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GP Synergy Annual Report 2012-2013
GP SynergyAnnual Report 2012-2013
In line with agreements made by the GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee, in this report the term ‘Aboriginal health’ has been used to convey the same meaning as ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander’ health.
About usHighlights of 2012-2013Chair’s reportCEO’s reportDirector of Training’s reportDirector of Prevocational Education & Training’s reportGovernanceOur boardOur peopleOur training practicesOur registrarsOur prevocational doctorsAboriginal healthExpanding the GP professionFinancial reports
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Contents
GP Synergy is a leading Regional Training Provider (RTP), delivering four prevocational and vocational training programs:
GP Synergy was formed in 2009 with the merger of RTPs - the Sydney Institute of General Practice Education and Training (SIGPET), and New England Area Training Services (NEATS).
In January 2010, a further amalgamation occurred with the RTP – the Institute of General Practice Education and Training (IGPE).
The result has been the creation of the second largest training provider in Australia offering doctors a diverse range of rural and urban general practice training experiences.
The GP Synergy training footprint is extensive and diverse.
We provide prevocational and vocational GP training across Sydney and northwestern NSW.
Sydney
GP Synergy’s urban training footprint stretches across Sydney from Brooklyn and Hornsby in the north down beyond Campbelltown, Camden and Picton in the south. It includes the northern and southern coastal areas from the Northern Beaches to the Sutherland Shire. From the east coast our region extends west across central and inner western Sydney, through Bankstown, Liverpool and Fairfield local government areas.
New England/Northwest NSW
GP Synergy’s rural training region is located inthe New England/Northwest region of NSW.
Larger than Tasmania in size, the region includes major regional centres such as Tamworth and Armidale, and more rural and remote townships such as Moree, Inverell and Gunnedah.
In the delivery of high quality education and training to our vocational and prevocational doctors, we work closely with a wide range of stakeholders within our training footprint.
We maintain strong relationships with the two colleges of general practice – the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) – to deliver education programs aligned to the college curriculums.
We work closely with hospitals located in the 10 tertiary hospital networks in our footprint, in the delivery of the PGPPP program and promotion of the general practice profession.
Our relationships with the five universities in our boundaries continue to go from strength to strength, as we work together on research initiatives and scholarship programs.
We continue to build strong ties with numerous Medical Locals and Divisions of General Practice across our regions, and support registrar and supervisor advocacy groups.
Our mission: ‘To train highly skilled medical practitioners contributing to healthier communities’
Our organisation Our training regions Our stakeholders
The Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) programThe Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP)The Rural Generalist (RG) programThe Overseas Trained Doctor Network (OTDNET)
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About us
GP Synergy del ivers
New England/Northwest
Syd
ney - Central and South/Southw
est
4 training programs across 2 training regions
and 80 prevocational doctors
to over 450 GP registrars
supported by 202 training practices
with the expertise of 400 supervisors and
150 practice managers making GP Synergy
the 2nd largest RTP in Australia
About us
67Registrars
NewStrategic
fel lowed directions
NewTerm placement
process
During the 2012-2013 financial year 67 GP Synergy registrars successfully achieved their fellowship.
This included 57 general pathway registrars and 10 rural pathway registrars.
A new strategic plan was developed and endorsed to lead the organisation forward in 2013.
The plan centres around four key strategic directions:
A workplace that supports and trains all staff to reach their full potential in support of our doctors and stakeholders.Individualised support for all learners and stakeholders.A system that identifies and uses innovation.Commitment to facilitating excellent medical education with contemporary modes of delivery.
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In the 2012-2013 financial year a new process for placing GP registrars into community GP term placements was implemented.
The new system represented a move away from the direct allocation method to a more flexible and ‘free market’ style approach.
The term placement process was remodelled to:
The new system has been rigorously evaluated and has been successful in meeting all of the above objectives.
Fellowship achievements New strategic plan New term placementprocess implemented
respond to a call for more flexibility and choice in securing training placements
improve the distribution of registrars across all geographic locations
enable new entrants (practices and supervisors) into GP training program
hand back control and provide the necessary supports and direction.
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Highlights of 2012-2013
AboriginalHealth training
157Educational
developments sessions del ivered
Academicresearch
In collaboration with several stakeholders and groups including the Aboriginal & Torres Strait islander Committee, General Practice Education & Training (GPET) Ltd, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), during the 2012-2013 financial year we have achieved several significant developments in the area of Aboriginal health training including the:
GP Synergy is renowned for excellence in education delivery.
During 2012-2013 our team of highly skilled and experienced medical educators coordinated and delivered over 150 educational events and activities to prevocational doctors, GP registrars, GP supervisors and practice managers.
GP Synergy is an advocate for general practice research and sharing learned knowledge within the GP training community.
During the 2012-2013 financial year GP Synergy staff presented at several conferences and conventions including:
Presentations covered a range of different topics and areas such as:
Academic representation& research
Aboriginal healthtraining developments
Educational eventsand activities
GPET 2012 ConferenceGP12 RACGP ConferenceRural Medicine 2012 Conference
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Aboriginal healthCritical incidentsInformation technologyMultidisciplinary case managementConsultation methodsSupervisionSocial media
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successful pilot of the remote supervision model for rural Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) facilitiesAcquisition of videoconferencing and cameras for AMS training facilities
development of a GP Synergy Reconciliation Action Plan
appointment of a collaboratively NSW RTP funded position at the Aboriginal Health Medical Research Council (AHMRC).
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Highlights of 2012-2013
To provide high quality general practice education and training
To build capacity by supporting and developing quality teaching environments centred on general practice
To promote the privileges, responsibilities and diverse career opportunities of general practice
To develop internal processes and resources to ensure that the organisation learns and grows.
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A workplace that supports and trains all staff to reach their full potential in support of our doctors and stakeholders
Individualised support for all learners and stakeholders
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A system that identifies and uses innovation
Committed to facilitating excellent medical education with contemporary modes of delivery.
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To train highly skilled medical
practitioners contributing to
healthier communities
Committed to faci l i tat ing excel lent medical education with contemporary modes of del ivery
A workplace that supports and trains al l staff to reach their ful l potential in support of
our doctors and stakeholders
A system that identi f ies and uses innovetion
Individual ised support for al l learners and
stakeholders
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Organisation culture
Strategic direction
It is once again a pleasure to be given this opportunity to share with you some of the achievements and ongoing opportunities that have been part of the 2012-2013 year for GP Synergy.
The GP Synergy board is made up of highly skilled directors who have all been focused on achieving our mission: To train highly skilled medical practitioners contributing to healthier communities.
In March 2013 a strategic plan was developed that articulated the following corporate vision:
We committed to four strategic directions that were to guide GP Synergy's operations into the future:
2014 will see us rolling out education to our largest ever cohort of GP
registrars and PGPPP doctors as well as supporting an ever growing cohort
of talented GP supervisors and practice managers.
Dr Charlotte HespeChair
Chair’s report
It has been fantastic seeing the commitment of the staff in ensuring this strategic direction is achieved in all the work that they do.
In particular this is reflected in the development of GP Synergy staff culture videos.
We have also been working particularly hard on the new IT face to GP Synergy and look forward to the launch of GPRime2 in February 2014! This will see the start of us having access to a system that applauds innovation and provides access for all our stakeholders to contemporary modes of education delivery.
2014 will see us rolling out education to our largest ever cohort of GP registrars and PGPPP doctors as well as supporting an ever growing cohort of talented GP supervisors and practice managers.
We look forward to working and innovating with you all.
Principally, our strategic objectives are aimed at a deeper understanding of
the needs of junior doctors, registrars, supervisors, practice managers and
staff, as they relate to the business of GP Synergy.
John OldfieldChief Executive Officer
2012-2013 was a busy and rewarding year. There were a number of strategicdevelopments in key areas of the business.
In the 2012-2013 financial year we made significant changes to the way training practices and GP supervisors are accredited. We also changed the way in which registrars secure training placements under a revised regional distribution model.
This review was holistic and informed by a variety of contributing factors including: calls from registrars and training practices for more control in the allocations process; the need for a more robust distribution model to ensure training placements occur in areas where shortfalls were cited; and to develop training capacities that will meet the continued growth in the training program.
These changes took effect from the first term in January 2013 and are proving to be highly effective. Our rural areas are nearing capacity and the southwest of Sydney,which was previously struggling to attract placements, is now well supported with approximately 95% of accredited training practices engaged in various levels of training activity. This increase is approximately double that of the prior training periods and this was a particularly important objective of the program, amongst others. Despite a significant increase of 167% GPT1 and GPT2 training placement for the 2013 period, all positions were filled within eight weeks of the placement program opening. Considering the significance of these changes and the volume of training activity the transition has been quite smooth.
Our feedback surveys indicate the most positive outcomes for GP registrars are the considerably more choice and flexibility in the placement process. This experience is similar for many of our training practices and satisfaction with the new processes has increased overall. Yet, feedback indicates a diverse experience for training practices and supervisors. We will continue to monitor and adjust these processes over time to ensure the programs meet their stated aims.
I would like to thank our registrars, supervisors, practice managers and staff for their perseverance and cooperation during this period of change.
This year the GP Synergy board and management worked to together to develop a new strategic plan that is succinct and aimed at developing our desired culture that will best deliver on our mission: ‘to train highly skilled medical practitioners contributing to healthier communities’.
Principally, our strategic objectives are aimed at a deeper understanding of the needs of junior doctors, registrars, supervisors, practice managers and staff, as they relate to the business of GP Synergy. Improved knowledge-sharing of this type of information will inform our staff in the ongoing design and delivery of our programs,service and support.
