Tēnā koe Dr reader,
This newsletter covers College activities and decisions about training, recertification, and projects for the coming year.
  • AGM
  • The impact of the pandemic on training and Fellowship
  • Recertification
  • Clinic accreditation (UCS 2015)
  • Membership fee
  • Bootcamp
  • Research grant 2020
  • Covid-19 forum and updates

AGM

The College did not achieve a quorum for the AGM held on 28 March, and must organise another AGM as soon as practically possible. The Executive Committee (ExC) decided that we should wait a little longer before issuing another calling notice. Once the Covid-19 pandemic situation has settled, the ExC will announce the date we intend to hold the AGM.
  • Those currently on the ExC, including co-opted members, remain in post.
  • Convenors of subcommittees stay in post until the first ExC meeting after the next AGM.
  • Membership fees remain at the level previously agreed by members ($1070 excl GST).
  • The General Manager will seek an extension from Societies’ House.
  • Motions and nominations for ExC positions for the March AGM will not be automatically carried over.
  • Once the date of the AGM is announced, we will re-open the period for nominations.

Training programme and Fellowship

The Board of Censors (BoC) and Education Committee (EdC) acknowledge that the Covid-19 pandemic will affect many registrars’ training progress.
  • RNZCUC will make allowances where a registrar’s training has been affected.
  • The EdC will allow additional time to complete the programme if progress has been affected.
  • The BoC may give special dispensation to complete minor components after Fellowship. Registrars need to apply for this dispensation and will require EdC approval.
RNZCUC has not yet decided whether to hold SDAW or UCPEX in 2020. We will continue to monitor and review the situation and will update registrars once we have made decisions.
Trauma, PALS, and Communications courses are subject to external providers.
We recommend that registrars focus on those training programme components that can be completed at any response level. These include studying the UCC material, case studies, core skills sign off, university papers (distance learning), and medical literature project.
The GM is discussing the impact of delays on funding with HWNZ, with a request to transfer funds not spent as a result of the pandemic from 2020 to 2021. We will update you when we have more information.

Recertification

The Professional Standards Committee approved a one-year extension to all recertification activities, in line with the MCNZ statement.

Clinic accreditation

The Facility Audit Subcommittee (FAS) has previously indicated that requirements for clinic audits (to comply with the UCS) will not be enforced for the period 1 March to 30 September 2020. The FAS recommend that if your clinic is quiet, it may be useful to get up-to-date on audits.
UCS 2015 resuscitation requirements (a current ACLS certificate) for doctors are deferred for one year (in line with MCNZ and PSC statements), and until at least 30 September 2020 for nurses working in UCC.

Membership fee

We’re preparing membership invoices and should have them sent to you this week. Payment options include credit card and direct credit to our bank account. We are aware that a few members are experiencing reduced hours or cancelled contracts. In some circumstances, we can allow alternative payment plans. Please contact the GM (adrian@rnzcuc.org.nz) to arrange this.

Webinar Boot Camp

Guy Melrose has proposed a revised plan for the Bootcamp, taking into account the current situation. The ExC decided to wait until things have settled, and we have confidence that speakers and an audience will be available. Again, we will continue to monitor and review the situation and will announce the dates as soon as we can.

Research grant 2020

RNZCUC annually allocates up to $10,000 for research. Members may apply for funding for original research that supports the College strategic objectives of promoting best practice and quality care, advancing the understanding of urgent care, or consolidating the scope of urgent care.
Those interested in applying for the grant should email the GM (adrian@rnzcuc.org.nz) for further details. The Executive Committee decides on the allocation of funds at their next meeting (July).

Covid-19 information

The Pandemic Response Committee regularly sends updates by email (from covid-19@rnzcuc.org.nz). We send them to clinics and members, to the email you’ve provided the College. If you are not receiving them, please check your spam folder and if they are not there email admin@rnzcuc.org.nz so we can resolve the problem. You can access past emails through the website.
There is a College forum for pandemic-related information and discussion. You will need to log in to post.
Nga mihi,
Adrian Metcalfe
General Manager
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