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RANZCOG Media Releases / Media Alerts
6 June 2008 Conference for Specialists Explores the Future of Healthcare for Australian WomenThe Queensland and New South Wales Regional Committees of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), will be holding their combined annual meeting on Friday 6 June until Sunday 8 June 2008. The 2008 QLD and NSW Annual Scientific Meeting will attract approximately 100 practising Gynaecologists and Obstetricians from across Australia. ‘This meeting is an ideal opportunity for practitioners working in obstetrics and gynaecology to come together, to share ideas and information in the pursuit of providing excellent health care to women,' said Dr Marc Miller, RANZCOG Combined Meeting Convenor. Key seminar topics presented during the conference:
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Event Details: What: 2008 Combined Annual Scientific Meeting of the Queensland and New South Wales Regional Committees of the RANZCOG When: Friday 6 June – Sunday 8 June 2008 Where: Hyatt Regency, Coolum, Sunshine Coast, Queensland Who: Hosted by the QLD Regional Committee of the RANZCOG
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
30 May 2008 College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Backs Victorian Law Reform Commission's Abortion ReportThe Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) today officially announced its support for the Victorian Law Reform Commission's (VLRC) abortion report, which was tabled in Parliament yesterday and provides advice to the Victorian Government about three clearly articulated options to decriminalise abortion in Victoria. The report includes information on the community views about abortion, current clinical practice and abortion law in other states and countries. ‘RANZCOG strongly supports the Government's intention to decriminalise abortion in Victoria, but at the same time ensuring that current clinical practice is unchanged,' said RANZCOG President, Dr Christine Tippett today. ‘Whilst RANZCOG recognises this is a confronting and difficult issue for many individuals, the decriminalisation of abortion is long overdue.' ‘The current laws are complex and lack clarity, which can be difficult for both women and medical practitioners and the options put forward for consideration will address this problem. Women should have equity of access to safe abortion services and each of the proposals put forward for consideration will be of benefit to women without restricting access to abortion or expanding current services,' said Dr Tippett. RANZCOG is optimistic that the informative and comprehensive Report from VLRC will be the basis for considered and informed debate on this important issue. Download full release (
For further information or to arrange an interview with the President, Dr Christine Tippett, please contact: Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
18 May 2008 Government Funding Supports Rural ObstetriciansFollowing this week's budget announcement, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) and NSW Rural Doctors Network (NSW RDN, representing the rural workforce agencies) welcome and commend the Federal Government's funding of $5.9 million for the Specialist Obstetricians Locum Scheme (SOLS) over the next three years. The SOLS project aims to supply affordable, quality locum relief to rural specialist obstetricians and GP obstetricians, encouraging them to stay in country areas and continue to provide high quality obstetric services to rural and remote women. This follows the successful SOLS pilot study. 'SOLS was set up to help maintain access to quality obstetric care in non-metropolitan Australia by providing quality locum relief to the dwindling body of non-metropolitan obstetricians. This relief is an important factor in the willingness of doctors to undertake or remain in rural practice and we welcome this much-needed support from the Rudd Government' said RANZCOG President, Dr Christine Tippett. SOLS aims to:
'Whilst this ongoing funding for SOLS will be welcomed by rural obstetricians it was less than originally proposed' said RDAA immediate past-President, Dr Ross Maxwell. 'The next step is to ensure that the funding provided in the federal budget will in fact be sufficient for the SOLS program to achieve a level of locum coverage the government is hoping to achieve.' Download full release (
For further comment, please contact: Dr Ross Maxwell, RDAA immediate past-President
24 April 2008 Meeting for Rural Specialists Explores the Future of Rural Practice in AustraliaThe Provincial Fellows Committee of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), will be holding their annual conference on Thursday 24 April until Sunday 27 April 2008. The 2008 Provincial Fellows Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) will attract approximately 100 practising Gynaecologists and Obstetricians from remote and rural Australia. ‘The Provincial Fellows Meeting is an ideal opportunity for rural and regional practitioners to come together, network and discuss issues specifically relating to, and affecting obstetric and gynaecological practice in remote and regional areas,' said Dr Phillip Hall, Chairman of the RANZCOG Provincial Fellows Committee. ‘The meeting is also a suitable forum to learn about the newest developments, trends and future predictions in our specialty,' according to Dr Hall. Key seminar topics presented during the four-day conference:
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Event Details: What: 2008 RANZCOG Provincial Fellows Annual Scientific Meeting When: Thursday 24 April – Sunday 27 April 2008 Where: Peppers Pier Resort, Hervey Bay, Queensland Who: Hosted by the Provincial Fellows Committee of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG)
For further information and/or media arrangements, please contact: Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
10 April 2008 Obstetrics and Gynaecology Training in 2020
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9 April 2008
NZ Annual Scientific Meeting for Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Centres on the ‘Next Generation and Beyond’
The 2008 NZ Committee Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), will be held on Wednesday 9 April until Saturday 12 April in Hamilton, New Zealand.
