Industry News
Victoria to roll out new ambulance and emergency care standards
The new Standards for Safe and Timely Ambulance and Emergency Care for Victorians will be rolled out across all of the state's emergency departments in 2025. [ + ]
Medical student convicted for holding out as a surgeon
A medical student who held himself out as a medical practitioner to three women — two he had met through online dating platforms — has been convicted. [ + ]
National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control launched
Cancer Australia's National Framework for Genomics in Cancer Control has launched, to guide safe and effective incorporation of genomics into cancer care. [ + ]
"Fake nurse" convicted and fined $4000 following prosecution
Ahpra has prosecuted a man for claiming to be a nurse, in contravention of section 116 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (National Law). [ + ]
Lung cancer medication gets PBS listing
The Australian Government is listing Retevmo (selpercatinib) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with around 130 patients expected to benefit each year. [ + ]
Ahpra appoints Justin Untersteiner Chief Executive Officer
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency has appointed Justin Untersteiner CEO, commencing April 2025. Untersteiner succeeds Martin Fletcher. [ + ]
Qld launches health service investigation into Mackay HHS
Following concerns raised by doctors, Queensland Health's Director-General has commissioned an investigation into Mackay Hospital and Health Service. [ + ]
Former nurse prosecuted for fake registration certificate
A Victorian man has been fined $5000 and ordered to pay Ahpra's legal costs of $21,420.56 after holding himself out as a registered nurse. [ + ]
Regional, rural and remote area doctors — have your say
Until 19 February, the Australian Medical Association is urging regional, rural and remote area doctors to take part in the 2025 Rural Health Issues Survey. [ + ]
Registration reform for comparable countries' nurses
From March 2025, a new, streamlined assessment and registration process for internationally qualified registered nurses from comparable countries will apply. [ + ]
David McGrath is new National Mental Health Commission CEO
David McGrath is now CEO of NMHC (commencing 29 January 2025), taking carriage of important reforms to the commission announced in the 2024–25 Budget. [ + ]
A model for predicting a 'superspreader'
A so-called friendship paradox was used as the basis for a new mathematical model that could be used to more accurately predict the development of an epidemic. [ + ]
Paracetamol pack size changes come into effect on 1 February 2025
The Therapeutic Goods Administration's decision to reduce pack sizes of paracetamol to help prevent misuse will come into effect on 1 February 2025. [ + ]
Dr Peggy Brown AO appointed Chair of Mental Health Australia
According to Mental Health Australia, Brown's diverse experience in the mental health sector makes her well placed to lead the organisation at a time when change is urgently needed. [ + ]
Development of at-home bladder cancer diagnostic kit
Researchers have developed a urine-based diagnostic kit for bladder cancer that can be used at home. [ + ]
