Estia Health agrees to $959m takeover by Bain Capital
ASX300 aged-care operator Estia Health has agreed to be taken private by Bain Capital, the same Boston-based firm that owns Virgin Australia.
health
Cook of deadly suspected mushroom meal denies foul play
A woman at the centre of a deadly suspected mushroom poisoning of four people has spoken of her devastation and denied any wrongdoing.
Call for all states to make meningococcal vaccine free
Advocates want more states to make the meningococcal B vaccine free for children and teens after Queensland joined South Australia in adding it to its program.
Childhood trauma linked to pregnancy complications
Women whose childhoods involved domestic violence, maltreatment or substance abuse at home are more at risk of complications during pregnancy, researchers say.
Site for Victoria’s first sobering-up centre revealed
Victoria's government has revealed key details of its health-based approach to public drunkenness, with a facility to provide a safe place for sobering up.
Pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for urinary tracts
Pharmacists in Western Australia have the green light to prescribe antibiotics for urinary tract infections in women, prompting backlash from doctors.
Firefighters’ compo laws expanded to include 20 cancers
Western Australia's government has announced presumptive laws will be expanded to allow firefighters to be compensated if they develop eight additional cancers.
Wally Lewis CTE ’90 per cent certain’ after shock scans
Broncos hooker Billy Walters says the NRL is acting appropriately to prevent CTE, after Wally Lewis was diagnosed with a probable case of the form of dementia.
Australian cattle tested to prove no ‘disease risk’
Australia's chief vet has reassured Indonesian authorities that Australia remains free of the potentially deadly lumpy skin disease.
One in two to have mental health disorder by 75: study
Researchers are calling for targeted programs after an Australian-led global study found half the population will experience mental health disorders by age 75.
Study proves air filters help deal with bushfire smoke
A CSIRO study has shown air purifiers that target very fine particles do a good job of boosting air quality when bushfires take hold.
Donors needed for woman with very rare blood type
An Adelaide mother with an extremely rare blood type is hoping for members of the public with the same blood to donate so she can have lifesaving surgery.
Thousands roll up sleeves for free flu vaccinations
Queenslanders are answering pleas from health officials to get vaccinated against the flu, especially the severe B strain that continues to take hold.
Paramedics being poached but NSW won’t raise pay offer
Paramedics in NSW say a four per cent pay rise offer is not enough and have resumed industrial action to make their point to the state government
Homebirths to be introduced at Royal Women’s Hospital
Victoria's publicly funded homebirth program will be expanded to three extra hospitals, including the Royal Women's Hospital, the state government says.
‘Business as usual’: Closing the Gap efforts inadequate
Australia is failing to make meaningful progress in implementing key priority reforms to improve the lives of Indigenous people.
Warning of lingering harm amid rural pediatric squeeze
The children's health charity Royal Far West is warning of worsening complex developmental conditions as families wait years to see specialists.
Footballer Shane Tuck ‘heard voices before his death’
Former footballer and professional boxer Shane Tuck heard voices and had mental health concerns for years, an inquest into his death has been told.
Falling cases put Australia on brink of eliminating HIV
The first country to achieve a virtual elimination of HIV could be Australia, but marginalised groups and late detections remain a concern.
NSW flu cases drop, concerns over school transmission
Flu cases across NSW have dropped by 14 per cent over the last week, with authorities warning of another surge in cases now kids are back in the classroom.
Aussies live longer and prosper but face money worries
Life expectancy and job satisfaction in Australia have improved but a report tracking the nation's wellbeing was less positive on other key measures.
Bad news for drinkers as tax on spirits set to rise
Australia's tax on spirits is set for another hike next month, meaning drinkers can expect to pay more for a rum and coke.
Five-minute rest all it takes to kick-start attention
The Pomodoro Technique involves inserting five minute breaks after 25 minutes of study and researchers believe the student who invented it was on to something.
Sexual misconduct reports surge against health workers
Complaints about health workers violating boundaries have more than doubled since before the pandemic.
Health workers’ pay offer won’t cost taxpayers extra
Aged care workers, hospital staff and allied health professionals in NSW are being offered an extra $67 a week after a public stoush with the state government.
Sexual health clinics under presser as STI cases rise
Sexual health clinics are under pressure as cases of STIs rise after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's feared demand could increase even more next year.
Sexual health clinics under pressure as STI cases rise
Sexual health clinics are under pressure as cases of STIs rise after the COVID-19 pandemic, and it's feared demand could increase even more next year.
More women to access medical abortion under eased rules
Any healthcare practitioner will be able to prescribe medical abortion pills, with health groups hailing the easing of the rules as a win for equity.
Testing shows use of illicit drugs jumps over summer
Illegal drug use has risen in Australia, with certain areas showing a distinct preference for different substances, according to wastewater testing.
Aussie wastewater still flush with illicit drugs
Cocaine, fentanyl and other illicit drug use jumped over summer while cannabis consumption is now officially twice that of methylamphetamine.
STI test vending machines for sexual health hotspots
Two custom-built STI test vending machines will be rolled out across regional Victoria to improve communities' sexual health.