Open disclosure is the process of managing a medical incident; from the initial post-incident discussion with the patient and/or carer, through to changes in practice systems to prevent a recurrence. Open disclosure is ultimately about ensuring that health care systems are adapted in light of adverse events, to optimise patient safety.

When discussing limitation periods for medical indemnity claims, there is no simple explanation. Although changes to legislation and tort law reforms have tightened these limitation periods in recent years, there is a misconception that the opportunity to make a negligence claim against a medical practitioner lapses three years after a patient suffers injury and that no claim can be brought after this time.

In a recent decision Walker v Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS) (2007) NSWSC 526, the Supreme Court found that the Area Health Service did not breach its duty of care to the patient.

And you thought medicine was complicated! Superannuation is no doubt a difficult area and one which seems to be constantly changing. Do not despair however - the changes which took effect on 1 July 2007 have created additional opportunities in some areas and reduced complexity in others.