Archived News for Health Sector Professionals - April, 2012
The federal and state health ministers have opened the new children’s cancer centre at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The new haematology and oncology centre is one element of a three-storey redevelopment on top of the existing Gilbert Building. This work has also created space for a new 20-bed medical ward, a lung disease centre and a gene therapy laboratory.
The extensive redevelopment has been funded in partnership between the Commonwealth and State Governments, with generous support from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Little Heroes Foundation.
The new haematology and oncology facilities are named after the respected paediatric oncologist, Dr Michael Rice, who has been associated with the hospital for more than 50 years.
Minister Plibersek said, “The Michael Rice Centre brings together a place where children and teenagers with blood disorders or cancer can be treated.”
Minister Hill said, “The facilities include a special lead-lined room for children undergoing radiotherapy with a video link to a parents’ room. This physically isolates them to reduce the risk of radiation exposure for other patients and staff while still keeping them in close contact with their families.
“There are also two ‘negative pressure’ areas which allow for infectious patients to be nursed in isolation.”
The new floors on the Gilbert building also house the Breathing Space service which will assess patients with respiratory and lung illnesses as well as the new Allan Scott laboratory where research will continue into an airway gene therapy to treat or even cure the lung diseases associated with cystic fybrosis.
The Gilbert Building Redevelopment Project has been made possible with $15 million Federal Government funding, $4.4m from the State Government, $2.6m from the WCH Foundation towards the Breathing Space and $2m from the Little Heroes Foundation towards the Michael Rice Centre.
Fish good news for lowering blood pressure
New Australian research has found eating fish may have the edge over fish oil capsules when it comes to lowering blood pressure, a known risk factor for heart disease.
Liver an important fat-controlling organ
Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Austin Health have come one step closer to understanding how our bodies regulate fat and weight gain.
Positive changes made to Aged Care systems
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, announced a 10-year plan to reshape aged care, beginning 1 July 2012.
The Gillard Labor Government will deliver the $3.7 billion Living Longer Living Better plan to deliver more choice, easier access and better care for older Australians and their families.
To make it easier for older Australians to stay in their home while they receive care, the Government will:
Monash announces new Alzheimer's research
Monash University has announced new research that could possibly change the way health professionals treat Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over 35.6 million people worldwide.
Victoria outlines hospital funding boost
The Victorian Government has announced a $35 million funding boost for the state’s hospitals to allow the purchase of replacement medical equipment.
AIHW releases new mental health workforce data
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released new data that shows the country’s mental health workforce is continuing to grow.
Australian Medical Association wants better access to doctors' health services
In a submission to the Medical Board of Australia (MBA), the AMA is calling on the Board to fund better access to doctors' health services across the country.
Companies need to raise their mental health awareness
Australia’s top companies are failing to recognise and manage mental illnesses in the workplace. This is despite ongoing attempts at raising awareness in Australia to the dangers of mental health issues going unnoticed and untreated.
Michael Williamson resigns as Vice President of HSU
The Executive and full council of Unions NSW has voted to accept Michael Williamson's resignation as Vice President, and also to suspend the Health Services Union's affiliation until governance issues can be resolved.
Monash Health Translation Precinct to bring research outcomes into practice
The Federal Government has committed $71 million for a new building and facilities at the Monash Health Translation Precinct (MHTP).
A partnership between Monash University, the Monash Institute of Medical Research, Southern Health and Prince Henry's Institute, the MHTP is focused on transmitting research outcomes into the clinic as quickly as possible.
The new MHTP facility at Monash Medical Centre will include a series of linked, disease-themed laboratories and clinical research units, and will expand to 800 the number of laboratory and clinical researchers accommodated on the campus.
Monash University Chancellor, Dr Alan Finkel, said the funding will result in the development of an academic health science precinct that will integrate medical research, teaching and health care, resulting in better healthcare, more rapid introduction of innovation and the training of a highly skilled health workforce.
Director of Monash Institute of Medical Research, Professor Bryan Williams, said the new facility would provide an exceptional opportunity to translate basic laboratory observations to clinical practice.
“It will provide medical research scientists with ready access to clinicians and patients and expand the international reputation of medical research conducted at the MHTP,” Professor Williams said.
$21 million worth of training invested to boost autism awareness
Parliamentary Secretary for School Education, Senator Jacinta Collins, launched the second phase of the Gillard Government’s Positive Partnerships to provide classroom and family support for students with autism.
Scientists one step closer to detecting early onset of Alzheimer's disease
Scientists at the University of Newcastle have shown the potential of a simple blood-based test to identify people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, before any symptoms appear.
AIHW releases medical workforce findings
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released its report into the medical workforce trends between 2006 and 2010, finding the number of practitioners in Australia increased by 13 per cent in that time.
Government announces PBS reform
The Federal Government has announced reforms to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) that will reduce the prices of over 1000 generic drugs, with some prices set to drop as much as $15 per packet.