News Articles
Migrants leave UK barge after health-risk bacteria find
Date of Posting: 13-08-2023
Britain has removed migrants from a residential barge less than a week after they moved in after Legionella bacteria was found in the water supply, the government says. Britain had begun moving some migrants onto the large Bibby Stockholm barge on Read More...
As Eris rises, CDC sees no shift in COVID variants
Date of Posting: 11-08-2023
Currently spreading COVID-19 variants such as EG.5 or Eris, do not represent a major shift and updated vaccines in September will offer protection, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. "Right now, what we're seeing with Read More...
Scathing report sparks inquiry into hospital ramping
Date of Posting: 11-08-2023
Ambulance ramping at hospitals in Tasmania will be investigated by an inquiry after a coronial report criticised care provided to a grandmother who died after waiting eight hours for a bed. Anne Helen Pedler, 71, was found to have received substan Read More...
Dodgy doctor found to have lied to staff and patients
Last Updated: 11-08-2023
An unregistered doctor who worked for six days in the emergency department of a South Australian hospital repeatedly lied about his status, investigations have found. The overseas-trained doctor worked at the Port Augusta Hospital, in the state Read More...
Cheaper medicines uncertainty after Senate antics
Date of Posting: 10-08-2023
The future of cheaper medicines and 60-day dispensing is again up in the air, with the Senate likely to consider a push to scrap the change. The federal opposition initially sought to move a disallowance motion overturning the Labor government pol Read More...
Pharmacists set to swallow bitter pill over dispensing
Date of Posting: 10-08-2023
A last-ditch effort to block pharmacies needing to bring in 60-day medicine dispensing is expected to fail. The opposition is moving in federal parliament to disallow Labor's key health policy, saying while it supports the idea of 60-day dispe Read More...
Independent review praises WA's COVID response
Date of Posting: 10-08-2023
An independent review of the West Australian government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic found it acted swiftly, with strength and agility, but still could have done better. The expert panel examined the state's economic, social and hea Read More...
South Australia tracks Victoria cases as vaccine plan grows
Last Updated: 09-08-2023
A COVID-19 vaccine hub will be opened on Kangaroo Island with help from the Royal Flying Doctor Service as SA officials monitor two new infections in Melbourne. Recent travellers from Victoria to South Australia have been urged to check for update Read More...
Doctors sound health alarm over gas expansion plans
Date of Posting: 09-08-2023
Children will be at an increased risk of cancer and birth defects should a planned gas processing and petrochemicals plant in Darwin Harbour go ahead, doctors have warned. Dozens of healthcare professionals converged on Parliament House in Canberr Read More...
Nurses, midwives reluctantly accept pay increase
Date of Posting: 08-08-2023
Nurses and midwives in NSW have agreed to a four per cent pay increase, but many maintain the deal does not fairly reflect their contribution to the health system. It comes amid threats of further industrial action by paramedics who last week effe Read More...
Rising child deaths spark hospital reports reform
Date of Posting: 08-08-2023
Parents of sick children will be able to escalate their concerns more easily following a sharp rise in preventable deaths and cases of serious harm in Victoria's hospitals. An annual report by Safer Care Victoria highlighted 240 sentinel event Read More...
Pioneering hospital ward targets cystic fibrosis care
Date of Posting: 08-08-2023
Thousands of Australians living with cystic fibrosis will be able to access a purpose-built ward dedicated to treating and finding a cure for the life-threatening disorder. The 16-bed facility in Sydney's west is an Australian first in providi Read More...
Dentists warn on vaping danger in oral health charter
Date of Posting: 07-08-2023
Australia's dentists have put the spotlight on the harmful impact of vaping as part of national guidelines on managing oral health. An 11-point charter has been released by the Australian Dental Association it says reflects latest science and Read More...
Pharmacy lobby slammed for aged care 'scare campaign'
Date of Posting: 07-08-2023
Warnings the cost of medicines will rise for aged care residents if planned dispensing changes go ahead are being rejected as a "cynical scare campaign". Under changes from September 1, up to six million people will be able to buy two mo Read More...
Connected online but alone: 1 in 3 Australians lonely
Date of Posting: 07-08-2023
Australians are becoming more connected online but also increasingly alone. The most digitally connected - those aged 18 to 24 - are the most likely to be lonely, according to a landmark report into social connection across the nation.[subscribe] Read More...
Hospital shortages threaten local births for Vic women
Date of Posting: 06-08-2023
Pregnant women in a regional Victorian city face being sent up to 75km away to deliver their babies because of hospital staff shortages. Women approaching labour in Geelong have the very real prospect of being sent to Werribee or Melbourne to give Read More...
Bangladesh grapples with record deadly dengue outbreak
Date of Posting: 06-08-2023
Bangladesh is grappling with a record deadly outbreak of dengue fever, with hospitals struggling to make space for patients as the disease spreads rapidly in the densely-populated country. At least 293 people have died so far in 2023 with almost 6 Read More...
Pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for urinary tracts
Date of Posting: 05-08-2023
Pharmacists in Western Australia can now prescribe antibiotics for urinary tract infections in women in a bid to ease pressure on general practitioners. Previously, women had to see a doctor to get an official diagnosis but pharmacists who have un Read More...
Jump in ambulance and emergency department wait times
Date of Posting: 05-08-2023
Pressure on Victoria's health system shows no sign of easing after the ambulance service experienced one of its busiest periods on record and the number of patients waiting more than 24 hours in emergency departments doubled. There was a 5.5 p Read More...
Call for all states to make meningococcal vaccine free
Date of Posting: 05-08-2023
Queensland has joined South Australia in making the meningococcal B vaccine free for vulnerable children, with advocates calling for other states to follow their lead. They say states and territories should not wait for the national program to exp Read More...
