Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers

Presidents' Reports

On this page you can find ASAT/ASAPO Chairman's Reports from the most current back to August 2002. For reports prior to this, please see the Reports Archive.

Please click on a title to view the whole report.


PRESIDENT'S REPORT MAY 2010


ASAPO recently had its executive meeting on 16 & 17 April at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria.

The main reason for the meeting was to develop a unified strategy for all states for Mandatory Government Registration. The meeting was also attended by Roy Wyatt & Linda Long, President and Vice President of Association of Operating Theatre Practitioners from Western Australia. There was free and frank discussion and the executive committee covered a large amount of work.

Alison Horton from the Australian and New Zealand College of Perfusionists is the Project officer for National Registration in her organisation. Alison gave a presentation on the steps and pitfalls on National Registration. The perfusionists were declined national registration for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons was that they were already sufficiently well governed. Alison also advised us the submission has to be able to prove that Anaesthetic Technicians can be a danger to the patient and therefore should be regulated.

A submission is due to the Federal Government in the second half of this year. One of the important factors for a successful submission is having the support of the key industry stakeholders and of course for the more ASAPO registrants the better change for a successful submission. Also the more Anaesthetic Technicians on the ASAPO voluntary registration system the more the government will sit up and take notice.

Key Stakeholders
  • The Society for Paediatric Anaesthesia in New Zealand and Australia
  • ANZCA: Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
  • ASA: Australian Society of Anaesthetists
  • State & Federal branches of unions (HSUA)
  • State & Federal Governments
  • Public & Private Hospitals
  • ASAPO Registrants
  • Association of Operating Theatre Practitioners of Western Australia (AOTP)

The process of gaining support with key stakeholders is well underway with multiple letters seeking support in our endeavour to gain registration. Meetings with the ANZCA & ASA executives have taken place. At these meetings I talked about the expanding roles of the Anaesthesia Technicians throughout Australasia. Our National Training Package, course structure and assignments were also a major topic of conversation. With both the ASA & ANZCA I reassured them that we were not seeking support at the expense of any other professional body.

The question raised by ANZCA & ASA was what our organisation sought to gain by achieving National Registration. That's a very good question which I will answer in point form below. We have had a positive reaction from both ANZCA & ASA. Their support is not a done deal. There is still more work to be done.


Why are we seeking National Registration?
  • Ensure best practice standards throughout Australia thus improving patient safety
  • Disciplinary committee that enforces code of conduct
  • To qualify unqualified Anaesthetic Technicians working in the healthcare system
  • Although Anaesthetic Technicians have a voluntary registrations system we want to remove the stigma of Anaesthetic Technicians being labelled unregulated, as Health Care workers being labelled as unregulated limits our employments opportunities. At times certain healthcare groups have sought to denigrate our profession due to the fact we don't have compulsory registration. ASAPO wishes to remove that stigma.

To be realistic it could take three to four years before we reach our goal of National Mandatory Registration. We are indeed fortunate that we have a clear and direct pathway at this stage. The outcome is not certain. What is certain is that ASAPO will submit the very best submission to the government as possible. ASAPO will use every resource in its power to do so.

More people are joining our National Registration committee with recently Garry Gibbs clinical educator from one of NSW Registered Training Organisation.

So as you can see with everyone's support we can gain momentum and become an unstoppable force that just could get us over the line. It is possible.

Please note: Coming soon 2010 ASAPO Melbourne executive meeting online: www.asapo.org.au


John Byrne
ASAPO President

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT FEBRUARY 2010


Criticism of ASAPO in the past has been well founded.The fact that registrants are now in back and forth communication with our organisation is proof that ASAPO's culture is changing. The interim ASAPO committee inherited a collapsed organisation thirteen months ago. The new committee has worked extremely hard to rebuild the organisation.

What follows is just a sample of a large number of achievements in the past thirteen months that might help you with your decision to join ASAPO.

We have:
  • a fully elected ASAPO committee which was elected at the Cairns Conference AGM 2009. We have fifteen elected committee members and also number of ASAPO registrants on sub-committees. The ASAPO committee members represent all States where they employ APOs, including Western Australia
  • re-established relations with WA which is now the AOTP organisation. A joint meeting will be held at the Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne 16th and 17th of April 2010. This meeting will focus on both organisations' strategies and unite in our approach to national registration. A national registration submission to the government is due to start from July 2010
  • re-establishment of ASAPO national conferences with this year's conference in New Zealand and 2011 in Canberra
  • established a mandatory government nation registration committee overseen by ASAPO vice president Ray Murtagh. The committee also includes a census project manager Gary Rolley. His job will be to establish the exact amount of non-nursing Anaesthesia Assistants in Australia
  • ensured that ASAPO financial books are being audited for the first time in six years which is still ongoing. We have recently successfully completed an Australian Tax Dept audit. Financial transparency is our organisation's ultimate goal
  • rebuilt the website with information being updated fortnightly. The website also contains 24 hr ASAPO contact lines including fax with email contact for every ASAPO committee member Phone: 61 (0)3 9607 8531 Fax: 61 (0)3 9607 8282
  • also ensured that the website includes important information and links to the relevant training organisations such as Integrated Care Management NSW. Archival website facilities are available for information on past ASAPO activity

ASAPO registration is one of the biggest challenges for the ASAPO organisation. I know personally that Annie Elder is using all her skills in streamlining the ASAPO registration system. One of my first jobs as President was to extract old ASAPO information from past committee members (computers etc). And it is now only kept by the relevant ASAPO committee members. The ASAPO storage and filing was in disarray; ASAPO registrants' information was extracted and sent to Annie Elder, our ASAPO National Registrar, thanks to a committee member from Brisbane. I wish I could say there was an easy fix to ASAPO registration. There are no short term solutions except for hard work and patience.

We now have a large number of APOs working throughout Australasia for our ongoing professional future is a quite an achievement in itself. I thank you for your support through difficult times. Hopefully most of the hard times are behind us.

Please do not hesitate to contact me to discuss ASAPO's future. Registrants are most welcome to join in on our monthly ASAPO committee teleconferences.

John Byrne
ASAPO President

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT OCTOBER 2009


I have talked to many Registrants at the ASAPO Cairns conference. Many with different opinions on how to approach ASAPO's future. The one common denominator from all your opinions is: let's get behind our professional body ASAPO in order to move our Industry forward.

Last year, 2008, if ASAPO was a patient it would have been classed as critically ill. Everyone had grave fears for its survival. The relatives were waiting to flick the switch.

However today with much extensive treatment ASAPO is stable, discharged from ICU. But ASAPO will need extensive ongoing rehabilitation. To put it plainly and simply, ASAPO's future is up to you. Every day the committee receives many emails from APOs from Australasia, and in fact from all over the world. The number of APOs in Australia would easily reach the several thousand. ASAPO's growth potential is enormous. We have just started to unite.

Now that ASAPO is stable I personally would have like to be further ahead with ASAPO's progress (for example ASAPO voluntary registration). The problem is that finding committee members who actually commit and fulfil their obligations is extremely rare.

This conference does show that ASAPO is truly back in business, but only because of a few dedicated people stepping up and taking responsibility for their professional future. I ask you are you one of those dedicated professionals?

I know personally that that the Conference Committee - Katharine Kenny, Garry Rolley, Darren D'Achille, Gerard Morgan and everyone who has helped with the conference - has worked hard to bring you the best conference possible.

The Conference Committee has faced many difficult challenges such as the Global Financial Crisis and the instability of ASAPO in the latter months of last year. They did not call me once to complain. They rolled up their sleeves and got on with the job. The performance of the Conference Committee has been outstanding. I would also like to thank the companies that participated in the trade show and a special mention goes to Covidian Tyco for the ongoing sponsorship of the Alison Holloway award. Without trade support and backing we would not be here today.

I look forward to seeing you all at the 2010 ASAPO Conference in Christchurch, New Zealand. Once again I would like to thank everyone involved in making Cairns 2009 an enjoyable and fantastic conference.

John Byrne
ASAPO President

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT JULY 2009


It has been six months since we decided to restructure ASAPO. Although we have succeeded in achieving many goals ASAPO we still face many new challenges. As soon as we fix one problem it seems another is created.

One criticism labelled at ASAPO in the past was the lack of financial transparency within the organisation. The present ASAPO committee is not responsible for this lack of financial transparency and is doing everything in its powers to reverse this problem.

ASAPO has now completed a six year independent financial audit by accountants Rowe & Co. The Audit has now put ASAPO on the radar of the Australian Taxation Department and they are in the process of completing a further financial audit. This audit is standard procedure and all audit results will be available in the next few months and will be posted on the ASAPO website.

ASAPO Voluntary Registration

At this present moment Voluntary Registration is turning out to be one of our biggest challenges.

One of the main problems is that the ASAPO committee members have full time clinical jobs. This often restricts us on how much time is devoted to ASAPO. We have been working hard towards a quicker response time for registrants' applications. In order to improve voluntary registration we have appointed an additional person to coordinate applications. The new registrar is Annie Elder: annie.elder@gsahs.health.nsw.gov.au

We are expected to see an improvement in the next few months as our new system comes into play. I would like to thank all registrants for their patience on this matter. You as ASAPO registrants are very important and we apologise for any inconvenience.

Western Australia

Last week I telephoned Roy Wyatt, the chairperson of the Association of Operating Theatre Practitioners, formerly the Western Australian Society of Anaesthesia Technicians. In this discussion we concluded that ASAPO and AOTP should form closer ties with both organisations working together for a positive future for our profession.

This will include WA ASAPO/AOTP committee representatives being more proactive. To achieve mandatory registration all states must work together.

Final

The website is now fully up and running with many new features. We have received positive feedback for its layout and solid content. The website will evolve even further as ASAPO grows.

Finally I would like to say I have been very impressed with the present committee. The last six months have been tough but throughout this period the ASAPO committee has not wavered from its purpose and direction. ASAPO's purpose and direction is to create a dynamic and robust national organisation for all our registrants. This will happen and we will succeed.

John Byrne
Acting ASAPO President


The ASAPO Conference by Katherine Kenny, conference convenor

Conference planning is progressing well – delegate registrations are starting to roll in with numbers increasing on a daily basis.

The speakers are currently working enthusiastically to produce a diverse program which will appeal to all that attend, and the organising committee is indebted to the time and effort they are injecting into the conference to make it diverse and interesting. The musical entertainment, Raunch, we are arranging for the Saturday evening should prove to be as intriguing as their name indicates and should cater for all musical tastes.

Trade Exhibitors are really coming on board to support the Annual ASAPO Conference with registrations continuing to come in.

A reminder to all that the date of 9 August for the Alison Holloway Award for the most outstanding research paper or study is drawing to a close and that $2000 is at stake. So get cracking and get your paper to us as soon as possible. May the best entry win.


National Mandatory Registration by Ray Murtagh, Acting Vice President ASAPO

Well I suppose you would all like to know what your association has been up to in regard to achieving National Mandatory Registration for Anaesthetic Assistants.
To adequately achieve National Mandatory Registration we need membership to increase and for membership to increase we need to account for all of those (non-nursing) Anaesthetic Assistants currently employed in hospitals across Australia in private and public healthcare, who do not meet the current National Health Training Package Guidelines (HLT42607 Certificate IV in Anaesthetic Technology or the HLT50607 Diploma of Paramedical Science (Anaesthesia)).

To get the ball rolling an email was sent out to all Health Ministers asking for their support, with mixed results. The email made it clear that as a profession we were concerned at the number of Anaesthetic Assistants (non-nursing), coming to our attention who are employed across Australia who do not meet any of the above guidelines.

Three Health Ministers agreed to forward our concerns to the relevant Health Departments. The others just failed to respond. I will continue to chase these up.

I have contacted the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme, who were helpful. They sent a Document “Attachment A” which outlines several key criteria which must be compiled and submitted to them to enable us to apply for National Registration. All committee members of ASAPO have been emailed this document. In the coming months I will be gathering the information; this information will be collated into a formal submission which will be reviewed by the ASAPO committee. This will become our national mandatory registration submission.

