New parents urged to ‘make the call’ on mental health
New parents are struggling with their mental health, a perinatal anxiety and depression helpline says as it records a surge in calls from Indigenous families.
Health
Deadly cough spreading like wildfire amid record cases
Australians are falling behind on whooping cough vaccinations as the nation faces its worst outbreak of the deadly bacterial disease.
Babies, pregnant mums to have greater RSV protection
The federal government will provide free access to vaccines protecting expectant mums and babies from respiratory syncytial virus.
Anguish over paramedic killer’s ‘tragic’ case verdict
The man who brutally stabbed paramedic Steven Tougher to death has been cleared of his murder on mental health grounds, leaving a family searching for answers.
Push to expand Medicare for better mental health access
Australians could have improved access to mental health support under a Greens election proposal to shore up the psychology workforce and expand Medicare.
Strengthening wildlife numbers key to mitigate bird flu
The Invasive Species Council wants better bird protections to mitigate the impact of a deadly bird flu strain as Australia war games how to contain an outbreak.
Nation’s sick state of readiness for pandemics unmasked
Australia's healthcare, economy and public service have been exhausted by COVID-19 and a Centre for Disease Control will be set up to prepare for pandemics.
Ancient variant clue to Indigenous respiratory illness
A previously unknown gene variant unique to the Oceanic region could help improve disease prevention for Indigenous people, researchers say.
Feeling climate dread? Nature may be the best medicine
While young people experience increasing levels of eco-anxiety, an eminent Australian psychiatrist says working in the environment can be a powerful antidote.
Abortion access still a lottery for the disadvantaged
When it comes to abortion access, Victorians face a 'postcode lottery' with those in disadvantaged and regional areas confronting barriers to the service.
Mpox cases in Australia surge past 1000
As the number of mpox cases in Australia climbs to the highest numbers yet, Victoria's chief health officer has warned that anyone can be affected.
Premier apologises for ‘sub-optimal’ hospital care
Queensland's premier has had a bump in the polls a week out from the state election as he issues a personal apology on the campaign trail.
‘Invisible, sidelined’: landmark count for fatal cancer
People with metastatic breast cancer often feel invisible but world-leading research to understand its prevalence could mean better support.
‘Genuine risks to people’: deadly bird flu strain
People are being urged to become aware of what they need to do if they come into contact with dead birds killed by a particular strain of the bird flu.
One ring to track all? Wearable tech extends its reach
Would you trust a ring to track your sleep? It is a question more Australians may ask this Christmas as smart jewellery vies for attention.
Time for a check-up: hospitals not yet climate ready
All-electric hospitals could cut emissions by using clean energy under a proposed retrofit that would also keep services on during power cuts and catastrophes.
Experts back age limit at landmark social media summit
Laws will be needed for social media companies to comply with any age limit on users, one premier says as experts back calls to restrict youth access.
Shame a barrier as many delay help for mental health
Some people are waiting up to 10 years before accessing support for mental health issues as a new survey reveals increasing shame about seeking treatment.
Teen’s wheezing a ‘red flag’ before anaphylactic death
A decorated doctor says the death of 17-year-old boy from a severe allergic reaction could have been prevented if doctors had administered adrenaline earlier.
‘Pitiful’ funding for ‘looming catastrophe’ of bird flu
Pressure is mounting on the federal government to pour more money into bird flu preparations, amid warnings Australia's worst ecological disaster is looming.
Vaccines urged as mpox cases surge in global emergency
Now is the time for eligible people to get their mpox vaccines, experts say, as monthly diagnoses in Australia surge from the single digits to the hundreds.
Call for thousands of blood donors as demand skyrockets
The Red Cross has challenged the same number of Australians attending this weekend's AFL Grand Final to donate blood to save lives.
Nurses force premier to reckon with ‘hollow promises’
Thousands of nurses and midwives are striking as part of an ongoing stoush with the state government over a pay rise the premier says NSW can't afford.
‘No delay’ for response on veterans suicide report
Veterans and their families won't have to wait for a lengthy response following a royal commission, the prime minister has promised.
Patient warning over plan to ease GP load with pharmacy
The peak body for GPs has hit out at a NSW government plan to let pharmacies treat more health conditions to take pressure off doctors.
Criminal charges ‘on the cards’ for health union boss
The Fair Work Commission's case against a health union boss has hit a stumbling block as she applies to stay the proceedings due to possible criminal charges.
Families given a voice to escalate concerns in hospital
A new hospital hotline will be rolled out in Victoria allowing concerned families to escalate care if a patient's health worsens while in hospital.
Why you can expect to see more Aussie doctors using AI
Australia doctors are increasingly using AI tools in their clinics but medical groups insist patients will not be diagnosed by technology.
Check one, two: Google tests if AI can improve hearing
Could hearing aids and cochlear implants benefit from artificial intelligence technology? Google and Australian researchers have teamed to find out.
‘Investment in disabled lives’: NDIS costs curb pledge
Changes aimed at reining in costs of the NDIS are being criticised by advocates but people on the disability scheme are being assured their needs will be met.
Hospital accepts failings after pleas for help ignored
An anguished mother has sobbed in court as she detailed being "ignored" by hospital staff as she pleaded for them to help her sick daughter before she died.