Archived News for Health Sector Professionals
Implementation has begun of the Federal Government’s $58.5 million Flexible Care Packages that will provide clinical and case coordination services for people with severe mental illness, to be delivered through Medicare Locals.
Clinical services include psychological therapy provided by psychologists and social workers, who will be encouraged to link patients to other services in the community for people with severe illness.
The program was developed following community consultations which showed strong support for the implementation of the Flexible Care Packages, including from GPs who are central to supporting and finding referral pathways to other services for their patients with severe mental illness.
NHMRC Indigenous Scientific Forum calls for promotion of research funding
The importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and building the current and future workforce were reinforced at the NHMRC Indigenous Scientific Forum, held recently in Canberra.
$2 billion public hospital for Sunshine Coast
The Queensland Government has announced it will call for tenders for the construction of the new $2 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) this month, and is expecting to finalise a contract with Ramsey Health Care for the construction of a new private hospital on the same site.
Victorian regional health hub funded
The Victorian Government has announced funding of $7 million for the construction of a new Regional Health Hub at Deakin University's Geelong Campus.
Aspirin study for the elderly
A new collaborative study has been into the effectiveness of aspirin on preventing illnesses and health problems such as heart disease, strokes and low blood pressure in patients aged over 70.
$50 million delivered to Royal Hobart
The second tranche of the Federal Government's $100 million pledge has been delivered to the Royal Hobart Hospital, following acceptance of the Tasmanian Government’s progress report on the $180 million project, which forms part of the $565 million redevelopment of the hospital.
Queensland medical research fellowships announced
The Queensland Government has announced the first round of recipients for 2011 under the Queensland Health’s Office of Health and Medical Research (OHMR) fellowship program.
Second Wave e-health care groups identified
The Australian Government has announced nine Second Wave sites for the implementation of its $467 million national Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records (PCEHR) project.
Indigenous health brokerage for inner Melbourne
A new health brokerage service has been established for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the inner north of metropolitan Melbourne.
Food and Health Dialogue meets to discuss progress
The Food and Health Dialogue, which brings together government, industry and public health groups to address poor dietary habits amongst Australians, met for the sixth time last week to discuss progress against key milestones and priorities.
Record numbers of GPs in training
The Federal Minister for Health and Aging Nicola Roxon has revealed that a record 900 GPs have started training in 2011, a 50 per cent increase from 2007.
Health gaps between city and regional populations remain
A recent report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics has found that while life expectancy and education attainment rates continue to rise, gaps in health and education outcomes continue to exist between those living in cities and their regional counterparts.
Call for comment on ACT Primary Health Care Strategy
ACT Health is developing a new ACT Primary Health Care Strategy which will follow from ACT Primary Health Care Strategy 2006-2009 to cover the years 2011-2014.
New clinical practice guidelines for mental health
The National Health and Medical Research Council has released a series of new clinical practice guidelines to help diagnose and treat mental health problems.
South Australia opens new mental health facility
A new $4 million, 15 bed mental health care facility has been opened by Mental Health Minister John Hill in South Australia.
Funding announced for high-level medical research programs
A series of nine high-level medical research programs have been announced by the Federal government.
National Disability Strategy launched
The long term strategy for improving the lives of Australians with disability, their families and carers has been launched by the Federal Government.
NSW Opposition releases Preventative Health Fighting Fund
The New South Wales Liberals and Nationals have outlined a new $120 million " Preventative Health Fighting Fund" designed to reduce "avoidable" hospital admissions and improve quality of life for families.
"Robust debate" to improve Victoria's mental health laws
Minister for Mental Health Mary Wooldridge has unveiled a plan to use a series of in depth discussions to "promote robust debate and discussion" on ways to improve mental health care and Victorian mental health laws.
Melbourne Health's Respecting our Community Action Plan launched
Victorian Health Minister David Davis launched Melbourne Health’s Respecting our Community Action Plan.