News
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ECT is an essential treatment and can save lives during COVID-19
27 March 2020
For some patients experiencing severe mental illness, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an essential treatment which can save their life.
RANZCP Foundation Research Update
26 March 2020
A RANZCP Foundation update.
RANZCP offices
26 March 2020
All College offices are now working remotely. For non-urgent enquiries, please contact the College via email ranzcp@ranzcp.org
COVID-19 looking after the most vulnerable - President John Allan on SBS NITV radio
25 March 2020
Interview with SBS NITV Radio on COVID-19: Are we looking after the mental health of the most vulnerable?
COVID-19: Training program update
24 March 2020
An update for trainees and CIMG candidates on the training program in regard to disruptions caused by COVID-19.
ABC Radio Sydney - Interview with Associate Professor John Allan on COVID-19 and telehealth
24 March 2020
A panel discussion between ABC Radio Sydney host James Valentine, Indigo Project's Mary Hoang and RANZCP President Associate Professor John Allan.
List of MBS Telehealth item numbers - COVID-19
24 March 2020
The list of MBS items included in the $2.4 billion health plan to fight COVID-19 has been released.
Letter to Minister Hunt: New COVID-19 Telehealth/Telephone MBS Items
20 March 2020
A letter from RANZCP President Associate Professor John Allan to Minister of Health, the Hon Greg Hunt.
ABC Radio Melbourne - Interview with Associate Professor John Allan on COVID-19 and anxiety
20 March 2020
Listen to an interview between RANZCP President Associate Professor John Allan and ABC Radio Melbourne host Virginia Trioli.
COVID-19: Are we looking after the mental health of the most vulnerable?
19 March 2020
Having a mental illness can make it more challenging to stay physically healthy.
There is also substantial evidence that there are higher rates of physical illness among people with serious mental illness.
CPD reporting period extended until April 20
19 March 2020
To support our members during this challenging time the College has agreed to immediately extend the reporting period for the 2019 CPD program until midnight Monday 20 April, 2020.
Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19
17 March 2020
It is normal and healthy to feel stress and anxiety sometimes.
Latest information on COVID-19
16 March 2020
Latest update on the novel coronavirus.
Submission calls for urgent fixes to mental health system
13 March 2020
The NSW Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has called for improved access, capacity and fairness in New South Wales’ mental health system.
Message from the President: Cancellation of 2020 Congress and April OSCEs
13 March 2020
An update from the President regarding the Board's decision to cancel the 2020 Congress and April OSCEs.
Message from the President: Board to decide on impact of COVID-19 for the College
12 March 2020
Board to decide on impact of COVID-19 for Annual Congress and examinations
RANZCP Board actions on climate health emergency
11 March 2020
An update on the RANZCP Board's recent actions on the climate health emergency.
Have you finished recording your 2019 CPD?
05 March 2020
The extended reporting period for 2019 CPD activities ends on 31 March 2020.
Australia’s leading psychiatrists gather to discuss youth mental health
02 March 2020
Leading youth mental health experts will this week gather in Sydney’s coastal suburb of Manly to take part in the annual Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) Section of Youth Mental Health 2020 Conference.
The College welcomes the release of the inaugural Medical Training Survey (MTS)
10 February 2020
With over 10,000 doctors in training taking part in the MTS, the Medical Board of Australia is working towards developing an evidence base to improve and strengthen medical training in Australia.
Leading psychiatrist calls on government to appoint expert in veteran suicide
05 February 2020
The leading representative body for psychiatrists has welcomed the announcement of a permanent independent commissioner into veteran suicides, mental health and wellbeing and urges the government to ensure that the investigation is done so with the appropriate clinical awareness and understanding of this area.
Greater support for people in mental health crisis
31 January 2020
An increase in mental health related emergency ambulance responses is cause for great concern according to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Vic Branch congratulates A/Prof Simon Stafrace on new appointment
31 January 2020
The Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP Victorian Branch) congratulates RANZCP Fellow, Associate Professor Simon Stafrace, on his appointment to chief adviser of Mental Health Reform Victoria.
RANZCP recognises Te Pou lived experience leader Caro Swanson with Honorary Fellowship
30 January 2020
The RANZCP is proud to award Caro Swanson, Te Pou o te Whakaaro Nui Principal Advisor Mental Health and Service User Lead, Honorary Fellowship of the RANZCP for her influential work in mental health systems and services.
Have you started recording your 2019 CPD?
29 January 2020
The 2019 CPD year ended on 31 December, but the extended reporting period is open until 31 March 2020.
RANZCP Foundation research update
28 January 2020
The RANZCP Foundation enables the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) to raise funds and manage an annual grants, scholarships and awards program that provides RANZCP members the opportunity to apply for financial support to undertake world-class psychiatric research and projects.
