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19-Nov-08 |
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National Continence Helpline 1800 33 00 66 |
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Prof Jan Paterson
Nursing for Continence Modules in 2009 More information can be found at our website: |
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President’s address CFA [SA Branch] AGM 2009 The CFA [SA Branch] this year has continued to become stronger and achieve greater stature both within SA and interstate. The achievements include improved education meetings, public awareness forums and the first interstate seminar. This has taken a large amount of effort from members of the State Committee and the support from CFA National and the Federal and State Governments indicate the degree to which respect of the SA Branch of the CFA has grown. Continuing on from the successes of the previous year was the major undertaking of the Darwin ‘Everybody’s Business’ seminar. We took 14 or so speakers from SA to Darwin for this intense 2 day seminar. The feedback I and others have received from the Darwin attendees was most gratifying and has I believe the seminar has been a ‘stepping stone’ for stronger ties with the NT. It has given those working in the NT greater knowledge, awareness and motivation to move forward. I am sure that those health professionals carers and consumers in the NT are now more confident that much can be done and more aware of our willingness to help and support their efforts. Dr Chris Barry has been the major instigator of this seminar together , with all other committee members ‘pitching in’ and supporting the event. Rosalie again organised a country day – this time in Port Lincoln and her efforts resulted in an extremely successful day. It is gratifying not only for the State Committee but for all of us as individuals to realize that we can present such high powered professional seminars. A public awareness night at Fullarton Community Centre during Continence Awareness Week was very successful with Sr Sue McKay presenting details of her time at the Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia and Dr Chris Barry & I presenting recent advances in pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence management. I would at this stage like to thank the SA State Government for its continued support with the SA Continence Resource Center. It is more than coincidence that reputation and growth of the State Branch has been exponential since the establishment of the Resource Centre. With the importance of the Resource Centre established we now need to look forward and work out ways to expand and utilise the Centre and increase staffing and activity levels. Membership of the State Branch is at an all time high and with the National Conference being held here in Adelaide next year [November 4th-8th] we can expect the membership to continue to grow. On of the most important aspects of the CFA is the multi-disciplinary nature of the organisation. This is somewhat unique and is very special. The State & National events are exceptional in this way with extensive cover of all aspects of continence management. Many years ago, I applauded the establishment of the Nurses for Continence group and the Pelvic Floor Physio group as this I felt was a natural progress as the interest in continence issues increased and the importance of continence issues became better understood. It is important that these groups grow and continue their excellent work and gratifying to see their continued association with the CFA as the parent body. Whilst much has been achieved, I believe this is an exciting thresh-hold from which we can make very significant gains to ultimately improve continence for those sufferers in our community. A team approach is the only way. Public awareness and understanding has already improved dramatically and it is now far easier to obtain radio support and even press coverage than before. – But – there is a long way to go.
The SA State branch of the CFA is in a much more satisfactory financial position than before and this has given us the confidence to pursue and present the increasingly professional meetings we have had over the past few years. We continue to need support and are constantly looking at ways to improve and raise funding and also ideas for future meetings, seminars workshops etc. Members are encouraged to submit any ideas they may have. We are always looking for new ‘blood’ on the Committee and encourage members to nominate. The CFA Nationally also continues to grow and as the National Peak Body, become the umbrella for Continence Services in Australia. Our Association with the CFA National is stronger than ever and I wish to applaud the efforts of Barry Cahill the CEO of CFA National and the other CFA National Staff. The National Conference is in Adelaide in 2009. Steps are already underway to coordinate the various aspects of a National Conference but all of us will have a lot of work to do to ensure its success. Finally, the time has come for me to relinquish the State Presidency – a position I undertook with reluctance and on a temporary basis several years ago. I am content that I have seen the CFA grow in stature as it has and excited by its potential and would like to believe that I leave the position with the CFA [State Branch] stronger, better and more ambitious than ever. I urge the members to continue to support the CFA, thank the other Committee members for their truly amazing dedication friendship and untiring efforts and in particular thank Rosalie who has done and achieved a lot more than people realise. Rosalie has been a great friend and confidante for a long time. I’m not sure who she is going to ‘nag’ now but it is important that her efforts are recognized. Thank you Rosalie. Although I am leaving this position, I have taken on a position on the National Board and intend to remain on the State Committee. Lets look forward to a very busy, challenging but exciting year ahead.
Ian Tucker [Retiring] President CFA [SA Branch]
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