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a d v a n c i n g m e d i c a l t r a i n i n g
Annual Report2010 - 2011
GP Synergy Annual Report 2009 - 2010 Page 01
Contents
About Us 03
Our Region 04
Chairs Report 05 Our Board 06 - 07
Board of Sub Committees 08 - 12
CEO Report 13 - 14
Director of Training Report 15 - 16
GP Synergy Farewells Dr Jeremy Bunker 17 - 18
Staff 19 - 20
Supporting Supervisors and Maximising In-Practice Experience 21 - 22
Training Competent and Confident Registrars 23 - 26
Increasing Opportunities to Experience General Practice: Prevocational General Practice Placements Program 27
Expanding the General Practice Profession 28
Financial Report for the Year Ended 30 June 2011 29 - 54
GP Synergy is 1 of 17 Regional Training Providers (RTPs) delivering
the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) and Prevocational
General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP).
GP Synergy was formed in 2009 with the merger of training
providers 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
Institute of General Practice Education and Training (IGPE)
training program. The result has been the creation of the
second largest training provider in Australia, offering registrars
a diverse range of training experiences in both urban and rural
environments across metropolitan and outer-metropolitan
Sydney and within the New England/Northwest region of NSW.
Our Vision Is To:
• Provide high quality general practice education and training
• Build capacity by supporting and developing quality
teaching environments centered on general practice;
• Promote the privileges, responsibilities and diverse career
opportunities of general practice
• Develop internal processes and resources to ensure that the
organisation learns and grows.
About Us
Our Organisation Is Underpinned By The Following Values:
• Collaboration;
• Integrity;
• Equity;
• Leadership; and
• Commitment to excellence in life-long learning.
Providing a supportive and quality learning environment
is a shared value amongst all GP Synergy medical educators,
supervisors and training practices. GP Synergy’s highly regarded
reputation as a leading provider of general practice education
and training is a testament to our ongoing commitment to
helping registrars build the skills to develop into a confident
and highly qualified General Practitioners.
Moree
Wee Waa
Warialda
BingaraInverell
Narrabri
Manilla
Armidale
GunnedahTamworth
GP Network Northside
Manly Warringah Division of General Practice
Northern Sydney GP Network
Central Sydney GP Network
Eastern Sydney Division of GP
South Eastern Sydney Division of GP
GP Synergy -New England/Northwest
Sutherland Division of GP
Bankstown GP Division
St George Division of GP
Macarthur Division of GP
GP Synergy -Sydney - Central & South/Southwest
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 03
Sydney
GP Synergy Sydney’s region stretches 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.
GP Synergy has over 150 training practices across metropolitan
and outer metropolitan Sydney.
Within our Sydney boundaries, we work with a number of
Divisions of General Practice as key stakeholders, including:-
• Eastern Sydney Division of General Practice
• Sutherland Division of General Practice
• Sydney South West GP Link (formerly Macarthur Division of
General Practice)
• Bankstown Division of General Practice
• Central Sydney General Practice Network
• General Practice Northside Network
• Manly Warringah Division of General Practice
• Northern Sydney General Practice Network
• South Eastern Sydney Division of General Practice
GP Synergy also maintains close ties with the four universities
located within GP Synergy’s Sydney boundaries – the University
of Sydney, the University of NSW, the University of Notre Dame
and the University of Western Sydney.
During the 2010-2011 financial year GP Synergy strengthened
its relationships with many of the eighteen teaching hospitals
located within the Sydney basin in the roll-out of the expanded
Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) and
other collaborative marketing activities.
Our Regions
New England/Northwest
The New England/Northwest area remains at the centre of rural
medical training development, with a medical school in the
regional centre of Armidale and an integrated, modern teaching
hospital located in Tamworth.
In addition to the teaching practices GP Synergy has these
regional centres, we also have accredited facilities in many of
the smaller towns across the region including Moree, Bingara,
Warialda, Gunnedah, Inverell, Wee Waa and Manilla.
Within our New England/Northwest boundaries, there are several
Divisions of General Practice with whom we maintain close
relationships and seek their input through regional advisory
councils:-
• Barwon Division of General Practice
• New England Division of General Practice
• Northwest Slopes Division of General Practice
GP Synergy continues to work closely with the local University
located within the New England/Northwest region - the
University of New England and maintains strong relationships
with the two training hospitals in the region – Tamworth Rural
Referral Hospital and Armidale Hospital. Both sites continued to
support procedural skills placements in the 2010-2011 period.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 04
As all our members would be aware, 2011 has been a traumatic
year for GP Synergy with the tragic death of our inaugural Director
of Training (DoT), Dr Jeremy Bunker.
Jeremy was part of the original planning group in 2000 that
help set up the structure and geographic boundaries for Sydney
Institute of General Practice Education and Training, otherwise
known as SIGPET. He was one of the inaugural Directors on the
SIGPET Board before stepping down from the Board to take up
the position of DoT.
Jeremy then had the momentous task of overseeing the
educational program for both SIGPET and GP Synergy after the
merger with NEATS and then IGPE.
We were extremely fortunate to have had Jeremy at the helm
of our organisation over these last 10 years and so it has been
extremely sad and difficult for all the staff (Medical Educators
and Administration), supervisors and registrars (both past and
present) to farewell him after his brave battle with cancer.
As Chair of the Board I would like to personally take this
opportunity to thank Dr Linda Mann and Mr John Oldfield for
their leadership of the GP Synergy team over this difficult time.
They both devoted an enormous amount of personal time and
energy to ensure the education program kept running seamlessly
for our registrars and supervisors.
The Board now welcomes Associate Professor Rosa Canalese into
the role of DoT and looks forward to a stimulating and exciting
journey with her into future general practice education and
training in our wonderfully diverse region of Sydney and New
England/Northwest NSW.
2011 has also seen the opening of our new Liverpool offices
and state of the art training facilities. This has allowed us to
recruit more staff and oversee the development of the PGPPP
(Prevocational General Practice Placements Program), based out
of the Liverpool office.
We are also excited to oversee the development of a new office
site at Armidale and look forward to seeing the development
of more teaching facilities for our registrars based in the New
England/Northwest region.
The Board is also committed to the ongoing development of
our regional subcommittees (Sydney South/Southwest, Sydney
Central, New England/Northwest NSW) where our Members
have the opportunity to actively work with us on improving our
program delivery and support to both registrars and supervisors.
This is particularly important with the roll out of our new
accreditation and support services as well as the PGPPP.
We are also excited by the work of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Committee which has overseen the development of new
training posts and opportunities in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander health.
As a Board we want to encourage our members to actively attend
these meetings so that we can respond to all your suggestions
and feedback about how to improve our training program.
Finally I would like to clarify with all our members that the current
GP Synergy Board structure is skills based, where we aim to have
a broad range of essential and diverse governance skills related
to running a general practice training program. This is designed
to ensure we can deliver a financially viable but educationally
sound general practice training program at the same time as
being innovative and exciting for our future GP registrars. Our
goal is to achieve our mission: ‘To train highly skilled medical
practitioners contributing to healthier communities’.
Chairs Report
"Our mission is to train highly skilled medical practitioners contributing to healthier communities".
Dr Charlotte Hespe
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 05
Our Board
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 06
Dr Ian Adair MB BS (Syd), MBA (Macq), AFAIM, FAICD20 December 2004 – 29 October 2010
Dr Nada Andric B. MedSci and MB BS (Syd), FRACGP
October 2010 - present
Dr Owen BrookesMB BS (Syd), FRACGP1 January 2010 - 28 October 2010
Dr Ashok ChalasaniMB BS, FRACGP, MFM (Monash)30 June 2005 – 29 October 2010
Associate Professor Lyn Fragar AOMB BS (USYD), DTM&H (USYD), MPH (USYD), Dip Ag Ec (UNE), FAFPHM, Grad Dip Ornithology (CSU)21 May 2003 - present
Associate ProfessorMichelle GuppyMB BS, FRACGP, MPH11 October 2006 - present
Dr Matthew Gray B.Med, B.Ec, FRACGP1 January 2010 - 29 October 2010
Dr Charlotte Hespe - Chair MB BS (Hons) (Syd), DCH (Lon), FRACGP, FAICD, GCUT (UNDA)27 December 2001 – present
Dr Martyn BakerM.A., M.B., B.Chir [Cantab], D.Obst RCOG [London], D.C.H [London], Dip RACOG.30 August 2006 - 29 October 2010
Dr Charlotte Hespe
Our Board continued
Dr Rod MartinB Sc (UQ), MB BS (UQ), FACRRM
(Anaes/Obstets)
9 June 2008 - 29 October 2010
Dr Harry NespolonBM BS, DipRACOG B.Ec LL.B (Hons) FRACGP, FACLM, GCLP, MBA, FAICD31 October 2007– present
Dr Alison RoseMB BS, FRACGP
1 January 2010 - 29 October 2010
Dr Narelle ShadboltMB BS, FRACGP, MFM (Monash)
30 June 2005 - 29 October 2010
Dr Jacqueline KornerMB BS, DRCOG, MRCGP20 December 2006 – present
Professor Jennifer ReathMBBS, Dip RACOG, FRACGP, MMed 29 October 2010 – present
Professor Siaw-Teng LiawMB BS, Dip Obst, PhD, FRACGP, FACHI,
GAICD
1 January 2010 - present
Dr Les WoollardDRANZCOG, DRCOG DA MB BS
(Melbourne)
13 February 2002 - 29 October 2010
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 07
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 08
Education Committee – Report From Chair, Prof Teng Liaw
I was appointed Chair of the Education Committee (EC) in
November 2010 following the resignation of the previous chair,
Narelle Shadbolt, from the GP Synergy Board.