‘The theme of the meeting is ‘Next Generation and Beyond’, with the focus of stimulating debate on where obstetrics and gynaecology the profession is heading in future years,” said Dr VP Singh, Conference Convenor. This is a special event which will attract approximately 100 practicing Gynaecologists and Obstetricians from across New Zealand and Australia. Showcasing over four days of presentations, it is a programme filled with academic and social excellence.
Keynote speakers at the NZ Committee ASM include:
- Professor Ian Hammond, Gynaecological Oncologist & Director of Gynaecology, King Edward Hospital for Women, Perth, Western Australia;
- Associate Professor Alan Lam, one of Australia’s best known Gynaecologists for his expertise in endoscopic surgery, treatment of severe endometriosis and his research and pioneering works in the field of pelvic and reconstructive surgery;
- Dr Bruce Farnsworth, current Vice President at the Australasian Association of Vaginal and Incontinence Surgeons; and
- Dr Jon Hyett, Staff Specialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and Associate Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Queensland.
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Event Details:
What: 2008 NZ Commitee Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)
When: Wednesday 9 April - Saturday 12 April 2008
Where: The Novotel Tainui Hotel, situated in the CBD of Hamilton
Who: The NZ Commitee of The Royal Australian and New Zealand Colege Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
For further information and/or media arrangements, please contact:
Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
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+64 21 509 032 |
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27 February 2008
College Response to Health & Disability Commissioner’s Report and Inquiry into Failed Sterilisations Performed by Dr Roman Hasil at Wanganui Hospital in 2005 & 2006
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) reports that Dr Roman Hasil is an International Medical Graduate who was assessed in Australia, by RANZCOG as not having the equivalent training and experience to an Australian or New Zealand trained specialist. Dr Hasil has failed to complete the requirements stipulated by RANZCOG to gain qualification as a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist.
RANZCOG will assist District Health Boards and Hospital management in the credentialing of specialist obstetricians and gynaecologists but as Dr Hasil is not a RANZCOG Fellow the College was not involved in the credentialing process. It is the responsibility of District Health Boards and Hospital management to ensure that medial staff are appropriately credentialed. RANZCOG acknowledges the difficulties that are experienced in areas of workforce shortage but does not support inappropriate credentialing.
Dr Hasil was registered by the Medical Council of New Zealand in a general scope of practice, not as a specialist.
RANZCOG has a clear statement on the safe use of Filschie clips for tubal sterilisation. It has also developed guidelines for quality audit for gynaecological procedures. These documents are available via the RANZCOG website www.ranzcog.edu.au
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For further information or to arrange an interview with Dr Gillian Gibson, Chair RANZCOG New Zealand Committee, please contact:
Steve Williams; Executive Officer, RANZCOG New Zealand
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16 November 2007
Governor of Victoria Awarded Honorary Fellowship
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) will today present Professor David de Kretser, AC, Governor of Victoria, an Honorary Fellowship of the RANZCOG for his outstanding contribution to medicine in general and reproductive medicine in Australia and internationally, at a formal College ceremony held in East Melbourne.
‘Professor de Kretser has made a significant contribution to the College. He was an inaugural member of the Subspecialty Group which established the subspecialty and the certificate of reproductive endocrinology and infertility,' RANZCOG President, Dr Christine Tippett, said today.
‘Professor de Kretser also served as a Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Subspecialty examiner. He has spoken at College scientific meetings and has always been available as a supporter for College programs involving andrology and infertility. At all times, Professor de Kretser has provided leadership for Andrology Medicine to be incorporated with gynaecology in the care of the infertile couple,' according to Dr Tippett.
Also receiving an Honorary Fellowship of the RANZCOG at the ceremony is Professor Peter Russell, a gynaecological pathologist and currently Professor of Pathology at the University of Sydney Senior Specialist Gynaecological Histopathologist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital .
RANZCOG is dedicated to maintaining the highest possible standards in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and New Zealand . The primary role of the RANZCOG is to train and accredit doctors throughout Australia and New Zealand in the specialities of obstetrics and gynaecology so that they are capable - professionally and psychologically - of providing the highest quality health care for women.
Download full release ( 229 KB)
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
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+61 488 367 476 |
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18 July 2007
College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Supports Bill to Remove Abortion from Crimes Act (Victoria)
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) today announced its support to the introduction of a private members bill by Victorian Government MP Candy Broad to remove abortion from the Crimes Act.
“The amendment of this bill reflects the importance of recognising that Victorian women should have access to safe and high quality services. It is about protecting both the women and their doctors”, said RANZCOG President, Dr Christine Tippett today.
“Legislation varies across jurisdictions and is frequently open to interpretation. We strongly believe that uniformity and clarity of legislation would benefit both health practitioners and the women for whom they care.
“The College is committed to improving the health and well being of all women and to the advancement of knowledge of the health effects of unplanned pregnancy and pregnancy termination on a woman's health”, said Dr Tippett.
The RANZCOG Statement: Termination of Pregnancy (Statement No. C-Gyn 17) can be viewed on the College website.
Download full release ( 229 KB)
For further information or to arrange an interview with the President, please contact:
Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
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+61 488 367 476 |
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6 June 2007
College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Supports Flu Vaccination for Pregnant Women
As the winter months fast approaches, it is timely for everyone, including pregnant women, to consider vaccination against influenza, claims The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
“Pregnant women and their carers, including obstetricians or general practitioners, should evaluate the option of having the vaccination against influenza,” said RANZCOG President Dr Christine Tippett.
“The National Health and Medical Research Council also recommend the annual vaccination for pregnant women, including women planning a pregnancy, who will be in the second or third trimester during the influenza season, as well as women who will be in the first trimester at the time of the vaccination. These women are particularly susceptible to complications as a result of influenza,” Dr Tippett said today.
The influenza vaccine does not contain live virus and there is no evidence of any damage to the fetus or adverse events in pregnancy.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) is dedicated to maintaining the highest possible standards in obstetrics and gynaecology in Australia and New Zealand. The primary role of the RANZCOG is to train and accredit doctors throughout Australia and New Zealand in the specialities of obstetrics and gynaecology so that they are capable - professionally and psychologically - of providing the highest quality health care for women.
Further information on the influenza vaccination can be obtained through the National Institute of Clinical Studies (NICS) website.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
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+61 488 367 476 |
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25 May 2007
College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists Supports the Safety of Gardasil
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) today announced its support to both the Federal Government's and Gardasil creator Ian Frazer's position on the safety of the cervical cancer vaccine.
“This vaccine has been administered to over 20,000 young women. The safety and efficacy of the vaccine is well established. Whilst local reactions are fairly common, I believe the safety of the vaccine has been well established with no significant serious side effects described,” said RANZCOG President, Dr Christine Tippett today.
“The development of wart virus vaccines and the subsequent approval of Gardasil in June 2006 has been an exciting development which will protect many young Australian women against the future development of genital warts, abnormal smears and cervical cancer. The treatment of young women with abnormal smears can result in future complications particularly in relation to pregnancy” said Dr Tippett.
“The College endorses the vaccination of young women aged between 9 to 26 years against HPV, with the initial vaccination target being young women aged 11 or 12 years,” said Dr Tippett.
Gardasil® is approved for use in females aged 9 to 26 years to be given in a three dose schedule at 0, 2 and 6 months. It provides 90 to 100% protection against persistent viral infection and cervical/genital disease due to HPV types 16 and 18 and HPV types 6 and 11, the latter two which cause 90% of genital warts.
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality in women throughout the world. Persistent infection with oncogenic HPV is associated with the development of cervical cancer. Infection with oncogenic HPV types is also implicated in the development of other anogenital cancers, including neoplasms of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and oropharynx.
The College also released a statement in November 2006 titled ‘Guidelines for HPV vaccine' (Statement No. C-Gyn 18). For further information visit: www.ranzcog.edu.au
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For further information or to arrange an interview with the President, please contact:
Julia Serafin; Marketing, Media & Communications Senior Coordinator, RANZCOG
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+61 488 367 476 |
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