Her role at CAPP follows several years as a representative on other College entities, including the Trainee Welfare Subgroup on the ACEM Curriculum revision Project in 2013, as deputy chair of the Trainee Committee and as an ongoing member of the Public Health and Disaster Committee, as well as roles recently with the executive of the Advancing Women in Emergency Section and the Inclusion Committee (formerly Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group).
‘For me it was a natural progression. It [CAPP] is an umbrella for so many areas I think are critical to the future of emergency medicine – access block, workforce, policy oversight across broad aspects of emergency medicine practice, and ensuring standards that are relevant to practice in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand continue to be upheld.
‘Being involved in several committees and sections sitting under CAPP gives me awareness of its activities. The opportunity to be on the South Australia Faculty Board and directly advocate for the local community was also a definite incentive.’
Kimberly says she sees CAPP as critical to shaping the direction of the College through its policy and advocacy, and ensuring the views and needs of members are always represented.
‘CAPP is critical to ensure that we inclusively and fairly represent all of our members – particularly those who do not work in metropolitan major referral standards, and that was provide all of our patients access to safe, evidence-based and equitable care.
‘CAPP’s central role is pulling all of these broad areas that directly affect patient care together, and enabling coordinated and cohesive discussion and action.’
She says she is encouraged by the significant advancements CAPP has supported in inclusion such as through entities such as the Advancing Women in Emergency Section, and also the support it has given to a progressive stance on climate action.
‘The support by CAPP of the College’s progressive stance on climate action and the approval of the Environmental Action Plan, as well as other work by the Public Health and Disaster Committee, are some of the best things I think we’ve done in recent times.’
She equally positive about what the future holds.
‘I’m incredibly excited by the vision for future directions of emergency care in remote and regional communities through the Rural Health Action Plan and work that is being done in regard to workforce, and in particular remote and regional workforce, through the Workforce Planning Committee and other related initiatives.
‘I also think that the current work on Hospital Access Targets and access block is timely, critical and tangible and will support us in providing better care to our communities.’
‘To me the work of CAPP is the “guts” of emergency medicine, and directly impacts on our workforce and patients on a daily basis. Those impacts are particularly seen and felt in our advocacy for marginalised patient populations.’
She recommends those who are interested in getting involved with CAPP speaking to a local representative.
‘Find out what they enjoy about their work with CAPP and what they think is important. Read the CAPP communique (new this year!) to keep up to date with the work that is going on. Most importantly, when an opportunity arises, put your hand up. CAPP thrives on diverse voices and new perspectives.’
More information
Council of Advocacy, Practice and Partnerships