2010-11 was a tumultuous period with significant events and
changes following the merger of GP Synergy with Institute of
GP Education (IGPE). The combined Medical Education (ME)
team worked effectively and collegiately to consolidate and
to harmonise the GP Synergy and IGPE curricula and training
pathways. GP Synergy is now a single team delivering vocational
training and support of supervisors and registrars from four
offices, Chippendale, Liverpool, Armidale and Moree. It is a
tribute to the combined ME team, ably led by Jeremy Bunker and
Linda Mann and Rosa Canalese (after Jeremy’s untimely illness
and death in May 2011), that the GP Synergy training program
and registrar placement continues to function smoothly and
effectively with most registrar choices met.
The dedication and hard work of the ME team along with the
support of the administrative team led by the CEO, John Oldfield,
continue to amaze me as they grapple with the challenges of GP
training in an uncertain and evolving environment.
Thanks to Margaret Ginger, the Director of Training of WentWest),
for her very able oversight of the new allocation process as chair
of the inaugural Terms Allocation Committee (TAC).
Too many significant activities happened to allow an easy
complete listing: a range of policies, implementation of the
2-stage selection process for GP registrar training, development
of the Alumnus network, enlargement of the Prevocational GP
Placement Program (PGPPP), the joint lecturer position in General
Practice with the University of NSW School of Public Health and
Community Medicine, the Aboriginal Health Education Liaison
Board Sub Committees
Committee with engagement of the CEOs of Aboriginal Medical
Services (AMS), the remote model of supervision of registrars in
Aboriginal Medical Services, and so on.
The focus going forward will be to consolidate the comprehensive
evaluation processes and documentation from a range of sources,
vertical integration, Aboriginal Health and achieving the KPIs of
the quality framework. Doing this systematically and reporting
on it in learned education journals and the GPET conference, will
build up the evidence to support and improve the GP Synergy
training program.
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.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 09
Finance & Audit Committee
The Finance and Audit Committee meets monthly. 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.
Nominations Committee
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.
During the 2010-2011 financial period its members included Dr’s
Owen Brookes (Chair), Charlotte Hespe, Harry Nespolon and Mr
John Oldfield. The committee met in August and October 2011.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Committee
GP Synergy recognises the need for Aboriginal Medical Services to
employ registrars who are appropriately sensitive and responsive
to the needs of its clients, and the need to maintain continuity of
supply and support.
The role of the Aboriginal & 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. This involves
interpretation of the most effective ways of applying the relevant
parts of the RACGP and ACRRM curricula to training in Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Health incorporating and reflecting
local priorities and concerns.
The committee examines all of GP Synergy's educational activities
and equity programs with a view to ensuring that all recognise
and help address the concerns and needs of Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islanders in a culturally sensitive and appropriate way.
The committee helps establish formal and effective relationships
between GP Synergy and other organisations and individuals
which strive for improvement in the health of the Aboriginal
communities and which facilitate effective Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander training.
It also assists in the development and implementation of
procedures for the recruitment of GP registrars to work in the
Aboriginal Medical Services and to support the cultural mentors
who in turn support them.
The committee provides guidance and support for GP Synergy's
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Officer in the
discharge of her/his duties, to identify ways in which the needs
and the aspirations of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities can be incorporated into the governance and
operations of GP Synergy, and to monitor and aim to enhance
GP Synergy's compliance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Health Framework.
Board Sub Committees continued
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 10
The committee held meetings in August 2010, November
2010, March 2011 and May 2011. Members to the committee
have recently been extended to include a representative from
each AMS or organisation within GP Synergy’s geographical
boundaries.
A key area of focus for the group has been the discussion of a
remote supervision model for Aboriginal Medical Services within
the NE/NW region.
Another area of focus for the group was the mandatory placement
of registrars training in NE/NW in Aboriginal community
organisations and the arrangement of supervision.
Regional Advisory Forums
Regional Advisory Councils are subcommittees of the GP Synergy
Board and have been established to represent interested
stakeholders within each regional node of GP Synergy.
Their role is to consider regional health services and issues in
context to primary care training (particularly GP education
and training), investigate and report on GP Synergy’s influence
(potential or real) and performance in these areas.
Sydney Central Regional Advisory Forum
The Sydney Central Regional Advisory Forum met three times
during the 2010-2011 financial period on 15/09/2010, 9/02/2011
and 22/06/2011. Its members include representatives from
Universities and Divisions located within the Sydney Central
region. Representatives at these meetings during this period
included Dr Martyn Baker (1), Mr Darryl Williams (2), Dr Linda
Mann (3), Mr Kevin Reid (1), Mr Richard Lawrance (1), Ms Tricia
Rowlinson (2), Dr Nada Andric (2), Professor Nicholas Zwar (1),
Dr Charlotte Hespe (1), Dr Liz Marles (1), Dr Narelle Shadbolt
(1), Dr Wicky Wong (1), Mrs Jenny Sikorski (1), Lisa Leckey (1),
Dr Kiril Goring-Siebert, Dr Shamini Ramoo, Dr Michael Moore,
Mr Peter Wood and Mr John Oldfield (3). During this period the
Committee had two Chairs – Dr Martyn Baker (1) and Dr Nada
Andric (2). Current members are in bold.
During the financial period, the advisory forum received updates
on current issues and matters of interest related to GP Synergy’s
training program, distribution of placements in the region, practice
and supervisor capacities, GP Synergy policies, accreditation and
the expansion of training through PGPPP.
Sydney South/South West (SS/SW) Regional Advisory Forum
The SS/SW Regional Advisory Forum met twice during the 2010-
2011 financial period on 14/7/10 and 23/2/11. Its members
include representatives from Universities and Divisions located
within the SS/SW region. The Chair of this committee is Dr Owen
Brookes (3). Representatives at these meetings over the period
included: The above mentioned Chair, Dr Joy Mowbray (1), Dr
Ashok Chalasani (3), Dr Matthew Gray (2). Prof Siaw Teng-
Liaw (2), Dr Sanjyot Vagholkar (1), Dr Alison Rose (2), Dr John
Stanford (1), Dr Robert Yeoh (2), Prof Jenny Reath (2), Dr
Marisa Magiros (2), Dr Anne Eastwood (2), Mr John Oldfield (3),
Mrs Dianne Hill (3). Current members are in bold.
During the 2010-2011 financial period the group collected
and considered feedback from supervisors regarding the IGPE
merger, submitted proposals to the Board for consideration
at Strategic Planning Meeting, maintained a watching brief of
PCHOs, discussed capacity development including recruitment
of training practices for both registrars and prevocational doctors,
registrar retention in view of workforce shortage, involvement in
education of Practice Nurses and Practice Managers, considered
information regarding potential Aboriginal Health posts at and
engaged in a joint initiative with Sydney South West Link to
lobby to have more of the Southwest area classified as outer-
metropolitan.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 11
Board Sub Committees continued
New England/Northwest (NE/NW)Regional Advisory Forum
The NE/NW Regional Advisory Forum met three times during the
2010-2011 financial period on 26/10/10, 21/2/11 and 21/6/11.
At the start of the period its members included representatives
from Universities and Divisions located within the NE/NW region
however to broaden the stakeholder input, this was extended to
include rural procedural GP's amongst others. During this period
the Committee had two Chairs – Dr Les Woollard (1) and A/Prof
Michelle Guppy (2). Representatives at these meetings over the
period included: The above mentioned Chairs, Mrs Fiona Strang
(2), Assoc Prof Lyn Fragar (1), Ms Delys Brady (3), Mr Scott
McLachlan (1), Mr Trevor Kapeen (1), Dr Ian Kamerman (1),
Mr Graeme Kershaw (1), Mrs Sally Armitage (2), Mr Peter
Finlayson (1), Dr Di Coote (1), Dr Cheryl McIntyre (1), Ms
Donna Taylor (0), Mr John Oldfield (3), Mr Pat Worthing (3).
Current members are in bold.
During the year, the committee received updates by CEO/
management of industry and GP Synergy extant developments
and matters of interest including PGPPP, GP Synergy policies
and the establishment of Armidale hub office. The group
also discussed practice and supervisor capacities, including
establishment of supervision model approved by RACGP for use
in Aboriginal Medical Services; maintained watching brief PHCO's,
received Hunter New England Health updates on the progress
of development of the Rural Generalist program, updates on
the status of GP Synergy procedural training posts in Tamworth
and Armidale and clarification of GP Synergy educational
requirements for GP supervisors.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 12
John Oldfield
2011 marks the loss of our colleague Dr Jeremy Bunker, to lung
cancer. Jeremy held the role of Director of Training since late 2002.
Over the past couple of years and during bouts of treatment
and recovery, Dr Linda Mann stepped into Jeremy’s role as acting
Director of Training. I wish to thank and acknowledge Linda
and all staff during this time for their support end efforts in
making sure GP Synergy continued to deliver excellent training
whilst managing substantial growth. I wish to acknowledge
the substantial contribution that Jeremy has made to our
organisation over the years, to general practice training and the
discipline at large.
There is no denying that GP Synergy’s growth has been
phenomenal with two amalgamations in as many years
however it hasn’t stopped there. Supported by Commonwealth
policy and funding, in 2010 - 2011 we seized the opportunity
to develop a significant pre-vocational training program called
the Prevocational General Practice Placement Program (PGPPP).
This program provides opportunity for pre-vocational doctors
to experience general practice by undertaking a supported
10-11 week placement in an accredited, community based
general practice training facility. It has been running for some
time in other states and minimally in NSW. However backed
by generous funding and a concerted industry effort to get the
program up and running in NSW, within a very short space of
time we have been able to scale up a program to 85 rotations in
the 2011 training year and further is grow anticipated for 2012
and beyond.
