Archived News for Health Sector Professionals

Townsville currently has no dengue fever outbreaks - for the first time in 15 years.

Key insights borne from painless labour

A fascinating study has been published on the unique case of a woman who could not feel pain - until she gave birth.

Nursing union called to court for non-compliance

The Fair Work Commission has taken Federal Court action against the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) and its WA branch secretary.

Push is on for anti-overdose expansion

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, and experts are pushing for the expansion of an ACT-based initiative that could save lives.

Brain takes mistakes as time to learn

A high-tech study has revealed that the human brain really does learn from failure.

Sad harassment continues after Court's abortion ruling

The Supreme Court of Victoria will not force the Melbourne City Council to crack down on a decades-old protest in which members of religious groups harass and intimidate women as they enter an abortion clinic.

Food scientist slams organic myths

Eating organic foods may be good for personal gratification or Facebook posts, but new research suggests it may not be all the people think.

Small-scale psychology for help on the run

Deakin University experts are developing a pocket-sized psychologist.

Bowel cancer body says killer is ill-supported

Bowel Cancer Australia has released a new report in which five leading cancer specialists argue that it is drastically underfunded.

Cell fight makes on-screen debut

Australian researchers have for the first time caught a snapshot of immune cells working to defeat infection.

Elderly fall prompts call from Health Minister

The New South Wales Health Minister has apologised to an elderly woman who fell on a footpath and had to wait there for hours before an ambulance came.

Old could suffer when health spread thin

Experts say there must be a better level of debate on health funding, after an NT minister said treating the elderly came at the expense of children.

TV shapes pregnant expectations

In a time when a lot of public health knowledge comes from Dr Oz or WebMD, researchers have assessed the powerful role of media in the creation of patient expectations, especially for pregnancy and birth.

Jig is certainly up for Jackson

Former Health Services Union (HSU) boss Kathy Jackson has been ordered to pay over $1.3 million in compensation misappropriating union funds.

Lockouts' effects inspected

A legal expert says pub and club lockout laws might not be the reason alcohol-fuelled violence is down in some cities, despite claims of their success.

Uncertainty in fishing hits mental health

A new survey suggests chronic job insecurity has led to a mental health crisis and high rates of suicide among Australian commercial fishers.

'No jab no play' coming to Victoria

The Victorian Government is introducing new 'no jab, no play' laws, banning unvaccinated kids from child care and kindergarten.

Big steps expected in stroke drug trial

Queensland researchers are about to start a set of clinical trials that could be a huge help for victims of stroke and brain injury.

Cannabis and Vitamin A could hold slim secret

Local researchers are getting close to a new weight loss pill.

Needless treatments reviewed

The Grattan Institute says far too many patients in Australian hospitals get a treatment they should not receive, even against evidence that the treatment is unnecessary or does not work.