Explore RANZCP journal and research collections today
24 January 2020
Did you know that your RANZCP membership unlocks access to a wide range of leading international medical journals and online psychiatry resources?
Call for strong regulation for medicinal cannabis
23 January 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has expressed their support for the further research and, where backed by sufficient evidence, appropriate regulation of medicinal cannabis.
Update on bushfire response
23 January 2020
The College would like to provide a short update on what is being done to assist communities and support the mental health and wellbeing of those impacted by the fires.
Nominations open for WPA Executive Committee
22 January 2020
The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is calling for nominations for all open positions on the WPA Executive Committee that will make up the WPA Board for the 2020–2023 triennium.
$2 million for bushfire related mental health research
21 January 2020
The National Health and Medical Research Council has announced $2 million of new research funding through its Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) for a 2020 Bushfire Impact Research Grant Opportunity.
Nominations are open for the Board election
16 January 2020
2020 RANZCP Elected Director Election - Nominations are open and close at 5 pm AEDT on Thursday 13 February 2020.
RANZCP supports climate emergency
10 January 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is committed to playing a vital role in addressing the impact that climate emergency is having on people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Update on RANZCP bushfire response
07 January 2020
The College is deeply concerned for the many local communities, including those of our members, impacted by the catastrophic bushfire events devastating large areas of Australia.
My CPD 2020 update
06 January 2020
My CPD will automatically default to 2020. Remember to change the year to 2019 if you are finalising the reporting of your 2019 CPD.
Concern for communities as fires ravage south eastern Australia
01 January 2020
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is deeply concerned by the catastrophic bushfire events currently impacting large areas of south eastern Australia, their local communities and holiday makers.
Let’s work together to improve life for people with dementia
19 December 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) New Zealand National Committee - Tu Te Akaaka Roa has applauded the efforts of rest homes making a conscious decision to implement a more person-centred approach to dementia and aged care.
Patients to benefit from newly listed nasal spray for opioid reversal
19 December 2019
Opioid harm and overdoses associated with the use and misuse of pharmaceutical and illicit opioids are fast becoming major health concerns.
RANZCP Foundation research update
16 December 2019
Following the official launch, at Congress this year, the inaugural RANZCP Foundation Committee was established and has driven a number of key developments including: developing our vision and mission; adopting a new five-year fundraising strategy to ensure our sustainability and growth; and identified the thematic focus areas for next phase of our work.
Members will receive 2020 membership subscription notices by email
13 December 2019
A reminder that the College’s 2020 membership subscription notices will be sent to all members in mid-January.
RANZCP journals are online in 2020
09 December 2019
Don’t forget that in January 2020 the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (ANZJP) is moving to a predominantly online format and print copies of the journal will no longer automatically be sent to members.
Doctors best placed to make health care decisions about asylum seekers
05 December 2019
The President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), Associate Professor John Allan, has expressed his disappointment at the Senate vote to repeal the Medevac legislation.
Exclusive discounts and offers with the new Member Extras program
03 December 2019
As a RANZCP member, you can enjoy exclusive discounts and offers on a number of products and services across automotive, travel, business, health & wellbeing, entertainment and shopping categories with our new Member Extras program.
Statement on climate change and mental heath
03 December 2019
The College understands the impacts of climate change have significant mental health implications for the wellbeing of our communities.
Victoria leading NSW on mental health reform
02 December 2019
The NSW Government needs to follow the lead of Victoria in committing to sweeping reform of the mental health system with new sustainable investment to deliver better health outcomes for people living with mental ill health.
Interim Report a step towards Victorian mental health system reform
29 November 2019
The Victorian Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP Victorian Branch) is encouraged by the Interim Report released today by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System (RCVMHS).
ABC News - Interview with Dr Kerryn Rubin on the Royal Commission Interim Report
29 November 2019
ABC News Radio interview with Dr Kerryn Rubin on the Interim Report released by the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
Take advantage of your RANZCP discount to the PEP-Web psychoanalytic e-library
28 November 2019
As an RANZCP member, you can access the PEP-Web psychoanalytic e-library in 2020 for a heavily discounted rate, starting at A$105.
Medevac petition
26 November 2019
The College has been involved in an extensive joint campaign with other leading medical colleges to urge the Australian Parliament to maintain the Medevac legislation.
Members’ Advisory Council supports RANZCP call to #saveMedevac
25 November 2019
With the Senate expected to vote on the repeal of the Medevac Bill this week, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has renewed calls for the Senate to heed the unified advice of Australia’s leading medical colleges.
RANZCP past-President congratulated on new role with peak medical body
21 November 2019
President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), Associate Professor John Allan, extends his warm congratulations to Dr Kym Jenkins on assuming the position of Chair for the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges (CPMC).