We aim to use technologies such as videoconferencing, webcasting and other modes of education delivery in ways that are more tailored to the needs of the individual. I am grateful to our board of directors who work so well with management to bring about some significant changes in the way we do business, both now and into the future. Our directors are highly skilled and respected in their roles. They do their best to ensure GP Synergy remains innovative, well-resourced and on a sound strategic path.
We have restructured some aspects of our operations to meet our aims. For example this year we changed the nature of the supervisor’s liaison officer role, traditionally held by a part time GP supervisor, now under the full-time management of Mr Ralph Belshaw, titled ‘Practice Liaison’. After investigation it became clear that the role should provide full time support and continuity for both practice managers and supervisors. Ralph has a deep understanding about GP Synergy’s business and the general practice training environment and is conversant with the needs for supervisors and practice managers.
The interest of supervisors and practice managers are well represented in industry forum. Our operational processes have been modified to enhance support for supervisors and practice managers through accreditation processes, induction and ongoing professional development.
We have committed further support to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives. Under the leadership of Val Dahlstrom, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee remains very active. Lucy Adams joins with Val from the Moree office to provide administrative support in this important area as we roll out strategic initiatives including inter-AMS telehealth and videoconferencing; practice manager training tailored to the community controlled environment and general practice training; and others.
We continue to develop our programs to support registrars towards fellowship of both the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
In closing I acknowledge the many staff, management and directors and who continue to contribute so much to general practice training,and to the success of our company. To all our training practice staff and supervisors, I thank you for your dedication to the training program and for working with GP Synergy. Our collective efforts ultimately serve our communities and it’s a privilege to be part of this very worthwhile program. I look forward to the coming year.
CEO’s report
Director of Training’s report
GP Synergy has delivered another successful year of GP training - a year
that saw us continue to strive for excellence as we provided even more
training terms, workshops, clinical teaching visits, conference presentations
and support for our GP registrars and supervisors.
During 2012/2013, the board endorsed a new strategic framework for the organisation and I have endeavoured to lead the education team in achieving key goals in all these areas.
A workplace that supports and trains all staff to reach their full potential in support of our doctors and stakeholders.
Our medical education team are highly qualified, motivated and passionate about the delivery of high quality GP education and training.
All members of the team have actively engaged in professional development activities across the year and I am proud to report that over 60% of team have attained a post graduate qualification relevant to medical education, with a number continuing to progress their qualifications even further. GP Synergy continues to strongly support the medical education team in gaining the qualifications and experience they need to achieve their goals.
Specifically this year Drs Anna Sallos and Maree Puxty achieved a Graduate Certificate in Education and Drs Carl Bezargy, Geetha Kunjithapatham, Jenny Lonergan, Kit Fonseka and Vanessa Moran achieved the Essential Skills in Medical Education Certificate.
Our medical education team continues to growand this year we welcomed the following newmembers: Dr Lisa Bron in New England/Northwest and Dr Jenny Nguyen-Lam in Sydney.
One can often measure success by the degree of interest from GP registrars in becoming medical educators, which is why I was very pleased this year to have had three GP registrar medical educators join the team: Drs Stefanie Gooden, Akanksha Chandra and Evan Oh. They have all contributed significantly not only to the implementation of the existing education program, but also in developing new ideas including the GP registrar mentor program and teaching modules in epidemiology. I hope as
they complete their GP training that their interest in medical education will continue into the future.
We continue to recognise the vital role that GP supervisors have in the delivery of a quality training program and high priority is given to supporting GP supervisors in improving their skills in supervision and teaching. This year has seen the launch of a re-developed supervisor professional development program that has a defined curriculum framework and offers flexible, high quality training opportunities for GP supervisors.
The ongoing development and implementation of a quality improvement cycle for training practice accreditation and implementation of the new RACGP vocational training standards, a key goal for next year, will further strengthen the support for our training practices and the supervision team.
Individualised support for all learners and stakeholders.
In spite of our large training cohort, GP Synergy has always strived to provide a personal approach to all those who engage with us through the many programs that we deliver, this includes the AGPT, PGPPP, OTDNET and rural procedural and generalist training programs and 2013 was no exception. Through the medical educators, training coordinators, practice liaison team and special programs manager we have been able to provide support that addresses the individual’s particular needs.
Our success in achieving this objective continues to be reflected in the very positive feedback that we have received and the high satisfaction ratings from our GP registrars, supervisors and PGPPP participants. Our successful collaboration and engagement with NSW Health and other key stakeholders, in the implementation of the rural generalist and procedural programs has seen many significant achievements in these programs over the year that will no doubt continue to strengthen in the
year to come, and deliver much needed procedurally skilled GPs to our rural areas.
A system that identifies and uses innovation
Keeping abreast of new and emerging educational concepts and technologies requires a commitment to engaging in research based activities and fostering a research culture throughout the organisation. The medical education team receives strong support from GP Synergy to achieve this objective.
This year saw a larger than ever GP Synergy presence at the GPET Convention; we were represented by a strong delegation of GP registrars, supervisors, medical educators and administrative staff. Overall we were involved in 13 abstract presentations and the delivery of four workshops. In addition Dr Vanessa Moran continued to share her expertise in the use of social media in medical education, presenting at both the RACGP & ACRRM conferences this year.
Our commitment to fostering and growing a research culture was further strengthened this year through the successful launch of the medical student scholarship program which has enabled us to support 10 medical students from the five universities in our region to complete a research project. The growing interest in and positive feedback from this scholarship program will undoubtedly see it continue to thrive.
Committed to facilitating excellent medical education with contemporary modes of delivery
GP Synergy has long been recognised for the quality of its GP registrar and supervisor education programs. A commitment to excellence in medical education underpins the development and implementation of all our educational activities; this coupled with a strong evaluation and quality improvement processes enables us to continue to deliver on this goal.
Dr Rosa CanaleseDirector of Training
This year has seen a focus on new delivery methods and in particular the use of online and videoconferencing technologies. These have been successfully integrated into the delivery of the PGPPP education program and hopefully next year will expand into both the GP registrar and supervisor programs.
Additionally we have been redeveloping the formative assessment processes that guide GP registrars as they progress through training. Next year will see the implementation of a new tool that will enable us to deliver a more valid and reliable assessment process.
As I reflect back on the activities of the last 12 months, I am always amazed by how much we manage to achieve in a year; I trust that the year to come will bring many new challenges that will result in just as many achievements.
Dr Graham LeeDirector of Prevocational Education and Training
In 2013, GP Synergy continued to deliver one of the largest PGPPP
programs in Australia, supporting all of GP Synergy’s training regions, and
prevocational doctors from10 hospital networks.
Director of PrevocationalEducation & Training’s report
I am pleased to report that during 2012/2013, GP Synergy successfully completed and attained full three year unconditional accreditation with HETI (Health Education and Training Institute) NSW. I would like to congratulate all GP Synergy staff for making this possible, and extend a special thank you to our training practices and network hospitals for their valuable feedback during the accreditation visits. I am also pleased to report that 100% of our training practices submitted for HETI accreditation/reaccreditation were successful.
Despite last minute cuts in Commonwealth funding, GP Synergy has successfully delivered placement numbers in excess of our allocation by General Practice Education Training (GPET) Ltd. Total yearly PGPPP junior doctor participants have continued to rise from 45 in 2011, to 64 in 2012, and 80 are expected to complete in 2013. Unfortunately due to further Commonwealth funding cuts, it is likely program numbers will reduce in 2014.
In 2013, our number of accredited prevocational general practices grew as we welcomed Yagoona Medical Centre, Powell Street Medical Centre, The Village Medical Centre, Campsie Family Medical Practice and Family Health Care Roselands to the program.
The PGPPP team would like to remember Dr Ray Seidler who passed away suddenly this year. Ray was an enthusiastic PGPPP supervisor at Kings Cross Traveller’s Clinic. His passing is a great loss to the general practice community, and his significant contribution to junior medical officer training will be sorely missed.
In 2013, PGPPP junior medical officer learning has been expanded to include blended learning through six online modules. Evaluations have been very positive to date, and we are planning to expand topics covered in 2014. In-practice teaching continues to be well attended, and participation in our case presentation workshops delivered via videoconference have been robust.
All our education activities are adding to the reputation that PGPPP is an excellent educational term.
2013 has seen GP Synergy place PGY1 (Interns) for the first time in our PGPPP placements. This has been very successful to date, and we look forward to provide more intern placements in the future. It has also been pleasing to see former GP Synergy PGPPP doctors return to us as registrars in both our general and rural training pathways.
PGPPP staffing remains unchanged, and we welcome Jani Mal back from maternity leave, as well as thanking Jennifer Wilkinson for her time with us as maternity leave cover.
We look forward to continuing developing PGPPP and the vital role it plays in junior medical officer training.
Governance
Members
During 2012-2013 members of GP Synergyconsisted of:
Australian College of Rural and Remote MedicineBankstown General Practice Division IncBarwon Division of General PracticeCentral Sydney General Practice NetworkGeneral Practice Registrars AustraliaGP Network NorthsideInner West Sydney Medicare Local LtdManly Warringah Division of General PracticeNational GP Supervisor AssociationNew England Division of General PracticeNorth West Slopes Division of General PracticeNorthern Sydney Medicare LocalRACGP - NSW & ACT FacultySouth Eastern Sydney Division of General PracticeSouth Eastern Sydney Medicare Local LtdSouth Western Sydney Medicare LocalSt George District Division of General PracticeSutherland Division of General PracticeSydney North Shore and Beaches Medicare LocalSydney South West GP Link LimitedUniversity of New South WalesUniversity of Notre Dame AustraliaUniversity of SydneyUniversity of Western Sydney, School of Medicine
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GP Synergy Limited is a public company limited by guarantee not having share capital and was incorporated under the Corporations Act 2001 (New South Wales) on 27 December 2001 under the name of Sydney Institute of General Practice Education and Training Limited.
