The Consumers Health Forum (CHF) is calling on Health Minister, Peter Dutton, to share details of the co-payment proposal he is negotiating with the Australian Medical Association with the rest of Australia, particularly consumers with chronic illness. [ + ]

The NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Surgical Services Taskforce (SST) is working with clinicians and managers to improve the efficiency of operating theatres and access to emergency and elective surgery in NSW public hospitals, writes Professor Donald MacLellan. [ + ]

Arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions are Australia's fourth most expensive group of diseases, according to the newly released report  Health-care expenditure for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions 2008-09. [ + ]

It Seems The Computerised Heart Of The Australian Health System Is Dangerously Close To A Heart Attack, writes Dr David More. [ + ]

Australian and New Zealand researchers have discovered a powerful new prostate cancer treatment regime that can reduce the spread of aggressive but apparently localised tumours by more than 40 per cent. [ + ]

A University of Queensland study has found no evidence of an increase in autism in the past 20 years, countering reports that the rates of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are on the rise. [ + ]

 “The good news is that prostate cancer has a high survival rate – and by basing specialist nurses in areas of most need, where there are links to cancer treatment services, these nurses will enable a greater coordination of care for men diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially those in rural and regional areas,” Minister for Health, Peter Dutton said.  [ + ]

[caption id="attachment_8925" align="alignleft" width="153"] Gustav Nossal[/caption] [ + ]

The death rate from asthma in Australia has fallen by almost 70 per cent since the 1980s, according to a new report Mortality from asthma and COPD in Australia released  by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). [ + ]

Around 108,000 clients had almost 162,400 treatment episodes from 714 publicly funded alcohol and other drug treatment agencies across Australia in 2012-13, according to a report released  by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). [ + ]

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has launched a major survey seeking to gather information to help it position the profession for the delivery of more evidence-based professional services in the future. [ + ]

Staff numbers at primary healthcare organisations have increased, according to a report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). [ + ]

If the Abbott Government wishes to get more bang for the buck out of health spending, there are better options than slapping a $7 co-payment on patients, the Consumers Health Forum says. [ + ]

Aged Care Accreditation Standards are demanding increasing levels of excellence and facilities are coming under ever increasing scrutiny around the provision of nutrition and hydration. Food Service Managers are struggling with tighter budgets and needing to do more with less. Anne Schneyder asks where are the Nutrition and Menu Planning Standards for aged care facilities? [ + ]

[caption id="attachment_8246" align="alignright" width="133"] Professor Warwick Anderson[/caption] Professor Warwick Anderson has announced  he is resigning as CEO of the NHMRC with effect from the end of March 2015 before commencing an appointment as Secretary-General of the Human Frontier Science Program, beginning mid 2015. CEO of the NHMRC since 2006, Professor Anderson has presided over a period of very significant growth in the NHMRC.  His new appointment will take him from Canberra to Strasbourg, France, official seat of the European Parliament. [ + ]