New course on trainee support resources now available in Learnit
14 November 2019
The Trainee support resources series developed by the College to complement the Formal Education Courses and support Trainees in learning about key topics is expanding.
“Medical decisions should be made by medical professionals” – Alliance of medical authorities appeals to Parliament to save Medevac
14 November 2019
The presidents of leading medical colleges across Australia are appealing to the Senate to maintain the Medevac legislation and the Independent Health Advice Panel (IHAP) process.
The RANZCP calls on Senate to heed advice of medical authorities
13 November 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) has called on the Australian Parliament to heed the advice given by 11 of Australia’s leading medical bodies.
Deep concern for communities facing catastrophic bushfires
12 November 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) expresses deep concern for the communities devastated by fires burning in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD).
A message to psychiatrists impacted by the fires
12 November 2019
The College is deeply concerned for the many communities, including those of our members, devastated by fires currently burning in NSW and QLD.
The treatment of gender dysphoria for children and adolescents
08 November 2019
The topic of best-practice evidence-based care for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria has recently been raised by RANZCP members, other clinicians, politicians and sections of the media.
Misuse of restrictive practices in aged care deeply concerning say psychiatrists
04 November 2019
The confronting Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Interim report: Neglect, confirms the need for an urgent overhaul of Australia’s aged care system says the principal body representing psychiatrists.
The end of the year is fast approaching - have you finished your 2019 CPD activities?
04 November 2019
Remember that the CPD year ends 31 December 2019, and the reporting period ends 31 March 2020.
Psychiatrists call for urgent action on things we can do right now
04 November 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) calls on the Australian Government to act on key recommendations of the Productivity Commissions Draft Report without delay.
New Zealand Transport Agency - Funded brand of Epilepsy medication (Lamotrigine)
01 November 2019
Pharmac have recently announced there will be changes to funded brands of epilepsy medication, effective 1 October 2019.
Peak psychiatry body welcomes inquiry’s focus on workforce shortages
31 October 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the comprehensive draft report of the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into mental health which identifies key areas for reform in Australia’s mental health sector, in particular the importance placed on early intervention.
New course on trainee support resources now available in Learnit
30 October 2019
The Trainee support resources series developed by the College to complement the Formal Education Courses and support Trainees in learning about key topics is expanding.
It’s now easier to access and share articles from the College’s two journals
15 October 2019
The College is pleased to announce new ways to share access to journal articles online.
Leading medical authorities ask Parliament to maintain Medevac law
14 October 2019
The presidents of leading medical colleges are united in asking the Australian Parliament to maintain the Medevac legislation and the Independent Health Advice Panel (IHAP) process.
RANZCP President’s new taskforce to tackle suicide prevention
10 October 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is putting together a new taskforce to better channel the efforts of psychiatry and achieve a meaningful reduction of suicide and deliberate self-harm in our communities.
Where to find CPD help
10 October 2019
Member support is available if you have questions about the CPD program or the My CPD system.
Your first point of call should be My CPD Help, accessed by clicking on the blue tab at the far right of the screen when you are logged into My CPD.
You can also contact the CPD team by email at cpdhelp@ranzcp.org or telephone 1800 337 448 (toll free in Australia) or 0800 443 827 (toll free in New Zealand).
Support for Rural Specialists in Australia: Funding Round 5
02 October 2019
Applications are now open for SRSA Funding Round 5. Grants worth up to $10,000 are available to eligible rural specialists living and working in rural and remote Australia.
RANZCP welcomes Governor-General as Patron
26 September 2019
The RANZCP is pleased to welcome His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Governor-General of Australia as Patron of the College.
In response to reports on illness associated with vaping
24 September 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) acknowledges recent reports in the United States (US) on incidents of severe respiratory illness and death associated with the use of vaping products.
Psychiatrists hold debate to weed out issues around cannabis referendum
20 September 2019
With the public referendum on the legalisation of the personal use of cannabis at the 2020 general election looming, psychiatrists have taken to the stage to debate the topic at New Zealand’s annual psychiatric conference.
Study finds more needs to be done on dementia awareness
19 September 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is calling for a greater effort in improving dementia awareness, with a focus on providing the information people need, rather than what they already know.
Applications for RANZCP awards, grants and fellowships now open
12 September 2019
$70,000 in research funding, cash prizes, Congress registration, opportunities for publication and presentation, and more, are up for grabs in the 2020 RANZCP awards and grants program.
ANZJP going digital in 2020
09 September 2019
As of January 2020, the ANZJP will move towards a primarily online format with print copies of each issue no longer automatically be sent to members.