Member organisations may nominate a person to serve as a director on GP Synergy’s board subject to successful election at the respective annual general meeting. Nominations open annually in preparation for elections which are generally held late October each year.
The GP Synergy’s board may consist of nine member elected directors, with each director requiring to retire after three year’s tenure
24 July 20122 November 2012
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changes to the GP Synergy registrar term placement process and outcomes for each regional nodeincreasing Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) placeschanges in funding to the Prevocational General Practice Placement Program (PGPPP)corporate membershipworkforce planning.
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Nominations Committee
Purpose
The role of the Nominations and Constitutional Review Committee is to assist the board with effective discharge of its responsibilities to establish and maintain the nominations and elections processes under the provisions of the company constitution.
The committee is required to review and make recommendations about constitutional matters and oversee the drafting of constitutional amendments as appropriate. The committee also oversees awards programs of GP Synergy.
Members
Dates met
Regional Advisory Forums
Purpose
The role of the Nominations and Constitutional Review Committee is to assist the board with effective discharge of its responsibilities to establish and maintain the nominations and elections processes under the provisions of the company constitution.
The committee is required to review and make recommendations about constitutional matters and oversee the drafting of constitutional amendments as appropriate. The committee also oversees awards programs of GP Synergy.
Members
Members include representatives from member organisations located within, or spanning across, each respective node including such as universities, Divisions of General Practice/Medicare Locals, National GP Supervisor Association (NGPSA), GP Registrars Association (GPRA), the GP Synergy registrar liaison officer and CEO.
Dates met
RAFs for each node were held on 18 June 2013.
Areas of focus
Key areas of focus for all RAFs included:
Other areas of focus included registrar induction (South/Southwest) and the Rural Generalist program and registrar networking activity (New England/Northwest).
A/Prof Michelle Guppy (Chair)Dr Charlotte HespeDr Ian KamermanDr Jacqueline Korner
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Board committees
Advisory committees
Finance and Audit Committee
Purpose
The committee is responsible for reviewing the integrity of financial reporting and overseeing the independence of auditors. It primarily focuses on major judgmental areas; significant adjustments, accounting and financial reporting issues and legal requirements resulting from the audit; compliance with accounting policies and standards, and legal requirements; and analysis of the company’s financial performance.
Members
Dates met
The Finance and Audit Committee meets monthly.
Finance and Audit CommitteeNominations Committee
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Education CommitteeAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander CommitteeRegional Advisory Forum – Sydney CentralRegional Advisory Forum – Sydney South/SouthwestRegional Advisory Forum – New England/Northwest
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Lyn Fragar (Chair) Dr Narelle Shadbolt Dr Jacqueline KornerDr Charlotte HespeDr Jeremy Keh
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Board and advisory committees
Education Committee
Purpose
The Education Committee is a sub-committee of the GP Synergy board. Its role is to develop and oversee the implementation, delivery and evaluation of GP Synergy’s education and training activities, and to develop guidelines for, and oversee the implementation of, research activities in relevant medical education and clinical areas by GP Synergy.
Members
Membership includes people from a broad range of medical education expertise and backgrounds, including at least two board members, one of which is appointed by the board to be chair of the committee.
The CEO, DoT, medical educators and other staff (by delegation of management) are also members of the committee.The committee also includes registrar and supervisor representatives.
Appointment to the committee is for a term of two years, and may be renewed. During the 2012-2013 financial year the chairperson was Dr Siaw-Teng Liaw.
Dates met
Under the leadership of Rosa Canalese (DoT) and John Oldfield (CEO), during the 2012-2013 financial year the education strategy and activities in GP Synergy have settled and are making steady progress towards achieving GP Synergy’s mission of good practice, innovation and leadership in medical education.
Good practice
The Medical Education (ME) team is mostly finalised and working harmoniously to deliver vocational training to registrars from the Moree, Liverpool and Chippendale offices. Some developments include:
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Innovation and leadership
The consolidation of the comprehensive evaluation processes and documentation from a range of sources will enable the systematic collection and management of data for quality improvement. This will build up the evidence to support and improve the GP Synergy training and support program. This will enable publications in learned education journals to enhance the profile of GP Synergy as a leader in general practice vocational training. Good evaluation information systems will also enable the development, implementation and monitoring of proposed developments of vertically integrated and Aboriginal health education strategies. However, much still need to be done to improve GP Synergy’s engagement with universities and the Aboriginal communities to achieve these aims.
Last but not least, thanks to all the members of the Education Committee for their active participation and contributions face-to-face or over the ether and the administrative staff who provided secretariat support for the committee.
The GP Synergy quality framework;Establishment of the two-stage selection process for GP registrar training with a focus on registrar choiceAppointment of an administrative Supervisor Liaison Officer (SLO);Maintenance of the Prevocational GP Placement Program (PGPPP), which is evolving into a sustainable programThe establishment of a model of remote supervision of registrars in rural and remote Aboriginal Medical Services in liaison with the Aboriginal Health Education Committee, chaired by Val Dahlstrom,Development of guiding principles documenting the governance structure and protocols for the ethical evaluation of the GP Synergy education and training programsDevelopment of guidelines for the implementation and oversight of research activities in relevant medical education and clinical areas by GP SynergyPreliminary studies into Aboriginal health education and vertically integrated teaching Progression of an Alumnus network.
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Board and advisory committees
Areas of focus – by Chair, Dr Siaw-Teng Liaw
By default, all Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) that come within the geographical boundary of GP Synergy, that have an operational structure and provide health delivery services (with the exception of an ACCHS that elects to opt out)GP Synergy board directorGP Synergy CEOGP Synergy DoT and / or an educator with expertise in Aboriginal health education and trainingAn Aboriginal GP registrar, or if unavailable, a GP registrar who is trained in Aboriginal healthA representative of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC)Other properly constituted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that apply in writing and are accepted by resolution of the committeeThe GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee
Purpose
The role of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee is to consider the development and delivery of effective education for GP registrars in the area of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health within the Framework for General Practice Training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.
Members
Members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee include:
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During 2012-2013 the Aboriginal Health Committee oversaw a number of significant developments:
Areas of focus – by Chair, Ms Val Dahlstrom
Remote supervision model: In the second half of 2012 the first training terms for GP registrars under the remote supervision models at Pius X AMS in Moree and Armajun AMS in Inverell commenced. Both registrars were well accepted by the community and satisfied with the supervision arrangement. The success of the placements has continued into 2013.Reconciliation Action Plan: The Aboriginal Health Committee were instrumental in the development of GP Synergy’s Reconciliation Action Plan which received board approval in September 2012. This plan will guide GP Synergy’s efforts in Aboriginal Health for the future.Aboriginal Health Training Framework: The committee continues to work closely with GP Synergy’s medical education team in the development and implementation of an Aboriginal Health Training Framework.AHMRC Liaison Officer: In 2013 the committee endorsed the recruitment of a liaison officer at the AHMRC in collaboration with other NSW Regional Training Providers under a shared funding agreement.GP Synergy AMS Liaison Officer appointment: In 2013 the committee endorsed the appointment of GP Synergy staff member, Lucy Adams, to take up the role of AMS Liaison Officer, to assist AMS facilities in the registrar placement process.
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Dates met
As part of the attempts to make the committee more accessible to the AMS, GP Synergy CEO John Oldfield undertook several visits to AMS facilities in the region. This included visits to non-training facilities in more remote locations such as Quirindi, Mungindi and Toomelah, as well as more accessible facilities in Tamworth, Moree and Armidale. This knowledge has made the services that we provide a lot more acceptable and geared to the needs of the communities.
Cultural awareness survey: To explore the level of knowledge amongst GP Synergy supervisors regarding cultural awareness training, a survey was distributed to all GP Synergy supervisors in June 2013.Videoconference equipment: Funding was obtained by the committee and CEO Mr John Oldfield to install videoconferencing equipment including Pixavi cameras in all GP Synergy AMS facilities.
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Board and advisory committees
During 2012-2013 the committee chairperson was GP Synergy Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer, Ms Val Dahlstrom.
Dr Charlotte Hespe - ChairMBBS (Hons) (Syd), DCH (Lon), FRACGP, FAICD, GCUT (UNDA)27 December 2011 – present
Dr Charlotte Hespe is chair of the GP Synergy board and former chair of SIGPET.
A practising GP, Charlotte supervises GP registrars and teaches medical students within her group family medical practice in Glebe. She is actively involved with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and is currently deputy chair of the Executive Council of the NSW/ACT RACGP Faculty. She was the national coordinator for the RACGP clinical exam and on the Board of Assessment from 2004-2011.
She is currently co-head of general practice and primary care research for the Notre Dame Post-Graduate Medical Program in Sydney.
Charlotte is also chair of the Inner Western Sydney Medical Local board and a director for GP NSW and the Asthma Foundation NSW (Asthma Australia).
Charlotte has been a board director since SIGPET’s conception in 2001.
Assoc Prof Lyn Fragar AOMBBS (USYD), DTM&H (USYD), MPH (USYD), Dip Ag Ec (UNE), FAFPHM, Grad Dip Ornithology (CSU)2 January 2009 – present
A/Prof Lyn Fragar is the chair of the Hunter New England Local Health District board. She is a senior researcher with the Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety - a research centre of the University of Sydney based Moree in northwestern NSW.
