Archived News for Health Sector Professionals
The Queensland budget has allocated an extra $816 million to Queensland Health this year, with the majority of the additional funding earmarked for the newly created Hospital and Health Services.
Health Minister, Lawrence Springborg, said the additional funding would be strategically targeted at new or expanded programs aimed at ensuring more staff were available at hospitals on weekends; engaging private hospitals to assist reduce ‘long wait’ patients; and funding an additional 40,000 specialist outpatient appointments to reduce the former Labor Government’s notorious “waiting List for the waiting list”.
Mr Springborg said the additional funding would also help deliver on the LNP’s pledge to fund a 3% salary increase for nurses and midwives that took effect last Wednesday.
WA to consolidate cardiothoracic and trauma specialties
The WA Government has announced that the Fiona Stanley Hospital will deliver cardiothoracic surgery services when it opens in 2014 and Royal Perth Hospital will retain the State’s major adult trauma centre.
Health Consumers NSW launched to provide feedback on health policy
The NSW Government has launched a new organisation, Health Consumers NSW, which will give patients, carers and all those who access the NSW health system a voice to inform health policy and delivery.
AMA releases position paper on intern allocation
The Australian Medical Association has released its Position Statement on National Intern Allocation, outlining its approach to dealing with the problem of a shortage of intern training positions.
New device relieves muscle pain
Using a hand held device the size of a computer mouse for just 30 minutes could significantly change how people deal with, and recover from, the pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions.
Funding for integrated aged care teaching
The Federal Government will provide funding for projects across Australia to create integrated aged care teaching centres.
New NT Health Minister appointed
Member for Fong Lim, David Tollner, has been appointed the Northern Territory’s Minister for Health, Minister for Alcohol Policy and Minister for Essential Services.
NSW Medical Devices Fund launched
The New South Wales Minister for Medical Research, Jillian Skinner, has announced the establishment of the Medical Devices Fund and called for applications to support the development and commercialisation of medical devices in NSW.
Preliminary analysis of National Health Survey released
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released its preliminary analysis of the National Health Survey 2007-08, Social distribution of health risks and health outcomes.
Bionic eye implant breakthrough
Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) has announced the first ever successful implantation of an early prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes.
$7.5 million for new mental health fellowship
The Federal Government has announced that the new $7.5 million John Cade Fellowship in Mental Health Research is now open for applications.
Black Dog Institute forms new mental health index
Mental health advocacy group Black Dog Institute has announced the formation of a new methodology to measure national mental health.
Government announces $4 billion dentist's bill
The Federal Government has outlined a $4 billion initiative aimed at boosting subsidized dental care, reducing waiting times and providing services to over one million low income adults and Australians in rural and remote areas.
Research kindles hope for spinal cord injury patients
New research led by a team from Monash University has revealed that a simple antibody could reverse the damage caused by trauma to the central nervous system.
Sydney to host new prostate research centre
The Federal Government has announced that Sydney will host a new centre of excellence to research and treat prostate cancer.
Australians less likely to make mental health claims
Australians are significantly less likely to claim GP visits for psychological illnesses on workers’ compensation than they are for physical work-related injuries, according to research conducted by the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR).
Chronic disease death could be underreported
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released a report that finds that traditional analysis of causes of death in Australia can lead to constant underestimation of the contribution of some chronic diseases.
Comcare releases sedentary work practices toolkit
National workplace safety agency Comcare has released its sedentary work practices toolkit, a collection of information, guidance materials and templates that can help workplaces develop and apply a strategy to reduce prolonged sitting in the workplace.
First round of SkillSelect announced
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced the first round of skilled migrants invited to formally apply of visas under the Federal Government’s new SkillSelect service.
Government launches mental telehealth initiative
The Federal Government has launched its new $5 million South Australian telehealth initiative aimed at improving the way mental healthcare is delivered throughout the state.
Government renews funding for Cochrane access
The Federal Government has renewed funding for the ongoing access to The Cochrane Library, an online resource that features over 5,000 published systematic reviews of evidence for health care interventions.