[caption id="attachment_5275" align="alignright" width="200"] Professor Colditz[/caption] [ + ]

Almost three-quarters of emergency department patients were 'seen on time' for their urgency (triage) category, according to the report Australian hospital statistics 2012-13: emergency department care. The report, released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), shows the number of emergency department visits that were 'seen on time'-meaning treatment was received from a medical officer or nurse within an appropriate time for the urgency category-rose from 70% to 73% between 2008-09 and 2012-13. [ + ]

Blood and Blood Products; Preventing and Managing Pressure Injuries; Recognising and Responding to Clinical Deterioration in Acute Health Care [ + ]

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) is using the lead up to the International Day of Radiology to put the issue of regularly screening heavy smokers in a bid to reduce the toll of lung cancer, on the agenda. [ + ]

Chronic kidney disease death and hospitalisation rates are generally higher outside the major cities in Australia, but especially so in remote areas and especially for women in remote areas, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). [ + ]

Australian designers have set a global benchmark by taking out the prestigious Future Health Project Award for their work on the new Queensland Children’s Hospital. [ + ]

“Today is World Food Day, 16th October. However, why does malnutrition and obesity coexist in Australia in 2013, when we should have one of the best food systems in the world?” asks Associate Professor Heather Yeatman, of the University of Wollongong and President of the PHAA. [ + ]

A Brisbane neurosurgeon has had enough of losing patients to brain tumours, despite having access to the best of medicine, and is turning her energy to raising funds for brain tumour research. [ + ]

Removing GST exemption from fresh fruit and vegetables could have huge implications for the health of Australians, warn researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ). [ + ]

We are witnessing a global move towards patient safety. Indeed, in the Australian healthcare sector, we are undergoing a period of great change which has been reflected in part by the new set of National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards that became effective on January 1 2013, writes Professor Cathryn Murphy. [ + ]

Professor Wendy Moyle shares her knowledge on robots and looks at the research being conducted at Griffith Health Institute (Griffith University) for helping people with dementia and their families. [ + ]

Taking vitamin D supplements does not prevent osteoporosis, according to a study of more than 4000 health adults, published in The Lancet. [ + ]

Health professionals are encouraged to focus on educating older patients to better understand the role of medicines in their healthcare during Be Medicinewise Week next week. [ + ]

While a number of high profile Australians are getting behind World Mental Health Day today, there is no reason everyone can't join in. [ + ]

Senior Australian of the Year Emeritus Professor Ian Maddocks is distinguished for his work as a palliative care specialist and advocate. He was the first president of what is now known as Palliative Care Australia and has been an international leader in raising awareness of palliative care in medicine. The Australian Hospital and Healthcare Bulletin spoke with Professor Maddocks about the inspiration behind his passion for palliative care, and the hopes he has for its advancement in Australia. [ + ]