New AIHW report on Australia's health 2014 Released

Lifestyle-related chronic diseases are the leading cause of illness, disability and death in Australia, according to the latest two-yearly national health report card from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

International Research Shows Poor Nutrition Leads to Development of Chronic Diseases

International research involving the University of Adelaide has shown for the first time that poor nutrition – including a lack of fruit, vegetables and whole grains – is associated with the development of multiple chronic diseases over time.

Sanofi Paster Vaxigrants Winners Announced

Sanofi Pasteur has awarded $100,000 in Vaxigrants sponsorships to five healthcare organisations to help increase local community immunisation rates and awareness about the benefits of vaccination.

Pharmacists Reminded of Need to Be Vigilant in Preparation of Dose Administration Aids

[caption id="attachment_8461" align="alignright" width="161"] Grant Kardachi[/caption] Pharmacists have been reminded of the need to follow correct standards and procedures in the preparation of dose administration aids (DAAs) following a warning from the Pharmacy Board of Australia over a medication incident involving the drug methotrexate. The Board said this resulted in a death and while the medication was dispensed correctly, the resultant packaging of the drug into a dose administration aid by a pharmacy technician was incorrect and the packing error was not detected by the pharmacist.

Australian Dental Association Concerned about 2014 Skilled Occupation List

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) says the impending release of the 2014 Skilled Occupation List (List) will bring despair to many newly graduating dentists. The ADA says  despite its repeated calls to take corrective action, reports indicate that dentists remaon in the list for 2014, which means dentists with overseas qualifications can enter Australia and limit jobs from graduates from Australian universities.

Health Professionals Needed for Parkinson's Disease Study

Researchers at The University of Western Australia are seeking health professionals to participate in a Parkinson's Disease study investigating their experiences engaging with partners of those with Parkinson’s. Meredith Bolland, a Doctorate student in UWA’s School of Psychology, said partners of people with Parkinson’s  Disease had first-hand knowledge that was essential in providing effective care for their loved one.

Victorian Inquiry into Community Pharmacy Announced

In a first for State-based politics in Victorian Government, the Victorian Legislative council has passed a motion to inquire into the role and opportunities for community pharmacy in primary and preventative care in Victoria.

Australian-first Translational Pharmaceutical Science Laboratory to be Built in Melbourne

[caption id="attachment_7936" align="alignright" width="162"] Dr Michelle McIntosh will use the new facility for her Inhaled Oxytocin project. Image from Monash University[/caption] A landmark grant will be used to build a world-class and Australian-first translational pharmaceutical science laboratory at the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Melbourne. Directly supporting capacity building, skills growth and education development, the new Translational Research Lab has been made possible by a $1.2 million grant from the Helen Macherson Smith Trust (HMSTrust), $1.1 million of in-kind contributions from industry partners PerkinElmer and Shimadzu and a further $350,000 contribution from the McCallMcBain Foundation to build state of the art facilities at the precinct.

Hospital Emergency Departments Record Improvements in Patients Departing Within Four Hours

Australia’s major metropolitan public hospitals saw marked improvements in the percentage of patients departing emergency departments (ED) within four hours , however regional hospitals were not as faring as well according to a new National Health Performance Authority report.

Feedback Required on Exploring Healthcare Variation in Australia

The management of common health conditions varies considerably depending upon where people live, according to new paper Exploring Healthcare Variation in Australia, released  by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (the Commission) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).

Medicine Shortages Information Initiative launched

The Medicine Shortages Information Initiative has been launched by Senator Fiona Nash, Assistant Minister for Health, to provide  information about prescription medicine shortages in Australia.

Self Funding of Higher-cost Medicines Needs Public Discussion

With self funding of higher-cost medicines becoming more common in Australia, leading health authorities are calling for public discussion on the issue.

Budget Announcement of PBS Co-payment Concerns Pharmaceutical Society

Signs of the times - Infection prevention messaging

Student Applied Mathematics to Improve Liver Imaging Methods

Third year medical undergraduate Charles Baker has applied his background in mathematics to the field of nuclear medicine to improve liver imaging methods, which may improve diagnosis time and possibly save patients undergoing unnecessary surgery.