Hospital waits balloon, GP visits down as costs bite
People are putting off seeing their local doctors, waiting longer for ambulances and languishing in emergency departments, federal government figures reveal.
Health
Bulk billing bump welcomed but calls echo for reforms
An increase in bulk billing rates has been welcomed by patients and medical groups but those with chronic illnesses are warning more needs to be done.
Woman seriously hurt in shark attack in Sydney’s east
A woman has been rushed to hospital with critical injuries after being attacked by a shark while swimming in eastern Sydney.
‘Horrifying’: Witness describes shark attack aftermath
A 'heroic' vet who applied tourniquets to the mauled leg of a woman after she was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour is being credited with saving her life.
Training kicks in for ‘hero’ vet after shark attack
A "heroic" vet who applied tourniquets to the mauled leg of a woman who'd been attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbour is being credited with saving her life.
Melanoma researchers joint Australians of the Year
Pioneering scientists Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, who revolutionised melanoma treatment, have been named joint Australians of the Year.
Australians of the Year aim to cure ‘incurable’ cancer
Melanoma researchers Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long have set their sights on an "incurable" cancer, giving a call to arms after winning awards.
Aussies urged to ‘call your nan’ as heatwaves intensify
As heatwaves intensify over summer, Australians are being urged to check in with family and friends to avoid the worst impacts of the potentially deadly heat.
How long does immunity last after a COVID infection?
While some lucky people claim to have never had COVID, many are facing our second, third or even fourth infection, often despite having been vaccinated. You might be wondering, how long does immunity last after a previous infection or vaccination?
Monitor for symptoms as measles spreads to three states
Three states are on high alert for measles after three people with the highly infectious virus visited multiple locations over several days while infected.
More than 10,000 spared GP visit under new trials
A series of trials operating across the nation has allowed 10,000 women to get a new supply of the pill or receive treatment for uncomplicated infections.
Ultra-processed foods: here’s what the evidence actually says about them
The perils of ultra-processed foods received widespread coverage in recent months – thanks in no small part to the publication and promotion of TV presenter and doctor of virology Chris Van Tulleken’s book Ultra-Processed People.
First vaccine approved for infectious respiratory virus
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has for the first time approved a vaccine against the highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus.
Snake bites and sightings reach a summer peak
Snake bites have sent three people to hospital in the space of three hours as the reptiles are prevalent during Aussie summer.
Subsidy for new treatment of ‘national cancer’ melanoma
A cutting-edge treatment for advanced melanoma will soon be added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, with 940 patients expected to benefit.
Croc attack leaves nine-year-old in critical condition
A child was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition after being bitten by a crocodile in a remote area of the Northern Territory.
Australia urged to name heatwaves to highlight threats
Spain started giving names to heatwaves in 2022 in a bid to better engage the public and save lives. Now some say Australia should follow suit.
New COVID-19 variant drives festive season surge
COVID-19 infections have spiked in Australia's two most populous states, with a new variant and Christmas festivities driving higher hospitalisations.
Fewer doctors offer bulk billing as consult costs rise
Fewer GPs offer bulk billing and people are paying more out of their own pocket despite government incentives targeting child patients and pensioners.
Man found with bag of knives after ‘cowardly’ stabbings
A man will face court on more than a dozen assault charges after allegedly going on a stabbing spree, seriously injuring a woman and hospitalising four others.
Surge in drownings prompts water safety warning
Dozens of tragic deaths have authorities urging Australians to stay safe as they head to the water during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Wasted opportunity as frozen eggs languish in storage
The vast majority of eggs frozen by prospective mothers go unused, causing headaches for IVF clinics and preventing potentially groundbreaking research.
Researchers a step closer to finding a diabetes cure
Melbourne researchers from the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute have found a way to regenerate insulin production in damaged pancreatic cells.
Doctor murder accused has charge dropped, home for Xmas
Jacinta Davila is no longer accused of murdering top Adelaide doctor Michael Yung with her partner Kerem Aydin but still faces charges of assisting an offender.
Sobbing parents face court for alleged murder of doctor
The young parents of an infant child broke into the home of top doctor Michael Yung, murdered him and tried to hide the evidence, a court has heard.
Jimmy Barnes recovering from open-heart surgery
Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes is recovering from open-heart surgery in intensive care after undergoing the procedure following a bacterial infection.
Paramedics get major pay rise in ‘recognition’ of role
A major health union and the government have agreed to a significant pay rise for NSW paramedics following months of negotiations.
Triple-zero ‘risk’ as paramedics reject huge pay offer
A pay offer that would have lifted NSW paramedic pay by an average of 19 per cent - putting them nearly on par with interstate colleagues - has been rejected.
NSW swelters but cool change beckons
Extreme weather is likely to continue for large parts of Australia with people urged to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Cool change sweeps across Sydney after sweltering day
A cool southerly buster is sweeping up the NSW coast after a day of sweltering temperatures in the mid-40s led to packed-out beaches and waterways.
4 tips to help your loved one with dementia enjoy the festive season
The festive season is fast approaching, and if you’re organising celebrations with family or friends, you might be grappling with a seemingly endless to-do list. But as you make these plans, it’s important to consider how you can best include any friends or loved ones living with dementia.