Archived News for Health Sector Professionals

The use of disability services in Australia is continuing to rise, with a total increase of 7 per cent over the 2010-11 period according to a new report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

The Western Australian Government has announced funding for a trial iron injection therapy across all of the state’s intensive care units over the next 24 months, a move which is hoped to be key in reducing blood transfusion use.

A team of researchers in Melbourne have identified a new breakthrough method of protecting female fertility for women suffering the potential impact of cancer therapy or premature menopause.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has found that cancer rates are continuing to improve.

The CSIRO has published  findings that detail the outcome of a study that promises to lead to a faster, simpler way to detect the virus.

The ACT Government has announced it will fund a high profile chair in cancer research to be based at The John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR) at the Australian National University (ANU).

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has hit out at the alcohol industry, saying self-regulation has failed and that the Government should establish a Federal Inquiry into alcohol marketing in Australia.

Research conducted by the University of New South Wales has recorded a dramatic reduction in both depression and suicidal thoughts in patients who participated in a study involving internet cognitive behavior therapy.

The new Royal North Shore Hospital has received its certificate of occupancy, meaning the main building will soon be receiving patients.

The South Australian Government has officially opened the new Fraser Mustard Centre, which will aim to connect cutting edge research with practical measures to improve the health, wellbeing and education of the state’s children.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has commenced the largest ever Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health survey, aimed at improving knowledge of the health issues affecting Indigenous Australians.

The Federal Government has announced the full membership of the Advisory Panel on Positive Ageing, enlisting a range of eminent Australians with strong experience in issues facing seniors.

The Federal Government has announced $10.2 million in funding for 26 projects to better prepare the aged care workforce to cater for increased demand.

A study examining the health and recovery benefits of early exercise in hospitalised patients with life-threatening illness or injury will lead to future trials of early mobilization (EM) programs in intensive care units (ICU).

A report released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has found that many health risk factors are on the rise, although some, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, have dropped among certain age groups, particularly among young people.

The Australian Medical Association has released two new Position Statements outlining the role of GPs in emergencies and natural disasters and how best to support GPs in these situations.

The Queensland Health Minister, Lawrence Springborg, has announced the corporate restructure of Queensland Health which will see the loss of 2,754 jobs, including 1217 full-time-equivalent jobs from the corporate head office and 1537 from Queensland Health's 17 regions, now run by hospital and health boards.

The ACT Government has announced that the Territory’s new sub-acute hospital will be located at the University of Canberra.

A new study led by the University of Western Sydney has found low risk women giving birth in private hospitals in New South Wales are much more likely to have obstetric interventions such as inductions and caesareans compared to low risk women giving birth in public hospitals.

NSW Minister for Mental Health, Kevin Humphries, and NSW Mental Health Commissioner, John Feneley, have announced that applications are now open for Deputy Commissioners of the NSW Mental Health Commission, and for members of the Mental Health Community Advisory Council.

Mr Humphries said the Commission will appoint up to three part-time Deputy Commissioners, with at least one being a person who has or has had a mental illness.

“During the extensive public consultations we held across the State to allow the community to provide input into the scope and direction of the Commission, one of the strongest messages we heard was that it was important that at a senior level within the Commission there should be first-hand experience of mental illness,” Mr Humphries said.

“The expertise gained through the lived experience of mental illness will provide a unique and informed insight into many of the challenges the Mental Health Commission has been set up to overcome.

“The Deputy Commissioners will play a vital role in the operation of the Commission and will be charged with providing high level advocacy for people with a mental illness, their carers, families and the mental health community, as well as act as champions for reform.”

NSW Mental Health Commissioner John Feneley said the Commission is also seeking applications for up to 14 members for the Mental Health Community Advisory Council.

“The Council’s primary function will be to provide strategic, independent advice to the Commission on a range of mental health issues, and will play a hugely important role in the successful operation of the Commission,” Mr Feneley said.

“The candidates will be people who are extremely committed to improving the State’s mental health system.

“I expect they come from a diverse range of fields, from clinicians with decades of experience to people who have first-hand experience of mental health issues and how they can affect families, friends and carers.”

For further information call 9859 5200 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications close 8^th October 2012.