As well as the above, I have been canvassing Ramsay Healthcare to look at the credentialing of Non-Nursing Anaesthetic Assistants within their organisation. Early days yet but the signs are promising. I will also begin to canvass other private health care providers in the near future. If this is successful I will begin to look at the credentialing of Anaesthetic Assistants within the public system also.

It must be remembered that National Mandatory Registration will not happen overnight. It is going to take a lot of hard work and effort, maybe even a couple of years to achieve. If you are not currently a member of ASAPO, please consider becoming one, as we need your support as much as you need ours. National Mandatory Registration is our goal so let's all work together to achieve it.

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PRESIDENT'S REPORT MARCH 2009


I would like to welcome everyone to the new ASAPO. The Acting Committee has been working diligently over the past several months in order to restructure ASAPO. The Committee has held a teleconference on an average once a fortnight. ASAPO has had its Executive Meeting in Sydney on the 6th & 7th March 2009 at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

A minority claimed that it was impossible to rebuild ASAPO. Those words only made us dig our heels in and work harder. There have also been some negative comments – i.e. the Queensland agenda dominating the ASAPO Committee. I assure you that all States are represented equally and everyone on the ASAPO Committee has a voice. The Northern Territory and South Australian are now on board the Committee. Our goal is to grow a strong vibrant committee. That's the way to build a successful ASAPO.

ASAPO Executive Committee Meeting Minutes
6/7 March 2009 RPAH Sydney

The ASAPO Executive met in Sydney in early March over two days.
The main theme to come out of the meeting is the absolute commitment for all involved to build a strong robust organisation. Here is an example of the main points that came out of the meeting in Sydney:

1. ASAPO's number one priority is mandatory government registration.

2. ASAPO's need for monetary transparency with auditing of ASAPO's books on a yearly basis.

3. The need to have an up-to-date constitution and the development of an ASAPO mission statement with clearly defined protocols.

4. Stronger links with registered training organizations to promote further training of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.

5. Stronger communication links with ASAPO registrants and to make the Voluntary ASAPO Registration process as straight forward as possible.

The meeting minutes will be available on the ASAPO website: www.asapo.org.au


NATIONAL REGISTRATION

As said in the past national registration is absolutely ASAPO's number 1 priority.

Ray Murtagh has been appointed to chair the ASAPO Registration Working Party that will guide us down the road to national registration. At present we are in negotiation with such groups as Clinical Perfusionist in joining us together in the process. A larger professional group makes it more ideal for the government to consider us. Please encourage those who haven't registered with ASAPO to do so.

The ASAPO Committee, as a group, has kept a high profile with the relevant government department including Kevin Rudd. Coming soon on the ASAPO website will include an archive of documents in relation to Paramedical Officers. This will include national registration documentation.


ASAPO VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION

Voluntary registration is something close to my heart. I am very passionate about developing voluntary registration. This will lead us down the road to national registration.

The ASAPO Committee has made a number of changed regarding Voluntary Registration process and membership.

  1. No membership / associate membership.
  2. Electronic registration (coming soon), can scan, pay on-line and submit your form on-line.
  3. At present Overseas Voluntary Registration has been put on hold. This is due to the governments seeking further information on overseas qualifications. ODP and ODA and associated courses are still recognized by ASAPO for registration, due to the registration requirements in the United Kingdom. We will keep you posted on further developments.
  4. Please check the Voluntary Registration form on the ASAPO website for further information on who can register with ASAPO.



THE ANNUAL ASAPO NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2009

The ASAPO Conference is to be held in Cairns on the 9th, 10th and 11th October 2009. The 2010 conference will be in New Zealand and 2011 in Canberra.

The Cairns conference looks like being our most successful conference ever. We have already had a large number of delegates and trade interested in this event.

The conference will include an AGM to elect the formal committee. If you are interested in serving on the committee, contact the Secretary of ASAPO Paul Yousif – ap.yousif@bigpond.com

You don't have to attend the conference to be elected on the committee.

For information regarding the conference please contact:

Katherine Kenny - Conference Coordinator.
Email: katherine_kenny@health.qld.gov.au

Gary Rolley - Exhibitor Liaison
Email: Gary_rolley@health.qld.gov.au

Darren D'Achille - Delegate Liaison
Email: Darren_dachille@health.qld.gov.au

Jared Morgan - Advertising
Email: Jared_morgan@health.qld.gov.au



The Future Direction of ASAPO

ASAPO has not communicated all its activities to the 'membership' in the last few years, which has led to a belief that it has not been functioning in the best interest of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers nationally. We can learn from the lack of transparency of the past and move forward. The first new committee meeting was conducted in the middle of December 2008. Three months have passed and ASAPO has achieved a considerable amount. ASAPO has a more certain future, thanks to people in our profession stepping up to the plate. Building confidence in ASAPO can only be gained by ASAPO showing consistency of purpose and consistency of action. This is what ASAPO plans to show you.

John Byrne
Acting ASAPO President

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ASAPO President's Report — October 2008.

I would like to introduce myself. My name is John Byrne and I am Acting ASAPO President. With regards to my background, I have been in the health industry for 28 years. My experience has been in the public, private and corporate sectors where I worked as a National Sales and Marketing manager for a monitoring company. I am currently a Senior Anaesthesia Paramedical Officer and Clinical Educator at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne Victoria. 

I have an extensive history with ASAPO/ ASAT where I held the position of Public Relations Officer. I was also part of a small dedicated team that pushed through the National Training Programme that is currently in use today.  

As past President and Education Officer of the Victorian Society of Anaesthesia Technicians for six years, I have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience.  

I have been President of ASAPO for the last three months where I have kept a low profile. This is because I have been on a fact finding mission on the health of ASAPO and the progress that is being made in the National Health Care system by all of us as a professional group. Overall the news is mixed in relation to my findings.  

First the good news, ASAPO is still moving forward, though not as fast as I would like. Nevertheless there is a lot of behind the scenes work done by the committee and non-committee members:
  1. Working towards national registration which begins in 2010
  2. Additions to the National Training Program
  3. Developing positions for additional students.
  4. Developing relationships with state and federal health bodies.
  5. Openly debating the future of health care work in Australia with Perioperative Nursing groups
  6. Holding conferences and education days.
  7. Lobbying for changes to drug laws in Queensland.
  8. Further developing a professional profile within the OR.   
Now for the bad news! Actually, the bad news is not so bad; it's really the same problems affecting any professional body such as ours that does not employ full time or part time administrative staff to work on its behalf. A small group of members do a large amount of work. This is nothing new in any organisation; my main concern is to lessen the burden on committee members. Therefore I will be investigating ways to improve ASAPO structure, e.g. employ a part time secretary that takes care of registration. If members have any suggestions they are more than welcome to email me on: johnbyrne1111@msn.com

National Registration Process
National Registration of Anaesthesia Technologists is something that all of us as a group have been skirting for many years. Registration should be an ASAPO priority. Registration of Anaesthesia Paramedical Offices is technically difficult, although it has been made easier by the Government Task Force set up to regulate unregulated health care groups. There is a tough criterion set that groups such as ours are liable for national registration. Perfusionists recently were declined because they did not fit the criteria. I think we have our work cut out for us in this regards. 

The Health Workforce Australia is not looking at registration of Anaesthesia technologists till 2010. I think the best strategy is to convene a national working committee. ASAPO should also assign a non committee member from each state with a sole purpose to work on the criteria set by the government. The criteria can be seen on: Health workforce Australia. www.nhwt.gov.au/nhwt.asp  

The criterion is also on going professional development, it's not something that is finished tomorrow. It is what we all do as individuals professionally that will lead us down the path to registration. 

Nothing gets done if we just think about it; we need to do as well. We already have the National Training Package set in place which was an enormous and successful political battle. So we can achieve great things.                  

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed people can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has”. (Margaret Mead) 

John Byrne

Acting ASAPO President

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ASAPO President's Report — May 2006.

Welcome To All

Since the tragic passing of our President Chris Evans, I filled the role as president until the new committee was elected. During that time I went on a four month overseas holiday, thanks to well earned long service leave pay. Although I have been out of the country and it appeared we have been quiet, I can assure you the team has continued working in the background.

2005 Conference

The New Zealand Society of Anaesthetic Technicians hosted the ASAPO conference this year and thanks to Gary Boxall & Lauren Reid & their team put on a fabulous conference. ASAPO executive was represented by Yves Long; please see her conference report for further details. Thanks must go once again to the exhibitors and sponsors especially the major sponsor GE Healthcare and the Alison Holloway Award sponsor Tyco Healthcare. We congratulate Brian Stephens on winning this year's Alison Holloway Award for his paper on Cell Saving.

Inaugural World Conference

The society has also been busy organizing the Inaugural World Conference to be held at Conrad Jupiter's at the Gold Coast from November 9th to 12th 2006. The conference committee has organized speakers from across the globe to present many interesting topics. ASAPO are aiming to initiate talks regarding the formation of an international society at this conference. Members are also reminded there is limited funding available to assist you in attending approved education meetings or conferences.

Peri operative Workforce Planning

ASAPO was invited to be on the board of the Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee, which is providing a report at the end of June 2006 on its recommendations for the future regarding the peri-operative workforce. This is the first time a non-nursing group has participated in the planning process at a national level. We look forward to the final product, which should highlight our valued role within the peri-operative team.

National Training Package

As many of you know the health training package is up for review for the first time since introduction. ASAPO has an executive on the national industry reference group to ensure the training meets industry requirements. A special general meeting will be conducted in February to formulate ASAPO's recommendations in preparation for inclusion in the 2nd draft.

Public Forum

Our web site (www.asapo.org.au) now hosts a public forum to assist in communication across the country and to get information out to our members quickly. ASAPO monitors the forum regularly, so please use this site to keep the lines of communication flowing. You will also find regular conference updates on this site.

Alison Holloway Award

Once again Tyco Healthcare is sponsoring the Alison Holloway Award for the best research paper. This Award was inaugurated by Dr. Alison Holloway to encourage Anaesthetic Technicians to conduct research in Anaesthesia. Dr Holloway was a great believer of education, training, and supported the further development of our profession.

Dr. Holloway was based in Queensland, Australia before she retired in 2002; she was the Associate Professor of Anaesthesia at the Mater Misericordiae Health Services and Head of the Department of Anaesthesia.

Originally from the UK, Dr Holloway had been raised on the UK system of ODPs. She was a representative for ANZCA on a number of relevant training committees and lent a big hand in the training of anaesthetic assistants and technicians.

She has been instrumental over the years in the introduction and development of a tertiary-based programme for training technicians in Queensland and Australia.
For details on how to submit your research paper please follow the links on our web site or contact the secretary Yves Long.

Job Evaluation

In the very near future Queensland anaesthetic technicians will have their role evaluated within the workforce to ensure the massive developments in anaesthesia and the increase in responsibilities reflect their pay rates.

The Australia Workforce Union has instigated this investigation with the support of the Queensland Society of Anaesthesia Technicians. Updates will be placed on the website.

Voluntary Registration

Many of you have applied for registration and have been accepted and we congratulate you on your effort.

Overseas applicants are finding they must have registration prior to gaining a visa to work in Australia.

As many of you know your executive contains people like yourself that have full-time jobs, family and other commitments. We have found it very difficult to process registrations in a timely fashion and are looking to the government to assist in this process.

Formal registration is becoming a necessity due to our ability to cause harm to our patients in our day-to-day work practices. We are also receiving pressure from our nursing and medical colleagues to have a regulated workforce, as they currently feel responsible for our outputs.

There are a few downsides to regulating our practice, the main one being the continual changing scopes of practice. If we become regulated it will be more difficult to change our practice. Therefore we are currently working with the government to investigate avenues by perhaps using the Health Training Package as a living document that reflects our scope of practice, rather than the traditional regulatory process.