We have also seen increased registrars intake to 103, importantly
in 2010 – 2012, eighteen rural pathway candidates been
recruited to train in our New England / Northwest region. This
highlights year on year increase in training numbers in the
region since amalgamation and we intend to continue this trend
ensuring that we work with our training practices and continually
improve our training delivery to ensure registers are provided
with a quality training experience. A positive training experience
ultimately leads to retention and improved services for those
communities in need of health workforce.
In 2011 we announced plans to develop our New England
Northwest presence in Armidale.We have acquired premises
and have recruited a number of staff to the Armidale office.
Our Moree office will continue, albeit with a smaller staff, and is
focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health managed
by Val Dahlstrom and other special program's under Felicity
Gemmell-Smith’s management including Defense Force Training
and the procedural skills training program.
Following amalgamation with the Institute of GP Education in
2010, our general pathways registrars and supervisors now cover
an extensive region from eastern and inner Sydney and throughout
the southwest corridor to the Southern Highlands. To ensue that
we provide suitable access and facility we have established
purpose built 500m square facility in Liverpool which includes
a sizeable events area, computer lab and a skills and assessment
lab. Liverpool is deemed to be the most appropriate for transport
and access for both trainees and supervisors and the premises
has been well received by all. Our staff often work between both
sites in support of our aim to maximize the sharing or resources,
skills and expertise.
In 2011 GP Synergy established a joint venture subsidiary with
5 partners to develop a new and improved GPRime system,
our prime IMIT system that is used in the administration and
management of the training program. GPRime is now a legacy
system that was developed in 2003. The upgraded system will
include the most user friendly and productive aspects of the
various systems used by RTPs and is expected to have vastly
improved interface, performance and stability. Its development is
largely informed by years of user experience and feedback form
various stakeholders. We expect trials of the system to occur in
2012.
CEO Report
Quote from John's articleto go here. Quote from John's article to go here.
"I am very fortunate to work with a dedicated and professional staff who make the work environment at GP Synergy both exciting and enjoyable."
John Oldfield
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 13
A key challenge for our program is the Commonwealth’s
requirement to complete one year of community based training
outside of the inner city areas and I locations classified as outer
metropolitan, rural and/or in an Aboriginal Medical Services. This
requirement came in in 2010. Although we support the focus
on meeting the needs of these communities, the classifications
do not adequately reflect all the areas of medical workforce
need within our specific urban catchment. GP Synergy will be
investigating improved ways of dealing with this issue and in
ways that provide more flexible options for registrars in meeting
the medical service needs and with a focus on the communities
of medical workforce need in our catchment.
We have many other projects on the boil in support of improved
education delivery. During the period we provided in-practice
resource grants will see a particular focus on resource in and
up-skilling practices supervisors and trainees in the use of
videoconferencing systems as a business and education tool.
This technology will become increasingly important to a number
of aspects of education delivery.
Once again I would like to acknowledge the Board headed up by
our Chair, Dr Charlotte Hespe. Charlottes expertise and input has
been fundamental in shaping our organisation and its governance
culture. I am blessed to work amongst a professional a dedicated
group of directors who have managed difficult transitional
arrangements during amalgamation and who always act in the
best interests of GP Synergy and the programs it delivers. This year
the Board continues to work with the Regional Advisory Councils
as a means to strengthen communications between the Board
and our members. We hope this conduit provides improved
member access and influence in the governance of our region.
We are delighted to welcome our new Director of Training,
A/Prof. Rosa Canalese who accepted the appointment in 2011.
Rosa brings with her a wealth of industry knowledge having
served as a former senior medical educator in IGPE prior to
amalgamation. In recent years Rosa has been educating medical
students at the University of Notre Dame in her role as Associate
Dean for Teaching and Learning. Rosa also continues with clinical
sessions. We are very lucky to have her join us.
I also wish to acknowledge and thank all staff who have
contributed to the success and growth of our organisation
in so many ways and who ensure that the best training and
service is provided to our trainees and supervisors. I am very
fortunate to work with a dedicated and professional staff who
make the work environment at GP Synergy both exciting and
enjoyable. I look forward to 2012.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 14
John Oldfield
Director of Training Report
Following on from the amalgamations with NEATS and IGPE
which were finalised in 2009 and 2010 respectively, the last year
should have been a gentle year of consolidation and melding
the educational skills of three teams to make a new and effective
whole in the newly renovated premises at Chippendale and
Liverpool.
We did do all that, but sadly only amongst tumult of staff change
and the untimely death of Dr Jeremy Bunker.
This report will reflect the work done under Jeremy, from July
2010 to February 2011 and then by me as Acting Director of
Training from then until July 2011 when Change Dr to A/Prof
Rosa Canalese commenced work as DoT.
2010
Trainees
During 2010 our focus was on the training of over 300 GP
registrars and the commencement of the PGPPP experience (Pre-
vocational GP Placement Program). For the expanded PGPPP
program to commence with placements in 2011, completely
new and very exhaustive accreditation was needed for the
initial 12 practices, which occupied much of Jeremy's time in
late 2010. He worked with Ms Jani Mal in the development of
support resources for practices, and the integration of teaching
for registrars and Junior Medical Officers (those who will be part
of PGPPP).
Jeremy also worked alongside Dr Winston Lo, who has nurtured
the registrars at the end of their training time, and into their
life as new GPs, on the development of the GP Synergy alumni
association. This was announced in December 2010. It is a market
place for doctors, and will increase the connectivity of these new
GPs, as well as cementing their relationship with their training
organisation.
Staff
There was considerable movement of staff during this period
across all region nodes, as some chose to move to new
opportunities and new faces arrived.
We bade farewell to Dr Hooi Toh whose work as Director of
Training at IGPE was carried on by Dr Anne Eastwood, now
Regional Education Director of the South West Node. To augment
ME resource out of Liverpool we welcomed Dr Graeme Lee, Dr
Geetha Kunjithapatham and Dr Michael Tam, who is sharing a
new position half time with GP Synergy and half time as a GP
academic with UNSW.
In the New England/Northwest (NE/NW) node, although we lost
the excellent services of Dr Carmen Ast, she continues to work
for us undertaking clinical teaching visits and in our education
program. Dr Russell King also stepped down from his formal
medical education role but is also a regular contributor to the
educational program. The region also bade farewell to Jan Tuart,
whose position is being reorganised, and to Brenda Rees-Smith
who relocated interstate. The staff departures in the region has
been augmented by the welcome addition of Ms Miriam White,
who provides administrative support for the Medical Educators
(MEs) in the region and Dr Jenny Morrison, who became a registrar
ME. The NE/NW ME team include Regional Education Director, Dr
Barb Moritz and Drs Roland Loeve and Donna Quinn.
The Central node has seen great change, most notably Dr Jeremy
Bunker’s forced retirement due to ill health in February, and his
death in May. I took on the role of Acting Director of Training at
this time and was aided by the addition of two new MEs, Drs Carl
Bazergy and Huy An. They join the existing medical education
staff of Drs Eszter Fenessy, Jenny Lonergan, Anna Sallos, Vanessa
Moran, Winston Lo and Su Yang. We also saw the departure of
Dr Hadia Mukhtar, who to become Dean of GP at Notre Dame
Quote from John's articleto go here. Quote from John's article to go here.
"During 2010 our focus was on the training of over 300 GP registrars and the commencement of the PGPPP experience".
Dr Linda MannActing Director of Training
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 15
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 16
in Auburn Hospital.We were fortunate to continue to have the
presence of Dr Marisa Magiros to help Dr Shamini Ramoo into the
RLO position and Dr Ian Kamerman, in the role of SLO.
2011
Trainees
The selection process for doctors seeking to enter GP training
changed this year to a national program with selection centres
forming a significant part of the assessment. Whilst the centres
required considerable planning, they have ultimately resulted in
a more streamlined and transparent selection process.
A pilot program for rural pathway hospital registrars was launched
by Registrar Medical Educator, Dr Jenny Morrison, with support by
Dr Barb Moritz to support these registrars making the transition
from hospital to GP settings.
Training Practices
Expressions of interest for accreditation resulted in increasing
the number of outer metropolitan practices we have for
registrar placement, but not in supplying all the practices that will
be needed for urban PGPPP for 2012-2013. In a similar vein, we
have reached training practice saturation in the New England/
Northwest area, with suitable practices having given us space
for all the registrars they can offer places for. The ability to fill all
those places continues to vary (we filled 17 of 21 places in 2010,
and have 26 places to fill in 2011, with selection still occurring at
the time of writing.
Divisions and Medicare Locals
A number of Divisional engagement meetings have occurred
to ensure that GP Synergy is able to be as integral a part of the
development of Medicare Locals as those organisations seek. The
New England/Northwest area was successful in the first round, so
that Medicare Local is in active development.
Universities and GP Synergy
GP Synergy has strong relationships with the five Universities in
its boundaries – The Universities of Sydney, NSW, Notre Dame,
Western Sydney and New England. In 2011 we co-hosted the
Clinical Teacher Training Workshop with several of the Universities
and we have several staff and board members with employment
within universities.
Dr Linda MannActing Director of Training
GP Synergy FarewellsDr Jeremy Bunker
On 4th May 2011, GP Synergy lost one of its longest serving staff
members, DoT, Dr Jeremy Bunker, to cancer.
Jeremy was an exceptional General Practitioner, teacher, leader,
academic and, of course, a dear friend to many. He was a high
achiever, graduating in 1983 from the University of Sydney with
first-class honours, a university medal and three prizes.
