Prevention better than cure to close rural health gap
A study of 66,000 private health patients in regional Australia has mapped out the rates of chronic disease and revealed poor access to specialist care.
health
Heat deaths on the rise as extreme weather intensifies
As heatwaves, bushfires and storms become more extreme there are fears the hot and dry summer could lead to a spike in heat-related hospitalisations and deaths.
Queensland’s opposition ramps up pledge on ambulances
LNP leader David Crisafulli has signalled an early election commitment to reduce ambulance ramping in Queensland as hospitals struggle.
Croc block – traditional medicine provides pain relief
When John Watson lost his finger to a crocodile he treated the pain with traditional medicine from the Kimberley, which his people are working to commercialise.
Sobering up centre won’t open before drunkenness change
Construction delays will prevent Victoria's only dedicated sobering-up centre from being up and running when the state decriminalises public drunkenness.
Labor ‘gooses’ for failing to ban deadly silica stone
The Minns government has faced the largest protest in its existence after angry construction workers demanded engineered stone be banned.
Funds for vape crackdown after ‘horror’ chemicals found
A joint task force, resources for quitters and stronger enforcement of tough new laws will be funded by a $28 million package to stamp out vaping.
Dire need for pill testing service, Vic agencies say
Victorian agencies have written to the government, calling for a life-saving service that would let people check the content and dosage of their illicit drugs.
Mammograms a game of Where’s Wally for dense breasts
Women over 40 may think getting a mammogram is enough to protect them from cancer but for some, their breasts are so dense a tumour won't even show up.
Apology after rape victim turned away from hospital
Health Minister Shannon Fentiman says a rape victim did not receive proper care at a central Queensland hospital and has "unreservedly apologised".
Merritt’s condition ‘improving slightly’ in hospital
The sister of South Sydney great Nathan Merritt has taken to social media to provide an update on the health of the hospitalised former Rabbitohs winger.
NSW service diverts more than 1000 a month from EDs
Nurses and paramedics from across Australia are being sought to help expand a fledgling NSW service that's proven vital in reducing the strain on hospitals.
Crowds turn out for Olivia Newton-John’s wellness walk
Thousands of walkers and furry friends have gathered in Melbourne for the late Olivia Newton-John's annual Walk for Wellness raising money for cancer treatment.
Flying Doctors bring community to remote Australia
The work of the Royal Flying Doctor Service remains as vital as ever for people in rural areas as an outback Queensland base marks its 80-year anniversary.
We haven’t forgotten about COVID-19 hotel bills: NSW
NSW has resorted to taking money from the bank accounts of Australians to recoup hotel quarantine bills as talks continue over Queensland's $105 million debt.
Scroll, See, Sip: How Social Media Encourages Youth to Drink
A recent study from the University of Queensland has found that exposure to alcohol-related content on social media directly correlates with problematic drinking behaviours among young people.
New forensic lab inquiry delving deeper into Project 13
A new inquiry is being held into Queensland's beleaguered forensic lab after criticisms and allegations about DNA extraction methods known as Project 13.
Spring turns up the heat for footy finals fever
The mercury is expected to soar in multiple cities as special provisions are put in place for a scorching NRL grand final.
Concussion research a focus at Collingwood AFL HQ
Concussion is a focus at a new research hub at Collingwood headquarters, opened by the prime minister on the eve of their AFL Grand Final clash with the Lions.
Bid to ease access to meds for women ‘looming disaster’
A parliamentary inquiry has recommended women with urinary tract infections be allowed to access medication without seeing a GP, saving them time and money.
Government faces pressure to widen virus inquiry scope
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has accused the government of running a "protection racket" for Labor premiers by excluding state issues from a COVID-19 inquiry.
Young and healthy but defenceless to deadly infection
It's the strain most likely to cause illness, disability and death, but meningococcal B is not included in the immunisation schedule Australia-wide.
Ambulance ramping soars to record high
Queensland paramedics have recorded a record high in lost hours as ramping at emergency departments continues to soar.
‘Nothing to cover up’: surgeon denies ‘illegal’ clinics
An Australian medical pioneer of prosthetic limb implants has faced a court grilling over his allegedly illegal and unethical consultations with US patients.
Prescription pilot just the tonic for pharmacists
Pharmacists will be able to prescribe medications and administer more vaccines under a pilot program being expanded throughout Queensland.
Cloud-based micro businesses floated for future economy
Artificial intelligence in health, education or agriculture could fix many social challenges and is within reach for even the smallest firms, a report shows.
Access to pill eased and more pharmacy scripts in sight
Women in NSW will be able to get the oral contraceptive pill through their local pharmacy rather than visiting a doctor for a prescription in a year-long trial.
COVID-19 third-leading cause of Australian deaths, ABS
Nearly 10,000 Australians died from COVID-19 last year, the first time in more than 50 years that an infectious disease has been in the top five killers.
Medics warn cholera and dengue fever spreading in Sudan
Cholera deaths and infections have been confirmed in Sudan for the first time since the war between rival military factions began, health authorities say.
Lockdowns, border closures exempt in pandemic inquiry
Experts will look into Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but decisions taken by the states on lockdowns or border closures will be exempt.
Jump in women diagnosed with under-recognised condition
It's estimated one in seven Australian women aged 44–49 live with a painful inflammatory condition and patients are being diagnosed at an earlier age.