This year we will also be issuing your registration cards mid June, as due to the delays we felt we should reward your patience and support by providing you with a bonus of a year free registration.

Thank you all once again for supporting ASAPO as we strive to improve the standing of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers nation wide. If you have any questions or concerns please contact myself or our secretary Yves Long.

Regards
Barbara Lindbergs
President
May 2006

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ASAPO President's Report — May 2005.

Welcome To All

Welcome to the May 2005 edition of the Presidents Report. This report will be posted on our web site at www.asapo.org.au and distributed to all our Regional Associations. The Society has once again been very active in promoting the development of the role and responsibilities of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers around Australia, New Zealand and in the United Kingdom.

Voluntary Registration for Australasia.

As stated in previous reports it once again gives me pleasure to inform you all that the membership to this Society continues to grow. Despite what has been said as 'time consuming' documentation, our process of Voluntary Registration and Direct Membership to ASAPO has increased significantly since its introduction. The society has returned some in-completed forms to applicants to ensure that there is consistency with all applications. Some important things to note is that you need to complete the entire form, it is ideal if you do provide a digital photograph of yourself but this will not delay your membership application and you do need current Australian or New Zealand written references from Australian and New Zealand Qualified Anaesthetists. It should also be noted that all supplied certificates and/or qualifications need to be certified as true and correct by a Justice of the Peace or alike. These are essential requirements for this application process. Failure to comply with these simple requests may significantly delay your application for voluntary registration and membership to ASAPO. It is also essential that should you change your address or contact details once you have applied for voluntary registration that you inform the society of this as several applications and letters have been returned to the applicant only find that their address has changed.

By now the majority of all applicants should have received notification of Membership and Voluntary Registration plus your Membership Certificate, Membership ID and Membership Badge. Please wear your ID and badge with pride at all times. I ask all members of regional associations to go to www.asapo.org.au and join direct now. If you are an anaesthesia technician/assistant/scientific officer currently working more than one hour a week or a Student or Trainee currently registered on or undertaking a recognised ASAPO course I encourage you to VOLUNTARILY REGISTER WITH ASAPO NOW.

Recently the committee met in Sydney to discuss a whole range of issues. One particular issue was the current renewal period for membership which is due in June 2005. The committee has decided to once again maintain the special introductory price until the end of the next financial year [2005/2006]. So for full Voluntary Registration and Membership the fee will continue to be $50.00 Australian for Australian Residents and New Zealand applicants. For Student and Trainee Membership the fee is $25.00 Australian. These special introductory fees are only valid until the 30th June 2006. The Society acknowledges the delays in processing of membership and apologises for these delays. I wish to point out that some of these delays are as the result of applicants not including all required information as requested on the application form.

The committee examined at length the entire registration process and the next renewal period requirements. Firstly please notify ASAPO as soon as possible if you have changed your address or contact details so renewals can be posted out quickly to you. We will be streamlining the process to include some minor changes to the process for photo ID requirements for renewals. This information will be made available to you shortly. Until formally notified it will be business as usual. Remember to include all requested information either with your initial application or your renewal application. Any missing documentation will only delay the process.

For all other persons entering from overseas we encourage you all to register with ASAPO prior to entering this country. Apply well in advance and the fees schedule is set at $80.00 Australian with effect immediately. Also please note that all overseas applicants for membership will be issued only with an interim membership entitlement. Please contact the Registrar and Education Officer for further details.

It is essential that as many qualified and trainee/students register with ASAPO as soon as possible as the supporting documentation and evidence you provide will significantly reduce your future requirements should formal regulation occur. Also with the introduction of the National Health Training Package in Anaesthesia Technology in 2003/2004 the evidence and documentation you provide will assist ASAPO with adequately developing a process of recognition of prior learning and grand fathering rights. This process will assist YOU and us when we assess your qualifications against the ever evolving Diploma – Anaesthesia Technology. This will benefit you in regards to comparisons and salary classifications once new graduates enter the work force with the new Diploma.

Other forms of membership are also available including Membership, Associate and Corporate Membership. Funds generated from Corporate Membership will be used expressly for the purpose of operating our Special Education Fund. This fund will be available only to ASAPO members to apply to gain some funding to attend approved further education sessions and conferences.

Perioperative Workforce Review In Australia

In March 2004 ASAPO was asked to be part of a National Review of the Perioperative Workforce. Since this request we have been working alongside a range of health professionals to develop a strategic plan to address the current shortages in the perioperative workforce and forward plan until 2015. Please find to follow the April 2005 Communiqué from the Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee calling for submissions for this review of the Perioperative Workforce. This communiqué is self-explanatory.

Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee
Level 6, 73 Miller Street, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060
Telephone: (02) 9391-9933; Facsimile: (02) 9391-9020
Email: healthworkforce@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Internet: www.healthworkforce.health.nsw.gov.au

Communiqué April 2005
The Perioperative Workforce in Australia Project
The Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee is undertaking a national workforce planning project for the perioperative workforce: the Perioperative Workforce in Australia Project. A multi-disciplinary approach is being taken incorporating nurses, technicians and other identified occupational groups working in the perioperative environment. The project will provide advice to the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC) on:
  1. The current demand, utilisation, supply, distribution and skill mix of the perioperative workforce;
  2. An evaluative analysis of the current perioperative workforce;
  3. The projected future requirements and projected future supply of the perioperative workforce over the next 10 years (to 2015); and
  4. Actions to assist with supply, distribution and skill mix needed to meet future requirements over the next 10 years (to 2015).

National Survey
The project working party (see membership attached) has commissioned a national survey of perioperative services to gather base-line data to inform the project in terms of workforce composition (skill mix), distribution and adequacy. This survey will be conducted in April 2005 and will include public and private and day hospitals. Human Capital Alliance has been commissioned to conduct the survey on behalf of AHWAC.

Call For Submissions
A Call for Submissions was conducted recently (nationally advertised and officially closed in November) with a good response providing the project working party with useful information and highlighting a range of emerging issues for the workforce.
While the call for submissions has officially closed, the working party is happy to consider any further information interested groups or individuals may wish to contribute. Please contact Elizabeth O'Brien (details below).
For further information on any aspects of this project please contact Elizabeth O'Brien on (02) 9391 9933 or by email eobri@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

Membership of the AHWAC Perioperative Working Party
Chair  
Ms Fiona Stoker Principal Nurse Advisor, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (nominee of AHWAC committee)
Members  
Ms Wendy Adams President, Australian Day Surgery Nurses Association (nominee of ADSA)
Ms Jenny Beutel ACT Chief Nurse, ACT Health (nominee of ACT Health)
Mr Serge Chrisopolous Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Labour force and Rural Health Unit, AIHW (nominee of AIHW)
Ms Jenny Cubitt Nurse Manager Operating Theatres, Canterbury Hospital, NSW (nominee of NSW Health)
Mr Chris Evans President, Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (nominee Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers)
Ms Victoria Gilmore Federal Professional Officer, Australian Nursing Federation (nominee of ANF)
Ms Kim Hepper President, Australian College of Operating Room Nurses (nominee of ACORN)
Ms Lynda Maidens President, National Enrolled Nurses' Association (nominee of NENA)
Ms Valerie McKeown SA Consumer Representatives Network (nominee of Consumers' Health Forum)
Ms Claire Michalanney Executive Director, SPORTSMED. SA (nominee of the Australian Private Hospitals Association)
Ms Maureen McCarty Manager, Workforce Planning, Department of Human Services, Victoria (nominee of Victorian DHS)
Ms Robyn Parkes Director, Staff Development Royal Adelaide Hospital SA (nominee of Human Services, SA)
Ms Jennifer Rabach PhD Student, University of Melbourne, (nominee of the Royal College of Nursing, Australia)
National Health Workforce Secretariat  
Ms Elizabeth O'Brien Workforce Policy Analyst, National Health Workforce Secretariat



For all details relevant to this review please contact the relevant persons as highlighted on this communiqué. ASAPO asks you to be aware of this review and contribute to the survey that is being conducted in April 2005. The Executive Committee of ASAPO will keep you informed at all times as to the progress of this significant review. The survey is out there now, contribute to it NOW.



The New Zealand Anaesthetic Technician's Society Inc
&
The Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers
present the

9th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition
2nd – 5th November 2005

SKYCITY Convention Centre
Auckland • New Zealand
 E mail: conf05@nzats.co.nz
Please check the NZATS and ASAPO websites.


60th Anniversary Conference and Exhibition
Association of Operating Department Practitioners
Manchester, United Kingdom

19th to 21st April 2005.
Representatives of the Society were invited as guests to the 60th Anniversary Conference and Exhibition at the Manchester International Convention Centre (MICC), Manchester UK by the Executive and Members of the AODP. Firstly the friendship and professionalism extended to ASAPO by the AODP was beyond belief. I would like to personally thank every member of the AODP Committee for making our delegation most welcome and extending the hand of friendship to us.

Several hundred practitioners from around the United Kingdom attended the conference in Manchester. For some one from out of town the MICC was centrally located and easy to find. It was situated in the centre of Manchester with easy access by both public transport and through taxi. This made moving around town easy for me. It was also a short trip to the airport. The trade display area was magnificent in both quality and size with over 120 display areas exhibiting a wide range of peri operative consumables, equipment and related displays. I spent what felt like several hours perusing the display area reviewing the extensive range of equipment. The AODP had an area as well which was an excellent idea. They were able to use this display area to promote the 60th Anniversary year, present a range of historic item from their archives and launch a new internet/on line based continuing education program for members. Their booth was well utilized. At any one time several members of their Executive Committee were present to answer a range of questions from the delegates as they attended the trade area. This too was an excellent idea.

An area of the AODP exhibition area was kindly given to ASAPO to promote a range of issues to the delegates. Principally to promote the Inaugural World Conference of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers on Australia's Gold Coast from the 9th to the 12th November 2006. Yves Long the Secretary of ASAPO did an outstanding job in promoting this event with an extensive presentation of the proposed event. There was great interest from the delegates. The AODP will be joining ASAPO in promoting this event and negotiations will continue to ensure that several speakers will be available from them to present a range of topics in Queensland in November 2006. For now please go to www.asapo.org.au for future updates on the Inaugural World Conference of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers on Australia's Gold Coast. At the exhibition area ASAPO was also able to promote the role of our profession and its progress in Australasia, We were also able to promote workplace issues and received extensive interest from a large number of delegates wishing to work in Australia. Overall our exposure in the trade area was very successful.

During this meeting several informal discussions and satellite meetings were also held between the AODP and ASAPO. Discussions ranged from changes in education to Registering processes between countries to dealing with up and coming conferences and exhibitions. I thank you all for your time and expansive knowledge and we look forward to working alongside each other in the development of our profession.

The Conference program was very extensive and comprehensive with a wide range of peri operative topics covered. On the evening of the first day all delegates were invited to network at Lower Moseley Street in Manchester. This started of a range of network discussions that extended over the next three days. It also provided an opportunity to break the ice for all the delegates and for old friends to meet.

On the Tuesday the opening ceremony was a formal event held in the highest level of professional standards. The ceremony included an address by Canon Andrew White, who himself started off as an ODP. Canon White gave us an overview of his first days as an ODP then delighted the audience in the fact that he is now the Chief Hostage Negotiator in IRAQ for his church. He was running a bit late initially as he had just had enough time for a quick shower after getting off a flight from IRAQ. To listen to him was an honour I felt and was very interesting. Canon White was only in the UK briefly as he was expected at the Pentagon the next day.

The key note speaker was also outstanding as Joe Simpson, mountaineer and author whose book 'Touching the Void' is now a BAFTA award winning film addressed the delegates and gave an overview of his experiences and what lead him to write his book. The story he told was inspirational and very interesting. What he went through must have been both physically and mentally challenging. It too was great to listen to. Unfortunately the signed books that he was selling sold out before I could get one. I must check the local book shop or indeed the video shop to see if his film is available here. The key note speaker was indeed a great choice by the organizing committee.