Lyn has previously been employed as the area medical superintendent overseeing six hospitals in the northwest region. She has also spent nine years working in Papua New Guinea - initially as a medical officer, then as a provincial health officer.
In 2002 she was awarded the Order of Australia for pioneering service to rural health care and farm safety issues in Australia. Lyn’s other achievements include being awarded the Rotary International Award for Vocational Excellence in 2002, the Australian Medical Association award for ‘The best individual contribution to health care in Australia in 1999’, the Lou Ariotti Award for Excellence in Innovative Rural Health Research in 1996, and the Australian Hospital Association National Outreach Award in 1987.
Assoc Prof Michelle GuppyMBBS, FRACGP, MPH2 January 2009 - present
Dr Michelle Guppy is an associate professor of general practice at the School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, and conjoint with the University of Newcastle.
Michelle is a practising GP in Armidale. She has been involved in rural undergraduate medical education in Armidale since 2003, and prior to this, at the University of Queensland in Brisbane.
Dr Ian KamermanMBBS, FACRRM, FRACGP, DRANZCOG, DA, ACCAM, Dip CD, SFCD28 October 2011 - present
Dr Ian Kamerman has been a rural GP trainer for over 10 years. He is an enthusiastic trainer with an interest in training within a ‘patient centred medical home’ model and addiction medicine.He is a director of GP Synergy and the National GP Supervisors Association; a member of the board of Hunter New England Local Health District; andVice President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.
Ian is currently chair of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s (ACRRM) Professional Development Committee and NSW PESCI panel.
Dr Jeremy Keh BMedSc (Hons), MBBS, DCH, FRACGP8 November 2011 - present
Dr Jeremy Keh is the General Practice Registrar Association (GPRA) nominee on the GP Synergy board. A recent successful graduate of the RACGP, Jeremy undertook his registrar training through GP Synergy. He graduated from the University of Queensland in 2007, following which he did his junior medical training at Liverpool Hospital, where he was the Resident Medical Officer Association president.
Jeremy has a keen interest in Paediatrics and has successfully completed the Diploma in Child Health.
From left: Dr Charlotte Hespe, A/Prof Lyn Fragar AO, A/Prof Michelle Guppy, Dr Ian Kamerman and Dr Jeremy Keh
Our board
Dr Jacqueline KornerMBBS, DRCOG, MRCGP28 February 2007 - present
Dr Jacqueline Korner is the GeneralPractice National GP SupervisorAssociation nominee on the GPSynergy board.
Jacqueline is a long standing practice principal at a general practice in Summer Hill. She is a supervisor for GP Synergy and is also involved in teaching medical students.
Prof Siaw-Teng LiawMB BS, Dip Obst, GAICD, PhD, FRACGP, FACHI1 January 2010 – present
Dr Liaw is a professor of general practice at UNSW and director of the Academic General Practice Unit, based at Fairfield Hospital in Sydney.
He is a practising GP with extensive experience in using mixed methods research in multicultural settings with a focus on translational and health services research.
Teng has a long-standing interest in the health of Indigenous peoples. He is a chief investigator in the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in eHealth and the APHCRI Centre of Research Excellence in Obesity in Primary Health Care. He is a director of the UNSW Research Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity as well as a member of the management committee of the UNSW Asia-Pacific Research Centre for ubiquitous healthcare.
He is a member of the NSW Health Acute Care Taskforce and the Sydney Integrated Clinical Training Network Advisory Committee.
Teng chairs the RACGP National Research and Evaluation Ethics Committee. Internationally, he is an elected Fellow of the American College of Medical Informatics, a member of the American Medical Informatics Association International and Ethics Committees, and a member of the International Medical Informatics Association Academy Taskgroup.
Prof Jennifer ReathMB BS, Dip RACOG, FRACGP, MMed29 October 2010 – present
Jenny Reath is the Foundation Peter Brennan Chair of General Practice at the University of Western Sydney. For over 25 years she has worked in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health including as a GP in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in both urban and rural Australia. She is currently working part-time at the Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney.
Jenny has held a number of intersecting roles across general practice and Indigenous health. She is the deputy chair of the RACGPNational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Faculty and is a member of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council Human Research Ethics Committee, the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District Board, and the International Advisory Board of Patan Academy of Health Sciences in Nepal
Dr Narelle ShadboltMBBS, FRACGP, MFM (Monash)8 November 2011 - present
Dr Narelle Shadbolt is the nominee of the University of Sydney on the GP Synergy board.
She is a senior lecturer in general practice in the Discipline of General Practice; associate dean student support and head of the discipline of general practice northern for the Sydney Medical School; sub dean and director of the clinical school and Academic General Practice Unit at Hornsby Hospital; and is in clinical practice at the Hornsby Hospital General Practice Unit.
Narelle’s special area of interest is the health and well-being of doctors and students, medical education and clinical assessment in primary care.
Dr Aline SmithMBBS, FRACGP, Grad Cert University Teaching, Grad Dip MH, Dip ED shared care
Aline is a GP and principal owner of a multidisciplinary practice in inner western Sydney. She has extensive child health experience and is registered to provide shared antenatal care. She is committed to providing medical care to people with intellectual, physical and mental disabilities.
Aline is passionate about medical education. She is a GP supervisor of registrars and medical students. She has been a senior lecturer and PBL tutor at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) and since 2011, she continues as the MBBS Year One coordinator School of Medicine UNDA.
Aline is currently a board director for Central Sydney GP Network.
From left: Dr Jacqueline Korner, Prof Siaw-Teng Liaw, Prof Jennifer Reath, Dr Narelle Shadbolt and Dr Aline Smith.
Our board
OurpeopleGP Synergy is committed to developing a workplace that supports and trains all staff to reach their full potential in support of our doctors and stakeholders.
Drs Anna Sallos & Eszter Fenessy
GP Synergy Educators
GP Synergy employs over 40 staff across four regional offices.
We value and recognise the important contributions made by these staff, and encourage and support staff professional development opportunities in line with meeting our organisation’s goals.
Newly created positions
During the 2012-2013 financial year several new positions were created and staff employed.
Ms Nicky Doneva was employed in the role of HR Manager to establish a human resource management program for the organisation. This role is responsible for developing mechanisms for staff feedback and professional development, as well as policy and training development.
Mr Ralph Belshaw was appointed in the new Practice Liaison Officer position to provide support and advocacy to GP Synergy training practices, and help them navigate the complex training environment.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
GP Synergy is committed to supporting employees and promoting a safe and healthy workplace.
In April 2013, GP Synergy implemented the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide an external, professional and confidential counselling service to permanent and fixed contract employees and their immediate family members.
Staff climate survey
To assess the GP Synergy culture and staff satisfaction a staff climate survey was distributed to all staff in May 2013. The results were extremely positive and will be used to further develop and improve our internal processes to better meet the needs of our stakeholder groups.
Staff development and networkingTo promote networking, information sharing and professional development, GP Synergy holds bi-annual staff meetings where staff from all locations can come together.
Meetings held in 2012-2013 focused on customer service training, ACRRM program upskilling and GPET convention presentations.
Occupational Health & Safety
In line with our commitment to provide safe and healthy workplace environments, GP Synergy has established an Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Committee with nominated team members in each of our offices.
Committee members have received training in first aid and fire safety, and meet regularly to discuss OH&S issues with reporting direct to senior management.
Collaborative UNSW & GP Synergy position
GP Synergy has continued to support the collaborative two year joint lecturer position between GP Synergy and the UNSW School of Public Health and Community Medicine. The role involves teaching in both the undergraduate medical program at UNSW and vocational education at GP Synergy.
Dr Mounira Youseff joined the GP Synergy medical education team in this role in early 2013, replacing the previous incumbent, Dr Michael Tam.
As part of her role Mounira is undertaking a research project exploring international medical graduate’s experience of general practice training.
Dr Donna QuinnMedical Educator – Rural PathwayB.Med (Hons), FRACGP
Based in Glen Innes in northwest NSW, Donna is a practising part-time GP and a GP Synergy medical educator.
An experienced educator, Donna is also a part-time senior lecturer in the Joint Medical Program at the University of New England (UNE).
Having achieved her FRACGP within the New England/Northwest region, she is very familiar with the area - the practices, challenges and rewards of training in a rural setting.
OurtrainingpracticesGP training practices are special.
Working within these facilities are doctors and staff who dedicate time in their busy schedules to teach and educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Dr Damien BrayGP Synergy Supervisor
Dr Anna PhamGP Synergy general pathway supervisor
A former Institute of General Practice Education (IGPE) GP registrar, UNSW graduate Dr Anna Pham owns and operates her own practice in Sydney’s southwest in Picton.
Since establishing the practice in 2007, Anna has been heavily involved in general practice education and training; she is a conjoint lecturer with the University of Western Sydney, supervising 3rd and 5th year medical students; she has been an examiner for FRACGP; she is the former chair of the Universities Committee through South West Sydney Medicare Local; and she is a GP supervisor for GP registrars as well as prevocational doctors under the PGPPP program.
In addition to this, Anna is a board director for the Right Start Foundation – whose goal is to establish the first Down Syndrome Specific Health Centre in Australia.
Accredited training practices
GP training practices play a critical role in the delivery of the GP Synergy’s training programs. To ensure high standards of education and teaching and maintained, all practices are required to be accredited and participate in on-going professional development activities and feedback.
In 2013 GP Synergy accredited training facilities exceeded 200 in number, encompassing more than 400 supervisors and 188 practice managers.
Supervisor curriculum and professional development
GP Synergy continues to support GP supervisors develop their teaching and supervision skills with a comprehensive professional development program.
