Archived News for Health Sector Professionals - June, 2013
One of the final acts of the Gillard Government has come into effect today with the official beginning of the national disability insurance scheme, now called DisabilityCare.
New AIDS protocols could end epidemic
New guidelines from the World Health Organisation could save millions of lives with a simple change in treatment.
New PBS pill-listings praised by sufferers
Three cancer drugs have been made dramatically cheaper after their inclusion in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Paid leave now on for organ donors
Organ donors will now be able to access paid leave from work, with a two year Federal Government funded pilot program beginning today.
SA Health cuts jobs and streamlines services to save cash
The Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital has cited improved efficiency as its reasoning behind a round of job cuts.
Fluoride fight taken to the polls
A rural Queensland Mayor has announced residents will vote on whether their water should be fluoridated.
LNP promises warily welcomed by researchers
The Coalition’s proposed policies on science, health and medical funding have been welcomed by research authorities.
WA farmers jump on GM wagon in spades
Despite global protests with millions turning out, Western Australian farmers have bought record amounts of genetically-modified canola from breeder-under-fire Monsanto.
Robots trialled as treatment for dementia
Following recent reports of ever-increasing rates of dementia in Australia, a joint study between US, Australian, British and German scientists may provide some help to sufferers now and in the future.
Sea sponges give out new anti-cancer compounds
The next big development in cancer treatments could be just drifting around in the ocean right now. Researchers have identified two new anticancer compounds inside the innocuous sea sponge, which has strong natural chemical defence capabilities.
Australia pledges to continue global health science collaboration
A new agreement will see continued scientific collaboration in Australia and internationally. Proponents of the Human Frontier Science Program are celebrating an agreement on a three year budgetary framework to extend the avenues for global scientific interaction.
Australian researchers create advanced anti-doping test
Researchers in Queensland believe they’ve found a new technique for drug testing in sport, which could lead to advanced anti-doping tests.
Dementia rates on the rise, elderly health crisis looms
Dementia may be the country’s next big health crisis with no cause, cure or treatment, and diagnosis rates climbing.
Health stats show increase in methadone scripts
Methodone use is on the rise, with new stats showing an increase in the most common treatment for heroin addiction.
NT moves ahead with forced rehab policy amid criticism
The Northern Territory Chief Minister Adam Giles has launched an attack on the critics of his Government's plan to force alcoholics into rehabilitation, accusing his critics of feeding off Aboriginal disadvantage.
Vic Council plans prison for the elderly
A western Victorian council is pushing ahead on an ambitious plan to build a prison specifically for elderly inmates.
Blacktown First Of Dozens Of NSW Health Facility Upgrades
Before he unveiled the NSW budget, Treasurer Mike Baird and Health Minister Jillian Skinner inspected early works on the state’s largest hospital building project, part of the budget’s $1.2 billion slated for health capital works.
Carrot And Stick: Key To Stopping Cancer Mestasis?
Scientists made a discovery that could lead them to a way to stop cancer cells before they metastasise and move through the body. It’s a cell movement process they’re calling “chase and run”.
NSW Budget Bolsters Infrastructure, Health, & Education Despite Tough Times
Road projects, Health, and Education are big winners in New South Wales’ 2013-14 budget announced this week, with nearly $800 Million going to upgrade the Pacific Highway.
Website Helps Patients Fully Benefit From Medicare Locals
The government launched a new website to make it easier for people to utilize important health services being provided by Medicare Locals in their local communities.
Chemo Blocker Identified By Aussie Researchers
Australian researchers played a big part in a discovery that could lead to more effective treatment against “triple negative breast cancer”, a disease that usually requires much more aggressive treatment than other forms of breast cancer.