The knowledge of the speakers was excellent with many subjects providing a range of opinions and discussions during the breaks. Topics included issues such as 'Surgical Site Infections', 'The Psychological Dimension of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism – An Overview', Staffing Obstetric Theatres, now and in 2010, 'The Non Medical Anaesthetist” to a 'Brief History of Radiology'. This is only a small number of presented topics. The sessions were also broken into break out sessions with alternative rooms provided on most days. One afternoon also was dedicated specifically for a Student Session. The entire program was well arranged, well formatted and professionally constructed. I must once again commend the entire AODP Committee for a well arranged event.

On the evening of Wednesday 20th April the AODP held the 60th Anniversary Dinner in the Manchester Town Hall. The Town Hall is a magnificent venue with a long significant history. Made from old stone [excuse my terminology] and obviously hand crafted centuries ago the Town Hall was the idea venue for the 60th Anniversary Dinner. The evening started off with formal drinks for the VIPs and dignitaries in the VIP room, followed by an excellent dinner. There was the customary toasts to the Queen and relevant speeches by the AODP committee. It was an excellent dinner and it was an honour to be present at this event.


From Left to Right: Mr Martin Smith Chairman - AODP, Ms Yves Long Secretary-ASAPO, Mr Bill Kilvington President-AODP and Mr Chris Evans President-ASAPO

I would like to once again thank the Executive Committee of the AODP for extending the arm of friendship to ASAPO and our delegates. I look forward to working closely with you now and in the future for the mutual professional development of our profession.

Alison Holloway Award 2005
Proudly sponsored by TYCO HEALTHCARE
Get your applications in now. Click here for further details.
You could win $2,000.00 plus a personal gift. All criteria are now on line.

Applications close on the 23rd September 2005
Don't miss out.
Get your paper ready for now for 2005.


Review of the Health Training Package [HTP] Diploma – Anaesthetic Technology.

A review is currently underway in which ASAPO is well represented through Ms Barbara Lindbergs, ASAPO - Vice President of the Health Training Package in Anaesthetic Technology. This is the first review since the commencement of the HTP several years ago and gives us the opportunity to contribute to the necessary changes to bring the HTP up to Industry requirements. ASAPO is represented as part of the Industry Reference Group on this review. Several meetings have been planned and undertaken with a broad range of Industry Representatives making necessary and essential comments regarding this package. The most recent meeting is scheduled for the 10th May 2005.

One particular focus of ASAPO will be ensuring that this package and any outcomes of the review will become a truly National Health Training Package. As you are all aware most States provide training at the Diploma level, whereas, in WA the training is only provided to the Certificate IV level. This is due to various reasons but ASAPO intend to ensure that all States and Territories provide a truly national approach to training and make the Diploma- Anaesthetic Technology available to all persons in Australia at the Diploma level.

For further details of the review of the HTP please go to Community Services and Health Industry Skills Council web site at www.cshisc.com.au or contact ASAPO. Your feedback and comments would be gratefully appreciated.

Please note that www.cshisc.com.au has links to HLT02 Review. Diploma – Anaesthetic Technology.

A.S.A.P.O Calendar of Events 2005 and 2006
The Society is pleased to publish the following Calendar of Events for Meetings and Conferences within the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers
ASAPO Conferences.
Click here for further details.

New Zealand, Sky City Auckland New Zealand November 2005. 2nd to 5th November 2005.

Anaesthesia Down Under. The Inaugural World Conference on Australia`s Gold Coast. 9th to 12th November 2006.

Regional Conferences.

These are all proposed dates and are subject to change without notice. Watch our website for details at all times.

Click here for all conference details and links.

Should you wish to add an event to this Calendar please contact the Society at:
SECRETARY ASAPO
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland, 4102

ASAPO Promotional Products, available now. Click here for details.
Compendiums/key rings/pens/drink bottles available via mail order on line. Cheque, Postal Order or Credit Card payments will be accepted. All prices quoted will include GST and postage and handling. Watch the website for details in the near future.

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ASAPO President's Report — December 2004.

Welcome To All

Welcome to the December 2004 edition of the Presidents Report. This report will be posted on our web site at www.asapo.org.au and distributed to all our Regional Associations. As the festive season fast approaches I wish to extend seasons greetings to all.

Perioperative Workforce Review In Australia
Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee
Level 6, 73 Miller Street, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060
Telephone: (02) 9391-9933; Facsimile: (02) 9391-9020
Email: healthworkforce@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Internet: www.healthworkforce.health.nsw.gov.au

Communiqué December 2004
The Peri-operative Workforce in Australia Project


The Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee is undertaking a national workforce planning project for the peri-operative workforce: the Peri-operative Workforce in Australia Project. A multi-disciplinary approach is being taken incorporating nurses, technicians and allied health. The project will provide advice to the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC) on:
  1. The current demand, utilisation, supply, distribution and skill mix of the peri-operative workforce;
  2. An evaluative analysis of the current peri-operative workforce;
  3. The projected future requirements and projected future supply of the peri-operative workforce over the next 10 years (to 2015); and
  4. Actions to assist with supply, distribution and skill mix needed to meet future requirements over the next 10 years (to 2015).

Call For Submissions
A Call for Submissions was conducted recently (nationally advertised and officially closed in November) with a good response providing the project working party with useful information and highlighting a range of emerging issues for the workforce. Major issues include: current shortages of perioperative nurses and the expected increase in shortages; increasing casualisation of the workforce; lack of undergraduate nurse exposure to perioperative nursing; issues with accessibility to postgraduate courses; growth in demand for and use of non-nurses in the workplace; emerging occupations within specialty fields; opportunities for increasing scopes of practice for registered and enrolled nurses; growth in private and day hospital services; increasing demand for peri-operative nurse surgeon's assistants; and issues related specifically to rural areas. A discussion paper related to the call for submissions will be available in February 2005.

While the call for submissions have officially closed, the working party is happy to consider any further information interested groups or individuals may wish to contribute. Please contact Elizabeth O'Brien (details below).

National Survey
The project working party (see membership attached) has commissioned a national survey of peri-operative services in public and private and day hospitals to gather base-line data to inform the project in terms of workforce composition, distribution and adequacy. This survey will be conducted in late February 2005.
For further information on any aspects of this project please contact Elizabeth O'Brien on (02) 9391 9933 or by email eobri@doh.health.nsw.gov.au

Membership of the AHWAC Perioperative Working Party

Chair: Ms Fiona Stoker Principal Nurse Advisor, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (nominee of AHWAC committee)
Members  
Ms Wendy Adams President, Australian Day Surgery Nurses Association (nominee of ADSA)
Ms Jenny Beutel ACT Chief Nurse, ACT Health (nominee of ACT Health)
Mr Serge Chrisopolous Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Labour force and Rural Health Unit, AIHW
Ms Jenny Cubitt Nurse Manager Operating Theatres, Canterbury Hospital, NSW (nominee of NSW Health)
Mr Chris Evans President, Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (nominee Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers)
Ms Victoria Gilmore Federal Professional Officer, Australian Nursing Federation (nominee of ANF)
Mr James Harrison President, Australian College of Operating Room Nurses (nominee of ACORN)
Ms Valerie McKeown SA Consumer Representatives Network (nominee of Consumers' Health Forum)
Ms Claire Michalanney Executive Director, SPORTSMED. SA (nominee of the Australian Private Hospitals Association)
Ms Maureen McCarty Manager, Workforce Planning, Department of Human Services, Victoria (nominee of Victorian DHS)
Ms Robyn Parkes Director, Staff Development Royal Adelaide Hospital SA (nominee of Human Services, SA)
Ms Jennifer Rabach PhD Student, University of Melbourne, Lecturer, School of Nursing, LaTrobe University, (nominee of the Royal College of Nursing, Australia)
National Health Workforce Secretariat  
Ms Elizabeth O'Brien Workforce Policy Analyst, National Health Workforce Secretariat

ASAPO asks you to be aware of this review and contribute to the survey to be conducted in early 2005. The Executive Committee of ASAPO will keep you informed at all times as to the progress of this significant review.


Alison Holloway Award 2005

Proudly sponsored by TYCO Healthcare
Go online to www.asapo.org.au for details NOW.

ASAPO Calendar of Events 2005-2009

The Society is pleased to publish the following Calendar of Events for Meetings and Conferences within the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers
ASAPO Conferences.
2005 New Zealand, Sky City Auckland New Zealand November 2005.
2006 ASAPO World Conference – planning well underway. November – details soon
2007 Canberra, ACT. Under discussion. TBC
2008 Sydney, October/November. TBC
2009 Perth, Australia, September/October. TBC

Regional Conferences.
2005 March Perth. Combined ANZCA/ASA/WASAT TBC

These are all proposed dates and are subject to change without notice. Watch our website for details at all times.

Go to www.asapo.org.au for all conference details and links.

Should you wish to add an event to this Calendar please contact the Society at:
Secretary ASAPO
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland, 4102

Or watch our website.

ASAPO Promotional Products, available soon. Go to www.asapo.org.au for details. Compendiums/key rings/pens/drink bottles available soon via mail order online. Cheque, Postal Order or Credit Card payments will be accepted. All prices quoted will include GST and postage and handling.

Did you know?
As a service ASAPO can advertise your vacant Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers positions on the website for just $25.00 per advertisement. The world becomes your recruiting oyster.

9th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition

Click here for more information

Contact:
Gary Boxall or Lauren Reid
ASAPO Conference 2005
C/o 119b Spinella Drive
Glenfield
Auckland 1310
New Zealand
Phone: 027 298 3867 or 021 896 589
E mail: conf05@nzats.co.nz



10th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition

November 2006
ASAPO World Conference, join us for this our 10th Anniversary Conference, "Developing the Perioperative Team"
Venue to be Confirmed.
Proudly Sponsored by Baxter Health care.
Contact the ASAPO Secretary for details.

Advertisement.
Attention Medical Supply, Capital Equipment and Pharmaceutical Companies. Do you wish to join ASAPO and help us with the continuing education of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers? Then become a Corporate Member of ASAPO. Join now.

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ASAPO President's Report — September 2004.

Welcome To All

Welcome to the September 2004 edition of the Presidents Report. This report will be posted on our web site at www.asapo.org.au and distributed to all our Regional Associations. As the festive season fast approaches I wish to extend seasons greetings to all.

Voluntary Registration for Australasia.

It once again gives me pleasure to inform you all that the membership to this Society continues to grow. Despite what has been said as 'time consuming' documentation, our process of Voluntary Registration and Direct Membership to ASAPO has increased significantly since its introduction. The society has returned some in-completed forms to applicants to ensure that there is consistency with all applications. Some important things to note are that you need to complete the entire form, you do require a digital photograph of yourself and you need written references. It should also be noted that all supplied certificates and/or qualifications need to be certified as true and correct by a Justice of the Peace or alike. These are essential requirements for this application process.

By now the majority of all applicants should have received notification of Membership and Voluntary Registration plus your Membership Certificate, Membership ID and Membership Badge. Please wear your ID and badge with pride at all times. I ask all members of regional associations to go to www.asapo.org.au and join direct now. If you are an anaesthesia technician/assistant/scientific officer currently working more than one hour a week or a Student or Trainee currently registered on or undertaking a recognised ASAPO course I encourage you to voluntarily register with ASAPO now.

The Committee has again decided to maintain the special introductory price until the end of this financial year [2004/2005]. So for full Voluntary Registration and Membership the fee will continue to be $50.00 Australian for Australian Residents and New Zealand applicants. For Student and Trainee Membership the fee is $25.00 Australian. These special introductory fees are only valid until the 30th June 2005. So Voluntarily Register Now. From the 1st July 2005 the following fees apply, Voluntary Registration/Membership for qualified persons is $80.00 for initial application and $60.00 for renewal of registration/membership. For student/trainee registration from the 1st July 2005 your initial application is $40.00 with your annual renewal $30.00 pa. These fees are all in Australian Dollars.