After 15 years working as a GP in his own practice in Ultimo,
Jeremy became a GP supervisor with the Royal Australian
College of General Practitioners (RACGP) in 2002. Shortly after he
was appointed DoT at the Sydney Institute for General Practice
Education and Training (SIGPET), one of several new Regional
Training Providers (RTPs) created through the regionalisation of
general practice education and training.
Jeremy was instrumental in shaping the general practice
education landscape and undertook his role with dedication,
enthusiasm and professionalism. Under Jeremy’s guidance, the
organisation delivered medical education of the highest quality
and become renowned as a leading provider of general practice
education.
Jeremy played a critical role in the successful merger of SIGPET
with the New England Area Training Service (NEATS) to become
GP Synergy, embracing the opportunity to become involved in
rural general practice education training delivery.
When the organisation merged again in 2010 with the Institute of
General Practice Education (IGPE), Jeremy again led the successful
integration of the education programs, with his colleagues
creating seamless educational delivery that extended across
most of Sydney.
For more than a decade, Jeremy developed programs of
education and training for GPs at all levels, including a formal
training program for supervisors and registrars. He participated
in many of these programs himself and was an avid supporter
of professional development, graduating with his Masters of
Medical Education from the University of New South Wales
(UNSW) in 2010.
Quote from John's articleto go here. Quote from John's article to go here.
In so many ways Jeremy positively influenced his trainees, colleagues and the industry.
Dr Jeremy Bunker1957 - 2011
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 17
In his role as DoT, he became a teacher, mentor and role model for
many GP trainees and colleagues.
During his tenure he participated in many research projects such
as literature review commissioned by GPET - ‘Choosing general
practice - A review of career determinants’, and co-authored other
papers such as ‘Caring for patients with opioid dependence’.
In addition to his DoT role, Jeremy wore many other hats,
including working as a Staff Specialist at the Fairfield General
Practice Unit GP in Sydney’s south/southwest and a Conjoint
Lecturer at UNSW. In these role/s he participated in academic
research and was awarded the RACGP award for the best
research article in 2010 for his contribution to the research article
‘Feasibility and efficacy of COPD case finding by practice nurses”.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 18
Jeremy set the tone and educational foundations for GP Synergy.
In so many ways he positively influenced his trainees, colleagues
and the industry.
The general practice community has greatly benefited from his
involvement and in both professional and personal contexts, he
continues to be missed by his colleagues across the profession
and at GP Synergy.
Staff
GP Synergy is fortunate to have a high calibre of dedicated staff
across its medical education and administration teams.
2010-2011 was a turbulent time for staff with the passing away
of GP Synergy’s inaugural Director of Training, Dr Jeremy Bunker
to cancer in May 2011. The illness and loss of Jeremy affected all
staff significantly, and during the period there were several staff
changes.
Dr Linda Mann stepped up into the role of Acting Director of
Training during Jeremy’s illness and after his death until to the
appointment of A/Prof Rosa Canalese into the DoT position on
1st July 2011. Linda then took on the Director of Prevocational
Training (DPET) role for the expanded PGPPP program. GP Synergy
sincerely thanks Linda for her contribution and commitment
during this difficult time.
Amongst this change 2010 saw some significant educational
innovations developed by GP Synergy staff. At the 2010 GPET
Conference in September, several GP Synergy staff were
accepted to make presentations. GP Synergy Medical Educator
Dr Donna Quinn and staff member Jann Tuart co-presented
with Dr Graham Emblem from CSQTC on the adaptation of the
Pre-GPT1 Assessment tool to specifically assess and identify GPR
issues prior to commencing GPT1. Dr Barb Moritz also presented
on her and Dr Donna Quinn's experience trialling the effects of
implementing a tandem External Clinical Teaching Visit (ECTV)
technique in remediation.
In 2010 GP Synergy was fortunate to have the addition of
former SIGPET registrar, Dr Michael Tam, to the GP Synergy
medical education team. Michael joined GP Synergy as part of
a collaborative joint lecturer position between GP Synergy and
the UNSW School of Public Health and Community Medicine. The
position involves teaching in both the undergraduate medical
program at UNSW and vocational education at GP Synergy and is
for a fixed term (up to two years).
Operations Staff: 1.7.10-30.6.11
Mr John Oldfield: CEO
Administration – Sydney
Ms Dianne Hill: Deputy CEO & Regional Business Manager -
Sydney South/Southwest
Dr Sonia Cattley (PhD)
Education and Training Coordinator - General Pathway
Ms Lorraine Cecil-Swadling
Data Administration Officer
Ms Karine Manley
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Ms Denise McSorley
Administration Officer
Ms Belinda Palamara
Data Administration Officer & Educational Resource Coordinator
Ms Carol Thorndike
Office Administrator & Executive Assistant to the
South/Southwest Senior Staff
Ms Michelle Van Dongen
Terms Administration and Data Quality Manager
Administration – New England/Northwest
Mr Pat Worthing
Chief Financial Officer & Regional Business Manager -
New England/Northwest
Ms Lucy Adams
Office Administrator
Ms Ruth Fletcher
Office Administrator
Ms Felicity Gemmell-Smith
Special Education Programs Manager
& Process Development Officer
Quote from John's articleto go here. Quote from John's article to go here.
GP Synergy is fortunate to have a high calibre of dedicated staff across its medical education and administration teams.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 19
Ms Brenda Rees-Smith
Education and Training Program
Coordinator- Rural Pathway
Ms Jann Tuart
Regional Intake & Support Officer
Ms Miriam White
Regional Education Support
& Events Coordinator – New England/
Northwest
Events & Marketing
Ms Kate Froggatt
Marketing & Events Manager
Ms Eliza Canty
Events Coordinator - Central
Ms Lexi Kyle
Marketing & Events Coordinator – SS/
SW
Ms Miriam White
Regional Education Support & Events
Coordinator – NE/NW
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health
Ms Val Dahlstrom
Aboriginal Liaison Officer
Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP)
Ms Jani Mal
PGPPP Officer
Accounts
Mr Ken Glover
Accountant
Ms Tina Barwick-Taylor
Finance Officer
Accreditation
Ms Deborah Eastwood
Accreditation, Safety and Quality
Officer
Medical Education Staff: 1.7.10-30.6.11
Dr Jeremy Bunker
Director of Training
Dr Linda Mann
Acting Director of Training
Sydney Medical Educators
Dr Hooi Toh
Regional Education Director
Dr Anne Eastwood
Regional Education Director
Dr Huy An
Medical Educator
Dr Soheyl Aran
Medical Educator
Dr Carl Bazergy
Medical Educator
Dr James Best
Supervisor Medical Educator
Dr Eszter Fenessy
Medical Educator
Dr Geetha Kunjithapatham
Medical Educator
Dr Graham Lee
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 20
Medical Educator
Dr Jenny Lonergan
Medical Educator
Dr Marisa Magiros
Registrar Medical Educator / RLO
Dr Vanessa Moran
Medical Educator
Dr Hadia Mukhtar
Medical Educator
Dr Winston Lo
Medical Educator
Dr Anna Sallos
Medical Educator
Dr Michael Tam
Medical Educator
Dr Su Yang
Medical Educator
New England/Northwest Medical Educators
Dr Barb Moritz
Regional Education Director
Dr Russell King
Medical Educator
Dr Roland Loeve
Medical Educator
Dr Jenny Morrison
Registrar Medical Educator
Dr Donna Quinn
Medical Educator
Program Evaluation
Ms Margaret Simpson
Education & Evaluation Officer
Training practice supervisors and staff play a critical role in the
successful delivery of the AGPT program. GP Synergy is fortunate
to have an exceptional calibre of training practices across its three
regions, with dedicated, professional and enthusiastic supervisors
providing quality teaching and learning experiences.
In-practice Supervision Satisfaction
In a study commissioned by GPET undertaken by Piazza
Consulting in April 2011, registrars were asked to rate their level
of satisfaction with the quality of teaching and advice provided
by their supervisor. 98% of general pathway registrars surveyed
were satisfied or highly satisfied, with 100% of rural pathway
respondents satisfied or highly satisfied with the quality of
teaching and advice.
Supervisor Professional Development Program
To support supervisors in their education and training of GP
registrars, GP Synergy continues to provide a comprehensive
supervisor professional development program.
The program is built on a matrix of resources for GP supervisors
which includes education designed to increase knowledge of the
General Practice curriculum and GP Synergy education program,
as well as explore and promote methods of clinical teaching.
In the 2010-2011 period GP Synergy hosted several educational
workshops for supervisors in each node, as well as cross-nodal
educational activities.
A highlight of this program was the annual GP Supervisor
Development weekend held in June which examined the
techniques to effectively manage the relationship between
registrars and supervisors to ensure a positive training outcome.
Supporting Supervisors and Maximising In-practice Experience
Held at GP Synergy’s Liverpool office, the workshop was attended
by GP Synergy supervisors from all three nodes. It was led by the
highly respected John Boyle, a cognitive behavioural therapist
with a therapeutic philosophy of Person Centred Treatment, in
conjunction with Drs Linda Mann & Barb Moritz.
The workshop featured several dynamic small group activities
requiring supervisors from across the GP Synergy Sydney and
New England/Northwest regions to work together, reflect, and
challenge their thoughts and behaviour.
To provide additional professional development opportunities for
rural and remote supervisors in the first half of 2011, GP Synergy
piloted its first online supervisor webinar.
In the first half of 2011, GP Synergy, exploring opportunities to
provide additional professional development opportunities for
rural and remote supervisors piloted its first online supervisor
webinar.
Presented and facilitated by GP Synergy Medical Educator Dr
Roland Loeve, the webinar topic was 'Teaching the registrar to
engage the patient in self-management'.
Nine supervisors from the New England region participated
in the workshop with GP Synergy event staff also on hand to
offer assistance and support. Like all good pilots, the workshop
presented some anticipated and some unanticipated issues.
