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Local news
WEEK COMMENCING 25 JULY 2009
Swine flu yet to peak in Qld
31 July 2009
The Australian Medical Association of Queensland (AMAQ) says the incidence of swine flu is yet to peak in the state. There are 85 people in hospitals with swine flu, including 29 in intensive care.
Health care firm scraps bulk billing
31 July 2009
Australia's largest medical centre operator has scrapped bulk-billing for most of its South Australian patients - charging $30 an appointment for the same service it provided freelast week.
Health report 'forgets bush'
31 July 2009
The National Health & Hospitals Reform Commission has wasted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fix the rural health crisis, it was claimed this week. It has ignored the need for urgent initiatives to entice more doctors and health professionals to the bush, according to the Rural Doctors Association of Australia.
Pharmacy cure for doctor shopping
July 30, 2009
An electronic monitoring system that could stop prescription drug overdoses such as the one that killed Michael Jackson is ready for rollout in Australia but awaiting government support. Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Kos Sclavos said the pop star's death had underlined the value of the new technology, which could stop supply to "doctor shoppers" who used multiple prescriptions from different medicos to secure dangerous doses of a drug.
NSW Nurses' Association 64th Annual Conference - Urgent Development
29 July 2009
For the first time in its history the NSWNA will adjourn its annual conference tomorrow, 30 July, to hold a protest rally, outside the State Ministerial offices in Sydney.
Reaction to planned health reforms
30 July 2007
Nationalisation of primary health care, universal access to dental care and the establishment of a national e-health system are some of the recommendations of a new comprehensive report into Australia's health system. So what have Australia's major health bodies had to say about the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission's report, 'A healthier future for all Australians'?
Better health not so cheap, warns Kevin Rudd
29 July 2009
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has conceded overhauling the nation's ailing health system and implementing a "radical set of changes" will not be cheap.
Doctors challenge Rudd prescription for change
29 July 2009
Sydney doctors challenged the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and federal Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, yesterday to detail how they would implement sweeping health system reforms without pulling money out of public hospitals.
Health expert decries government's `policy vacuum'
29 July 2009
A prominent health expert has accused the federal government of having a "policy vacuum" on health, and of a "failure of leadership" for failing to immediately press on with implementation of key reform proposals. Psychiatrist Ian Hickie claimed the final report of the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission had been "watered down" from the interim document published in February, and the changes had "let the government off the hook" by opening the door to a more gradual implementation.
Health report a 'potential blockbuster'
28 July 2009
The Australian Medical Association has described the federal government’s health commission report as a potential “blockbuster” that could have major benefits for the Sunshine Coast.
A glimmer of hope – just what the doctor ordered
28 July 2009
Royal North Shore Hospital – where Kevin Rudd and Nicola Roxon will start their public consultation on health reform this morning – is the symbolic centre of community concern over the performance of NSW public hospitals.
Medical e-card on board by 2012
28 July 2009
If Canberra gets its way, by 2012 every Australian will be issued a personal electronic health card containing an archive of their health history. If the National Health and Hospital Reform Commission recommendation is adopted, the e-card will reduce administrative red tape and allow card-holders personal access to their health records.
Anger over `appalling' loss of Kimberley health job
28 July 2009
The 2001 Young Australian of the Year has threatened to abandon his work with sick children in the Kimberley over the axing of one of three pediatrician's positions in the region. Pediatric registrar James Fitzpatrick says the cut will "send morale through our boots", leave him and his colleagues perpetually exhausted and make it impossible for him to continue a landmark program to diagnose and prevent fetal alcohol syndrome in the Fitzroy Valley.
Fight for birth rights
28 July 2009
A Monbulk (Vic) couple has slammed the Federal Government for legislation, which is set to take away the choice for home births. Domonic and Victoria McKay recently experienced the joy of a home birth, welcoming their first son into the world on 9 July. “Our research showed us that home birth is just as safe for mother and baby and, in fact, is much less likely to lead to medical intervention,” Ms Mc Kay said.