For all other person entering from overseas you must register with ASAPO prior to entering this country. Apply well in advance and the fees schedule is set at $80.00 Australian with effect immediately. Also please note that all overseas applicants for membership will be issued only with an interim membership entitlement. Please contact the Registrar and Education Officer for further details.

It is essential that as many qualified and trainee/students register with ASAPO as soon as possible as the supporting documentation and evidence you provide will significantly reduce your future requirements should formal regulation occur. Also with the introduction of the National Health Training Package in Anaesthesia Technology in 2003/2004 the evidence and documentation you provide will assist ASAPO with adequately developing a process of recognition of prior learning and grand fathering rights. This process will assist YOU and us when we assess your qualifications against the new Diploma – Anaesthesia Technology. This will benefit you in regards to comparisons and salary classifications once new graduates enter the work force with the new Diploma.

In the UK the National Health Service has asked all employers to ensure a practitioner is on the National Register of the AODP before allowing employment. The Health Professions Council will take over the coordination of the national Register and all operating department practitioners will be required to be registered in the UK. Reciprocal Agreements are being discussed between the AODP and ASAPO regarding working in each country, but these are a long way off due to professional regulation in the UK. In the meantime you must contact the AODP immediately if you intend traveling and working in the UK in 2004/2005. Go to www.aodp.org to keep in touch with the rapid changes occurring there. At this stage Australian Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers will not be permitted to work in the UK. As reciprocal agreements are discussed in the future and should you be an ASAPO member and be voluntarily registered then we will fight for your right to work in the UK through any future agreements made. Register now.

Other forms of membership are also available including Membership, Associate and Corporate Membership. Funds generated from Corporate Membership will be used expressly for the purpose of operating our Special Education Fund. This fund will be available only to ASAPO members to apply to gain some funding to attend approved further education sessions and conferences.

Peri-Operative Workforce Review In Australia

In March 2004 ASAPO was asked to be part of a National Review of the Peri-Operative Workforce. Since this request we have been working alongside a range of health professionals to develop a strategic plan to address the current shortages in the perioperative workforce and forward plan until 2015. Please find to follow the September 2004 Communiqué from the Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee calling for submissions for this review of the Peri-Operative Workforce. This communiqué is self-explanatory.

Australian Health Workforce Advisory Committee

Level 6, 73 Miller Street, NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060
Telephone: (02) 9391-9933; Facsimile: (02) 9391-9020
Email: healthworkforce@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Internet: www.healthworkforce.health.nsw.gov.au

Communique September 2004: The Peri-Operative Workforce in Australia Project

In response to national nursing shortages, and the need for a national approach to nurse workforce planning, in 2001 the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC) identified a number of priority areas for nurse workforce planning to be examined by the Australian Health Workforce Committee (AHWAC). These were Midwifery, Critical Care, Mental Health, Peri-Operative Care, Emergency Care and Aged Care. The Midwifery and Critical Care projects were completed in 2002. A mental health nurse recruitment and retention project has recently been completed. Both emergency care and peri-operative workforce projects have now commenced.

The peri-operative workforce in Australia project will use a multi-disciplinary approach to planning. The project will provide advice to AHMAC on:
  • the current demand, utilisation, supply, distribution and skill mix of the peri-operative workforce;
  • an evaluative analysis of the current peri-operative workforce;
  • the projected future requirements and projected future supply of the peri-operative workforce over the next 10 years (to 2015);
  • actions to assist with supply, distribution and skill mix needed to meet future requirements over the next 10 years (to 2015).

A working party established to oversee the project is chaired by Ms Fiona Stoker (Principal Nursing Advisor, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services). Working party members include nominees from state and territory health departments, the Consumers' Health Forum, the Australian Nursing Federation, the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers, the Australian College of Operating Room Nurses, the Royal College of Nursing, Australia, the Australian Private Hospitals Association, the Australian Day Surgery Nurses Association, the National Enrolled Nurses' Association and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Stakeholder consultation for the peri-operative workforce in Australia project will include a call for submissions and consultations. To register for direct notification of the call for submissions, please contact the National Health Workforce Secretariat. The call for submissions will also be advertised through The Australian Newspaper on Saturday 25th September 04. Submission closing date is November 4th 2004.

A workforce survey of peri-operative services in public and private hospitals and free standing day surgery facilities will be undertaken in early 2005 to gather base-line data to inform the project in terms of workforce composition, distribution and adequacy.

For further information on the peri-operative workforce in Australia project please contact Elizabeth O'Brien on (02) 9391 9933 or by email eobri@doh.health.nsw.gov.au.


Membership of the AHWAC Peri-Operative Working Party
Chair  
Ms Fiona Stoker Principal Nurse Advisor, Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (nominee of AHWAC committee)
Members  
Ms Wendy Adams President, Australian Day Surgery Nurses Association (nominee of ADSA)
Ms Jenny Beutel ACT Chief Nurse, ACT Health (nominee of ACT Health)
Mr Serge Chrisopolous Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Labour force and Rural Health Unit, AIHW
Ms Jenny Cubitt Nurse Manager Operating Theatres, Canterbury Hospital, NSW (nominee of NSW Health)
Mr Chris Evans President, Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (nominee Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers)
Ms Victoria Gilmore Federal Professional Officer, Australian Nursing Federation (nominee of ANF)
Mr James Harrison President, Australian College of Operating Theatre Nurses (nominee of ACORN)
Ms Valerie McKeown SA Consumer Representatives Network (nominee of Consumers' Health Forum)
Ms Claire Michalanney Executive Director, SPORTSMED. SA (nominee of the Australian Private Hospitals Association)
Ms Maureen McCarty Manager, Workforce Planning, Department of Human Services, Victoria (nominee of Victorian DHS)
Ms Robyn Parkes Director, Staff Development Royal Adelaide Hospital SA (nominee of Human Services, SA)
Ms Jennifer Rabach PhD Student, University of Melbourne, Lecturer, School of Nursing, LaTrobe University, (nominee of the Royal College of Nursing, Australia)
National Health Workforce Secretariat
Ms Elizabeth O'Brien Workforce Policy Analyst, National Health Workforce Secretariat

For all details relevant to this review please contact the relevant persons as highlighted on this communiqué. ASAPO asks you to be aware of this review and contribute to the survey to be conducted in early 2005. The Executive Committee of ASAPO will keep you informed at all times as to the progress of this significant review.



Events 2004

8th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition
Perth, Parmelia Hilton 2004.
Anaesthesia technicians, assistants, scientific officers and anaesthesia paramedical officers from around the world have just returned from Perth after attending our 8th Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition. ASAPO in conjunction with Western Australian Society of Anaesthesia Technicians (Inc) met at the Parmelia Hilton Perth from the 16th to 18th September 2004. Over 140 delegates on most days attended the event. An extremely varied range of topics were presented at this meeting along with a number of social functions all enabling us to extended our network around the world.

To Monika Matthes, Leanne Boaden, Jeremy Barrett and the entire WASAT Committee of this meeting I must extend my most sincere thanks for an excellent program and a Scientific Exhibition of over 21 companies, well done. To our Gold Sponsor Datex Ohmeda/GE Healthcare, our Silver Sponsor Baxter Healthcare, our Bronze Sponsor Boots Healthcare and indeed to all the exhibitors I thank you for attending this exhibition in Perth and I warmly welcome you all to Sky City Auckland New Zealand in November 2005.

To the outgoing ASAPO committee I thank you for your support and to the new ASAPO Committee of 2004/2005 I welcome you all and look forward to the year ahead and any challenges and indeed successes that we may encounter as the elected representatives of our regions. I also welcome onto the ASAPO Committee the addition of two new regions represented by ASAPO representatives. The interests of anaesthesia paramedical officers are now represented in the Northern Territory by Ms Karyn Clark and in South Australia by Ms Elaine Taylor and Ms Joanne Petito. ASAPO looks forward to assisting you develop the roles and functions of anaesthesia technicians and anaesthesia paramedical officers in our new regions.

During this meeting several satellite meetings were also held between the New Zealand Anaesthetic Technicians Society (NZATS) and ASAPO. Discussions ranged from changes in education to Registering processes between countries to dealing with up and coming conferences and exhibitions. Should you be traveling to New Zealand you are strongly advised by ASAPO to contact NZSAT prior to departure to ensure that you comply with their respective entry and registration requirements. To the NZATS and especially Erin Groom NZSAT Registrar, I thank you for your time and expansive knowledge and we look forward to working alongside each other in the development of our profession.

To all delegates from around the world and the country I thank you for making this a successful event and look forward to seeing you all in Auckland in 2005.

Alison Holloway Award 2004

Proudly sponsored by Tyco Healthcare.
The winners of the 2004 Alison Holloway Award are Mr Eddie Nutt and Ms Jenny Holmes of Nambour General Hospital Nambour for their combined paper 'It's a Huge Problem – Anaesthetising Obese Patients'. Congratulations Eddie and Jenny and thank you once again to Tyco for their continual support. The winning paper will be available on our web site in the very near future for your reading.

Get your paper ready for 2005.
Get the details now.


ASAPO Calendar of Events 2004-2009

The Society is pleased to publish the following Calendar of Events for Meetings and Conferences within the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers:

ASAPO Conferences
2004 Perth, Australia, Parmelia Hilton September 16th - 18th
2005 New Zealand, Sky City Auckland New Zealand November 2005.
2006 ASAPO World Conference – planning well underway October/November – details soon
2007 Canberra, ACT. Under discussion TBC
2008 Sydney October/November. TBC
2009 Perth, Australia September/October TBC

Regional Conferences
2004 Wellington, New Zealand, Te Papa National Museum Nov 17th to 20th
2005 Perth. Combined ANZCA/ASA/WASAT March TBC

These are all proposed dates and are subject to change without notice. Watch our website for details at all times.

Should you wish to add an event to this Calendar please contact the Society at:
Secretary ASAPO
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland 4102

Or e-mail:yves.long@bigpond.com

ASAPO Promotional Products, available soon. Go to www.asapo.org.au for details.
Compendiums/key rings/pens/drink bottles available soon via mail order on line. Cheque, Postal Order or Credit Card payments will be accepted. All prices quoted will include GST and postage and handling. Watch the website for details in the near future.

Did you know?
As a service ASAPO can advertise your vacant Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers positions on the website for just $25.00 per advertisement. The world becomes your recruiting oyster.

9th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition
November 2nd to 5th 2005, Auckland, New Zealand. Sky City. More details available soon. For conference details please contact Simon Donald in Auckland at
Simon.Donald@waitematadhb.govt.nz

Please join us in Auckland in November 2005.

10th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition
October/November 2006
ASAPO World Conference, join us for this our 10th Anniversary Conference.
"Developing the Perioperative Team"
Venue to be Confirmed.
Contact the ASAPO Secretary for details.

Advertisement.
Attention Medical Supply, Capital Equipment and Pharmaceutical Companies. Do you wish to join ASAPO and help us with the continuing education of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers? Then become a Corporate Member of ASAPO. Join now.

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ASAPO President's Report — November 2003.

Welcome To All

Welcome to the November 2003 edition of the Presidents Report. This report will be posted on our web site at www.asapo.org.au and distributed to all our Regional Associations. As the festive season approaches I wish to extend seasons greetings to all.

Voluntary Registration for Australasia.

It gives me pleasure to inform the membership to this Society continues to grow. Despite what has been said as 'time consuming' documentation our process of Voluntary Registration and Direct Membership to ASAPO has increased significantly since its introduction. The society has returned some in-completed forms to applicants to ensure that there is consistency with all applications. Some important things to note is that you need to complete the entire form, you do require a digital photograph of yourself and you need written references. It should also be noted that all supplied certificates and/or qualifications need to be certified as true and correct by a Justice of the Peace or alike. These are essential requirements for this application process.