Professional development activities were run across our regions, including the popular professional development weekend held on the Central Coast of NSW.
In 2013, the GP Synergy supervisor curriculum framework was remodelled around four competency domain areas: clinical, educational, professional and ethical, and organisational.
The change in curriculum also enabled the redevelopment of the professional development activities and requirements for GP supervisors. More flexible methods for meeting professional development requirements were introduced, allowing supervisors to meet their requirements in a variety of different ways and according to their learning needs.
Practice support
To provide support and advocacy for training practices, in 2012 GP Synergy created a position dedicated to meet this need in the form of a practice liaison officer.
The appointment has been warmly received by both supervisors and practice managers.
Registrar in-practice satisfaction
Satisfaction by registrars regarding their in-practice experience has remained high. In the 2012 GPET commissioned study of community based GP registrars, 97% of respondents were satisfied or highly satisfied with the level of access to their supervisor, and 96% were satisfied or highly satisfied with the quality of teaching and advice provided.
Supervisor feedback survey
For the second year GP Synergy distributed an online survey to all supervisors requesting their feedback in areas such as communication, support, professional development. GPRime, and term allocation.
Overall the responses were very positive with notable improvements in supervisor’s satisfaction with GPRime, support and professional development. Satisfaction levels remained high for communication.
Satisfaction with the new term placement process was also measured, with the majority of supervisors (73%) satisfied with the new process.
Practice manager professional development
GP Synergy recognises that practice managers play an important role in a GP registrar and prevocational doctor’s training experience.
To support practice managers in their role GP Synergy ran several workshops across our regions on a variety of topics with an education program for practice managers to form a core component of GP Synergy’s future education delivery
Ourregistrars
We take our task of training the next generation of GPs very seriously; we are committed to the delivery of high quality education and training to develop confident and competent general practitioners for our communities.
GP Synergy registrars at the procedural skills
training day of the Fusion workshop
Dr Richard Loizou2012 Dr Jeremy BunkerOutstanding Achievement Award recipient
Richard is a Lieutenant-Commander Medical Officer in the Royal Australian Navy and is posted as the Officer-in-Charge of HMAS KUTTABUL Health Centre (KUTTHC) at Garden Island, Woolloomolloo. During his training he was called upon to provide primary healthcare at sea and deployed on active service in the Middle-East Area of Operations.
Richard was the first Navy RACGP Deployed Military Medicine Extended Skills term trainee and played an instrumental role in paving the way for future posts to be accredited for other ADF GP registrars.
Despite his hectic schedule Richard has been an inspiring advocate for the general practice profession. A medical student mentored by Richard said, “I feel privileged that I will be entering a workforce made up of individuals just like him. He left an indelible mark on my future, and I aspire to become the kind of doctor that he is.”
Photo: Dr Richard Loizou with GP Synergy Director of Training Dr Rosa Canalese
GP training places
GP Synergy remains one of Australia’s largest RTPs, with 365 registrars in training at the close of the financial year.
Training places in both pathways have continued to increase with an intake of 96 general pathway registrars and 26 rural pathway registrars in 2013.
Fellowship achievements
In 2012-2013 67 GP Synergy registrars successfully completed their training. This included 57 general pathway registrars and 10 rural pathway registrars.
GP registrar education program
Delivering a high quality, relevant and comprehensive education program continues to remain at the forefront of GP Synergy’s operations.
In 2012-2013 more than 80 educational activities were delivered by GP Synergy medical education staff for GP registrars across our regions.
Competency grid
To provide registrars with more comprehensive feedback during in-practice Clinical Teaching Visits (CTVs), the GP Synergy medical education team developed a new competency grid for use by clinical teacher visitors.
Launched in the first half of 2013 as a pilot, the grid has received strong support and will be used as a core tool in registrar performance assessment going forward.
Registrars as teachers program
To address an identified curriculum gap and foster GP registrars interest in teaching, in 2013 GP Synergy developed a ‘Registrars as teachers’ program.
This program helps registrars develop their teaching skills and is now a formal component of the GP registrar education program.
Language & communication skills workshops
For many GP registrars, English is not their first language.
To assist these registrars improve their communication skills a series of language skills workshops were trialled in Sydney and New England in the early part of 2013.
Dr Jeremy Bunker Award for Outstanding Achievement
In December 2012 GP Synergy was delighted to award the Dr Jeremy Bunker Award for Outstanding Achievement to recently completed registrar, Dr Richard Loizou for his leadership in advancing training opportunities for Australian Defence Force registrars and advocacy of the general practice profession.
GP registrar appointments
GP Synergy has been a leader in the promotion of medical education through our development and support of Registrar Medical Educator (RegME) positions.
In 2012-2013 RegME positions position were held by rural pathway GP registrars Drs Jenny Morrison and Stephanie Gooden who developed and coordinated the rural pathway hospital education program.
GP Synergy registrars also enjoyed the support of two Registrar Liaison Officers (RLOs) – Dr Alice Wu (rural pathway) and Dr Amy O’Brien (general pathway).
GP Synergy rural pathway registrar Dr Liz Leprince during her procedural skills training in emergency medicine at Tamworth Hospital.
Special education programs
GP Synergy is successfully providing individualised support for its GP registrars through the work of its Special Education Program team. The team, through its collaborative and consultative approach to working with key stakeholders, has been able to provide enhanced learning opportunities for doctors across a range of training environments. The team continues to explore and develop innovative and contemporary solutions that enable GP registrars to have the best training experience possible.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) registrars
GP Synergy is continuing to gain increasing recognition for its model of managing ADF registrars. Our team have been involved is assisting a number of other RTPs in establishing similar processes in their region.
RTP engagement culminated this year in the establishment of the 'blurring the lines' networking group which has seen 15 number of RTPs across the country come together and discuss key issues. The success of this group has been acknowledged by GPET through their engagement of the members in the working group in establishing the group to review national ADF training policy.
Extended skills opportunities
GP Synergy continues to offer a wide and expanding range of extended skills posts in hospitals, GP practices and specialist units in our regions, allowing our registrars to pursue further training in their special interest areas, including (but not limited to) drug and alcohol medicine, family planning, palliative care, sexual health.
Procedural skills training
Procedural trainees continue to be placed at Armidale and Tamworth with GP Synergy offering four disciplines - anaesthesia, obstetrics and gynaecology, emergency medicine and mental health.
GP Synergy continues to work closely with Hunter New England Local Health District facilities and staff to ensure the training experience is of the highest quality.
During the 2012-2013, we were also heavily involved in the implementation of the NSW Rural Generalist (RG) Program which saw the roll-out of RG places in 2013 in Tamworth. This new statewide program has been introduced by NSW Health in an effort to reduce rural procedural workforce shortages and GP Synergy is proud to be a training partner in the implementation of program.
Dr Hamze HamzeGP Synergy rural pathway GP registrar
Hamze is one of GP Synergy’s many registrars training in GP Synergy’s rural pathway in the New England/Northwest region.
Prior to joining the GP trainingprogram, Hamze completed hisinternship at Tamworth Hospital, and spent the following four years working across John Hunter, Mater, Maitland and Belmont Hospitals, developing emergency medicine andsurgical skills.
However, the appeal of offeringcontinuity of care to patients and an improved lifestyle led him back to the New England/Northwest area topursue a career in general practice and he hasn’t looked back since.
In Hamze’s own words:
“My experience in Moree has been really good. I like my workplace and the people I work with. The local community are very down to earth. My wife loves it here, and she has made more friends here in six months than she did in Newcastle in four years.”
Dr Hamze plans to stay in Moree for the remainder of his training, and if things go well, settle permanently in town upon completing his training.
Ourprevocationaldoctors
GP Synergy is committed to providing prevocational doctors with opportunities to experience general practice during their hospital training.
PGPPP participantDr Vincent Nguy with
supervisor Dr Frank Nguyen
Prevocational General Practice Placements Program
The Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) provides prevocational doctors with an opportunity to experience a 10-11 week general practice rotation as part of their hospital training.
Since the expansion of the Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) in 2011, the number of doctors has steadily increased from 45 PGPPP participants to 65 in 2012 to 80 in 2013.
In the 2012-2013 financial year, PGPPP placements were available across all ten hospital networks in GP Synergy’s training boundaries, with 20 GP Synergy training practices involved in training prevocational doctors under the program.
Evaluation of the program by participants has remained consistently very high.
Number of PGPPP placements:
45
65
80
2011
2012
2013
Hospitals in NetworkNetwork Training Practices
Royal Prince Alfred, Balmain and Dubbo Hospitals
1 Hyde Park Medical
Concord, Canterbury and Broken Hill Hospitals
3 Excel MedicalThe Village Medical Centre
Royal North Shore, Ryde, Port Macquarie and Greenwich Hospitals
5 Cremorne Family Medical CentreHyde Park Medical
Hornsby, Manly and Mona Vale Hospitals
6 Hornsby GP Unit
Prince of Wales and Lismore Hospitals
9 UNSW Health Service
St George, Sutherland and Griffith Hospitals
8 Picton Family Medical PracticeFamily Health Care Roselands
Tamworth, Armidale and John Hunter Hospitals
12 Northwest Health Tamworth
Bankstown, Campbelltown and Bowral Hospitals
2 AllCare Carnes Hill, Hammondville and Wattlegrove General Practice for Children and Young Families
Liverpool, Fairfield and Tweed Hospitals
4Yagoona Medical CentrePowell Street Medical CentreCecil Hills Medical Centre
St Vincents and Wagga Wagga Hospitals
10Kings Cross Traveller’s ClinicCampsie Family Medical CentreEvan Street Surgery
Dr Michelle Thurston2012 PGPPP participant
In 2012, Dr Michelle Thurston undertook a PGPPP term to develop confidence in treating common presentations to GPs, learn more about preventative medicine and build procedural skills relevant to general practice.
