Tech weapon joins tougher penalties in war on vaping
A crackdown on vaping has delivered a record fine for one retailer as health authorities release a free app to help young nicotine addicts conquer the cravings.
health
Stretched hospitals get $1 billion in ‘landmark’ deal
In a bid to bolster an under-pressure health system, the federal government has committed $1.7 billion in extra funding for public hospitals and services.
Weather on firefighters’ side in race to control blazes
Concerns have been raised about how health services deal with fire threats, as a cool change offered fire crews a chance to contain raging blazes.
Call for funding boost after shocking blood cancer rise
A shocking rise in blood cancer cases has prompted calls for more prevention and early detection research, with the disease killing 16 Australians every day.
Puberty blockers and trans kids’ care to be reviewed
The health treatment of transgender children will be reviewed by Australia's peak health body as one state pauses gender-affirming care for new child patients.
Probe sparks fears for trans patient’s mental health
A Queensland mum says she would have lost her daughter if she couldn't have accessed gender-affirming care as the state government hits pause on the service.
A country practice luring health workers to the bush
Healthcare workers getting a taste of life in the country are staying in the bush, as medical groups push for rural health to be a federal election priority.
Young trans patients denied hormone therapy amid probe
Critics slam a state government's suspension of hormone therapies for young trans patients amid a probe, saying it will cause "immeasurable trauma".
Trialling ways to reduce dementia in the Torres Strait
Hoping to reduce high rates of dementia among Torres Strait Islanders, a team of researchers is developing a pilot program for people at risk of the disease.
Staff abused after sparking hormone therapy probe
A state government has defended its position after critics slammed its landmark decision to block hormone therapies for young trans patients.
Social media influencer accused of drugging baby bailed
A social media influencer accused of drugging her baby to gain game online fame by manufacturing symptoms that led to surgery has been granted bail.
Diet time: why a watch may tell if you’re eating greens
Health sensors could track even more vital signs from your skin in future, including your blood sugar levels and vegetable intake.
‘Opportune’ ads lure quitting interstate psychiatrists
Dissatisfied public hospital psychiatrists who have quit over pay and conditions are being enticed across the border with a job-ad blitz in major newspapers.
Mental services need major repair, not short-term fix
As pay and working conditions drive many NSW public hospital psychologists towards resignation, a new mental health chief has urged a long-term solution.
Doctors baulking at $3k a day to plug mental health gap
Patients in mental distress will face tele-consults as NSW Health scrambles to lessen the impact of two in three public psychiatrists resigning.
Last-ditch bid to stop psychiatrists quitting en masse
Replacing psychiatrists with nurses and counsellors will not lower standards, state leaders insist, as crisis plans are drawn up for looming resignations.
Wards shut as fears mount for mass psychiatrist walkout
Psychiatrists have begun to walk away from their jobs in the public system over an intensifying wage dispute which threatens to cause significant bed closures.
Row erupts as creaking health system poses serious risk
Patient wait times continue to climb while a maintenance backlog poses major threats, an audit report of one state's health system has found.
Research highlights alcohol links to disease and death
The largest investigation of alcohol consumption in Australia's history shows how it increases the risk of cancers, other diseases and death.
Doctors warned ‘aggressive’ tactic will impact families
Families of people with poor mental health will bear the brunt of chaos caused by psychiatrists resigning as experts warn the public system is failing patients.
No quick fix after years of warnings over health system
The nurses union claims it warned for years about serious health system failures identified in an audit, which the state government says it will work to remedy.
Footage released in probe of ‘malnourished’ man’s death
Authorities investigating the death of a "seriously malnourished" man with Down syndrome have released footage showing his living conditions.
Worries autism plan may overlook children who need help
Australia has launched its first national autism strategy and action plan but some say it doesn't go far enough to improve inclusion and engagement.
Govt throwing mental health patients ‘under the bus’
Mental health patients in Australia's most populous state are being neglected by their government which is failing to retain psychiatrists, a union says.
Twelve days’ reproductive health leave could save $26b
A new report reveals the staggering impact of reproductive health problems on productivity, feeding calls for extra leave entitlements.
Phew! Residents to finally get their say on waste odour
A public inquiry will be held into the health impacts of noxious odours from waste facilities - which can mimic raw sewage - on suburban householders.
Calls for permanent pill testing after festival success
The first festival pill-testing trial in Victoria has been hailed a success after 40 per cent of patrons indicated they would use smaller doses of their drugs.
Nursing support for all, no matter the cancer type
Cancer patients will find it easier to get specialised support after the government committed millions during one of the nation's biggest fundraising events.
More to do on Medicare and bulk-billing, Labor says
The federal government has unfinished business with Medicare, signalling its ambitions to further bolster the GP workforce and boost bulk-billing.
Festival drug arrests as pill testing trial starts
One person has suffered a drug overdose at a festival hosting the start of a pill testing trial, while two men have been charged for trafficking.
Summer’s first case of mosquito-borne virus detected
Japanese encephalitis, a potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus, has likely been detected in a resident in regional Victoria.