Federal health review 'a wake-up call'
28 July
Western Australia's Opposition says the federal review of health services should be a wake-up call to the State Government to improve its management of the sector.
Commonwealth takeover 'could boost rural health'
28 July 2009
There are hopes regional and rural health care will be boosted if the Commonwealth decides to take over Australia's health system.
Technology kills stubborn warts
28 July 2009
Cutting edge techniques are being demonstrated to podiatry students at Charles Sturt University (CSU) allowing them to use successful techniques to treat difficult skin afflictions on feet.
Health reforms won't come cheap: Rudd
28 July 2009
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has warned a reform of the nation's health system "won't come inexpensively". The National Health and Hospitals Reforms Commission's recommendations, released on Monday, are the most significant since the introduction of Medicare.
Transcript of press conference with the PM, the Minister for Health and Dr Christine Bennett
27 July 2009
PM: What we put forward is three strategic options for the future. We've said that we will frame a final proposal to the States and Territories by early 2010, and if the States and Territories don't like that, we'll take it to the people. That's our process.
Mixed response to proposed health reforms
27 July 2009
PETER CAVE: The Prime Minister Kevin Rudd will head to the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney tomorrow [today], to begin those consultations about the package of proposed reforms. Health groups have cautiously welcomed most of the recommendations in today's report, particularly the focus on primary and preventative health care. But some experts say the reforms don't go far enough to address the crisis in Australia's health care system.
Health minister says it's time for change
27 July 2009
SABRA LANE: We are joined now in the studio by Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon. Nicola Roxon, this report says what many health experts have been saying for a long time - that Australia's health care system is flat-lining. (Listen to MP3 of this story)
Australia must spend $1.2 to $1.9b on e-health
27 July 2009
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Health Minister Nicola Roxon released a report on the nation's hospitals today by the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC) which recommends a $1.2 to 1.9 billion spend on e-health.
More concerns voiced over Victorian abortion law
27 July 2009
Victoria's abortion law reform legislation is at odds with the autonomy it seeks to embrace and may legally coerce doctors opposed to abortion into referring patients for termination, a news reports said.
AMA gives cautious welcome to health review
27 July 2009
PETER CAVE: Implementing the fundamental changes to the healthcare system will require the cooperation of doctors as well as other medical professionals. Joining me now is the federal president of the Australian Medical Association, Dr Andrew Pesce. Listen to MP3 of this story.
Health challenge now in Rudd’s court: AMA
27 July 2009
The future of Australia’s health system was now in Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s court with the release later on Monday of a long-awaited report into the sector, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) says.
Hospital report lists sweeping reforms
27 July 2009
A long-awaited report recommends major surgery for Australia's health system, but stops short of recommending a full federal takeover of the states' hospitals.
Rethink on child sex activity reports
27 July 2009
The Northern Territory government has backed down on a plan to require doctors to inform authorities of underage patients they suspect are sexually active. Children and Families Minister Malarndirri McCarthy said on Saturday the government would amend its Care and Protection of Children Act to address health profession concerns over the mandatory reporting of sexual offences against children.
Funding shortage curbs swine flu scheme
27 July 2009
A key part of the nation's defence against swine flu -- an influenza monitoring scheme run by GPs -- is still surviving on a shoestring $100,000 annual budget and two paid part-timers, almost six weeks after the government promised to boost the network. Over a month later, the only national community-based influenza surveillance scheme -- the Australian Sentinel Practice Research Network (ASPREN) -- still has no extra funding for the promised expansion.
Crossroads for Close the Gap
27 July 2009
After 18 months of incredible progress, the Close the Gap campaign is at a crossroads with a real possibility that, unless there is a shift in direction, large amounts of public funds could be spent with comparatively little effect.
Hospital errors cause 4550 deaths a year
27 July 2009
Hospital errors claim the lives of 4550 Australians a year, equivalent to the death toll from 13 jumbo jets crashing and killing all on board, says a report to the Government which urges sweeping reforms of the health system. And savings of $1 billion a year could be made if problems including hospital-borne infections, medication mix-ups, drug side effects and patient falls were only halved.
Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin
A peer-reviewed electronic journal from the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.
Abortion law at odds with autonomy: AMA
25 July 2009
Victorian doctors who object to abortion fear they could be legally coerced into referring patients for terminations, Australian Medical Association (AMA) federal secretary Francis Sullivan says. Victoria's new abortion law reform legislation is at odds with the autonomy it set out to embrace, he told a Conscience laws and Healthcare conference in Melbourne on Saturday.
Roxon: Post or antenatal depression support
24 July 2009
The Rudd Government will invest $5.1 million over three years to enable four specialist organisations to provide telephone-based support for women experiencing post or antenatal depression, or grief following the loss of a baby that will link to an enhanced 24 hour hotline for pregnant women and new mums. The four organisations are Post and Antenatal Depression Australia (PANDA), SIDS and Kids Australia, Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Support (SANDS), and the Bonnie Babes Foundation.
International news
UK: Letters: Who’s threatened by euthanasia?
31 July 2009
Sir, I have read with interest and dismay the contributions to this debate from Baroness Emerton (Opinion, July 29) and Richard Morrison (“A liberal view that to me seems suicidal”, times2, July 29) after your courageous front-page report (“Huge public support for right to die”, July 25).
US: Retaining veteran nurses may help solve nation’s nursing shortage, report says
30 July 2009
The United States is facing a severe nursing shortage, as a growing amount of older nurses preparing to retire are finding less qualified nurses to replace them. This shortage dangerously intersects with the aging of the baby boomer population, which will put an enormous strain on the country’s health care system.
MALAWI halts nursing brain drain
30 July 2009
Like most African countries, Malawi has suffered from a severe shortage of nurses and key health workers. In the past, workers in the tiny southeast African nation of just 13 million inhabitants have been lured abroad by the promise of higher wages and better working conditions.
US: Obama seeks to persuade doubters and face down critics in healthcare debate
30 July 2009
So many presidents have been frustrated in their attempts to introduce universal healthcare that when Barack Obama declared it would be the signature legislative achievement of his first year in office, it was tempting to accuse him of hubris. But after a tough week of negotiations in the Senate and the House Of Representatives, the most significant change in US social policy for decades is finally within reach.
US: Breakthrough nursing home alternative now available to Cincinnati elders and their families
30 July 2009
Cincinnati elders and their families can now choose a breakthrough alternative to traditional nursing homes. The new Deupree Cottages on Erie Avenue bordering Hyde Park offer a warm, inviting home supported by 24-hour professional nursing care. Here elders live life on their own terms and follow their own routines rather than a schedule set by the staff. Helping prepare their favorite meal or rummaging in the refrigerator for a snack are the norm here rather than the exception.
UK: Peer: nurses' new assisted suicide stance is a disgrace
29 July 2009
It is “dangerous” for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) to adopt a neutral stance on assisted suicide, says a leading Peer. Baroness Audrey Emerton, who is a fellow of the RCN questioned its recent claim to neutrality in light of news that it plans to engage in talks with MSP Margo MacDonald, who is behind the push to legalise assisted suicide in Scotland.
UK: Ministers back plans for a national social work college
29 July 2009
Ministers have indicated that they will back the establishment of a national college for social work to give fresh leadership to the profession after its buffeting over the Baby P affair and other controversies.
NZ: Scientists seek answers to Alzheimer's disease
27 July 2009
Otago University researchers are using a powerful MRI scanner to map the flow of blood around the brains of Alzheimer's sufferers. They have been able to link areas which showed reduced blood flow to some of the well-known effects of the disease.
US: Nursing moms feed motherless infant
27 July 2009
When Susan Goodrich, 46, of Marquette, Michigan, died of a amniotic fluid embolism, she left her son, Moses, without the breast milk that both her and her husband, Robbie, deemed so important. Through a series of events, the grieving father was connected with a group of breastfeeding mothers who selflessly offered to feed his newborn son.
