Archived News for Health Sector Professionals - September, 2011
Monsignor David Cappo has been announced as the Chair of the Nation Mental Health Commission, the body behind driving the Federal Government’s planned mental health reforms.
Monsignor Cappo has held several senior positions, including as a former national director of the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission, Beyond Blue and the former Deputy Chair of the National Mental Health Advisory Committee.
“The new Commission will, for the first time, allow us to properly measure and independently report on what is happening in Australia’s mental health system – with the needs and experiences of consumers and carers placed at the very centre,” Monsignor Cappo said.
The Commission will play a key role in the Government’s commitment to long-term reforms in mental health. In summary, it will:
New dental health advisory board appointed
The Federal Government has announced the establishment of the National Advisory Council on Dental Health as part of the agreement between the government and the Federal Greens.
$1.08 billion for NSW health infrastructure
The New South Wales State Government has unveiled a planned $1.08 billion spending package health capital works across the state to be spent over the next year.
NSW to hire 900 more nurses
The New South Wales Government has announced it is still committed to its pre-budget pledge of hiring an additional 900 nurses despite growing fears of a possible $700 million budget blowout.
National study to probe effectiveness of emergency department teams
Australian universities have joined forces with state health departments to test the effectiveness and quality of the nurse practitioner as an addition to the emergency department team.
New national Chief Medical Officer appointed
One of Australia’s foremost experts in emergency medicine, Professor Chris Baggoley, has been appointed Australia’s Chief Medical Officer by the Federal Government.
University of Melbourne signs Indian mental health MoU
The University of Melbourne has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare India to help improve India’s national mental health system.
Queensland Healthcare Improvement Award winners announced
Queensland Health’s most innovative staff were awarded for their fresh approaches to services at the recent 2011 Healthcare Improvement Awards ceremony in Brisbane.
Twelve award winners were acknowledged during the ceremony held as the showcase of Queensland Health Week 2011 from more than 300 abstracts.
Bendigo hospital construction expressions of interest open
The Victorian State Government has announced that expressions of interest for the construction of the new Bendigo Hospital can now be lodged.
Victoria releases Public Health and Wellbeing Plan
The Victorian Government has released the state's first ever Public Health and Wellbeing Plan which aims to address the state's increasing rates of chronic and preventable diseases.
Conroy touts NBN health benefits
The Federal Government has opened the first Queensland National Broadband Network site after Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Treasurer Wayne Swan launched the service.