However, there was strong support from participants that the
platform could be further developed into a useful professional
development learning tool for remote supervisors.
Another highlight of the professional development program
was the Clinical Teacher Training Workshop. An annually run
event, the workshop is now in its eighth consecutive year, and
forms part of GP Synergy’s supervisor professional development
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 21
Quote from John's articleto go here. Quote from John's article to go here.
GP Synergy continues to provide a comprehensive supervisor professional development program.
program. Held in March, the workshop was run as a collaborative
educational event with the Universities of New South Wales,
Notre Dame, Sydney and Western Sydney. Demand for the
workshop was so high a second event had to be planned for the
latter part of 2011.
Supervisor of the Year Award
In October 2010, GP Synergy supervisor and former GP Synergy
Medical Educator, Dr James Best, won the RACGP General Practice
Supervisor of the Year Award 2010. The award recognises the
dedication of general practitioners who train and mentor general
practice registrars, their continuing commitment within the field
of general practice and their service to their patients, practice and
their community. The RACGP awards are an acknowledgment by
the profession of excellence in general practice.
Supervisor Advocacy & Support – Update by Supervisor Liaison Officer, Dr Ian Kamerman
Supervisors play a vital role within the Australian General Prac-
tice Training program. They not only supervise, but teach, sup-
port, mentor, coach and act as a role model, for their colleagues in
training, as well as see their own patients.
To provide support for supervisors GP Synergy maintains an active
supervisor as a Supervisor Liaison Officer. I have been in this role
for the last year. Largely I communicate with my colleagues via
emails, phone and personal contact at workshops. Another facet
of my role is to ensure GP Synergy gets the best advice from their
supervisors, either on an informal basis or formally through the
Supervisor Advisory Forum, which meets quarterly.
Practice Manager Workshops
Recognising the important role Practice Managers and other
practice staff play in a registrar’s training experience, GP Synergy
ran several Practice Manager workshops during the 2010-2011
period.
A workshop was held in Bingara in the Northwest/New England
region as well as in GP Synergy’s former offices in Smithfield. The
workshops provided a platform for updates about the GP Synergy
program, discussion and clarification of key administrative areas
such as pay and conditions, and opportunities for networking
and asking questions.
Training Practice Accreditation
2010 saw a change in the process for training practice
accreditation, delegated from the RACGP to the RTPs to manage.
The new program includes a peer review process that may
include a visiting supervisor, practice manager and other
delegates led by a GP Synergy Accreditations Safety and Quality
Officer. The aim is to make accreditation more than just red tape
and provide the practice with valuable feedback, perceptions
and ideas from peer reviewers. It is also hoped this change in
process will also derive instances of best practice that may inform
operations.
The rollout of the new program commenced in 2011, and will
continue across the next three years seeing a complete re-
accreditation and peer review of all existing training facilities.
Supporting supervisors and maximising in-practice experience - continued
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 22
Training Competent and Confident Registrars
GP Synergy is the second largest Regional Training Provider
in Australia. For the 2011 Australian General Practice Training
(AGPT) program, GP Synergy offered a total of 103 training
places.
As at 30 June 2011, 297 registrars were in active training across
GP Synergy’s metropolitan, outer-metropolitan and rural
regions.
Fellowship Outcomes
In the 2010-2011 financial year 52 GP Synergy registrars
successfully reached their RACGP fellowship aspirations.
To assist registrars prepare for these exams GP Synergy offered
its popular exam preparation series, featuring a combination of
written and clinical interactive workshops. For the 2011.1 series,
GP Synergy trialed an online system for the mock written exams
which proved very successful.
GP Synergy continues to offer registrars training in the rural
pathway opportunities to train towards Fellowship of the
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (FACRRM) with
a registrar currently enrolled in this program.
Dr Mark Allan
Dr Olivia Andrews
Dr Asma Arain
Dr Jai Balgovind
Dr Suzan Bekir
Dr David Chiew
Dr Ekaterina Danko
Dr Gabrielle De Giorgio
Dr Leanne Ellis
Dr Elaine Emery
Dr Penelope Fletcher
Dr Lilijana Gorringe
Dr Aryan Hakimi
Dr Won-suk Han
Dr Paul Hanley
Dr Peter Hanley
Dr Nerida Holdaway
Dr Jessie Huang
Dr Arthur Huang
Dr Susanna Hung
Dr Natasha Hyde
Dr Mydhili Immadi
Dr Mehnaz Jamal
Dr Annabel Kain
Dr Ruben Kurilowich
Dr Emilie Larkin
Dr Kane Lavender
Dr Benjamin Lee
Dr Xiao Lin
Dr Peter Ly
Dr Adel Magdy
Dr Marisa Magiros
Dr Kathryn Medynski
Dr Thusha Murugathasan
Dr Arasaratnam Nirmalendran
Dr Maria Pizzinga
Dr Daniel Pronk
Dr Carla Qasabian
Dr Suzanne Rix
Dr Sadija Salihbegovic
Dr Mohammad Shinwari
Dr Ing-Hui Sim
Dr Linda Soo
Dr Kevin Su
Dr Jenny Thai
Dr Marcus Tjiong
Dr Liliya Vitenko
Dr Xiaomin Wang
Dr Michael Westbury
Dr Esther Win
Dr Max Wong
Dr Danian Yang
GP Synergy Congratulates the Following Registrars on their Fellowship Success:-
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 23
Education Program
During the 2010-2011 period GP Synergy delivered 112
workshops for its registrars, providing a variety of learning
opportunities across all stages of training.
In 2011, under the guidance of Dr Jeremy Bunker, Sydney Medical
education teams merged the education programs of the Sydney
South/Southwest & Sydney Central nodes. This created a seamless
learning program for registrars training across GP Synergy’s
Sydney regions and ensured local content and presenters were
able to be retained.
The GP Synergy registrar education program continues to be
highly valued and evaluated by its participants. In the 2011
Registrar satisfaction survey commissioned by GPET, undertaken
by Piazza Consulting, 98% of community based registrars were
either highly satisfied or satisfied with the quality of educational
content, presenters, suitability and diversity of educational
workshops delivered by GP Synergy.
The program is reviewed annually and mapped via GP Synergy’s
curriculum mapping guide – SCRIPT - the Syllabus & Curriculum
Roadmap for Independent and In-practice Teaching. GP Synergy
provides each registrar access to SCRIPT as the start of their
GP term training. SCRIPT maps the RACGP curriculum against
GP Synergy’s education program, translating the vast RACGP
curriculum landscape into a learning and teaching framework for
GP Synergy registrars and supervisors.
Some highlights of the 2010-2011 program included the
combined GP Synergy, GP Training – valley to coast & North Coast
GP Training Fusion Workshop and the hands on practical skills
workshops, featuring interactive sessions on musculo-skeletal
medicine, surgical skills, wound management, plastering and for
the first time, ears, nose and throat.
Training competent and confident Registrars - continued
The Pre-GPT1 Assessment, introduced initially only for rural
pathway registrars and then extended to general pathway
registrars, continues to be highly regarded by registrars. The
assessment allows registrars to reflect on the differences in the
consultation styles of the hospital and GP environment, and
target their preparation prior to entering a GP term.
ADF Registrars
GP Synergy is one of the largest trainers of Australian Defense
Force (ADF) GP registrars, training almost 20 ADF GP Registrars in
various stages of training during the 2010-2011 period.
To meet the training needs of this dynamic group, GP Synergy
Special Programs Officer, Ms Felicity Gemmell-Smith, together
with colleagues Dr Linda Mann and Dr Sonia Cattley, have
developed and adopted a multidisciplinary management model
to oversee the training of this group. Evaluations by trainees of
this model had a 100% satisfaction rating and GP Synergy has
made submission to AGPT to present a workshop on this at the
2011 GPET Conference in Canberra.
Discussions have also been undertaken with the Royal Australian
College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Joint Health
Command regarding deployment military medicine terms
and accreditation of same, which has now been achieved for a
number of trainees. Two of GP Synergy ADF registrars took part in
the humanitarian mission to Pakistan following the devastating
floods and their subsequent reports gave clear evidence of the
outstanding work this group of registrars do in very challenging
circumstances.
Further initiatives have been developed to assist this registrar
group with their successful progression through the AGPT
program and GP Synergy will continue to explore improvements
for ADF registrar training as an ongoing project.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 24
Supporting supervisors and maximising in-practice experience - continued
During 2010-2011 52 GP Synergy registrars successfully reached their RACGP fellowship aspirations
Academic Extended Skills Posts
GP Synergy offers registrars the opportunity to undertake
academic extended skills placements at any of the affiliated
universities within its boundaries.
In 2010-2011, general pathway registrar Dr Kylie Vuong
undertook a placement with the University of Sydney, under
the supervision of Professor Bruce Armstrong and Associate
Professor Lyndal Trevena. Her project sought to identify whether
General Practitioner advice influenced sun protection behaviour
amongst patients.
At the annual RACGP NSW&ACT Faculty Fellowship and Awards
Ceremony in 2010 Kylie was awarded the RACGP/Primary Care
Collaborative Cancer Clinical Trials Group (PC4) Research Grant
for this project.
Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander Health Training
GP Synergy has a long standing commitment to the improvement
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. In 2010-2011 there
was an accredited Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) GP training
facility in each GP Synergy region with registrars training at these
facilities. These posts included the Redfern AMS in central Sydney,
Tharawal AMS in Sydney South/Southwest and the Tamworth
AMS in New England/Northwest.
In an effort to extend the GP training opportunities available
in rural Aboriginal Medical Services within the New England/
Northwest region, GP Synergy has been in ongoing discussions
with AMS’s as Pat Dixon Centre in Tamworth, Armajen AMS in
Armidale & Pius X in Moree regarding development of a remote
supervision model, which is hoped to be launched in 2012.
