ACRRM confirms its commitment to reconciliation and to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ahead of NAIDOC week.

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With only 9 weeks remaining until Christmas, and more COVID restrictions being eased, Australians must stay vigilant about COVID safety now if they are to enjoy a ‘normal’ Christmas and summer holiday this year. That’s the warning today from ACRRM and the RDAA, as public complacency shapes up as a critical factor in whether the pandemic can be kept under control in Australia in the months ahead.

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ACRRM acknowledges the Government’s continued investment in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Federal Budget and welcomes its commitment to address the current workforce maldistribution; promote longer term reform and support infrastructure and services that will address the healthcare needs of all Australians who live outside the urban footprint.

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The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) is pleased to announce new appointments to the College Board, Council and Registrars’ Committee.

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With more state borders reopening, border bubbles being expanded and school holidays starting, Australia’s peak rural medical bodies are urging rural Australians to keep getting tested for COVID-19…even if they are only showing the mildest of symptoms.

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Today’s announcement of a $115 million extension to the Rural Health Outreach Fund (RHOF) is welcomed by the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

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ACRRM supports today’s announcement of a six-month extension to Medicare-subsidised telehealth to facilitate access to vital primary health care services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Rural doctors are asking patients to be honest about any cold and flu-like symptoms they may have when visiting a hospital or doctor. Dr Adam Coltzau, Clinical Lead of the COVID-19 Rural and Remote Response, said that it was essential that patients always be honest about any symptoms they may be suffering.

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The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) proudly supports Nursing in the Community Week and acknowledges the integral role nurses play in health care teams and patient care in rural communities.

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ACRRM congratulates Dr Karen Price on being elected as the incoming President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

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ACRRM says today, RU OK and World Suicide Prevention Day, provides a timely reminder to rural and remote health professionals to look after themselves and each other.

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A Queensland Government trial to enable pharmacies in the state to undertake COVID testing is a recipe for disaster and a sure-fire way to spread the virus, Australia’s peak rural medical bodies warned again today. ACRRM and RDAA said it would be “incredibly difficult” to control the spread of the virus in pharmacies, if customers with symptoms attend pharmacies to be tested.

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The latest figures on unintentional drug deaths in Australia show why it has been so important for changes to be made to the way opioids are prescribed. ACRRM and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) supported changes introduced in June by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which included reduced pack sizes for opioid medications. ​

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As travel restrictions are eased across much of Australia, rural doctors are urging visitors to their towns to work with them to ensure the local doctor workforce can continue to provide sustainable health services after what has been a horror year. ACRRM and the RDAA say public education is crucial in informing visitors that hospital care in rural areas relies on local GPs being called out of their homes after-hours - not in-house doctors who are at the hospital all the time. ​

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Rural Australians are being urged to ensure they are not avoiding important medical checks for chronic conditions or other potentially serious illnesses during the COVID-19 crisis. ACRRM and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) warned today that delaying important health checks now could have serious implications in the months to come.

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ACRRM announces Dr Sarah Chalmers will lead the College as President from October 2020. Dr Chalmers will succeed Dr Ewen McPhee whose two-year tenure as President ends at the College’s Annual General Meeting.

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The rapid spread of COVID-19 through aged care settings in Victoria is an early warning bell for aged care providers everywhere to urgently assess their lines of defence against coronavirus, Australia’s peak rural medical bodies said today. ACRRM and the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) have warned that now is the time for aged care facilities, regardless of their location and size, to critically review their current infection control protocols.

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Australia’s peak rural medical bodies have urged rural Australians to ensure they are looking out for their mental health as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and heightened restrictions return in some states. ACRRM and the RDAA said those concerned about their own mental health, or that of their family or friends, should ensure they get help as soon as possible, rather than holding off.

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With 10 Victorians in their 20s in intensive care with COVID-19, it’s clear that it’s a killer for young and old alike, Australia’s peak rural medical bodies warned today. ACRRM and RDAA are urging young rural Australians to take social distancing, mask wearing and hand hygiene messages very seriously.

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Australia’s peak rural medical bodies say now is an ideal time for families to ensure their relatives in rural aged care facilities are well prepared for potential lockdowns in the weeks and months ahead. ACRRM and RDAA said while lockdowns may not eventuate, it is better for families to be prepared early.

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