Don't let arthritis become a...pain
Date of Posting: 04-08-2023
With a wet and chilly July behind us, many Australians are feeling aches and pains in their joints. According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, one in three Australians has a musculoskeletal condition that affects their joints and approximat Read More...
At-home care rolled out in Sydney for older patients
Date of Posting: 03-08-2023
A boost to recently created Urgent Care Response Teams across Sydney will mean more older patients are able to be treated in their own homes or residential facilities. Premier Chris Minns says about 10, 000 more people across parts of the city wil Read More...
Abuse, neglect and violence in Vic care facilities
Date of Posting: 03-08-2023
There is an unacceptable level of abuse, neglect and violence in Victoria's disability and mental health facilities. That's according to the 2021-22 Community Visitors annual report released this week by the state's Public Advocate.[su Read More...
India finds 'lapses' at cough syrup maker after deaths
Date of Posting: 03-08-2023
India has found violations related to manufacturing and laboratory practices at drug maker Riemann Labs, whose cough syrup was linked to the deaths of children in Cameroon, a government health official says. Authorities have stepped up scrutiny of Read More...
The Role of Telehealth in Modern Australian Healthcare
Last Updated: 03-08-2023
The Role of Telehealth in Modern Australian Healthcare In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, telehealth is revolutionising the way medical services are delivered. It offers a number of benefits, including improved access to healthcare s Read More...
Eight-hour hospital bed wait before woman's death
Date of Posting: 02-08-2023
A grandmother who died after waiting almost eight hours for a bed at a Tasmanian hospital received substandard treatment and her illness was underestimated in the extreme, according to a coroner's report. Anne Helen Pedler, 71, arrived at the Read More...
NRL games, horseracing targeted in paramedic strike
Date of Posting: 02-08-2023
A major health services union will have its paramedics refuse to work overtime at major sporting events in NSW until a pay dispute is settled. The action, which began on Saturday, was continued in perpetuity after a meeting on Tuesday where Health Read More...
Long COVID symptoms the focus of treatment studies
Date of Posting: 02-08-2023
The National Institutes of Health is beginning a handful of studies to test possible treatments for long COVID, an anxiously awaited step in US efforts against the mysterious condition that afflicts millions. The announcement from the NIH's $U Read More...
One drink a day could raise blood pressure
Date of Posting: 01-08-2023
Just one alcoholic drink a day could raise a person's blood pressure, a new study suggests. While the largest increases were seen among heavy drinkers, the international team of academics were "surprised" to find that drinking at low Read More...
Overseas-trained doctors fast-tracked amid GP shortage
Date of Posting: 01-08-2023
Overseas-trained doctors are set to be fast-tracked to work in communities across Australia facing GP shortages. The nation's peak body for general practitioners says it will simplify its processes for international medical graduates as it tri Read More...
Hookworms may hold key to tackling type 2 diabetes
Date of Posting: 01-08-2023
Using live hookworms to combat diabetes may sound like a case of the treatment being worse than the disease, but researchers are hopeful their small trial will eventually lead to drugs to help people living with the condition. Hookworms remain a p Read More...
One in two to have mental health disorder by 75
Date of Posting: 31-07-2023
Mental health disorders are on the horizon for one in two people by the age of 75 after findings from an Australian co-led study spanning 29 countries. Researchers from the University of Queensland, in partnership with Harvard medical school, stud Read More...
Dr Clare Looker named Victoria's chief health officer
Date of Posting: 30-07-2023
Dr Clare Looker will be Victoria's next chief health officer as Professor Brett Sutton steps down from the role. Prof Sutton finished in the role on Friday, with Dr Looker to take over from Saturday for a 12-month term.[subscribe] Victoria& Read More...
UTI treatment added to NSW pharmacy prescribing trial
Date of Posting: 30-07-2023
Women suffering from urinary tract infections (UTIs) can now receive treatment and medicine without first having to see a GP. A NSW government trial treating basic health complaints at the local pharmacy is expanding from tomorrow to include women Read More...
Norway and Finland battle rapid spread of bird flu
Date of Posting: 30-07-2023
Norway and Finland are facing record outbreaks of bird flu which have killed thousands of seagulls and other species, put livestock at risk and restricted travel in some areas. Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has circulated throughout E Read More...
Social media platforms for plastic surgery - Could it be used more educationally?
Last Updated: 29-07-2023
Social media platforms have become an ever-growing source for gathering information as well as keeping connected with our friends and family. According to the Global Digital Report 2019, there are currently almost 3.5 billion social media users wo Read More...
Bangladesh fears record death toll from dengue outbreak
Date of Posting: 27-07-2023
Dengue is spreading rapidly through densely populated Bangladesh this rainy season, raising fears the mosquito-borne disease could result in a record number of deaths and infections for the second consecutive year. At least 201 people, more than h Read More...
National genome screening fast-tracks cancer treatment
Date of Posting: 27-07-2023
The lives of thousands of Australians battling incurable or advanced cancers could be saved or extended thanks to a pioneering national genomics initiative. More than 23,000 Australians living with cancer will be given free access to cutting-edge Read More...
Honey from Aussie ant has powerful healing properties
Date of Posting: 27-07-2023
Honey produced by a little-known Australian ant carries powerful medicinal properties that could be used to fight harmful bacteria and fungi. The honeypot ant, found in the deserts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, produces a honey Read More...
Homebirths to be introduced at Royal Women's Hospital
Date of Posting: 26-07-2023
A publicly-funded homebirth program is set to be introduced at Victoria's leading women's hospital. While the initiative is only in the planning stages, a Victorian government spokesman confirmed it was expanding its public homebirth progr Read More...