In 2010-2011, GP Synergy’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
Officer, Ms Val Dahlstrom, played an instrumental role in the
development of the resource Give us a break! A look at the myths
and legends surrounding Aboriginal people and our lifestyles,
published by GPET. The booklet looks to rebut some of the
myths surrounding Aboriginal people and is a valuable resource
for anyone, particularly for AGPT registrars undertaking cultural
training.
Procedural Skills Training
In 2010-11 five full-time procedural trainees were training in
GP Synergy managed procedural skills posts in Tamworth and
Armidale across three disciplines. The Tamworth DRANZCOG
Advanced post has been reactivated and the ARSP Anaesthesia
placements continue to be popular with both posts filled.
Emergency Medicine in Tamworth has again had a trainee
and very positive feedback has been received regarding all
placements.
GP Synergy continues to work closely with the procedural
training specialist supervisors to ensure the highest quality
training possible and we have standardised log book templates
and assessment tools across the sites. We are also working with
the Tamworth Emergency Department to offer the Australasian
College of Emergency Medicine Certificate to trainees in 2012 as
part of the ARSP Emergency Medicine. This department is also
developing an information brochure for potential trainees which
we hope will be ready soon.
2011-12 is shaping up to be an interesting year. The transfer of
responsibility for the Rural NSW GP Procedural Training Program
is being moved from NSW Health to CETI and Hunter New England
LHD has made a submission for rural generalist program funding.
Discussions regarding both are continuing, and GP Synergy is
taking an active part in these discussions.
Training Competent and Confident Registrars continued
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 25
Registrar Liaison & Support
In 2010-2011 Drs Marisa Magiros and Wicky Wong provided
registrar advocacy and support in their role as Registrar Liaison
Officers.
Alumni Program
To remain engaged with the large numbers of registrars that have
completed their GP training with SIGPET, NEATS and IGPE, GP
Synergy, GP Synergy established an Alumni program to provide
a platform where completed registrars were able to reconnect
with their peers and mentors, access professional networking
opportunities, career opportunities and medical education
opportunities.
GP Synergy launched this program with an alumni online portal
in November 2010 and is continuing to develop the program.
Registrar Medical Educator
GP Synergy has a long history of engaging registrars in medical
education through dedicated Registrar Medical Educator
positions. Registrars employed as ‘RegMEs’ generally work on
discrete educational projects and are mentored by more senior
medical education staff.
GP Synergy’s most recent RegME was Dr Jenny Morrison, a
rural pathway registrar in the NE/NW region. Together with
Regional Education Director, Dr Barb Moritz, Jenny developed
and implemented a pilot program for rural pathway hospital
based registrars to help make the leap from hospital work to
community practice less challenging. The program consists of ten
activities spread over ten months with Jenny providing feedback
on registrar’s submissions. A formal evaluation of the pilot is
scheduled to occur at the end of 2011.2.
Developmental Disability
In 2011 GP Synergy added Developmental Disability as a formal
component to its registrar education program. Dr Linda Mann
presented on the topic to registrars from GP Synergy, GP Training
– valley to coast and North Coast GP Training at the May Fusion
workshop held in Sydney.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 26
Increasing Opportunities To Experience General Practice: Prevocational General Practice Placements Program
The Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP)
is an Australian Federal Government initiative that provides
hospital based junior doctors with an opportunity to experience
a supervised general practice placement as an accredited hospital
rotation.
Junior doctors undertake a 10-11 week rotation with an
accredited GP training practice seeing patients with on-site
supervision from an experienced GP supervisor, weekly teaching
sessions and education program.
The PGPPP program provides junior doctors with the
opportunity sample general practice as a career choice, with
hands on experience above and beyond that they may have
experienced in medical school. The program has the potential to
significantly influence ta junior doctors career decision making
and hence developing the program within the organization has
been a key strategic objective during the 2010-2011 financial
year and remains so going forward.
The injection of Commonwealth funding in 2010 allowed the
program to be significantly expanded in 2011. GP Synergy’s
PGPPP Officer, Jani Mal, in collaboration with other GP Synergy
staff, made considerable progress to build capacity; recruiting
training practices to participate in the program and working
closely with the major training hospitals to form agreements
enabling junior doctors to participate in the program. GP Synergy
also participated in the finalization of the accreditation process
for PGPPP practices and undertook site visit accreditations of all
newly recruited PGPPP training practices.
In one of his final roles as DoT, Dr Jeremy Bunker was instrumental
in establishing the foundations for the expanded and revised
PGPPP program, developing the educational and induction
framework for the program, with support from GP Synergy’s
inaugural PGPPP Practices – The Hornsby GP Unit and Northwest
Health.
At the start of 2011 nine practices were participating in the
program, with junior doctors participating from seven hospitals.
These hospitals included Bankstown, Campbelltown, Hornsby,
Liverpool, Prince of Wales, Royal North Shore and Tamworth.
As at 30 June, 36 doctors had progressed or were progressing
through the program.
Evaluations by 2011.1 participants have been exceptionally
high across all areas including as supervision and teaching.
95% of participants stated they had a greater desire to pursue
general practice as a career choice or were still wanting to pursue
general practice as a career choice after having completed the
placement.
There are plans for significant expansion of the program within
GP Synergy’s footprint for 2012.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 27
There are plans for significant expansion of the program within GP Synergy’s footprint for 2012
Expanding the General Practice Profession
Applications into the GP Synergy training program continue to
be strong, although there is some evidence starting to emerge
that the return of service obligation requirements are impacting
registrar satisfaction and application into the general pathway.
A study of registrar satisfaction commissioned by GPET,
undertaken by Piazza Consulting, found general pathway
community based registrar satisfaction was high across a
number of areas including education program content quality,
supervision access and advice. However, satisfaction ratings
were well below the national average regarding how well the
training program takes into account the family and personal
needs of registrars.
The level of dissatisfaction is comparable to 2010 results and
correlates with the Return of Service Obligation policy change in
2010.
Satisfaction amongst rural pathway community based registrars
in the 2011 study was very high across all areas of the training
program.
Applications for the 2012 GP Synergy rural pathway training
program remain solid, with focus remaining on attracting high
quality candidates into the region.
Nationally applications into the rural pathway were down 3%
with a decrease in Australian Medical Graduates selecting rural
pathway training.
To dedicate more time to the GP Synergy marketing and event
management function, in June 2011 Ms Kate Froggatt resigned
from the NSW Marketing Officer role to resume full-time
employment with GP Synergy. GP Synergy will continue to
work closely with the new NSW Marketing Officer and NSW RTP
marketing collaborative to promote GP Synergy.
During the 2010-2011 financial period, GP Synergy employed
a number of techniques to reach and communicate with
prospective applicants in various stages of training and
employment.
This included participation in NSW marketing collaborative
marketing activities across the state, including the annual pre-
application training hospital roadshow. Registrars and staff
continued to participate in GP Student network activities across
our regions with the Universities of Sydney, New South Wales
and New England. GP Synergy was also a major sponsor of the
UNE Medical Society.
A strong relationship continues to be maintained with the major
training hospital in our rural region - Tamworth Rural and Referral
Hospital, with collaboration on several marketing activities and
new initiatives being developed.
Access to junior doctors continues to improve via the
Prevocational General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP)
which enables not only junior doctors to try out a career in
general practice, but also build strong relationships with
hospitals within our network.
2010 saw the launch of the GP Synergy e-newsletter and alumni
program, the latter targeting completed registrars and succession
medical education planning.
Providing clear, correct and access to information continues to
be at the forefront of the marketing activity with development
of the GP Synergy Applicant Pack and information sessions for
prospective applicants.
There are a number of new and exciting projects planned for
2011-2012, including increased engagement with junior doctors
across GP Synergy’s region and targeted strategies to promote
general practice and GP Synergy to prospective rural pathway
applicants.
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 28
GP SYNERGY LIMITEDA.B.N. 62 099 141 689
ANNUAL REPORTFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2011
Directors' Report 30 - 34
Declaration of Auditor Independence to the Directors of GP Synergy Limited 35
Independent Audit Report to the Members of GP Synery 36 - 37 Directors Declaration 38
Statememt of Financial Position as at June 30 2011 39
Statement of Comprehensive Income for the year ended 30 June 2011 40
Statement of Changes in Equity for the year ended 30 June 2011 41
Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 30 June 2011 42
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30th June 2010 43 - 54
The directors present their report together with the financial report of GP Synergy Limited for the year ended 30 June 2011 and the
auditors’ report thereon.
1. Directors The directors at any time during or since the financial year were as follows:
Period as Director Dr C Hespe 27 December 2001 - present
Dr I Adair 20 December 2004 - 29 October 2010
Dr N Shadbolt 30 June 2005 - 29 October 2010
Dr M Baker 30 August 2006 - 29 October 2010
Dr L Woollard 2 January 2009 - 29 October 2010
Dr J Korner 28 February 2007 - present
Prof J Reath 29 October 2010 - present
A/Prof M Guppy 2 January 2009 - present
Dr H Nespolon 31 October 2007 - present
A/Prof L Fragar 2 January 2009 - present
Dr R Martin 2 January 2009 - 29 October 2010
Dr M Gray 1 January 2010 - 29 October 2010
Prof T Liaw 1 January 2010 - present
Dr O Brookes 1 January 2010 - present
Dr A Chalasani 1 January 2010 - 29 October 2010
Dr A Rose 1 January 2010 - 29 October 2010
Dr N Andric 29 October 2010 - present
2. Principal Activity During the Year
The 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 $48,896 (2010:$Nil)
There was a significant change in the nature of business activity during the financial year due to increased training activity,
escalation of the Prevocational General Practice Placement Program (“PGPPP”) and grant finding for in-practice resources.
