Safety and quality update: September 2023

11 September 2023

New this month: Neuromuscular blocker labelling submission, National licensing standards for cosmetic surgery, jaw dislocation podcast.

Submission to the TGA: Neuromuscular blocker labelling

ANZCA recently prepared a submission to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in response to its consultation on the labelling of medicines. ANZCA recommended tighter regulations for the labelling and packaging of high-risk medications, with a particular focus on neuromuscular blockers (NMB). Our response recommended the use of colour red is always and exclusively the colour for NMBs, including the plastic cap overseal, metal ferrule, text on plastic ampoules and background colour of labels for ampoules/vials.

National licensing standards for cosmetic surgery

On 1 September 2023, all Australian Health Ministers approved the National Safety and Quality Cosmetic Surgery Standards and the National Licensing Framework for Cosmetic Surgery, developed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. More information about the Licensing Framework Implementation can be found in the Health Minister's Meeting Communique.

Revised hip fracture clinical care standard

On 11 September 2023, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care launched its updated Hip Fracture Clinical Care Standard.

Jaw dislocation podcast

Did you know WebAIRS has a podcast playlist? The latest podcast covers jaw dislocation, based on the recent webAIRS article in the ANZCA Winter Bulletin by Dr Chris Acott and the ANZTADC Case Report Writting Group. Thank you, Dr Suzi Nou, Immediate Past President of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) and host of the ASA Australian Anaesthesia podcasts. 

For any enquires, please email anztadc@anzca.edu.au.To report an incident to webAIRS please login or register.