During the placement Michelle was exposed to a wide variety of clinical presentations. This included a variety of paediatrics including exacerbations of asthma, croup, otitis media and baby checks. She also saw a variety of aged care and had the opportunity to engage in preventative medicine.
Her exposure included a number of challenging diagnoses, including fevers and night sweats in the returned traveller and clinically significant weight loss in a young adult. She also had the opportunity to see patients for antenatal care, and was able to develop procedural skills, including excisions and abscesses, and gained experience with mental health care plans.
Michelle said she found the experience highlighted the difference between general practice and the hospital system, and allowed a gradual and supported introduction to general practice.
Dr Roopesh DharGP Synergy general pathway registrar
Roopesh was the first GP Synergy registrar to undertake a training term under the remote supervision model at the Armajun Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) in Inverell.
He thoroughly enjoyed his placement, and felt like part of the community. He enjoyed being able to spend time with his patients and found it satisfying being able to offer holistic care.
Despite being a bit apprehensive about moving from Sydney to Inverell, Roopesh was pleasantly surprised how easy the transition was, and the amount of support he received.
Roopesh highly recommends other registrars consider the experience, stating the clinical exposure and amount of time available to spend with patients and on self-reflection is of significant benefit to a registrar’s development.
AboriginalhealthGP Synergy recognises that too many Aboriginal people experience unacceptable levels of disadvantage.
Our goal is to develop mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginals by building a culturally diverse health workforce and raising the awareness of all our stakeholders about the unique cultural history that Aboriginal people enjoy, particularly in our regions.
Towards reaching this goal, GP Synergy works closely with Aboriginal Medical Services to create training environments where our registrars can build their clinical skills and knowledge in Aboriginal community run healthcare facilities.
Aboriginal Medical Services
GP Synergy works closely with Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) to create training environments where registrars can build their clinical skills and knowledge in Aboriginal community run healthcare facilities.
From 2006 to the end of the 2012-2013 financial year, 55 registrars have undertaken an AMS placement. This equates to 38.5 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) six month term placements.
There are currently four accredited Aboriginal Medical Services active within our regions:
AMS remote supervision model
Without compromising trainee supervision and public safety, GP Synergy has developed and piloted a Remote Supervision Model for GP registrars training in AMS services with the support of the RACGP.
Informed by similar arrangements that have been enacted on an adhoc basis in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia in particular, the model provides technical flexibilities with respect to accreditation and tiered levels of supervision and support for the trainee.
Due to the introduction of this model, for the first time, Armajun AMS and Pius X AMS were able to train registrars. The placements have been very successful with positive feedback from GP registrars in the posts.
Rural Aboriginal Medical Service promotional videos
To encourage more GP registrars to consider AMS placements in rural communities, in collaboration with Armajun AMS and Pius AMS, GP Synergy developed a promotional video featuring GP registrars talking about their AMS experience and AMS staff explaining how an AMS service works.
Available on GP Synergy’s YouTube channel the video has been viewed over 240 times since its release.
Val Dahlstrom named Elder of the YearIn late 2012, GP Synergy’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer was named Aboriginal Elder of the Year at the Reconciliation Awards ceremony coordinated by the Moree Reconciliation Group, and Female Elder of the year at the Moree Murri Gaba Nginda Awards Ceremony.
The awards pay respect and acknowledge local unsung heroes; the people in the community who have worked to make Aboriginal people’s lives better and to gather Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people together to celebrate, to share stories, and to show their respect and pride in the survival of Aboriginal people in Moree and Australia.
Video conferencing equipment
Under GPET’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 2013 Strategic Plan, GP Synergy successfully applied for grant funding to purchase and install video conferencing equipment in each of the Aboriginal Medical Service training facilities within our training footprint, as well as provide each facility with a portable PixAVI camera.
Each AMS has had the opportunity to receive a VX1000 boardroom style video conference system, which features two large plasma screens and a high definition pivot camera. The PixAVI camera is a portable medical grade camera allowing doctors to perform consultations via telehealth anywhere in the facility.
Providing this equipment allows registrars training in these AMSs greater access and support to healthcare professionals not located on-site at the facility, and improves connectivity between AMSs, specialists and other healthcare professionals and employees.
GP Synergy will be supporting the use of this equipment by working with AMSs to collaboratively develop an inter-AMS teleheath program.
Armajun AMS, InverellPius X AMS, MoreeRedfern AMS, RedfermTharawal AMS, Campbelltown
••••
Expandingthe GPprofession
GP Synergy is committed to supporting the growth of the general practice profession. We have seen significant growth in the number of training places offered and filled in both our training pathways.
Selection intake
GP Synergy continues to be one of Australia’s largest RTPs offering 124 training places for the 2013 Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) intake. 96 of these places were available in our general pathway training region with a further 28 training places in our rural pathway.
Interest in our rural pathway continues to grow with the highest number of rural training places filled to date. Since 2009, the number of rural training places filled within the New England/Northwest region has more than doubled from 10 in 2009 to 26 in 2013.
Nationally, the challenge remains attracting Australian Medical Graduates (AMGs) into the
rural pathway; for the 2013 AGPT program, only 32% of Australian Medical Graduates selected rural pathway in their application.
National assessment centres
GP Synergy continued to support the national assessment process by hosting eight national assessment centres across our Chippendale and Liverpool offices for the 2014 selection intake. GP Synergy provided 42 medical educator and supervisor interviewers during this period, in addition to numerous administration staff.
Prevocational doctor education program
GP Synergy has developed an education program targeting prevocational doctors with the aim of exposing them to the general practice profession and GP Synergy, and upskilling doctors in clinical areas where exposure in a hospital setting can be limited.
The program is peer-led, with GP registrars responsible for the development and delivery of educational modules, supported by the GP Synergy medical education team.
The program has been highly successful with more than 85 participants across our Sydney and New England regions.
GP Synergy rural pathway training places and number filled
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
2009 ProgramXXXX
2010 Program(GP Synergy)
2011 Program(GP Synergy)
2012 Program(GP Synergy)
Training places
Places filled
Linear (Places filled)
GP Synergy general pathway training places and number filled
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
2009 ProgramXXXX
2010 Program(GP Synergy)
2011 Program(GP Synergy
-GPB)
2012 Program(GP Synergy)
Training places
Places filled
Linear (Places filled)
2009 rural intake 2014 rural intake
Opposite: Prevocational doctors at a GP Synergy prevocational junior doctor education workshop
Promoting the GP profession
GP Synergy has an extensive marketing activity program design to inform, influence and persuade students and doctors of the benefits in a career in general practice and training with GP Synergy.
This includes several GP Synergy led activities, as well as collaborative activities such as the NSW RTP Marketing Collaborative and working closely with GP Student Networks and other groups.
Social Media
In 2012 GP Synergy developed a social media presence with the development of a corporate Facebook page, You Tube Channel and LinkedIn account.
The platforms have enabled us to generate interesting and powerful content to support our marketing strategy with new opportunities and developments in this area continuing to be explored.
Medical student scholarship program
In 2012 GP Synergy launched a medical student scholarship program designed to provide meaningful opportunities for medical students to experience general practice and general practice research.
The program involves students working closely with their university’s academic GP unit (or equivalent) to work on a new or existing general practice research project, and undertake a community placement with a GP Synergy GP registrar. Students are supported with a generous stipend.
Two scholarship positions were available for each of the five universities located within our boundaries.
The results have been impressive with students working on a range of relevant and valuable research projects.
Feedback from the participants and universities have been extremely positive ensuring the program’s continuation into 2014.
OTDNET
The Overseas Trained Doctor National Education and Training (OTDNET) program provides Overseas Trained Doctors (OTDs) access to education and training to help them gain general medical registration (Sub-program A) and/or specialist (General Practitioner) registration (Sub-program B).
Launched in 2013, GP Synergy has appointed Medical Educator, Dr Geetha Kunjithapatham, and Special Education Programs Manager & Process Development Officer, Felicity Gemmell-Smith to oversee the roll-out of this program.
Enquiries for the program have been strong, although the number enquirers eligible to apply for the program has been limited.
Sample of scholarship recipient general practice research projects:
‘General practitioner and physiotherapist communication: how to improve this vital interaction’
‘Clinical relevance of use of ambulatory 24 hour blood pressure monitors in management of diabetes patients within the urban general practice environment’
‘Assessing GP registrar consultation skills with Aboriginal patients: a video-feedback workshop.’
‘Impact of the Health Education Pack (HEP) on the physical health of mental health services consumers.’
‘Traditional vs e-Learning in small group general practice learning activities for medical students’
‘Physician resilience in general practice’
‘Chronic disease management in primary care: a systemic review.’
Opposite: Medical student scholarship recipient Chris Hayward presenting his research project findings
Financial ReportGP Synergy Limited A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
Period as Director
27 December 2001 - presentDr C Hespe
8 November 2011 - presentDr J Keh
28 October 2011 - presentDr I Kamerman
8 November 2011 - presentDr N Shadbolt
28 February 2007 - presentDr J Korner
Attended
6
5
6
5
6
Eligible
6
6
6
6
6
Dr C Hespe
Dr N Shadbolt
Dr J Keh
Dr J Korner
A/Prof M Guppy
Period as Director
29 October 2010 – 12 October 2012Prof J Reath
2 January 2009 - presentA/Prof M Guppy
2 January 2009 - presentA/Prof L Fragar
1 January 2010 - presentProf T Liaw
12 October 2012 - presentDr A Tan (Smith)
The directors present their report together with the financial report of GP Synergy Limited for the year ended 30 June 2013 and the auditors' report thereon.
