Archived News for Health Sector Professionals - August, 2012
Bionic Vision Australia (BVA) has announced the first ever successful implantation of an early prototype bionic eye with 24 electrodes.
A team of researchers at BVA successfully implanted the bionic eye in patient Dianne Ashworth, who has profound vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited condition.
After years of hard work and planning, Ms Ashworth’s implant was switched on last month at the Bionics Institute, while researchers held their breaths in the next room, observing via video link.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but all of a sudden, I could see a little flash…it was amazing. Every time there was stimulation there was a different shape that appeared in front of my eye,” Ms Ashworth said.
$7.5 million for new mental health fellowship
The Federal Government has announced that the new $7.5 million John Cade Fellowship in Mental Health Research is now open for applications.
Black Dog Institute forms new mental health index
Mental health advocacy group Black Dog Institute has announced the formation of a new methodology to measure national mental health.
Government announces $4 billion dentist's bill
The Federal Government has outlined a $4 billion initiative aimed at boosting subsidized dental care, reducing waiting times and providing services to over one million low income adults and Australians in rural and remote areas.
Research kindles hope for spinal cord injury patients
New research led by a team from Monash University has revealed that a simple antibody could reverse the damage caused by trauma to the central nervous system.
Sydney to host new prostate research centre
The Federal Government has announced that Sydney will host a new centre of excellence to research and treat prostate cancer.
Australians less likely to make mental health claims
Australians are significantly less likely to claim GP visits for psychological illnesses on workers’ compensation than they are for physical work-related injuries, according to research conducted by the Institute for Safety, Compensation and Recovery Research (ISCRR).
Chronic disease death could be underreported
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released a report that finds that traditional analysis of causes of death in Australia can lead to constant underestimation of the contribution of some chronic diseases.
Comcare releases sedentary work practices toolkit
National workplace safety agency Comcare has released its sedentary work practices toolkit, a collection of information, guidance materials and templates that can help workplaces develop and apply a strategy to reduce prolonged sitting in the workplace.
First round of SkillSelect announced
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has announced the first round of skilled migrants invited to formally apply of visas under the Federal Government’s new SkillSelect service.
Government launches mental telehealth initiative
The Federal Government has launched its new $5 million South Australian telehealth initiative aimed at improving the way mental healthcare is delivered throughout the state.
Government renews funding for Cochrane access
The Federal Government has renewed funding for the ongoing access to The Cochrane Library, an online resource that features over 5,000 published systematic reviews of evidence for health care interventions.
NSW launches Melanoma Genome Project
The New South Wales Government has launched an ambitious two-year national research project aimed at identifying the gene mutations that lead to melanoma.
RDAA welcomes Senate Inquiry finding
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) has welcomed a report by a Senate Inquiry into rural health, saying it has provided a ‘ringing endorsement’ of policies put forward by the Association.
Paper outlines 'alarmingly low' ethnic health literacy rates
A paper released by the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) has shown ‘alarmingly low’ rates of health literacy in ethnically diverse communities in Victoria.
Commercialisation the key to biotechnology's future
Funding to secure continual commercialisation of research is the key to fostering continued growth in the country’s biotechnology industry, according to an expert advisory panel.
ABS announces Indigenous health survey
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has announced it has commenced the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health survey in its history, aimed at improving knowledge of the health issues affecting this group of Australians.
Government launches Australian Medicare Local Alliance
The Federal Government has announced the launch of the Australian Medicare Local Alliance, the body charged with ensuring a more effective and cohesive network of Medicare Locals.
JCU to investigate anti-cancer venom treatment
A team of researchers from Queensland’s James Cook University is undertaking research to determine if venom from funnel web spiders and tarantulas can be used to kill breast cancer cells.
Top ten research projects lauded
The Federal Government has released the Ten of the Best Research Projects 2012 paper, showcasing the work of some of the finest medical researchers in the country.
Queensland to expand international student health cover
The Queensland Government has announced it will allow international students with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to access treatment at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.