US: The day DAD was pregnant
27 July 2009
After my wife had given birth to our second child, my editor at BabyTalk called me with an assignment: See what it's like to be pregnant by wearing an "empathy belly" – a sort of pregnancy suit for men (expectant dads try them on briefly during childbirth class) – for one day.
US: Health care leaders say need for reform is urgent
27 July 2009
By a wide margin, health care leaders believe that individuals should have a choice of public and private health plans, and strongly support other central components of health reform such as innovative provider payment reform and a national insurance health exchange with strong standard-setting authority. In addition, two-thirds (68%) of opinion leaders feel it is urgent to enact comprehensive health care reform this year.
UK: Step by step, we're sleepwalking into barbarism as we blur the boundaries on assisted suicide
26 July 2009
During the past few months, the campaign to permit assisted suicide has been steadily ratcheted up. There has been a stream of stories about people travelling to the grisly Dignitas euthanasia 'clinic' in Switzerland to be killed, the most recent of whom were the conductor Sir Edward Downes and his wife.
British Royal College of Nursing under fire for ditching assisted suicide opposition
24 July 2009
The Royal College of Nursing has reversed its position and no longer opposes assisted suicide -- instead taking a neutral view on the thorny issue. The decision is bringing the RCN serious condemnation, including from the Christian Nurses and Midwives group, which says it sends a bad message to the disabled.
Plan fast-tracks nurse practitioners
24 July 2009
A new program with the University of Saskatchewan's college of nursing will allow nurses who have already received their master's of nursing to apply for a fast-tracked post-degree nurse practitioner certificate program.
UK: Time and motion experts follow the foosteps of Glasgow’s nurses fears
27 July 2009
Nurses are to have their footsteps followed in a bid to stamp out "inefficiences" that union leaders have said could heap unnecessary pressure on its members. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde staff are being issued with pedometers to track the distances they walk on ward rounds and other duties.
UK: Christian nurses speak against assisted suicide
26 July 2009
The organisation representing Christian nurses has attacked the Royal College of Nursing's decision to drop its five-year opposition to allowing assisted suicide. Christian Nurses and Midwives said the RCN's policy shift would send "the wrong signals to the vulnerable".
US: New nursing oversight board pledges overhaul of troubled system
26 July 2009
The board that oversees California nurses met today for the first time since Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger replaced most of its members, and the board pledged an overhaul of the troubled system that polices nurse misconduct.
UK: Half of us back 'right to die' law
26 July 2009
Half of all Britons would consider helping a loved one die if they became terminally ill, an exclusive Metro/Harris poll reveals today. Most people also oppose the present law banning assisted suicide. The revelations come just days after the Royal College of Nursing officially changed its policy, no longer opposing the right to die.
US: Some recent grads left wondering where the nursing jobs are now
26 July 2009
Kristi Filcek graduated from Lansing Community College's accelerated nursing program in May. Her job search hasn't gone well. She's applied in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit. She's applied to hospitals and home health care agencies. No bites, not one.
UK: 'Debate needed' on assisted death
25 July 2009
Helping a patient to die can carry a 14-year jail sentence for nurses in the UK. A "considered" and "objective" debate is needed on assisted suicide, the head of the Royal College of Nursing says. It comes after the RCN, which has 400,000 members, shifted its stance on the matter to be neutral.
US: Caffeine-drinking teens don’t get enough sleep
25 July 2009
Fueled by caffeine teens are up late at night, and they aren’t just focusing on homework. Web surfing, text messaging and gaming are keeping them up for hours into the night, according to a recent study by Drexel University’s Dr. Christina Calamaro, assistant professor in Drexel’s College of Nursing and Health Professions.
UK: Swine flu could overwhelm critical care units, doctors warn
24 July 2009
Intensive care wards could be overwhelmed by severely ill swine flu patients if infection rates in the UK climb rapidly, doctors are warning.
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