NBN Enabled Tele-health Trial Launched in WA

The Hon Sharon Bird MP, Federal Minister for Regional Communications will launch a National Broadband Network (NBN) enabled tele-health trial in home care services for older Australians in Geraldton WA, today. Telehealth can deliver healthcare through remotely monitoring a person’s vital signs utilising equipment that is installed in their home.

Primary Health Care Research Given a Boost

The Minister for Health and Minister for Medical Research Tanya Plibersek, has announced an extra $13.5 million for new primary care research, including Australia’s first international primary health care research organisation.

Death Rates From Stroke in Australia Falling

While death rates from stroke in Australia fell by 70 per cent between 1979 and 2010, the total number of strokes rose by approximately six per cent over the same period.

Home Care Packages for Older Australians

The first Home Care packages for older Australians have been announced by Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Senator Jacinta Collins, as part of more than $500 million in aged care funding.

Melbourne Neurosurgeon Recognised for his Work in Developing Nations

Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld, head of Monash University’s Department of Surgery and Directory of the Department of Neurosurgery at The Alfred hospital has been awarded an Officer of The Order of the British Empire (OBE).

New Cancer Medicines Among those added to the PBS

Three new generation cancer medicines have been included in the newly approved list of drugs being added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Researcher Recognised for Work on Disease Treatment Options

A report released last week by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows incontinence can have a substantial impact on wellbeing, social and workforce participation, as well as the relationships of its sufferers and their carers.

‘Fully Immunised’ Criteria Expanded to Include Meningitis Vaccines

As of 1 July this year, the criteria for children to be considered ‘fully immunised’ will be expanded to include two children’s meningitis vaccines (meningococcal C and pneumococcal) to provide them with the maximum available protection against the disease.

While Age Care Bills Pass Senate, LASA Believes More Can be Done

While five Aged Care Bills passed the Senate today (Wednesday) Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA) says the road to reform in age services has been rocky. 

New Advisory Group formed to Tackle Indigenous Mental Health and Suicide

A new expert group has been established to advise the Federal Government on practical and strategic ways to improve Indigenous mental health and social and emotional wellbeing. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Advisory Group will be chaired by Prof Pat Dudgeon, recognised as Australia’s first Indigenous psychologist, and human rights campaigner Dr Tom Calma AO, the new chancellor of the University of Canberra.

Grant to Better Understand Cardiac Stem Cells

An international consortium of cardiac stem cell experts, including two Australians has been awarded a $6million USD grant to better understand the role of these cells in heart function and repair.

Breakthrough in Treating Chronic Kidney Disease

Researchers at The University of Queensland have reprogrammed adult kidney cells to act as stems cells to repair damaged kidneys

AHPRA Publishes Guides on Handling Complaints

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has published new guides for health practitioners and the community about how notifications are managed in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme (the National Scheme).

Hospitals off Target for Improving Timely Care in Elective Surgery and Emergency Departments

In its inaugural report on The Council of Australian Government’s (COAG) National Partnership on Improving Public Hospital’s the COAG Reform Council has found  no state or territory has met all targets for improving timely care in elective surgery and emergency departments.

LASA launches 3 million reasons campaign to protect aged care workers