the wider firearms licensing process
- who is eligible to perform the FAHA – and what are the implications if GPs refuse to conduct one?
- what happens if the patient has not seen you before, or doesn’t have a regular GP
- what happens if there are concerns about a patient’s fitness
- what support is available from WA Police
- medico-legal protections for GPs performing an FAHA.
WA members: Find your niche
Date: Thursday 3 April, 6.30 – 8:45 pm (AWST), registration and dinner from 6.00 pm
Venue: RACGP WA, 20 Southport Street, West Leederville, Perth
CPD: 0.5 EA and 1 RP hour
Cost: $30 for RACGP members
Register online
The New Fellows Committee invites members to look for ways to mix up their career and think about balancing time between different areas of general practice with this interactive evening featuring inspiring GPs sharing their experiences on how they found their niche and balance different career interests.
Speakers include:
- Dr Shanil Yapa (surgical assisting)
- Dr Mohamed Almarzooqi (psychological medicine)
- Dr Sophie Genoni (possum care, lactation and fertility)
- Dr Emilie Pitter (medical education and research)
- Dr Ros Forward (transgender medicine)
- Dr Kim Isaacs (Aboriginal health).
WA members: Menopause evening session
Date: Tuesday 8 April, 6.30 – 8.30 pm (AWST)
Venue: RACGP WA, 20 Southport Street, West Leederville WA 6007
CPD: 1 EA and 1 RP hour
Register online
WA members are invited for dinner and discussion at this evening session reviewing the key components of the assessment of women who are perimenopausal or menopausal. Presented by Dr Julia Rawlinson and facilitated by RACGP WA Education committee Chair, Dr Emilie Pitter, topics include:
- up-to-date guidelines and evidence for menopause therapies
- managing menopause after cancer
- preventive care during menopause
- what’s new and changing in menopause
- case studies.
Attendees are welcome to submit their own clinical case study ahead of the session via
wa.events@racgp.org.au.
Juvenile Arthritis Week
Juvenile Arthritis Week runs from March 16–23, and the Juvenile Arthritis Foundation of Australia’s Early Diagnosis Program is continuing to raise awareness among primary healthcare professionals about juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), with the aim to reduce delays in diagnosis.
This national initiative provides information and resources for GPs, nurses, and allied health professionals to better identify and address JIA. The theme for this year is ‘Early diagnosis – Early intervention’.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health chronic wound care close the gap funding and health system reform supplement prescribing
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