Researchers have discovered  the immune system is defective in people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome, which is a major reason why sufferers have ongoing issues with pain. [ + ]

AMA Victoria has welcomed today’s State Government announcement that elective surgery waiting lists are at a four year low, but ongoing data transparency is still needed for Victorians still waiting for surgery.  [ + ]

A 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. [ + ]

Human error has been provided as the reason erroneous death notices were generated for 200 patients being discharged from Austin Hospital 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 Hospital, 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. [ + ]

The Southern Adelaide Health Alliance (SAHA) has launched its second round of projects which will focus on cancer survivorship, wound management and allergy services. [ + ]

With less than two months until the first patients enter Fiona Stanley Hospital  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 Hospital to raise funds and provide financial support for medical research, scholarships and research education. [ + ]

A 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. [ + ]

[caption id="attachment_8906" align="alignright" width="138"] The peptide from parasitic worms called AcK1 was shown to dampen the immune system[/caption] [ + ]

For the 3.5 million Australians who live with persistent pain, new research into using light to turn pain on and off could literally be the light at the end of the tunnel, writes Karyn Markwell from the Australian Pain Management Association (APMA). [ + ]

The 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. [ + ]

[caption id="attachment_8888" align="alignright" width="200"] Wagga Wagga Rural Clinical School[/caption] [ + ]

Research led by the University of Adelaide has resulted in new insights into clinical depression that demonstrate there cannot be a "one-size-fits-all" approach to treating the disease. [ + ]

A 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. [ + ]

The Heart Foundation has applauded the release of the Queensland Plan, by Premier Newman, on its aim for Queensland to be the leader on health prevention in Australia. [ + ]

A guide to cultural responsiveness with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People has been published to ensure  pharmacists and pharmacy staff are aware of the health beliefs, practices, culture and linguistic needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities. [ + ]