By now some of you should have received notification of Membership and Voluntary Registration. In the near future you will also receive your Membership Certificate, Membership ID and Membership Badge. Please wear your ID and badge with pride at all times. I ask all members of regional associations to go to www.asapo.org.au and join direct now. If you are an anaesthesia technician/assistant/scientific officer currently working more than one hour a week or a Student or Trainee currently registered on or undertaking a recognised ASAPO course I encourage you to VOLUNTARILY REGISTER WITH ASAPO NOW.

The Committee has again decided to maintain the special introductory price until the end of this financial year. So for full Voluntary Registration and Membership the fee will continue to be $50.00 Australian for Australian Residents and New Zealand applicants. For Student and Trainee Membership the fee is $25.00 Australian. These special introductory fees are only valid until the 30th June 2004. So Voluntarily Register Now. From the 1st July 2004 the following fees apply, Voluntary Registration/Membership for qualified persons is $80.00 for initial application and $60.00 for renewal of registration/membership. For student/trainee registration from the 1st July 2004 your initial application is $40.00 with your annual renewal $30.00 pa. These fees are all in Australian Dollars.

For all other person entering from overseas you MUST register with ASAPO prior to entering this country. Apply well in advance and the fees schedule is set at $80.00 Australian with effect immediately.

It is essential that as many qualified and trainee/students register with ASAPO as soon as possible as the supporting documentation and evidence you provide will significantly reduce your future requirements should formal regulation occur. Also with the introduction of the National Health Training Package in Anaesthesia Technology in 2003/2004 the evidence and documentation you provide will assist ASAPO with adequately developing a process of recognition of prior learning and grand fathering rights. This process will assist YOU and us when we assess your qualifications against the new Diploma – Anaesthesia Technology. This will benefit you in regards to comparisons and salary classifications once new graduates enter the work force with the new Diploma.

In the UK the National Health Service has asked all employers to ensure a practitioner is on the National Register of the AODP before allowing employment. In a very short time the Health Professions Council will take over the coordination of the national Register and all operating department practitioners will be required to be registered in the UK. Reciprocal Agreements are being discussed between the AODP and ASAPO regarding working in each country, but these are a long way off due to professional regulation in the UK. In the meantime you must contact the AODP immediately if you intend traveling and working in the UK in 2004. Go to www.aodp.org to keep in touch with the rapid changes occurring there. At this stage Australian Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers will not be permitted to work in the UK. As reciprocal agreements are discussed in the future and should you be an ASAPO member and be voluntarily registered then we will fight for your right to work in the UK through any future agreements made. Register Now.

Other forms of membership are also available including Associate and Corporate Membership. Funds generated from Corporate Membership will be used expressly for the purpose of operating our Special Education Fund. This fund will be available only to ASAPO members to apply to gain some funding to attend approved further education sessions and conferences.

Events 2003

Gold Coast 2003.

Anaesthesia technicians, assistants, scientific officers and anaesthesia paramedical officers from around the world have just returned from the Gold Coast after attending our 7th Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition. ASAPO in conjunction with Queensland Society of Anaesthesia Technicians met at the Gold Coast International Hotel from the 7th to 9th November 2003. Over 140 delegates on most days attended the event. An extremely varied range of topics were presented at this meeting along with a number of social functions all enabling us to extended our network around the world.

To Shaun Milburn, Michael Webke, and the entire Conference team for this meeting I must extend my most sincere thanks for an excellent program and a Scientific Exhibition of over 24 companies, well done. To our major sponsor Datex Ohmeda and to all the Exhibitors I thank you all for attending this exhibition on the Gold Coast and welcome you all to Perth, Western Australia in 2004.

To the outgoing ASAPO committee I thank you for your support and to the new ASAPO Committee of 2003/2004 I welcome you all and look forward to the year ahead and any challenges and indeed successes that we may encounter as the elected representatives of our regions.

During this meeting several satellite meetings were also held between the New Zealand Anaesthetic Technicians Society [NZATS] and the Association of Operating Department Practitioners[AODP] (UK) who were represented by the Honorable Martin Smith Chairman and the Registrar Ms Dawn Beaven. Discussions ranged from changes in education to Registering processes between countries to dealing with up and coming conferences and exhibitions. Should you be traveling to either the UK or New Zealand you are strongly advised by ASAPO to contact these professional associations prior to departure to ensure that you comply with their respective entry and registration requirements. To the NZATS and the AODP I thank you for your time and expansive knowledge and we look forward to working alongside each other in the development of our profession.

To all delegates from around the world and the country I thank you for making this a successful event and look forward to seeing you all in Perth in 2004.


Alison Holloway Award 2003

Proudly sponsored by TYCO

The winner of the 2003 Alison Holloway Award is Ms Lynne Van de Waardt of Palmerston North Hospital New Zealand for her paper on 'Creatine Kinase and Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility'. Congratulations Lynne and thank you again to Tyco for their continual support. The winning paper will be available on our web site in the very near future for your reading.

Get your paper ready for 2004. Details

ASAPO Calendar of Events 2004-2009

The Society is pleased to publish the following Calendar of Events for Meetings and Conferences within the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.

ASAPO Conferences.

2004 Perth, Australia, Parmelia Hilton, September16th - 18th.
2005 New Zealand, October/November TBC.
ASAPO World Conference, October/November TBC

Regional Conferences.

2004 March Perth. Combined ANZCA/ASA/WASAT

World Conferences.

2004 AODP, United Kingdom (Wales), May 2004
Go to www.aodp.org for details.

Should you wish to add an event to this Calendar please contact the Society at:
SECRETARY ASAPO
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland, 4102
Email: daniel.johnson@health.qld.gov

Advertisement.
Attention Medical Supply, Capital Equipment and Pharmaceutical Companies. Do you wish to join ASAPO and help us with the continuing education of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers? Then become a Corporate Member of ASAPO. Join now.


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ASAT President's Report — April 2003.

 Voluntary Registration for Australasia.
ASAPO continues to take registration and membership from around the world. Since the Society launched the process of Voluntary Registration and Direct Membership to ASAPO our Registrar has been kept busy. Please continue to support this process and go to www.asapo.org.au and join now. If you are an anaesthesia technician/assistant/scientific officer currently working an average of more than one hour a week or a Student or Trainee currently undertaking a recognised ASAPO course I encourage you to VOLUNTARILY REGISTER WITH ASAPO NOW. These documents will ask you a wide range of qualification based questions. Once you obtain membership you will be entered onto the National Register, receive certification from the College of Anaesthetists and ASAPO and be issued an annual practicing certificate.

There are of course fees attached to this process. For all permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand the fees are as follows. If you are currently qualified we have a special introductory fee of $50.00. If you are a trainee or student your special fee is $25.00. These special introductory fees are only valid until the 30th June 2003. So Voluntarily Register Now. From the 1st July 2003 the following fees apply, Voluntary Registration/Membership for qualified persons is $80.00 for initial application and $60.00 for renewal of registration/membership. For student/trainee registration from the 1st July 2003 your initial application is $40.00 with your annual renewal $30.00 pa. These fees are all in Australian Dollars.

For all other person entering from overseas you MUST register with ASAPO prior to entering this country. Apply well in advance and the fees schedule is set at $80.00 Australian.

It is essential that as many qualified and trainee/students register with ASAPO prior to the 30th June 2003 as the supporting documentation and evidence you provide will significantly reduce your future requirements should formal regulation occur. Also with the introduction of the National Health Training Package in Anaesthesia Technology in 2003/2004 the evidence and documentation you provide will assist ASAPO with adequately developing a process of recognition of prior learning and grand fathering rights. This process will assist YOU and us when we assess your qualifications against the new Diploma in Anaesthesia Technology. This will benefit you with regard to comparisons and salary classifications once new graduates enter the work force with the new Diploma.

Also it will lead to and provide supporting evidence that more formal Regulation is appropriate. The Society continues to feel that formal regulation must be seriously considered in Australia and New Zealand.

Other forms of membership are also available including Associate and Corporate Membership. Funds generated from Corporate Membership will be used expressly for the purpose of operating our Special Education Fund. This fund will be available to members to apply for some funding to attend approved further education sessions and conferences.

National Health Training Package [HTP] for Anaesthesia Technology.
Over the past year the Society in conjunction with many key stake-holders including ANZCA, ASA and Unions have been working extremely hard to finalise our contribution. This process is now complete. The new course has been Australian Quality Endorsement Council endorsed. All Education Ministers in all States and Territories in Australia have also endorsed this package. It is expected that the new course will be available in some States from mid 2003 and in the remainder of Australia from 2004.

I wish to thank all that have put an effort into this development. The introduction of the HTP is another step closer to regulation and we are just a small step now from Quality Nationally recognised training.

Alison Holloway Award 2003 - Proudly sponsored by TYCO
The winner of the 2002 Alison Holloway Award is Mr Eddie Cousinery of the Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne for his paper on 'The Expanding World of Paediatric Anaesthesia Outside the Operating Theatre'. Congratulations Eddie and thank you again to Tyco for their continual support. The winning paper will be available on our web site in the very near future for your reading.

Get the latest on the 2003 Alison Holloway Award.

A.S.A.T Calendar of Events 2003-2006
The Society is pleased to publish the following Calendar of Events for Meetings and Conferences within the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.

ASAPO Conferences.
2003 Palmerston North NZ. 3rd – 5th July
2003 Queensland, Australia Gold Coast International 7th- 9th Nov
2004 Perth, Australia, Parmelia Hilton, Sept 16th - 18th
2005 New Zealand Oct/NovTBC
2006 Melbourne, Australia Oct/Nov TBC

World Conferences.
2003 AODP, United Kingdom May
2003 World Congress 'Hands Across the World' 21st –23rd Aug
  Combined AODP/AST/ASAPO Meeting, Chester UK. Go to www.aodp.org for details.


Should you wish to add an event to this Calendar please contact the Society at:
SECRETARY ASAPO
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland, 4102
daniel_johnson@health.qld.gov.au

Events 2003
NZATTN Conference - Palmerston North, New Zealand, 3rd – 5th July 2003. Contact NZATTN for details.

.ASAPO 7th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition.
Gold Coast International Hotel Queensland7th – 9th November 2003.
Delegate Enquiries to:
Shaun Milburn; 0408 433253 or shaun_milburn@bd.com
Michael Webcke; (07) 3212 5003 or michael_webcke@health.qld.gov.au
Trade Enquiries to:
Patrick Doyle; (07) 3636 5352 or (07) 3636811 [page 40019] or patrick_doyle@health.qld.gov.au

Advertisement.
Attention – Medical Supply, Capital Equipment and Pharmaceutical Companies.
Do you wish to join ASAPO and help us with the continuing education of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers? Then become a Corporate Member of ASAPO. Join now

Benchmark Qualifications & Continuing Educational Requirements
long with the new process of Voluntary Registration and Direct Membership to ASAPO. The Society has established and recognised a number of qualifications that the Executive has determined are benchmark qualifications in Australia. To gain membership you must have achieved one of these qualifications [structured on a minimum of 1000 hours anaesthesia specific training] have worked in the field for an additional twelve months post graduation and provide evidence of at least ten (10) hours continuing medical [CME] education each year. CME has been identified by the Society as a key issue to our professional development. If you are an anaesthesia technician/assistant/scientific officer currently working an average of more than one hour a week or a Student or Trainee currently undertaking a recognised ASAPO course we must once again encourage you to VOLUNTARILY REGISTER WITH ASAPO NOW.

Registration And Membership.
The Committee of Management of this Society formally recognises the following qualifications within Australasia for that of an Anaesthesia Technician, Anaesthesia Assistant or Scientific Officer. To obtain full membership and Registration to the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers an applicant must hold one of the following qualifications. (The minimum course hours for training of an Anaesthesia Paramedical Officer is 1000 hours of Anaesthesia Specific Training).