3. Description of Short and Long-term Objectives Promote and deliver integrated general practice education and training.
4. Strategy for Achieving Objectives Continue 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.
5. How Principal Activities Contributed to Achieving these Objectives By continued compliance with the requirements of the AGPT contract for general practice education and training.
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 30
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
6. How Performance is Measured AGPT measures company performance under terms of contract specifically 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.
7. Members Liabilities 21 Members limited to $10 per member.
8. Directors’ Meetings During the financial year, the attendances of the directors were as follows:
Name Attended Eligible
Dr C Hespe 7 7
Dr I Adair 2 2
Dr N Shadbolt 2 2
Dr M Baker 2 2
Dr L Woollard 2 2
Dr J Korner 6 7
A/Prof M Guppy 7 7
Dr H Nespolon 7 7
A/Prof L Fragar 7 7
Dr R Martin 2 2
Dr M Gray 2 2
Prof T Liaw 6 7
Dr O Brookes 6 7
Dr A Chalasani 2 2
Dr A Rose 2 2
Prof J Reath 5 5
Dr N Andric 5 5
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 31
Sub-committees of the Board During the financial year, the attendances of the directors at sub-committees were as follows:
Finance and Audit Committee Name Attended Eligible Assoc Prof L Frager 10 10
Dr H Nespolon 10 10
Dr J Korner 10 10
Dr M Gray 3 4
Dr C Hespe 5 6
Dr O Brookes 4 4
Dr N Andric 5 6
Nominations and Constitutional Review Commitee Name Attended Eligible Dr H Nespolon 3 4
Dr C Hespe 5 5
Dr A Chalasani 1 1
Dr R Martin 0 1
Dr I Adair 1 1
Dr O Brookes 4 4
Education Committee
Name Attended Eligible A/Prof M Guppy 4 4
Dr A Rose 1 1
Dr N Shadbolt 1 1
Prof Siaw-Teng Liaw 4 4
Prof J Reath 2 2
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Commitee (ATSI)
Name Attended Eligible Prof J Reath 1 1
Prof Siaw-Teng Liaw 1 1
Regional Advisory Council - Sydney Central
Name Attended Eligible Dr M Baker 1 1
Dr N Andric 2 2
Dr C Hespe 1 2
Prof Siaw-Teng Liaw 1 1
DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 32
Regional Advisory Council - New England / North West
Name Attended Eligible Dr L Woollard 1 1
Assoc Prof M Guppy 2 2
Assoc Prof L Fragar 2 2
Regional Advisory Council - South / South West
Name Attended Eligible Dr O Brookes 2 2
Prof Siaw/Teng Liaw 1 2
Prof J Reath 1 2
DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 33
9. Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration The 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 2011.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:
DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 34
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
As lead auditor of GP Synergy Limited for the year ended 30 June 2011, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have
been no contraventions of:
-the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
-any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
This declaration is in respect of GP Synergy Limited during the period.
KS Black & Co
Chartered Accountants
DECLARATION OF AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE TO THE DIRECTORS OF GP SYNERGY LIMITED
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 35
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 2011, 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.
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.
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.
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GP SYNERGY LIMITED
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 36
Audit OpinionIn our opinion, the financial report of GP Synergy Limited is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the company's financial position as at 30 June 2011 and of its performance for the year ended on
that date; and
(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting Interpretations) and the Corporations
Regulations 2001.
KS Black & Co
Chartered Accountants
INDEPENDENT AUDIT REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF GP SYNERGY LIMITED
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 37
In the opinion of the directors of GP Synergy Limited:
a. the financial statements and notes, as set out on the following pages are in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001,
including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the company as at 30 June 2011 and of its performance for the
financial year ended on that date; and
(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations 2001; and
b. there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and
payable.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the directors:
DIRECTORS DECLARATION
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 38
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2011
Note 2011 2010
$ $
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 4 6,004,470 4,477,687
Trade and other receivables 5 257,617 596,266
Other assets 6 202,007 191,971
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 6,464,094 5,265,924
----------------- -----------------
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Property, Plant & Equipment 7 1,501,740 1,088,454
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 1,501,740 1,088,454
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL ASSETS 7,965,834 6,354,378
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables 8 1,137,445 1,090,077
Unearned revenue 9 6,408,417 4,903,058
Provisions 10 217,858 221,079
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 7,763,720 6,214,144
----------------- -----------------
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Provisions 10 85,991 73,007
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 85,991 73,007
----------------- -----------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 7,849,711 6,287,151
----------------- -----------------
NET ASSETS 116,123 67,227
========= =========
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Issued Capital 170 170
Retained Profits 115,953 67,057
----------------- -----------------
116,123 67,227
========= =========
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 39
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Note 2011 2010
$ $
Revenue* 2 12,053,704 8,347,611
Employee benefits expense 2,855,417 2,024,145
Depreciation 3(a) 237,732 108,067
Practice reimbursements 1,639,779 829,666
Registrars expense 1,071,842 715,158
Supervisors education 101,259 158,682
Teaching allowance 1,263,479 501,898
Board expenses 177,076 150,068
Consultants and contractors 551,795 610,412
Insurance 3(b) 86,110 65,251
Rent 3(a) 303,152 138,594
Administration Fee 3(d) 280,488 -
(Gain) / Loss on disposal of non current assets (1,361) 108,877
Other expenses from ordinary activities 3(c) 3,438,067 2,774,134
----------------- -----------------
12,004,808 8,184,954
----------------- -----------------
Surplus before income tax expense 48,896 -
Income tax expense - -
----------------- -----------------
Surplus for the year** 48,896 -
========= =========
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
* Revenue includes income recognised during the period for PGPPP totalling $1,845,547; income recognised in relation to grants for
in-practice resources totalling $637,810 and overall increased training activity.
$29,029 has been recognised relating to miscellaneous liabilities arising from the transition of NEATS and IGPE into GP Synergy.
Extensive investigation, which included the external auditor, was conducted in a cost effective manner allowing for the recognition of
these stated liabilites.
** $48,896 has been recognised as surplus arising from cessation of the NSW Health One Programme.
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 40
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
2011 2010
$ $
Total Equity at the Beginning of the financial year 67,227 67,157
Additional contributed equity - 70
Surplus for the year 48,896 -
----------------- -----------------
116,123 67,227
----------------- -----------------
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 41
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Note 2011 2010
$ $
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash receipts from government and other sources 12,943,398 9,003,449
Interest received 286,978 162,657
Cash paid to suppliers and employees (11,042,620) (7,450,152)
----------------- -----------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating activities 14(b) 2,187,756 1,715,954
----------------- -----------------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Payment for plant and equipment (660,973) (1,110,898)
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (660,973) (1,110,898)
----------------- -----------------
NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 1,526,783 605,056
Cash and Cash Equivalents at the beginning of the Financial Year 4,477,687 3,872,631
----------------- -----------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 14(a) 6,004,470 4,477,687
========= =========
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 42
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The 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 Preparation
This 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 Recognition
Revenue 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 Grants
Grants 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 tax
Revenues, 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.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 43
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont'd)
(e) Income Tax
The income of the company is exempt from income tax under the provisions of the Income Tax Assessment Act.
(f ) Impairment of assets
Assets 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 receivables
Trade 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.
(h) Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less depreciation. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly
attributable to the acquisition of the items.
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 years
Computer and software 2.5 years
Leasehold 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.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 44
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont'd)
Lease hold improvements are required to be written down over the shorter of the assets useful life and the term of the lease.
(i) Trade payables
These 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
(i) Wages and salaries, annual and long service leave
Liabilities 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.
(ii) Retirement benefit obligations
The company contributes to accumulation superannuation plans. Contributions are charged against income as they
are made.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
2011 2010
$ $
2. REVENUE
Grants received 10,963,281 6,304,564
Other revenue 803,445 1,880,390
Interest received 286,978 162,657
----------------- -----------------
12,053,704 8,347,611
========= =========
3. EXPENSES
(a) Surplus includes the following specific expenses
Depreciation 237,732 108,067
Rent 303,152 138,594
----------------- -----------------
(b) INSURANCE
Insurance 86,110 65,251
========= =========
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 45
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
Note 2011 2010
$ $
3. EXPENSES (cont'd)
(c) OTHER EXPENSES
Advertising 11,400 29,753
Compliance costs 60,639 71,206
Consumables 159,189 112,175
Freight & cartage 16,695 13,777
Motor vehicles 7,337 5,268
Office Maintenance 96,438 55,042
Supervisor liaison costs - 1,000
Telecommunications 123,750 60,854
Trading surplus (un-acquitted) 2,962,619 2,425,659
----------------- -----------------
3,438,067 2,774,134
----------------- -----------------
(d) Administration Fee representing cost allocations for PGPPP 280,488 -
----------------- -----------------
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Note 2011 2010
$ $
4. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Current
Cash on hand 2,020 2,786
Cash at bank 6,002,450 4,474,901
----------------- -----------------
6,004,470 4,477,687
========= =========
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 46
Note 2011 2010
$ $
5. RECEIVABLES
Current
Trade receivables 146,663 532,333
Other receivables 110,954 63,933
----------------- -----------------
257,617 2596,266
========= =========
6. OTHER
Current
Prepayments 202,007 191,971
========= =========
7. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Non-Current
Plant & equipment - at cost 964,559 828,361
Less: accumulated depreciation (325,168) (231,244)
----------------- -----------------
639,391 597,117
----------------- -----------------
Computer and software - at cost 378,623 311,879
Less: accumulated depreciation (254,831) (236,473)
----------------- -----------------
123,792 75,406
----------------- -----------------
Leasehold improvements - at cost 811,857 434,851
Less: accumulated deprecation (73,300) (18,920)
----------------- -----------------
738,557 415,931
----------------- -----------------
1,501,740 1,088,454
========= =========
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notesGP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 47
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
Note 2011 2010
$ $
7. PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (cont'd)
Reconciliations
Reconciliations of carrying amounts for each
class of plant and equipment are set out below:
Plant and equipment
Carrying amount at beginning of year 597,117 179,315
Additions 186,268 617,557
Disposals (4,252) (147,510)
Depreciation (139,742) (52,245)
----------------- -----------------
Carrying amount at end of year 639,391 597,117
----------------- -----------------
Computer and software
Carrying amount at beginning of year 75,406 67,385
Additions 94,569 69,830
Disposals (4,059) (27,462)
Depreciation (42,124) (34,347)
----------------- -----------------
Carrying amount at end of year 123,792 75,406
----------------- -----------------
Leasehold improvements
Carrying amount at beginning of year 415,931 43,309
Additions 380,136 423,511
Disposals (1,643) (29,414)
Depreciation (55,867) (21,475)
----------------- -----------------
Carrying amount at end of year 738,557 415,931
----------------- -----------------
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 48
Note 2011 2010
$ $
8. PAYABLES
Current
Trade payables 597,636 648,078
Accrued expenses 344,666 136,720
Other payables 195,143 305,279
----------------- -----------------
1,137,445 1,090,077
========= =========
9. UNEARNED REVENUE
Unearned revenue
AGPT (Operational & accumulated funds) 6,374,002 4,869,788
NSW Rural Doctors Network 34,415 33,270
----------------- -----------------
6,408,417 4,903,058
========= =========
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
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.
