Birth trauma preventable yet affects too many women
One in three women experience birth trauma, but experts say it can be prevented by improving access to continuity of midwifery care and antenatal education.
health
‘Invariably fatal’ rare bat virus claims another victim
The fourth case of the rabies-like lyssavirus has led to a man's death in hospital, several months after he was bitten by a bat.
The disease impacting Indigenous kids’ development
Early detection is key to ensure children thrive as clinical data reveals more than a third of Indigenous children experience "fluctuating" ear disease.
Man critical after catching rare bat lyssavirus virus
A man is critically ill after becoming only the fourth known person in Australia to be diagnosed with a rabies-like bat virus.
Patients seek reassurances after IVF mix ups
IVF experts say there's been an uptick in nervous parents reaching out for reassurance after two devastating mix ups have eroded patient trust in the industry.
No butts: fines and jail for illegal cigs and vapes
Lucrative profits from selling cheap cigarettes and vapes across a rampant black market could go up in smoke under a plan for $1.5 million fines and jail time.
Poor sleep, menopause flare-ups: health in warmer world
Heatwaves have long been linked to higher death rates but more is being understood about the broader health and wellbeing impacts of hot, humid weather.
Drought and taxes pile on mental pressure for farmers
The ongoing challenges of extreme weather and new emergency services taxes are making the mental pressures experienced by farmers harder to bear.
The $45,000 golden prescription to heal rural health
A country town is offering $45,000 and a "concierge" service to lure city doctors to the bush, as strategies to train rural GPs show early signs of success.
New approach needed to fulfil closing the gap promise
Governments must self-reflect and begin to work in new ways with Indigenous organisations if they want to close the gap in health, a report has found.
Tech boss fears AI regulations will hamper innovation
The leader of one of Australia's top medical technology companies warns strict regulations on artificial intelligence could hamper local innovation.
Major boost for tradie students to solve housing crisis
Tradies will be able to complete their apprenticeships for free as a state government tries to ease the housing crisis.
ACT budget on life support amid health funding woes
As he readies his first budget, ACT Treasurer Chris Steel warns the territory's finances are unsustainable without a health funding boost from the Commonwealth.
‘Backbone of health’: new plan for rural maternity care
Health groups have backed a rural maternity plan after public inquiries revealed some women are travelling hours to have babies as local birth units shut down.
Low pharmacy vaping uptake fuels black market fears
Only about 40,000 vapes have been sold via the federal government's pharmacy model, which critics say shows black market sales are still thriving.
Heartbroken mum urges free vaccines for deadly disease
After watching her son die in a few hours, a grieving parent is lobbying a state government to help prevent the disease that killed him.
Stricter IVF regulation on cards as clinic boss quits
The head of a leading fertility clinic that bungled two separate embryo transfers has quit as the fallout from the mix-up intensifies.
Erin McNaught’s baby son diagnosed with brain tumour
Model Erin McNaught and her partner say they are "absolutely shattered" but remain hopeful after their baby son was diagnosed with a large brain tumour.
IVF system fails to pass the pub test, minister says
A rapid review of Australia's IVF industry will scrutinise the safety and quality of state regulatory schemes after recent embryo mix-ups.
Microscope on IVF giant over ‘inexcusable’ embryo error
A private fertility giant faces potential legal and regulatory backlash after transferring the wrong embryo to a woman, its second mix-up in months.
‘Absolute fighter’: deputy premier in new cancer battle
A state government deputy premier who's confronting her second major health battle in recent years is urging women to stay up to date with breast cancer checks.
Nurses warn pink protest for better pay could escalate
Nurses have begun industrial action calling on a state government to come to the table with a better pay deal.
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.
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.