Human error results in 200 false death notices

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.

Research Activities Launched at Fiona Stanley Hospital

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.

Cell Discovery Brings Blood Disorder Cure Closer

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.

Death Rate from Asthma has Fallen

The 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

Around 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

The 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

[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

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.

New Medical Training Facility at Wagga Wagga Rural Clinical School

[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

Too 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

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 Queensland Plan Puts Spotlight on Health Prevention

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.

Pharmacist Guide to Cultural Responsiveness with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

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.

Pharmacists Invited to Assist with Review of Competency Standards

The Pharmacy Practitioner Development Committee (PPDC) is commencing a review of the Australian pharmacy profession’s competency standards.

Surgeons Concerned by Reports of Out-of-pocket Costs Incurred by Patients