  • Diploma - Anaesthetic Technology. Western Australia.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Royal Perth Hospital, Hospital Based Diploma. Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification. Associate Diploma of Health - Anaesthetic and Operating Theatre Technician. Western Australia. Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification.

  • Certificate IV - Medical Technicians and Assistants - Anaesthetics. Western Australia.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification.

  • Associate Diploma of Health - Anaesthetic and Operating Theatre Technician - Victoria.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification.

  • Royal Brisbane Hospital Certificate – Anaesthetic Technician.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification.

  • Queensland University of Technology, Associate/Diploma/Degree in Clinical Techniques - Anaesthetics. Queensland.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification.

  • Southbank Institute of TAFE Diploma Applied Science - Anaesthetics. Queensland.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience as intern. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification.

  • Australian Society of Anaesthetic and Operating Theatre Technicians - Diploma. New South Wales.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification.

  • Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Technicians - Diploma. New South Wales.
Plus 12 months full time post graduate experience. Applicants must also provide documented evidence of at least ten hours Continuous Medical Education per annum since attaining this qualification. This program is also run under license in Victoria and Queensland. If you are a holder of this qualification in Qld or Vic the same conditions apply.

Student Membership is open to any student or trainee currently undertaking one of the above approved courses.

For all inquiries please feel free to direct them to our postal address at:

SECRETARY ASAPO
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland, 4102

Code of Conduct.
Each registered Anaesthesia Paramedical Officer is accountable for his/her practice and in the exercise of professional accountability, shall:
  • Carry out duties with skill, care and judgment in such a way as to promote and protect the rights and well being of the patient.
  • Confidentiality for the patient shall be respected and maintained at all times.
  • Be aware of the value for all professional persons associated with the provision of patient care.
  • Recognise any limitations of competence and never undertake unfamiliar tasks without first receiving instruction, which will facilitate the duties to be carried out in a professional and capable manner.
  • Endeavour to achieve and maintain a high standard of knowledge and to impart such knowledge to fellow members.
  • Recognise his/her responsibilities in delegating duties and tasks.
  • Support the development of colleague's competence in accordance with their needs and in the context of the Registered Anaesthesia Paramedical officer.
  • Avoid the use of his/her professional qualifications to be associated with the promotion of products, thereby compromising the impartiality of professional judgment on which the patients rely.
  • Inform the appropriate person or authority of any conscientious objections, which may be relevant to professional practice.
  • Decline any offer of gifts, favours or hospitality that might be seen as an attempt to obtain preferential considerations.
  • Report to the appropriate authorities any incidences or instances of irregular or unsafe practice.

Registration.
The Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (ASAPO) holds and maintains the Register of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (APO). These officers can be but are not limited to Anaesthesia Technicians, Anaesthesia Assistants and Scientific Officers. This register is now a recognised requirement of employment and this Society will maintain it until such time as APOs are governed by statutory regulation. The Executive Committee of ASAPO appoints a Registrar to administer the Register, who in turn, ensures that the processes that support the Register are run effectively.
Purpose and Intent.
The purpose of this Register is primarily:
  • To protect the public.
  • To ensure that all registered APOs conform to the Code of Conduct and are fit to practice.
NOTE: The Register does not exist to provide employers with grounds either to dismiss an APO or take action if an appeal against dismissal has been upheld, especially in disputes over contractual matters or conditions of employment.

Committee Functions
  • Disciplinary Committee.
To manage, monitor and enforce the standards required under ASAPO Registration requirements.
  • Examination Committee.
To coordinate, implement and monitor the examination requirements of APOs. To liaise with and assist the RTO in the provision of accredited courses.
  • Standards Committee.
To assess, monitor and implement Standards of Practice and Codes of Conduct for APOs.
  • Registration Committee.
To assess, monitor and implement registration requirements for APOs.
  • Training Committee.
To promote, contract and oversee theoretical and practical training for all APOs. Strive to establish the highest standards of clinical and technical practice. To approve, accredit and monitor hospitals that train APOs and to keep a list of these hospitals.
In all cases, members of these committees will be nominated on the basis of their ability and experience to ensure fairness and impartiality.

Registrar.
The Registrar is the officer responsible for the satisfactory maintenance of the Register. He/she shall advise the committee on matters relating to applications for inclusion on the Register and suspensions or removals from the Register.

Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.
Individuals should endeavour to keep the registrar informed of all changes that might affect their status as Registered APO, including changes to grade, role and responsibilities, as well as details such as home address. Where an employer, colleague or members of the public accuses an individual of professional misconduct, they should take steps to documents the circumstances surrounding the incident(s) and inform the Registrar at the earliest possible moment.

Complaints.
A complaint concerning the professional conduct of an individual can be made by the employer, colleague or member of the public. Complaints must be submitted in writing, giving full details of the incident(s), including dates, time, the nature of the incident(s) and witnesses. In all cases care must be taken to refer to the Code of Conduct issued by ASAPO, in order to ensure that the complaint is based upon these.

Rules of Evidence.
The burden and standard of proof required is the same as in criminal proceedings. Complaints must be made in writing. No anonymous or verbal submissions will be considered. (Except were the safety of the public may be jeopardised). In all cases, committees will apply the principles of 'natural justice' and common sense when considering evidence and making decisions.

POLICY STATEMENT
Continuing Medical Education (CME) for Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.
It is a requirement of Registration that applicants provide documented evidence of at least ten hours CME per annum since initially attaining their qualifications. It is also a requirement of re registration each year that the applicant also provide evidence of CME for that past year. CME refers to education relevant to an APO undertaken in the workplace i.e. in service sessions, at seminars, workshops or conferences. It is a role of the individual and their supervisor to implement a logbook or register of CME in the workplace as evidence of CME.

A template will be available soon from our postal address. Contact ASAPO for details.

Thank you,
Chris Evans, President - ASAPO

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ASAT President's Report — November 2002.

WELCOME TO ALL

Welcome to the November 2002 edition of the Presidents Report. This report will be posted on our web site at www.asapo.org.au and distributed to all our Regional Associations.

Notice to All Anaesthesia Technicians/Assistants/Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.
Change of Name
Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to inform all members of the Society that on Friday 15th November 2002 the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Technicians formally changed its name to the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers (ASAPO). This occurred during our Annual General Meeting at the Premier Menzies Hotel Sydney Australia.

This name reflects the following. The term Anaesthesia reflects the specialised area in which we work in and is definitive in discerning areas relative to pre hospital care and ambulance work, Paramedical reflects that we are multi disciplinary as we can either be a technician or an assistant. Officers is suitable as well as it stays away from stating that you are a technician/assistant/nurse it is non-discriminatory or gender specific. Also across Australia many unions use the term Officer for example in WA the Hospital Salaried Officers Association and in NSW and Qld your current title can be Technical Officer or your specific callings are in the Technical Officers stream. This way there would no confusion and no major shift in terminology to keep you supported by the Union should you be a member in your State.

ASAPO will now negotiate with our Regional Associations to discuss their change of name to ensure that the national association has similarly named regional groups, a definite reporting relationship, a sense of unity, the ability to award a national qualification, clarity in membership and many more benefits. It is hoped in the future to provide public liability and indemnity insurance through your membership also it will give a clear message here and overseas of a group of dedicated and aligned health care professionals.

Voluntary Registration for Australasia.

It also gives me pleasure to inform the membership that this Society has just launched a process of Voluntary Registration and Direct Membership to ASAPO. I ask all members of regional associations to go to www.asapo.org.au and join direct now. If you are an anaesthesia technician/assistant/scientific officer currently working more than one hour a week or a Student or Trainee currently registered on or undertaking a recognised ASAPO course I encourage you to VOLUNTARILY REGISTER WITH ASAPO NOW. These documents will ask you a wide range of qualification based questions. Once you obtain membership you will be entered onto the National Register, receive certification from the College of Anaesthetists and ASAPO and be issued an annual practicing certificate.

There are of course fees attached to this process. Here is the schedule of fees for voluntary registration/membership. For all permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand the fees are as follows. If you are currently qualified we have a special introductory fee of $50.00. If you are a trainee or student your special fee is $25.00. These special introductory fees are only valid until the 30th June 2003. So Voluntarily Register Now. From the 1st July 2003 the following fees apply, Voluntary Registration/Membership for qualified persons is $80.00 for initial application and $60.00 for renewal of registration/membership. For student/trainee registration from the 1st July 2003 your initial application is $40.00 with your annual renewal $30.00 pa. These fees are all in Australian Dollars.

For all other person entering from overseas you MUST register with ASAPO prior to entering this country. Apply well in advance and the fees schedule is set at $80.00 Australian with effect immediately.

It is essential that as many qualified and trainee/students register with ASAPO prior to the 30th June 2003 as the supporting documentation and evidence you provide will significantly reduce your future requirements should formal regulation occur. Also with the introduction of the National Health Training Package in Anaesthesia Technology in 2003/2004 the evidence and documentation you provide will assist ASAPO with adequately developing a process of recognition of prior learning and grand fathering rights. This process will assist YOU and us when we assess your qualifications against the new Diploma – Anaesthesia Technology. This will benefit you in regards to comparisons and salary classifications once new graduates enter the work force with the new Diploma.

Also it will lead to and provide supporting evidence that more formal Regulation is appropriate. The Society continues to feel that formal regulation must be seriously considered in Australia and New Zealand. In the UK the National Health Service has asked all employers to ensure a practitioner is on the National Register of the AODP before allowing employment. This at this stage is voluntary Registration which is a prelude to formal Regulation which is to be introduced in the UK early in 2003. You must contact the AODP immediately if you intend traveling and working in the UK in 2003. Go to www.aodp.org to keep in touch with the rapid changes occurring there or you wont be able to work. ASAPO will lead this country to a process of regulation of assistants and technicians. Are you ready for it? Register Now.

Other forms of membership are also available including Associate and Corporate Membership. Funds generated from Corporate Membership will be used expressly for the purpose of operating our Special Education Fund. This fund will be available to members to apply to gain some funding to attend approved further education sessions and conferences.

National Health Training Package [HTP] for Anaesthesia Technology.
Over the past year the Society in conjunction with many key stake holders including ANZCA, ASA and Unions has been working extremely hard to finalise our contribution. It gives great pleasure to announce that the process is just about complete. The new course is at the Australian Quality Endorsement Council for quality endorsement. This is due for signing off from here on the 5th December 2002. After this process it proceeds to the Education Ministers in all States and Territories in Australia for final endorsement. It is expected that the new course will be available in some States from mid 2003 and in the remainder of Australia from 2004.

It has been reported that the package had to be amended after input from a small minority of groups. This report is totally incorrect and inaccurate. The HTP remained basically unchanged from Draft 1 to final submission.

I wish to thank all that have put an effort into their development. I would especially like to thank Barbara Lindbergs who has been a powerful influence and a driving force to our committee ensuring we achieved this. The introduction of the HTP is another step closer to completion now and it is not long now before their introduction. We are just a small step now from Nationally recognised training.

Events 2002

Sydney Meeting 2002.

Anaesthesia technicians, assistants, scientific officers and anaesthesia paramedical officers from around the world have just returned from Sydney after attending our 6th Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition. ASAT [now ASAPO] in conjunction with Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Technicians [NSW]. At the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel from the 14th to 16th November 2002 over 170 delegates on each day attended the event. An extremely varied range of topics were presented at this meeting along with a number of social functions all enabling us to extended our network around the world.

To Adrian Sage, Nicholas Arnold, Shane Guy and the entire organising committee of this meeting I must extend my most sincere thanks for an excellent program and a Scientific Exhibition of 28 companies, well done. To our major sponsor Datex Ohmeda and to all the Exhibitors I thank you all for attending this exhibition in Sydney and welcome you all to the Gold Coast in 2003.

To the outgoing ASAT committee I thank you for your support and to the new ASAPO Committee of 2002/2003 I welcome you all and look forward to the year ahead and any challenges and indeed successes that we may encounter as the elected representatives of our regions.

