Insurers accused of ‘playing people for mugs’
Private hospitals say health insurers are not putting enough money into patients as figures show the extent of out-of-pocket costs for Aussies.
health
Move it: exercise programs may cut colon cancer deaths
New research reveals that structured exercise programs could be the key to increasing the survival rate from colon cancer.
Shining a light on trailblazers in Indigenous medicine
First Nations medical professionals are working in their communities each day to improve Indigenous health, and now they're being showcased in a new series.
Flu vax hesitation sends kids to emergency in droves
More children than ever are presenting to hospital emergency rooms with the flu, as a survey finds an increasing number of parents are vaccine hesitant.
Nurses vote to strike for first time in decades
Nurses and midwives have voted to strike for the first time in decades to lobby a state government to fulfil its promise of "nation-leading" pay increases.
GPs hail ‘life-changing’ ADHD medication rule change
Local doctors will be able to provide ongoing care for hundreds of thousands of Australians with ADHD, relieving specialist costs and months-long wait lists.
Ailing hospital operator vows wards will stay open
Tens of thousands of Australian hospital workers are being assured their jobs are safe as a lifeline from banks props up a major private health operator.
Record gift gives hope to women with painful condition
Australia's largest known private investment in women's health will fund an institute dedicated to improving the lives of those living with endometriosis.
Fresh bid to solve causes behind eating disorders
Volunteers are needed for the world's largest study into the risk factors behind eating disorders which blight the lives of more than a million Australians.
Support for ‘fighter’ Joe Biden after cancer diagnosis
Joe Biden and wife Jill have thanked supporters for "lifting us up with love and support" after the former US president revealed a prostate cancer diagnosis.
‘Swagging it’: tractor fanatics to trek across outback
It will take a fortnight for 10 tractor drivers to make the trip from Bourke to Birdsville going 23km/h, a long and slow journey for a good cause.
‘Huge shock’: unprecedented rise of killer soil disease
A rare, soil-borne disease has killed dozens of people after record rain and flooding, prompting a warning from one woman who lost her husband to the illness.
Residents to pursue class action over ‘toxic tap water’
Cancer-causing "forever chemicals" have likely been present in a tourist hotspot's drinking water for decades, a major investigation has found.
‘Regardless of postcode’: abortion access laws debated
A bill to improve access to abortions in regional areas has triggered passionate reactions from conservative politicians and is expected to split major parties.
Helping Indigenous families navigate genomic health
A suite of resources about genetic conditions, testing and genomics research aims to fulfil a need for culturally grounded information for families.
Family fury at ‘dangerous’ youth hormone therapy ban
Rebecca's son knew he was transgender at age 12, but his long and difficult journey to transitioning was abruptly halted when a state government intervened.
Bindi Irwin on the mend after emergency surgery
Conservationist Bindi Irwin has had her appendix and lesions removed in emergency surgery after being rushed to hospital in New York.
Decolonising health to provide better care for patients
A decolonised, holistic approach to health, led by First Nations people will mean a "safer journey" for Indigenous people accessing care, researchers say.
Why rural women still face barriers to abortion access
Abortion access will improve under changes allowing nurses and midwives to prescribe drugs but other barriers remain for women in rural and regional areas.
Healing art: medical scans get a cultural makeover
A new CT scanner at an Indigenous-owned medical imaging service has become a symbol of hope, healing and culture for one regional community.
Landmark hormone service call sparks legal challenge
A mother has launched legal action against a state government after her child and other minors were denied gender-affirming hormone treatments.
New tool to improve diagnosis of lifelong condition
Researchers hope diagnostic guidelines will help to reduce stigma and improve diagnosis and services for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Serious concern at high diabetes rate among Indigenous
Early intervention is key to tackling higher rates of diabetes among Indigenous people, say health organisations as data shows one in six with the condition.
Spike in flu cases sparks plea over ‘dire’ rate of jabs
An unusual spike in cases has sparked a warning for Australians to get a flu jab and lift poor vaccination rates as winter looms.
Tunnel diggers are facing a ‘full-blown disease crisis’
Cancer-causing silica dust from major tunnelling projects are a hazard construction workers cannot avoid simply by wearing a mask, an inquiry has been told.
Children bearing the brunt of ADHD medicine shortage
Unable to access their usual doses of ADHD medication due to an international shortage, Australian children and teenagers face increasing risks of side effects.
Undeliverable: hospital expansion plan on life support
A damning review into a state's hospital expansion plan has found that projects are "undeliverable" in their current form after a rushed procurement process.
Easter break not all peace as Labor lob eggs over wages
Australians hopeful of a cordial Easter break have been denied a reprieve in the final stretch of an election as the clock ticks to flip undecided voters.
Climate change demands more blood, prevents collection
Extreme weather events caused by climate change are seeing a rising need for blood donations but also making it more difficult than ever to collect them.
Hospital probe backs up calls by grieving parents
Pressure is mounting on a state government to take further action at a privately-owned public hospital after the deaths of two children.
Serious flaws at hospital where kids died after waiting
A scathing report accuses the operator of a controversial hospital where two children died of inaction and failing to meet healthcare standards.