1. DirectorsThe directors at any time during or since the financial year were as follows:
3. Description of Short and Long-term ObjectivesPromote and deliver vocational general practice education and training.
5. How Principal Activities Contributed to Achieving these ObjectivesBy continued compliance with the requirements of the AGPT contract for general practice education and training.
7. Members Liabilities22 Members limited to $10 per member.
8 . Directors' MeetingsDuring the financial year, the attendances of the directors were as follows:
4. Strategy for Achieving ObjectivesContinue to deliver general practice education and training within the terms of the Australian General Practice Training contract. The program will be integrated to include pre-vocational training.
2. Principal Activities during the YearThe principal activity of the company during the financial year was to promote and deliver general practice education and training.
The company is economically dependent on Government funding to carry out its principal activity.
The net surplus for the year was $Nil (2012:$Nil)
There was no significant change in the nature of business activity during the financial year. Within this activity, growth has continued to occur within the major programs delivered.
6. How Performance is MeasuredAGPT measures company performance under terms of contract specific performance indicators. GP Synergy is obliged to report against the performance indicators.
The company has established internal performance indicators under its quality framework and strategic plans. It periodically audits risk and tracks its performance against these indicators.
Attended
6
5
5
1
5
Eligible
6
6
6
1
5
A/Prof L Fragar
Dr I Kamerman
Prof T Liaw
Prof J Reath
Dr A Tan (Smith)
Director’s report
Attended
6
10
9
10
9
Eligible
10
10
10
10
10
Dr C Hespe
A/Prof L Fragar
Dr J Korner
Dr J Keh
Dr N Shadbolt
9. Sub-committees of the BoardDuring the financial year, the attendances of the directors at sub-committees were as follows:
Finance and Audit Committee
Attended
2
2
2
2
Eligible
2
2
2
2
Dr C Hespe
A/Prof M Guppy
Dr J Korner
Dr I Kamerman
Nominations and Constitutional Review Committee
Attended
1
4
1
2
Eligible
4
4
1
2
A/Prof M Guppy
Prof T Liaw
Prof J Reath
Dr A Tan
Education Committee
Attended
4
1
Eligible
4
1
Prof T Liaw
Prof J Reath
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee
Attended
1
1
Eligible
1
1
A/Prof L Fragar
A/Prof M Guppy
Regional Advisory Council – New England / North West
Attended
1
Eligible
1Dr J Korner
Regional Advisory Council – Sydney Central
Attended
1
Eligible
1Prof T Liaw
Regional Advisory Council – South / South West
10. Lead Auditor's Independence DeclarationThe lead auditor's independence is set out on the next page and forms part of the directors' report for the financial year ended 30 June 2013.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:
Director
Sydney
Director
Director’s report
KS Black & CoChartered Accountants
As lead auditor of GP Synergy Limited for the year ended 30 June 2013, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of:
This declaration is in respect of GP Synergy Limited during the period.
The auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; andAny applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
••
Faizal AjmatPartnerSydney
Declaration of Auditor Independenceto the Directors of GP Synergy Limited
Report of the financial reportWe have audited the accompanying financial report of GP Synergy Limited (the "company") which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2013, and the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity, and statement of cash flows for the year ended on that date, a summary of significant accounting policies, other explanatory notes and the directors' declaration of the company.
Directors' Responsibility for the Financial ReportThe directors of the company are responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Act 2001. This responsibility includes establishing and maintaining internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, selecting and applying appropriate accounting policies; and making accounting estimates that are reasonable in the circumstances.
IndependenceIn conducting our audit, we have complied with the independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001. We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001 would be in the same terms if it had been given to the directors at the time this auditors' report was made.
Audit OpinionIn our opinion, the financial report of GP Synergy Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
Auditors' ResponsibilityOur responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. These Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating the audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report is free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditors' judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error.
In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the company's preparation and fair presentation to the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the company's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by the directors, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report.
We believe the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
giving a true and fair view of the company's financial position as at 30 June 2013 and of its performance for the year ended on that date; andcomplying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
(i)(ii)
KS Black & CoChartered Accountants
Faizal AjmatPartnerSydney
Independent Audit Report to theMembers of GP Synergy Limited
In the opinion of the directors of GP Synergy Limited:
The financial statements and notes, as set out on the following pages are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
There are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
a.
b.
giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the company as at 30 June 2013 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; andcomplying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and
(i)
(ii)
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:
Director
Sydney
Director
Director’s declaration
2013($)
Note 2012($)
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Other assets
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
Property, Plant & Equipment
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
Payables
Unearned revenue
Provisions
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
Provisions
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Issued Capital
Retained Profits
7,239,631
285,632
437,731
7,962,994
1,108,618
1,108,618
9,071,612
2,669,256
5,843,033
346,733
8,859,022
96,467
96,467
8,955,489
116,123
170
115,953
116,123
5,720,068
137,415
217,741
6,075,224
1,415,959
1,415,959
7,491,183
1,224,665
5,779,170
297,028
7,300,864
74,197
74,197
7,375,060
116,123
170
115,953
116,123
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
10
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
CURRENT ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Statement of Financial Positionas at 30 June 2013
2013($)
Note 2012($)
Revenue includes income recognised during the period for PGPPP totalling $2,641,884; income recognised in relation to Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander grants totalling $1,119,768 and overall increased training activity.
Increases in particular prime cost expenses are representative of both the growth in programs delivered and the number of participants
commencing and undertaking training terms, compared to historical numbers.
Includes purchases for equipment grants for training practices.
*
**
***
Revenue *
Employee benefits expense
Depreciation
Practice reimbursements **
Registrars expense **
Supervisors costs
Teaching allowance **
Board expenses
Consultants and contractors
Insurance
Rent
Administration Fee
(Gain) / Loss on disposal of non current assets
Other expenses
Surplus before income tax expense
Income tax expense
Surplus for the year
14,166,374
3,970,258
360,700
2,643,323
2,270,893
249,894
1,802,471
120,077
428,175
81,451
456,665
271,944
36,613
1,473,910
14,166,374
-
-
-
-
14,513,340
3,439,408
296,716
1,970,382
1,784,560
778,388***
1,407,987
129,070
521,848
81,637
372,815
644,316
5,152
3,081,061
14,513,340
-
-
-
-
2
3(a)
3(b)
3(a)
3(d)
3(c)
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
Statement of Comprehensive Incomefor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
Total Equity at the beginning of the financial year
Surplus for the year
116,123
-
116,123
116,123
-
116,123
Statement of Changes in Equityfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
2013($)
2012($)
Note
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Cash receipts from government and other sources
Interest received
Cash paid to suppliers and employees
Net Cash Provided by/(Used in) Operating activities
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for plant and equipment
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities
NET INCREASE/ (DECREASE) IN CASH AND
CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginningof the Financial Year
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END
OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
15,286,180
269,846
(13,974,169)
1,581,857
(62,294)
(62,294)
1,519,563
5,720,068
7,239,631
15,534,665
390,917
(15,993,600)
(68,018)
(216,384)
(216,384)
(284,402)
6,004,470
5,720,068
14(b)
14(a)
Statement of Cash Flowsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
2013($)
2012($)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting PoliciesThe principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
(a) Basis of PreparationThis general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including Australian Accounting Interpretations) adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards Board and the Corporations Act 2001.
The financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs.
(b) Revenue RecognitionRevenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.
Interest Revenue: Interest revenue is recognised as it accrues.
Other Income: Income from other sources is recognised when the income in respect of other products or services provided is receivable.
(c) Government GrantsGrants from the government are recognised at their fair value where there is a reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Company will comply with all attached conditions.
Government grants are deferred and recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income over the period necessary to match them with the costs that they are intended to compensate.
(d) Goods and Services TaxRevenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of Goods and Services Tax (GST), except where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). In these circumstances, the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of the expense.
The net amount of GST recoverable from or payable to, the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the Statement of Financial Position.
Cash flows are included in the Statement of Cash Flows on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from or payable to, the ATO are classified as operating cash flows.
(f) Impairment of assetsAssets that are subject to depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs to sell and depreciated replacement cost. For purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows (cash generating units).
(g) Trade receivablesTrade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost, less provision for doubtful debts. Trade receivables are due for settlement no more than 60 days from the date of recognition.
Collectibility of trade receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are written off. A provision for doubtful receivables is established when there is an objective that the company will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables.
(e) Income TaxThe income of the company is exempt from income tax under the provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act.
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
Subsequent costs are included in the asset's carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the company and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Plant and equipment 2.5 to 13.3 yearsComputer and software 2.5 yearsLeasehold improvements Shorter of lease term and useful life
The assets' residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.
An asset's carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset's carrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Leasehold improvements are required to be written down over the shorter of the assets useful life and the term of the lease.
(h) Plant and equipmentPlant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items.
(i) Trade payablesThese amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Company prior to the end of financial year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.
(j) Employee benefits
Wages and salaries, annual and long service leaveLiabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, and annual leave are recognised in provisions, in respect of employees' services up to the reporting date and are measured at their nominal values.
Long service leave is measured at present value as it is not expected to be settled within 12 months.
Retirement benefit obligationsThe company contributes to accumulation superannuation plans. Contributions are charged against income as they are made.