The Medical Training Survey (MTS) is now open
04 September 2019
The Medical Training Survey (MTS) is now open.
Are you on track to complete 2019 CPD?
03 September 2019
We are just four months away from the end of the 2019 CPD year.
- CPD activities need to be completed by 31 December 2019
- The extended reporting period will allow you to record your activities on My CPD until 31 March 2020.
World Emotional Trauma Awareness Day
01 September 2019
In 2018, the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) declared 1 September every year ‘World Emotional Trauma Awareness Day’.
Closing soon – Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry Questionnaire
29 August 2019
A reminder to all members that the FFP Questionnaire is closing on Friday 6 September 2019.
New Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy fits hand in glove with wider work of NZ psychiatrists
29 August 2019
The Chair of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) New Zealand National Committee – Tu Te Akaaka Roa, Dr Mark Lawrence, commends the government on the launch of its new Child and Youth Wellbeing Strategy.
Shortage of Lumin (Mianserin hydrochloride)
28 August 2019
Lumin 10 Mianserin hydrochloride 10mg tablet blister pack (AUST R: 55272) and Lumin 20 Mianserin hydrochloride 20mg tablet blister pack (AUST R: 55273) are currently unavailable in Australia.
Third course on trainee support resources now available in Learnit
23 August 2019
The Trainee support resources series developed by the College to complement the Formal Education Courses and support Trainees in learning about key topics is expanding.
Free full-text access to BJPsych and BJPsych Advances for RANZCP members
21 August 2019
Did you know that your RANZCP membership includes free full-text access to The British Journal of Psychiatry(BJPsych), one of the world’s leading psychiatric journals, and BJPsych Advances?
RANZCP President welcomes plans for mental health and suicide prevention
16 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the Health Minister Greg Hunt’s announcement that mental health and suicide prevention are at the top of the government’s priorities.
NZ Psychiatrists tautoko Government handling of synthetic drugs Bill
16 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the successful passing of Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill through parliament, by the New Zealand Government.
Statement on ethical media practices for psychiatrists
16 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) seeks to cultivate and maintain the highest ethical standards.
Psychiatrists support New Zealanders’ views on advertising of prescription medicines
13 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) commends New Zealanders and the health sector on expressing a strong preference to ban advertising of prescription medicine.
Relive Congress 2019: professional photo gallery now available
13 August 2019
The professional photo gallery from Congress 2019 is now available.
Congratulations to Associate Professor James Scott on new appointment
07 August 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) wishes to congratulate Associate Professor (A/Prof) James Scott on his appointment to lead the QIMR Berghofer’s Mental Health Program.
2019-2020 mentoring program - expressions of interest open
07 August 2019
Join a mentoring partnership in 2019. The RANZCP 2019-2020 mentoring program is calling for expressions of interest from Fellows in Australia to become mentors, and trainees working in remote areas of Australia or who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to become mentees.
Australian Parliament urged to retain vital medical panel
25 July 2019
The President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), Associate Professor John Allan, has urged the Australian Parliament to continue the Independent Health Advice Panel (IHAP) established earlier this year under the Medevac legislation.
Shortage of Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride)
24 July 2019
Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) is currently unavailable in Australia, with supply predicted to be impacted until March 2020.
Concerns over mental health impact of deportation on NZ nationals
22 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is renewing its call to the Australian Government to re-assess its deportation policies and practices when it comes to New Zealand nationals.
The time for alcohol law reform is now
19 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) tautoko The New Zealand Medical Journal’s call for the strengthening of alcohol regulations to reduce the negative impact of alcohol on New Zealanders’ mental health and wellbeing.
Productivity Commission report into supporting veterans a step in the right direction
12 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) welcomes the release of the Productivity Commission report A Better Way to Support Veterans into the system of the compensation and rehabilitation for veterans.
New information available on rTMS
09 July 2019
The new Professional Practice Guideline: Administration of repetitive transcranial direct current stimulation (rTMS) outlines a best practice approach that psychiatrists should consider when prescribing and administering rTMS.
Trainee Psychiatrist Skye Kinder named Young Victorian of the Year
08 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists congratulates Dr Skye Kinder who has been named the 2019 Young Victorian of the Year.
Highlights from the June issues of ANZJP and Australasian Psychiatry
05 July 2019
The main theme of the June 2019 issue of Australasian Psychiatry is the welfare of doctors and trainees, while the June 2019 issue of ANZJP covers antipsychotics, anorexia nervosa and rTMS.
Workforce shortage hinders fight against ice addiction in WA
01 July 2019
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Western Australian Branch (RANZCP WA Branch) has expressed concern about the increasing use of methamphetamine (commonly known as ‘ice’) across Western Australia (WA) and the lack of specialist addiction psychiatrists to address this burden.
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