Kidney Health Australia has released a new report on kidney disease in Australia, and  announced a pharmacy program to help those at increased risk identify the disease early. [ + ]

The management of common health conditions varies considerably depending upon where people live, according to new paper Exploring Healthcare Variation in Australia, released  by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). [ + ]

World-first, cutting-edge laser technology being used by Queensland researchers will revolutionise the detection and treatment of skin cancer, saving lives and cutting treatment costs. Science Minister Ian Walker said the laser imaging system developed by researchers at the University of Queensland’s School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering and the University of Leeds, would help deliver on the Government’s election promise to revitalise frontline health services. [ + ]

Medical professionals remain the source for Australians and their loved ones to access information about palliative care, according to a new Palliative Care Australia survey. [ + ]

With self funding of higher-cost medicines becoming more common in Australia, leading health authorities are calling for public discussion on the issue. [ + ]

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Residential aged care providers are now required to publish the maximum accommodation prices they will charge from 1 July, making it easier for consumers to make informed choices. [ + ]

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Leaders from across Australia say the co-payment is against the principles of health equity outlined in the Statement of Intent to Close the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes. [ + ]

Aged Care bodies have reacted to the 2014 Budget Announcements, citing both positive and negative outcomes. [ + ]

NPS MedicineWise has welcomed the ABC’s ruling including the move to put a note on the Catalyst website which will reinforce that viewers should not make any changes to their prescribed regimen of medications without seeking appropriate medical advice. [ + ]

The National Heart Foundation of Australia and the National Stroke Foundation, supported by nine other leading cardiovascular disease organisations, today presented the Australian Heart and Stroke Charter to state and federal governments. [ + ]

Today (May 8) is World Ovarian Cancer Day, a global movement to raise awareness about ovarian cancer by pledging to spread the word through the theme One Voice for Every Woman. [ + ]

Third year medical undergraduate Charles Baker has applied his background in mathematics to the field of nuclear medicine to improve liver imaging methods, which may improve diagnosis time and possibly save patients undergoing unnecessary surgery. [ + ]

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[caption id="attachment_7666" align="alignright" width="166"] Dr Kylie Ellis.Photo by Jennie Groom[/caption] [ + ]