1.1 In April 2011, the RCPA was appointed by DOHA to produce a consumer focussed Australian publication informing consumers of Pathology on the Risks and Benefits involved in Pathology Testing. The Standard Funding Agreement between the two parties was signed and dated 20 April 2011.
1.2 As per the agreement, a Steering Committee, Medical Writer, and Project Officer were engaged to undertake the project. The inaugural Meeting took place in Sydney on 9 August 2011.
1.3 As per the agreement, the following Reports detailing progress of the project were submitted to DOHA.
- Progress Report No.1 dated 20 June 2011
- Progress Report No.2 dated 30 September 2011
1.4 Following consultations between the stakeholders via teleconference and email, as well as research and interviews undertaken by the Medical Writer, all the Fact Sheets underwent a number of redrafts prior to final review and approval by the Steering Committee in June 2012.
- The College wishes to note that the Human Genetics Society of Australasia was consulted with regard to the fact sheets on Genetics
- A complete list of all resources used to compile the fact sheets is attached.
1.5 The Consumer Health Forum (CHF) reviewed the final draft of the fact sheets and provided in principal endorsement. The CHF also offered to assist with promotion of the fact sheets via the CHF network, and agreed to provide links to the factsheets in CHF publications such as HealthUPdate newsletter which is distributed to all members and consumer representatives.
1.6 Vojo Creative was engaged to design the layout of the Fact Sheets in consultation with the Project team and the Steering Committee.
1.7 Agreement Objectives
As per the agreement between the Commonwealth of Australia and the Royal College of Pathologists Australasia dated 2 May 2011, The College met the aim of the project, which was to produce a consumer focussed Australian publication that would educate the public about pathology testing in an easy to read format based on sound scientific principles and focussing on a set of key identified risks and benefits.
1.8 Location of Documents
As per the terms of the agreement, the documents will be available at the following link (NB a contents page will be added to the documents as part of the layout by 22 June 2012):
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Pathology – The Facts
In addition, Labtests online have confirmed that a link to the documents will also be available on their website.
2. MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS AND BANK ACCOUNT
2.1 The financial report is attached.2.2 An invoice for the final instalment of funding is attached, which is less than the budgeted final invoice.
3. OTHER MATTERS INCLUDING DIFFICULTIES IN PERFORMING THE PROJECT
The College notes that the original timeframe set for the project was insufficient to complete the project thoroughly. Accordingly, the project was extended to meet unforseen delays and to allow adequate time for research, review, consultation, and preparation of the fact sheets. The following documents refer:- Deed of Variation No.2 dated 14/10/2011
- Deed of Variation No.3 dated 20/12/2011
- Deed of Variation No.4 dated 26/03/2012
- Deed of Variation No.5 dated 25/05/2012
Approved by: Debra Graves, CEO, The Royal College of Pathologists Australasia.
(Signed)