During this meeting several satellite meetings were also held between the New Zealand Association of Anaesthesia Technicians and Nurses [NZAATN] represented by Lynne Van De Waardt and Erin Groom and the Association of Operating Department Practitioners[AODP] (UK) who were represented by the Honorable Roger King Chairman and the Registrar Mr Martin Smith.

Discussions ranged from changes in education to Registering processes between countries to dealing with up and coming conferences and exhibitions. Should you be traveling to either the UK or New Zealand you are strongly advised by ASAPO to contact these professional associations prior to departure to ensure that you comply with their respective entry and registration requirements. To the NZATTN and the AODP I thank you for your time and expansive knowledge and we look forward to working alongside each other in the development of our profession.

To all delegates from around the world and the country I thank you for making this a successful event and look forward to seeing you all on the Gold Coast in 2003.

Alison Holloway Award 2002
Proudly sponsored by TYCO

The winner of the 2002 Alison Holloway Award is Mr Eddie Cousinery of the Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne for his paper on 'The Expanding World of Paediatric Anaesthesia Outside the Operating Theatre'. Congratulations Eddie and thank you again to Tyco for their continual support. The winning paper will be available on our web site in the very near future for your reading.

Get your paper ready for 2003.
Go on line to www.asapo.org.au for Details NOW.

ASAPO Calendar of Events 2003-2006

The Society is pleased to publish the following Calendar of Events for Meetings and Conferences within the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.

ASAPO Conferences.
2003  Palmerston North NZ. 3rd – 5th July 2003.
2003  Queensland, Australia Gold Coast International 7th- 9th November.
2004  Perth, Australia, Parmelia Hilton, September16th - 18th.
2005  New Zealand, October/November TBC.
2006  Melbourne, Australia October/November TBC

Regional Conferences.
2003 March Perth. Combined ANZCA/ASA/WASAT

World Conferences.
2003  AODP, United Kingdom May 2003
2003  World Congress Hands Across the World, 21st –23rd August 2003 Chester UK. Combined AODP/AST/ASAPO Meeting. Go to www.aodp.org for details.

Should you wish to add an event to this Calendar please contact the Society at:
SECRETARY ASAPO
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland, 4102
Or watch our website at www.asapo.org.au

Events 2003
Palmerston North New Zealand, 3rd to 5th July 2003 contact the NZATTN for details.

Gold Coast International Hotel Queensland. ASAPO 7th Annual Educational Conference and Scientific Exhibition. 7th – 9th November 2003.

Delegate Enquiries to:
Shaun Milburn; 0408 433253 or shaun_milburn@bd.com
Michael Webcke; (07) 3212 5003 or michael_webcke@health.qld.gov.au

Trade Enquiries to:
Patrick Doyle; (07) 3636 5352 or (07) 3636811 [page 40019] or patrick_doyle@health.qld.gov.au

See you all there.

Thank you.
CHRIS EVANS
ASAPO President


Advertisement.
Attention Medical Supply, Capital Equipment and Pharmaceutical Companies. Do you wish to join ASAPO and help us with the continuing education of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers? Then become a Corporate Member of ASAPO. Join now.

Congratulations.
The winner of Olympus Digital Camera from the 2002 Conference was Rahim Shaheen of Logan Hospital, Queensland.
Thanks to Olympus

To top of page

ASAT Chairman's Report — August 2002.

WELCOME TO ALL.

Welcome to the August 2002 edition of the Chairman's Report. This is of course is posted on our web site and distributed to all our Regional Associations.

Health Training Package – Diploma - Anaesthesia Technology.
 The Executive Committee of ASAT has continued to lobby widely for the continued endorsement of these HTP. There continues to be some concern being raised from some corners about this package. It is unfortunate that a few people see these HTP as "role erosion" issue this Society can only view the success of the HTP as enhancing and improving safety in this country. I can assure you all that the level of support far out ways the negative.

It is expected that the HTP will return to the State Training Authorities [STA] in the very near future and receive full endorsement. From here things should progress rapidly as funding is sourced and the curriculum finalised across the country. The new National Health Training Package [HTP] for Anaesthesia Technology is nearly with us.

Over the past year the Society in conjunction with many key stake holders including ANZCA, ASA and Unions has been working extremely hard to have this HTP endorsed. I would like to sincerely thank all who have contributed to there success. It would be fair to say that you have contributed to the safe provision of patient care during the anaesthetic phase. Once again thank you all.

This society will keep you all fully posted and up to date as news breaks so watch our web site for more information. Once the HTP is finalised and endorsed the Society will continue its push to have the new Diploma named as the following, 'Diploma – Anaesthesia Paramedical Sciences'.

New Representative on Standards Australia.
 The Society is pleased to announce that it has appointed Mr Henry Krause from the Royal Childrens Hospital – Melbourne as its Representative to Standards Australia. I would like to thank Mr John Byrne for holding office for the past 12 months.


Events 2002
Look no Further for Education

Sydney Meeting 2002.
ASAT in conjunction with Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers [NSW] is pleased to announce that registration documents are now available for is 6th Annual Conference and Scientific Exhibition at the All Seasons Premier Menzies Hotel in Sydney from the 14th to 16th November 2002. An extremely varied range of topics will be presented at this meeting and I invite you all to attend.

To book or obtain your registration brochures you do any of the following:
Contact your Regional Association.
Contact Adrian Sage Conference Convenor at asatnsw@anae.rpa.cs.nsw.gov.au
For exhibition inquires contact Nicholas Arnold at nicholas.arnold@email.cs.nsw.gov.au


The registration fees are very well priced and the venue is outstanding. This year the Society has introduced credit card payments to make your transactions easier. I look forward to seeing you all in Sydney in November.

Don't forget your submission for the Alison Holloway Award, go to www.asat.cc for details NOW.


ASAT Calendar of Events 2002-2006
The Society is pleased to publish the following Calendar of Events for Meetings and Conferences within the Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers:

ASAT Conferences
  • 2002 Sydney, Australia November 14th to 16th.
  • 2003 Queensland, Australia October/November
  • 2004 Perth, Australia October/November
  • 2005 New Zealand October/November
  • 2006 Melbourne, Australia October/November


World Conferences
  • 2003 1st World Congress of Operating Theatre Practitioners and Technologists, United Kingdom, 28th to 30th August 2003

Should you wish to add an event to this Calendar please contact the Society at:
SECRETARY ASAT
PO Box 8155
Woolloongabba,
Queensland, 4102
Or watch our website at
www.asat.cc

World Congress Washington September 2002- Postponed.
An event that was scheduled in the near future is the 1st World Conference for anaesthetic and operating room technologists and practitioners. This had been scheduled for Washington DC, USA in September 2002. Unfortunately due to the close time proximity to the September 11th tragedy this meeting has been postponed until next year. This Society continues to fully support this conference and indeed the concept of bringing the world of operating room technicians, technologists and practitioners together for a common meeting.

It gives me pleasure to announce that this meeting has now been scheduled for the United Kingdom. The official dates for this meeting is the 28th to 30th August 2003. Please watch this space for more details.

ASAT Change of Name
The Australasian Society of Anaesthesia Paramedical Officers.
The postal votes have been distributed to all members and returned. The Society is now required to bring these results to an Annual General Meeting of the Society where all members present will be informed of the results. Please be advised that a change of name is essential and the selection of the name was for the following reasons:

This name reflects the new Diploma we are seeking endorsement for. The term Anaesthesia reflects the specialised area in which we work in and is definitive in discerning areas relative to pre hospital care and ambulance work, Paramedical reflects that we are multi disciplinary as we can either be a technician or an assistant. Officers is suitable as well as it stays away from stating that you are a technician/assistant/nurse it is non discriminatory or gender specific. Also across Australia many unions use the term Officer for example in WA the Hospital Salaried Officers Association and in NSW and Qld your current title can be Technical Officer or you specific callings are in the Technical Officers stream. This way there would no confusion and no major shift in terminology to keep you supported by the Union should you be a member in your State. It is extremely important that you respond in the pre paid postal envelopes upon receipt of this voting form. There are no other names that are suitable to reflect your diverse and important role as the assistant to the Anaesthetists. It is time to settle this issue for once and for all.

In the mean time the society would like to clarify that membership to this society and indeed our regional associations is open to any person either technical or nursing who holds a recognised qualification. Just because the name of the society says Anaesthesia Technician it does not exclude you from membership if you hold a recognised qualification. This society and its educational benefits are open to all 'Assistants to the Anaesthetist'.

The results will be made available soon.

Regional - Change of Name
This society has entered into discussions with our regions to ask them to consider the changing of their relevant societies to draw further notice to the National nature of our profession. Several regions have undertaken postal votes or are about to do so to get membership support.

If successful the following changed names will happen. QSAT becomes ASAT (Qld), VSAT becomes ASAT (Vic), WASAT becomes ASAT (WA) [Inc} and after our meeting in Sydney we would ask ASAT (NSW) to become ASAT (NSW). What will the change of name mean well that's simple. A national association with similarly named regional groups, a definite reporting relationship, a sense of unity, the ability to award a national qualification, clarity in membership and many more benefits. It is hoped in the future to provide public liability and indemnity insurance through your membership also it will give a clear message here and overseas of a group of dedicated and aligned health care professionals.

Certification of Qualifications
The College of Anaesthetists has appointed a member of the College to develop guidelines in relation this certification. The College has agreed to work alongside ASAT to develop this. ASAT will keep you informed as this progresses. ASAT along with its regions will work together to develop these educational qualifications and indeed acceptable qualifications to be an "Assistant to the Anaesthetists" in accordance with the ANZ College of Anaesthetists Policy Document PS8 "Assistant to the Anaesthetists"..

Other developments have been the formation of one group in New Zealand called the NZ Association of Anaesthetic Technicians and Nurses [NZAAT & N]. As previously reported at our meeting in Melbourne we met with a delegation from this new group to ensure our close association with New Zealand continues. This meeting was successful and we look forward to working alongside the new Association. The team in New Zealand has introduced many new dynamic changes including a form of voluntary registration which can only be of benefit to the patient.

Call for Support from all Members
Voluntary Registration for Australia.
 The Society asks you keep watch on our web site www.asat.cc in the near future as the committee is putting the final touches to documentation calling on all anaesthesia technicians and assistants to VOLUNTARILY REGISTER WITH ASAT. These documents will ask you a wide range of qualification based questions. Once you obtain membership you will be entered onto the National Register, receive certification from the College of Anaesthetists and ASAT and be issued an annual practicing certificate.

There are of course fees attached to this process which is being discussed at the moment. We would ask all person entering from overseas to register with ASAT as well. This process will lead to and provide supporting evidence that more formal Regulation is appropriate. The Society continues to feel that formal regulation must be seriously considered in Australia due to events overseas. For example, New Zealand and the UK in which in the UK the National Health Service has asked all employers to ensure a practitioner is on the National Register of the AODP before allowing employment. This at this stage is voluntary Registration which is a prelude to formal Regulation.

If this occurs in the UK and New Zealand then we will be lacking behind the rest of the world. Do you want regulated health professionals entering Australia? Or more importantly your employment prospects overseas are now limited as would you employ some one whom is entering from an unregulated country. Anaesthetic technicians and assistants need to be regulated in their own right and not tied into another group. We must be independent but have a process of industry input eg ANZCA, ASA and Nursing professional groups. We need to work together with all to ensure the success of Regulation for the sake of patient safety and not any other agenda whatsoever. ASAT is willing to lead this country to a process of regulation of assistants and technicians. Are you ready for it? We will keep you informed about this as it progresses.

But please remember we do have different needs and educational requirements to Registered Nurses and must be Registered as a separate stand alone and independent profession.

We will continue to keep you informed on what is happening around Australia and New Zealand in the near future and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Sydney in November this year.

Chris Evans
Chairman
ASAT

For reports prior to this, please see the Reports Archive.
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