Archived News for Health Sector Professionals
Edith Cowan University (ECU) researchers are leading a world-first study which could change the way Huntington’s disease is treated.
Participants in the 18-month study, which is in its final testing stage, are undergoing a regular program of brain-training exercises, gym training and social stimulation.
Testing at the halfway stage showed significant improvements including:
- Participants deteriorating 50 per cent less than the control group when measured by the Unified Huntington’s disease rating scale;
- An increase in overall body mass (according to the Body Mass Index), compared to untreated controls, who lost body mass;
- An increase in muscle mass, compared to muscle loss for untreated controls; and
- Increase in overall physical and mental health
AIHW publishes cervical screening results
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has published the results of the mass cervical screening program involving 3.6 million women throughout the country.
CHF hits out at 'horrifying' dental crisis
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) has stressed the Federal Government to take action to avert an imminent dental health catastrophe after it released figures that show the public waiting list for dental health services has stretched out to 650,000 across the nation.
Health researcher wins Humboldt Award
A Monash University researcher who is designing the next generation of medical implants using nanotechnology has been awarded the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Award for the second time.
Move to curb resistance now or face the consequences say NPS
The National Prescribing Service (NPS) has urged the Federal Government to act on the growing “anti-biotic-resistance crisis” facing the Australian community.
Adolescents at greatest risk of premature death
Researchers from the Institute and the University of Melbourne are hoping to shape the future of adolescent health, by bringing into focus the risks and issues associated with this vulnerable age group.
AIHW releases disability support report
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has published a report of the findings of a program aimed at reducing the number of younger people with a disability in residential aged care.
Clinicians and researchers tackle obesity and diabetes
A new book produced by the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre has challenged existing approaches to diabetes and obesity treatments and presented a strategy with the potential to revolutionise the way our society approaches weight management.
Government secures NDIS launch date
The Federal Government has announced the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will start from July 2013 in up to four locations across the country.
Hospital admissions on the rise
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has published a report which details the increase in hospital admissions in Australia, finding that rates of admissions in public hospitals are particularly high.
Miners suffering mental health challenges
A research paper published by the NSW Minerals Council has found that addressing growing mental illness issues is a crucial priority for the sector.
New information to provide insight into perinatal mental health disorders
Child and maternal health workers and other frontline health workers will soon have access to new free information resources on the perinatal mental health disorders women can face during pregnancy and after birth.
These new resources have been developed in consultation with Australia’s leading perinatal experts. The resources include fact sheets and other quick-reference tools like scoring wheels and questionnaires to help healthcare workers detect and discuss depression, anxiety and other mental health problems with pregnant women and new mothers.
Speaking at the launch of these resources, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said the new resources would be extremely useful to frontline primary health care professionals.
“These new resources will equip GPs, midwives, obstetricians and child and maternal health workers who work on the frontline with the right knowledge and tools to undertake screening for perinatal depression, and provide a better understanding of safe and effective treatments for mothers and their babies,” Mr Butler said.
“It’s critical that mothers who are showing signs of depression or anxiety are treated quickly and effectively. These resources will result in more women being screened, symptoms being detected earlier and most importantly, more women getting the care and support that they need.”
The Labor Government provides $30 million to the states and territories under the National Perinatal Depression Initiative to help roll out routine and universal screening for perinatal depression, for support services and to train health professionals to treat the condition.
NSW projects target hospitalisation and homelessness
As part of a new National Partnership Agreement (NP) on Mental Health, the Labor Government will provide the NSW Government with $57.6 million over 5 years for three new projects that will improve the care and support provided to people living with severe mental illness.
Under the NP, NSW is receiving the largest share of funding of all states and territories.
The following projects will receive Commonwealth funding:
Women's presence growing in health sector
Australia’s medical workforce has grown steadily in the 10 years to 2009 with the number of female working doctors increasing to make up more than one-third (36 per cent) of all working doctors.
Federal Government announces NSW mental health boost
The Federal Government has announced it will provide the NSW Government with $57.6 million over five years for three new projects to improve the care and support provided to those living with severe mental illnesses.
MS breakthrough announced
A team of research scientists has announced a major breakthrough in slowing or even halting the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Shorten pushes for HSU administration
Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has announced the Government has intervened in Federal Court proceedings with the Health Services Union (HSU) by applying for the application for the appointment of an Administrator for the HSU East Branch.
CSIRO announces starch research
The CSIRO has announced a breakthrough in the development of a new resistant starch that may help protect against the development of bowel cancer.
Shift work connected with diabetes
Resent research published in the Science Translational Medicine journal suggest that shift-workers are significantly more likely to develop diabetes and other weight problems thanks to glucose imbalances as a result of sleep disturbances.
AIHW demands more for Indigenous dental health
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has lauded the work of the Closing the Gap Child Oral Health Program in the Northern Territory, but has demanded more services to be delivered to Indigenous communities.
Hays Quarterly Report: Healthcare professionals
Global recruitment specialist Hays has released its quarterly report into recruitment trends for the April – June 2012 quarter.