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.
health
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.
King Charles to deliver Xmas speech from ex-hospital
King Charles will break with tradition and deliver his Christmas Day message from a former hospital chapel.
Israeli parliament extends state of emergency
The Israeli parliament has extended the country's state of emergency until the end of 2025.
Measles, polio detected as authorities urge caution
Health authorities are urging people to monitor for measles symptoms after an infectious case was detected while polio was also found in wastewater.
Flesh-eating ulcer becomes ‘endemic’ in another state
Researchers picking apart a marsupial's faeces have warned a bacterium causing a flesh-eating ulcer is present "beyond doubt" in a popular coastal town.
A dream inspired by home realised for Indigenous doctor
Driven to practice medicine after witnessing disadvantage in his community, Torres Strait Islander doctor T'kido Titasey hopes to inspire others.
Fake paramedic convicted as warning to others
A man who falsely passed himself off as a paramedic at several motocross events, including two where children were injured, has been convicted but not jailed.
‘A game changer’: help on way for rural women with endo
Rural women who live with the agony of endometriosis say a scholarship program to train nurses will help improve their quality of life and access to care.
Five ways to make your daily walks even more beneficial
Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated. Even just a brisk, ten-minute daily walk can deliver a host of health benefits – lowering the risk of several diseases, including heart disease, stroke and several cancers.
Premier gags any bills or changes to abortion laws
No bill or amendments to abortion legislation will be allowed under a surprise motion put forward by a premier that blindsided MPs on all sides of the chamber.
‘Tyranny of distance’ still plaguing remote health care
Thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live more than one hour's drive from basic health care services.
Drug forum ends on sour note as diversity challenged
Accusations of diversity issues and "sanitised" recommendations have marred the end of a nation-leading forum centred on reducing community drug harms.
High rates of hearing loss among Indigenous people
Indigenous children, especially in remote areas are being impacted by high rates of severe middle ear infections, which can cause hearing loss a report says.
National body to head clean-up of ‘forever chemicals’
Eighteen recommendations from a review of contamination from "forever chemicals" near three defence bases have been agreed to by the federal government.
DR Congo probes mysterious deadly flu-like disease
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo say 71 people, including many children, have died from a mysterious flu-like disease.
Environment agency heads deny blame for chemical spread
The NSW authority responsible for water pollution has been grilled about the spread of cancer-linked chemicals throughout water supplies in a fiery exchange.
WHO sends experts to DR Congo over mystery disease
The World Health Organisation is sending experts to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support local authorities in investigating an apparently new disease.
Indigenous psychiatrist’s passion to reshape care
An Indigenous psychiatrist is hoping to transform Australia's mental health response, advocating for community-based crisis care.
Insurers ‘price gouging’ with secret premium hikes
Millions of Australians are being overcharged by health insurers using a loophole to dodge the rules against raising premiums.
Infectious virus samples missing after state lab bungle
An investigation has been launched after a laboratory lost hundreds of infectious virus samples, but a state government has played down the public health risk.
Women’s despair after losing contraception class action
More than 1000 women who suffered chronic pain and bleeding have lost their class action against pharmaceutical giant Bayer over a contraceptive device.