Intensive Care Fatalities linked to After Hours Discharge
18 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithPatients who are discharged from intensive care units (ICUs) after-hours have a higher chance of death than those discharged during the day, according to a new study published in Intensive Care Medicine.
Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria on the Rise Across Australia
18 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithA national study led by University of Adelaide researchers has confirmed that antibiotic resistant strains of disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli, are steadily on the rise in Australia.
Improving efficiency of operating theatres
18 August, 2014 by ahhbThe NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Surgical Services Taskforce (SST) is working with clinicians and managers to improve the efficiency of operating theatres and access to emergency and elective surgery in NSW public hospitals, writes Professor Donald MacLellan.
Arthritis is One of Australia's Most Expensive Diseases
15 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithArthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions are Australia's fourth most expensive group of diseases, according to the newly released report  Health-care expenditure for arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions 2008-09.
Human error results in 200 false death notices
15 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithHuman error has been provided as the reason erroneous death notices were generated for 200 patients being discharged from Austin ºÚÁϳԹÏÈºÍø in Melbourne recently. The problem occurred on 30 July when a computer file was saved to the wrong location, substituting the death notice for the standard patient discharge form. "Austin Health automatically notifies GPs when their patients are discharged from hospital," Austin Health communications director Taryn Sheehy said. "Notifications sent in the early hours of Wednesday, 30th July, incorrectly advised GPs that their patients, who had been discharged the previous day from the Austin ºÚÁϳԹÏÈºÍø, had died. Ms Sheehy said the fault was recognised within hours and all affected GP clinics were then notified. She added it was not linked to the introduction of a new booking system. "We apologised unreservedly to affected clinics who, for the most part, were very understanding about the error," Ms Sheehy said.
Research Activities Launched at Fiona Stanley ºÚÁϳԹÏÈºÍø
14 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithWith less than two months until the first patients enter Fiona Stanley ºÚÁϳԹÏÈºÍø  in Western Australia, a major milestone has been realised with the launch of research activities. Health Minister Kim Hames launched the Warren Jones Institute  for Community Health and Medical Research, established as a joint endeavour withthe $2 billion Fiona Stanley ºÚÁϳԹÏÈºÍø to raise funds and provide financial support for medical research, scholarships and research education.
Cell Discovery Brings Blood Disorder Cure Closer
14 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithA cure for a range of blood disorders and immune diseases is in sight, according to scientists who have unravelled the mystery of stem cell generation.
Death Rate from Asthma has Fallen
13 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithThe death rate from asthma in Australia has fallen by almost 70 per cent since the 1980s, according to a new report Mortality from asthma and COPD in Australia released  by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
New AIHW Report on Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services
12 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithAround 108,000 clients had almost 162,400 treatment episodes from 714 publicly funded alcohol and other drug treatment agencies across Australia in 2012-13, according to a report released  by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
Pharmacists Encouraged to Participate in Survey on Professional Services
12 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithThe Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has launched a major survey seeking to gather information to help it position the profession for the delivery of more evidence-based professional services in the future.
Experts Explain Why Worm Infections Can Help Treat Autoimmune Diseases
12 August, 2014 by Petrina Smith[caption id="attachment_8906" align="alignright" width="138"] The peptide from parasitic worms called AcK1 was shown to dampen the immune system[/caption]
ANMF says No Deal on any Co-payments
05 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithThe Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) says nurses and midwives won’t agree to any co-payments for GP visits or other services - our healthcare system is for everyone.
New Medical Training Facility at Wagga Wagga Rural Clinical School
05 August, 2014 by Petrina Smith[caption id="attachment_8888" align="alignright" width="200"] Wagga Wagga Rural Clinical School[/caption]
National Heart Foundation Calls for a Coordinated Approach to Manage Heart Failure
04 August, 2014 by Petrina SmithToo many Australians are suffering and dying from chronic heart failure due to a disjointed national approach to managing the debilitating condition, according to the Heart Foundation.
Pharmacists must not let standards slip
03 August, 2014 by ahhbA disturbing statistic has emerged from an audit of the National Return of Unused Medicines (NatRUM) which indicates pharmacists may be letting their standards slip in some very important areas involving patient safety.