Welcome to our Summer issue

As we put the Summer issue to bed, the federal government has released the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce report that outlines recommendations to overhaul primary care.

The report made expected recommendations, and while some (read: many) hoped for more, overall, the industry welcomed the move to reform and improve access to primary care. The devil, however, will be in the detail.

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The Taskforce recognised the role of multidisciplinary care, where GPs, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals work together to manage complex and chronic diseases and provide patientcentred care.

In her article, Kristin Michaels, Chief Executive, SHPA, reflects on the role of specialty pharmacists in collaborative teams in delivering the promises of the National Medicines Policy and improving patient outcomes.

On a different note, the informationpacked 12th Annual Australian Healthcare Week (AHW) is fast approaching. To be held at the International Convention Centre Sydney from 15–16 March 2023, the event will feature over 140 speakers from across the health ecosystem. Dr Bethan Richards, Chief Medical Wellness Officer, Director WellMD Centre and MDOK Program at Sydney Local Health District (SLHD); Head, Department of Rheumatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; and Deputy Director, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, SLHD, is one of the many speakers who will be presenting at AHW.

This issue’s lead article details how Richards — Australia’s first ever Chief Medical Wellness Officer at the SLHD — and her team are driving a systemic and cultural change to improve the wellbeing of 15,000+ staff. To learn more about Richards and her work, read the article on page 16 and make sure you attend her presentation on 15 March as a part of the conference.

We also feature renowned reconstructive plastic surgeon Dr Joe Dusseldorp, who, along with his team, is developing microimplants to help people living with muscle spasticity, like cerebral palsy.

There is also a range of articles on other issues and topics including neurofeedback and trauma treatment; diet, nutrition and preventative health; environmentally sustainable healthcare; workforce measures; patient safety and cybersecurity; nursing and more.

Until next time!

Mansi Gandhi

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