(i)
(ii)
2013($)
2012($)
Grants received
Other revenue
Interest received
13,047,446
849,082
269,846
14,166,374
13,263,625
858,798
390,917
14,513,340
2. Revenue
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
2013($)
2012($)
(a) Surplus includes the following specific expenses
Depreciation
Rent
(b) Insurance
Insurance
(c) Other expenses
Advertising
Compliance costs
Consumables (Note*)
Freight & cartage
Motor vehicles
Office maintenance
Office equipment leasing
Telecommunications
Trading surplus (un-acquitted) (Note**)
(d) Administration Fee representing cost allocation for PGPPP
Current
Cash on hand
Cash at bank
360,700
456,665
81,451
24,951
124,344
273,947 *
3,826
20,648
110,346
6,345
163,601
745,902
1,473,910
271,944
1,340
7,238,291
7,239,631
296,716
372,815
81,637
36,252
46,203
200,978
9,222
17,446
88,495
8,683
132,503
2,541,279
3,081,061
644,316
1,340
5,718,728
5,720,068
3. Expenses
4. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Note*: Increase due to increased activity within programs.
Note**: Decrease due to increased activity on a proportionally lower funding base.
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
2013($)
2012($)
2013($)
2012($)
Current
Trade receivables (Note*)
Other receivables
Current
Prepayments (Note**)
183,761
101,871
285,632
437,731
29,190
108,225
137,415
217,741
5. Receivables
6. Other
Note*:
Note**:
Supplementary 2013 GPET funding of $126,500 included.
Increase is due to program activity increase and number of participants moving into training terms
earlier than previous years. This is a timing issue in 2012/2013.
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
2013($)
2012($)
Non-Current
Plant & equipment - at cost
Less: accumulated depreciation
Computer and software - at cost
Less: accumulated depreciation
Leasehold improvements - at cost
Less: accumulated depreciation
Reconciliations
Plant and equipment
Carrying amount at beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Depreciation written back on disposal
Carrying amount at end of year
Computer and software
Carrying amount at beginning of year
Additions
Disposals
Depreciation
Depreciation written back on disposal
Carrying amount at end of year
937,099
(467,301)
469,798
357,348
(307,034)
50,314
826,416
(237,910)
588,506
1,108,618
606,778
47,735
(139,304)
(184,715)
139,364
469,798
152,395
-
(8,935)
(93,146)
-
50,314
1,076,403
(469,625)
606,778
366,283
(213,888)
152,395
811,857
(155,071)
656,786
1,415,959
639,391
111,843
-
(144,457)
-
606,778
123,792
104,541
(116,880)
(70,488)
111,430
152,395
7. Plant and Equipment
Reconciliations of carrying amounts for each class of plant and equipment are set out below:
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
2013($)
2012($)
2013($)
2012($)
Leasehold improvements
Carrying amount at beginning of year
Additions
Depreciation
Carrying amount at end of year
Current
Trade payables
Accrued expenses
Other payables
Unearned revenue
AGPT (Operational & accumulated funds)
Current
Employee entitlements
Non-Current
Employee entitlements
656,786
14,559
(82,839)
588,506
1,666,713
878,920
123,623
2,669,256
5,843,033
5,843,033
346,733
96,467
738,557
-
(81,771)
656,786
454,495
820,263
50,093
1,224,665
5,779,170
5,779,170
297,028
74,197
8. Payables
9. Unearned Revenue
10. Provisions
11. Term Allocation Preview
Unearned revenue for the current and prior years represents grant funding from General Practice Education and Training (GPET). Until these
funding organisations and the company finalise an agreement relating to this excess, the funds remain liable to claim by the funding organisation
and are disclosed as a liability.
From a corporate governance perspective, the Auditor is satisfied that the policies and processes with respect to GP Synergy training allocation
processes have been generally adhered to.
Audit review of adherence to policy and procedures with respect to training placement and allocation.(i)
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
12. Key Management Personnel
Key management personnel include the directors, the CEO and the Director of Training.
Directors
The names of each person holding the position of GP Synergy Limited during the financial year are:
Dr C Hespe Dr J Keh Dr J Korner
Dr N Shadbolt Dr A Tan (Smith) A/Prof L Fragar
Prof T Liaw Dr I Kamerman A/Prof M Guppy
Prof J Reath
The compensation paid, payable or provided to other key management personnel consisted of benefits of $1,085,080 (2012:$455,104). This large
increase is due to the recognition of the evolving nature of the management of GP Synergy. Management is integrated within the senior management
team, with due reference to individual areas of responsibility.
The compensation paid, payable or provided to directors consisted of benefits in the nature of Board fees of $105,722 (2012: $159,604), practice
payments of $446,391 (2012:$199,022), teaching fees of $1,500 (2012: $3,438) and conference attendance fees of $6,850 (2012:$6,182).
Board fees of $105,722 (2012: $159,604) represent grossed up salary packaging including non-cash items, whereas actual payments made and
received were $66,682 (2012:$102,261) (see table below).
Practice payments of $446,391 (2012:$199,022) represent payments made to practices which are connected with directors. However, these
payments are not necessarily received directly by directors, as funds are paid to supervisors attached to the practice. Payments to practices in 2013
have also increased in a manner above the historical trend. This is due to a higher proportion of GP registrars undertaking GPT1 and GPT2 terms,
which are primary cost drivers.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
AGross Fees Excl salary
package
Keh, Jeremy
Kamerman, Ian
Shadbolt, Narelle
Fragar, Lyn
Guppy, Michelle
Hespe, Charlotte Mary
Korner, Jacqueline
Liaw, Siaw – Teng
Reath, Jennifer
Tan (Smith), Aline
TOTAL
(Ceased 12/10/2012)
(Appointed 12/10/2012)
-
-
-
-
5,148
10,564
-
-
-
-
15,712
5,148
5,148
5,434
4,576
-
6,370
9,230
2,860
572
5,576
44,914
9,623
9,623
10,157
8,553
-
11,907
17,253
5,346
1,069
10,423
83,954
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
BSalary
Packaged Amount
CGrossed Up
Salary Package
DSalary
SacrificeSuper
463
463
489
412
463
2,180
831
257
51
489
6,056
E Super
SGC 9%
10,086
10,086
10,646
8,965
5,611
24,651
18,083
5,603
1,121
10,646
105,722
FPayroll
Benefits Received
(A+C+D+E)
2013
AGross Fees Excl salary
package
Andric, Nada
Brookes, Owen
Fragar, Lyn
Guppy, Michelle
Hespe, Charlotte Mary
Kamerman, Ian
Keh, Jeremy
Korner, Jacqueline
Liaw, Siaw – Teng
Nespolon, Harry
Reath, Jennifer
Shadbolt, Narelle
TOTAL
(Ceased 28/10/2011)
(Ceased 28/10/2011)
(Appointed 28/10/2011)
(Appointed 08/11/2011)
(Ceased 28/10/2011)
(Appointed 08/11/2011)
1,080
-
-
5,972
-
-
-
-
-
893
-
540
8,485
540
2,105
9,226
-
17,780
4,352
4,352
8,960
5,972
1,890
5,972
4,825
65,973
1,009
3,935
17,246
-
33,234
8,135
8,135
16,747
11,163
3,533
11,163
9,018
123,317
-
-
-
-
19,373
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,373
BSalary
Packaged Amount
CGrossed Up
Salary Package
DSalary
SacrificeSuper
146
189
816
537
3,344
392
392
806
537
250
537
483
8,430
E Super
SGC 9%
2,235
4,124
18,062
6,509
55,950
8,526
8,526
17,553
11,700
4,676
11,700
10,041
159,604
FPayroll
Benefits Received
(A+C+D+E)
2012
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
Audit Services
Audit of the financial report
K S Black & Co
Other services (non-financial statement audit & non-audit related) - KS Black & Co
Cash on hand
Cash at Bank
Net Surplus
Depreciation
(Gain) / Loss on disposal of noncurrent assets
Changes in Assets and Liabilities
Decrease/(increase) in trade receivables and other assets
Increase/(decrease) increase in trade and other payables
Increase/(decrease) in provision for employee entitlements
Increase/(decrease) in unearned revenue
Net Cash Provided by/(Used in) Operating Activities
14,520
17,480
1,340
7,238,291
7,239,631
-
360,700
36,613
(395,885)
1,444,591
71,975
63,863
1,581,857
14,100
3,360
1,340
5,718,728
5,720,068
-
296,716
5,152
104,785
87,220
67,376
(629,247)
(68,018)
2013($)
2012($)
13 Remuneration of Auditors
14. Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows
Note: The increase in “Other services” is due to the broader recognition of services provided by the auditor.
2012 “Other Services” included non-financial statement audit services only.
For the purposes of the Statement of Cash Flows, cash and cash equivalents included cash on hand and cash at bank.
Cash and cash equivalents as at the end of the financial year as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items
in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:
(a)
Reconciliation of Net Surplus in Net Cash
Provided by Operating Activities:
(b)
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
2013 ($)
Less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
2 to 5 years
378,146
378,146
378,146
1,134,438
15. Conduct of Risk Audit Programme
GP Synergy Limited conducts a risk audit programme which is internally reviewed during the year. This programme is set against the AN/NZS
4360;2004 Standards. This programme is an extension of the risk management function of the company using National Audit Office
Guidelines and the Standards promulgated by the Institute of Internal Auditors.
I have reviewed the audits against the audit objectives identified and I am satisfied that the policies and processes have been adhered to.
16. Lease Commitments
Non- cancellable operating lease is payable as follows:
Notes to the Financial Statementsfor the Year Ended 30 June 2013
GP Synergy
Chippendale: 02 9818 4433Liverpool: 02 9756 5711Armidale: 02 6776 6225Moree: 02 6752 7354
E: [email protected]: www.gpsynergy.com.au
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