Wellcamp report finds failings on transparency, value
An audit report criticises the Queensland government's transparency on the cost and value of its Wellcamp quarantine facility but the premier remains defiant.
health
Psychedelic medicine is on its way. But it’s not ‘doing shrooms with your shrink’. Here’s what you need to know
Many people in Australia, including psychiatrists, were surprised when earlier this year the medicines regulator down-scheduled MDMA, known colloquially as ecstasy, and psilocybin, from magic mushrooms. This means that under certain circumstances from July 1, authorised psychiatrists will be able to prescribe MDMA to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin to treat depression that has not responded to other treatments. Patients must also undergo psychotherapy (talking therapy). It all sounds very certain but it’s not really.
Minister ‘surprised’ by premier revealing resignation
Queensland's health minister has named her department's new boss, admitting she was surprised when the premier announced the director-general had quit.
Health chief resigns after whistleblower controversy
A health department chief is moving on after the fallout from a recommendation to prosecute staff who disclose "inappropriate" information to reporters.
Treat for parents as Woolies sheds lollies at checkouts
Woolworths supermarkets are changing the products to be displayed at checkouts and at the end of aisles as other retailers consider healthy shopping options.
Call for public monitoring to tackle police racism
A police monitoring system in Victoria will help stop racial profiling and hold officers accountable when they break the law, a legal group says.
Bush telehealth to push on despite looming restrictions
Rural Australians continue to turn to technology for quick and discrete healthcare, while the Medical Board cracks down on online prescription providers.
Qld scraps COVID-19 alert system amid flu outbreak
Queensland's traffic light advisory for COVID-19 will be scrapped as flu cases across the state continue to rise, the government has announced.
‘Help, my kids keep getting head lice!’ Here’s how to break the cycle of nits
Does it matter if you sit or stand to pee? And what about peeing in the shower?
Do you sit or stand? That is the question about 7,000 men around the world have been asked about how they pee.
Woman fined for offering therapy while unregistered
A woman told the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency she was exempt from any legal requirement to be registered as an occupational therapist.
Respiratory disease registry seeks to combat silicosis
A registry to detect and combat "unacceptable" workplace respiratory diseases such as silicosis will be set up, introducing mandatory reporting laws.
Former AFL stars may merge concussion damage lawsuits
Former AFL players, including Ty Zantuck, Liam Picken and Max Rooke, may have their concussion damage lawsuits against the league and clubs brought together.
Health spending boost as SA budget slides into the red
South Australia's finances have taken a hit but the government has pressed on with extra health spending ahead of Thursday's state budget.
GP shortage facing Australia after ‘decades of neglect’
Australia is being warned it may face a GP shortage of 10,000 doctors after years of neglect by successive governments, the nation's peak medical body says.
Call for justice after damning Vic mental health report
The Victorian government has refused to say whether it will accept recommendations from a damning report into the state's flawed mental health system.
Housing affordability, access, top concerns amid crisis
Gaining access to adequate housing has become harder in most states and territories, with the exception of Victoria.
Post-natal red flags missed in mother who killed baby
The family of a Melbourne woman who took her son's life have called for change to the health care system after red flags were missed by health professionals.
Brett Sutton walks from health top job, almost crushed
Chief health officer Brett Sutton admits he has some regrets about Victoria's COVID-19 health measures after resigning to take up a new role at the CSIRO.
Hairdressers a cut above for helping detect skin cancer
There is no better time to explore the role hairdressers play in the early detection of skin cancer, researchers say.
Traumatic miscarriage case triggers hospital review
A government review has been ordered after a woman said she was traumatised by her treatment at a Queensland hospital following a miscarriage.
UQ forges global deal to create home-grown vaccines
Brisbane will become a hub for vaccine development in the Asia-Pacific region under a deal between a Queensland university and a top US school.
Fused brain cells, neuron damage may explain long COVID
Australian researchers have discovered the virus behind COVID-19 can cause brain cells to fuse and cause chronic malfunctions.
Qld premier reveals personal pain of tragic miscarriage
Annastacia Palaszczuk has shared her experience of having a miscarriage at home as another woman's distressing hospital experience leads to a major review.
Sea cucumbers may help prevent diabetes
Cucumbers may be used as a functional food product to help prevent diabetes, according to new research.
Skyscrapers and city living sends stress to new heights
Queensland researchers have found concrete jungles make people feel more stressed, while quiet streets can boost creativity.
Doctors wasting too much time on bureaucratic red rape
Doctors waste too much time with non-standardised templates, naming specialists in referrals, and outdated data-sharing, according to the RACGP.
Billion-dollar health and hospital grants ‘ineffective’
The federal auditor-general has released a scathing review of health and hospital grants worth $2 billion announced by the former Morrison government.
Qld nursing, midwifery students to get $5k rural bonus
The Queensland government has made an early budget announcement around incentives to get nursing and midwifery students to the regions for placements.
Health workers stop work over 6.5 per cent pay push
Hundreds of paramedics and allied health workers have walked off the job at some NSW hospitals as they pursue a 6.5 per cent pay rise.
Is it true the faster you lose weight the quicker it comes back?
When people decide it’s time to lose weight, they’re usually keen to see quick results. But does slow and steady really win the weight-loss race? Or is fast weight loss just as effective and safe?