Note 2011 2010
$ $
10. PROVISIONS
Current
Employee entitlements 217,858 221,079
========= =========
Non-Current
Employee entitlements 85,991 73,007
========= =========
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notesGP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 49
12. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
(a) Key management personnel include the directors, the CEO, the Director of Training.
(b) Directors
The names of each person holding the position of GP Synergy Limited during the financial year are:
Dr C Hespe Dr I Adair Prof T Liaw Dr N Andric
Dr N Shadbolt Dr A Chalasani Prof J Reath Dr A Rose
A/Prof L Fragar Dr R Martin Dr M Baker
Dr L Woollard Dr H Nespolon Dr J Korner
A/Prof M Guppy Dr M Gray Dr O Brookes
(c) The compensation paid, payable or provided to other key management personnel consisted of short-term benefits of $490,212
(2010: $489,346).
(d) The compensation paid, payable or provided to directors consisted of short-term benefits in the nature of Board fees of
$174,874 (2010: $187,664), practice payments of $178,033 (2010: 494,109), teaching fees of $1,167 (2010: $2,408) and
conference attendance fees of $6,798 (2010: $5,179).
Board fees of $174,874 (2010: $187,664) represent grossed up salary packaging including non-cash items, whereas actual
payments made and received were $117,991 (2010: $138,367) (see table below).
Practice payments of $178,033 (2010: $494,109) 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.
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
11. TERM ALLOCATION REVIEW
(a) Audit review of adherence to policy and procedures with respect to training placement and allocation.
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. It is noted that during the year an exception arose relating to a particular trainee
allocation where the Board intervened on the basis of ensuring procedural fairness and risk mitigation which was not reflected in the
policy at the time. No directors were related to the parties involved in this intervention.
Policy and process guidelines have been since further enhanced to strengthen procedural fairness in relation to receipt and recording of
information and to improve procedural fairness in relation to the term allocation process and other.
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 50
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
2011Director
AGrossFeesExcl SalaryPackage
BSalaryPackagedAmount
CGrossedUp SalaryPackage
DSalarySacrificeSuper
ESuperSGC 9%
FPayroll Benefits Received(A+C+D+E)
Adair,Ian (Ceased 29/10/2010) 50.00 2,835.00 5,299.18 0.00 259.65 5,608.83
Andric,Nada (Appointed 29/10/2010) 3,982.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 358.38 4,304.38
Baker,Martyn John (Ceased 29/10/2010) 2,970.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 267.30 3,237.30
Brookes, Owen David 0.00 7,287.50 13,621.80 0.00 655.88 14,277.67
Chalasani, Ashok Kumar (Ceased 29/10/2010) 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,700.00 243.00 2,943.00
Fragar, Lyn 0.00 8,870.00 16,579.80 0.00 798.30 17,378.10
Gray, Matthew James (Ceased 29/10/2010) 0.00 5,110.00 9,551.61 0.00 459.90 10,011.51
Guppy, Michelle 6,480.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 583.20 7,063.20
Hespe, Charlotte Mary 0.00 13,370.00 24,991.20 5,380.00 1,203.30 31,574.50
Korner, Jacqueline 0.00 9,091.00 16,993.36 0.00 818.21 17,811.58
Liaw, Siaw – Teng 0.00 6,480.00 12,112.42 0.00 583.20 12,695.62
Martin, Rod (Ceased 29/10/2010) 0.00 4,300.00 8,037.56 0.00 387.00 8,424.56
Nespolon, Harry Michael 18,130.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,388.71 19,518.71
Reath, Jennifer (Appointed 29/10/2010) 1,080.00 2,700.00 5,046.84 0.00 340.20 6,467.04
Rose, Alison (Ceased 29/10/2010) 0.00 2,700.00 5,046.84 0.00 243.00 5,289.84
Shadbolt, Narelle (Ceased 29/10/2010) 2,700.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 243.00 2,943.00
Woollard, Leslie (Ceased 29/10/2010) 0.00 2,700.00 5,046.84 0.00 243.00 5,489.84
Total 35,392.00 65,443.75 12,2327.46 8,080.00 9,075.23 174,874.69
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GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notesGP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 51
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
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2010Director
AGrossFeesExcl SalaryPackage
BSalaryPackagedAmount
CGrossedUp SalaryPackage
DSuper
FPayroll Benefits Received(A+C+D+E)
Adair,Ian 2,583.00 4,063.00 7,594.00 596.00 10,774.00
Baker,Martyn John 6,370 0.00 0.00 573.00 6,943.00
Rebecca Blake (Ceased 23/10/2009) 0.00 3,125.00 5,841.00 381.00 6,123.00
Brookes, Owen 0.00 2,160.00 4,037.00 194.00 4,232.00
Chalasani, Ashok 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,632.00 2,632.00
Fragar, Lyn 2,625.00 4,120.00 7,701.00 607.00 10,933.00
Gray, Matthew James 0.00 2,535.00 4,738.00 228.00 4,967.00
Guppy, Michelle 5,745.00 0.00 0.00 517.00 6,262.00
Hespe, Charlotte Mary 638.00 12,623.00 23,594.00 1,193.00 25,425.00
Kamerman, Ian (Ceased 23/10/2009) 3,250.00 0.00 0.00 293.00 3,543.00
Korner, Jacqueline 1,000.00 5,245.00 9,804.00 562.00 11,366.00
Liaw, Siaw – Teng 0.00 2,058.00 3,846.00 185.00 4,031.00
Mann, Linda (Ceased 10/03/2009) 500.00 0.00 0.00 4,541.00 5,041.00
Martin, Rod 5,205.00 540.00 1,009.00 517.00 6,731.00
McGuin, Gregory (Ceased 23/10/2009) 0.00 0.00 0.00 3,543.00 3,543.00
Molydysky, Eugene (Ceased 23/10/2009) 0.00 6,125.00 11,449.00 551.00 12,000.00
Nespolan, Harry 14,770.00 0.00 0.00 10,883.00 25,653.00
Rose, Alison 0.00 3,00.00 5,612.00 270.00 5,883.00
Shadbolt, Narelle 8,738.00 0.00 0.00 768.00 9,524.00
Strong, Kim (Ceased 23/10/2009) 0.00 3,125.00 5841.00 281.00 6,123.00
Wollard, Les 250.00 7,995.00 14,944.00 742.00 15,936.00
Total 51,673.00 56,715.99 106,012 29,980.00 187,664
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
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GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 52
Note 2011 2010
$ $
13. REMUNERATION OF AUDITORS
Audit Services
Audit of the financial report
K S Black & Co 13,365 12,975
----------------- -----------------
Other services - K S Black & Co
3,200 3,200
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14. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(a) 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 as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related
items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
2011 2010
$ $
Cash on hand 2,,020 2,786
Cash at bank 6,002,450 4,474,901
----------------- -----------------
6,004,470 4,447,687
========= =========
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notesGP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 53
2010 2009
$ $
14. NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (cont'd)
(b) Reconciliation of Net Surplus in Net Cash
Provided by Operating Activities
Net Surplus 48,896 -
Depreciation 237,732 108,067
(Gain) / Loss on disposal of available for noncurrent assets (1,361) 108,877
Changes is Assets and Liabilities
Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 328,613 (470,899)
Decrease/increase in trade and other payables 58,754 507,895
Increase/(decrease) in provision for employee entitlements 9,763 86,605
Increase in unearned revenue 1,505,359 1,375,409
----------------- -----------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities 2,187,756 1,715,954
========= =========
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2011
GP SYNERGY LIMITED A.B.N. 62 099 141 689
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/AZS 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.
These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes These financial statements must be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes GP Synergy Annual Report 2010 - 2011 Page 54
GP Synergy Annual Report 2009 - 2010 Page 01a d v a n c i n g m e d i c a l t r a i n i n g
GP Synergy L imited ABN 62 099 141 689 ACN 099 141 689
E [email protected] www.gpsynergy.com.au
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