The Renal Society of Australasia
Formed in 1972, the RSA is an Australasian society for nursing, medical,
technical and allied health
professionals, aiming for excellence in the dissemination of knowledge in Renal
Replacement Therapies.
A Brief History
The Australasian Renal Environment
Objectives of the Society
Governance
The Renal Society of Australasia (Inc) was established in 1972 as the Dialysis
Society of Australasia by a committed group of health professionals working in
the emerging technology of renal replacement therapy. As the society grew, it
became known as the Renal Society of Australasia (Inc) - reflecting both the
membership diversity and the rapid change occurring in renal health care.
Members organised and ran their first conference in 1972.
Prior to 1998 Governance of the organisation was undertaken by a Federal
Executive. This Executive oversaw the operation of the state branches
including the New Zealand branch.
At the Adelaide Annual Conference in March 1998, members at the general meeting
voted in favour of a new Executive Structure. This allowed for incorporation
and the formation of a board of directors.
The Constitution of the RSA can be viewed on this site.
Since 1972, membership numbers have increased to approximately 700 in Australia
and 70 in New Zealand.
The current membership is committed to further growth so that the society can
become a truly professional and consolidated body.
A
full chronology
detailing presidents, conferences and milestones 1972 to today has been kindly
prepared by Jennifer Soding of Gambro Pty Ltd.
Renal disease affects people from all walks of life. It has no boundaries and
is responsible for considerable health care and personal costs, suffering,
disability and death. In Australia and New Zealand approximately 6000 patients
require dialysis. It is particularly common amongst certain groups, namely
Aboriginal, Maori, Pacific people, and older people. ANZDATA reports a growth
of 8-10% of patients, requiring some form of renal replacement therapy, per
annum. Average age is 59.5 years. The New Zealand / Australian population is
ageing; therefore, the volume of patients is increasing at a considerable rate
and will continue unless effective action is taken.
Historically, the focus of the Society has been on haemodialysis and over the
years it has moved to encompass all renal replacement therapies.
The Renal Society of Australasia started with a very small but committed group
of people and now has approximately 700 members Australia and New Zealand wide.
We predict a 10% increase in membership over the next 12 months and, with
improved methods of communications through the centralised membership database
and the Communique newsletter, this target is achievable. As the debate and
demand for renal replacement therapy in the Pacific regions gathers momentum
the Society perceives this as a growth area to develop further membership.
Financial membership is open to individual health professionals, individual
drug company employees and corporate entities. Membership is drawn from
nursing, medical, technical and allied health professionals. Branches of the
Renal Society of Australasia (Inc) have been formed in all states of Australia
and in New Zealand. The Renal Society of Australasia is affiliated with other
groups such as the Transplant Nurses Association.
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To promote, provide and communicate knowledge and information in the renal
field to members and other professionals within the renal environment.
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To ensure a cohesive and progressive international focus for the Society.
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To stimulate interest in renal replacement therapies, and the treatment and
prevention of renal diseases.
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To promote professional development within the members of the Society.
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To support research and development by organisations involved in the treatment
and prevention of renal disease.
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To provide grants to individuals and groups undertaking research on the
treatment and prevention of renal disease.
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To undertake the educational development of members through the provision of
conferences, seminars and workshops.
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To have representation on educational and development bodies involved in the
renal environment.
The society changed its Governance structure in 1998.
The Board of Directors consists of the President or nominated person from each
branch. These elected members have voting rights on the Board. The
Chairperson is appointed by the Board of Directors after nominations have been
called. The Chairperson has a casting vote only. The other members appointed
by the Board of Directors are the Financial Officer, Secretary and the
Publications Manager. These executive members of the Board do not have voting
rights. Responsibilities of the Executive and Directors
Board meetings are held four times per year and one of these is run in
conjunction with the National Conference. We also hold the annual general
meeting at the same time, which is for all members. Minutes for quarterly Board Meetings and the AGM are available to members on the Minutes page of this site.
The Branches, including New Zealand, meet at least four times throughout the
year. This allows the representative to report back on the previous Board of
Directors meeting and discuss issues to be raised at the forthcoming meeting.
The new Governance structure has been successful in its implementation. This
has been demonstrated by the successful completion of the 1998 time plan.
The feedback from members has been positive and favourable. The perception of
financial members has been that the organisation has changed and is forging
ahead with its dynamic and professional outlook.
Issues currently facing the Board of Directors are:
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financial remuneration of executive support
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the cost of holding Board meetings
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researching the effectiveness of video conferencing as a substitute for face
to face Board meetings
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increasing membership by broadening the membership base
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membership retention.
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