Archived News for Health Sector Professionals
Child and maternal health workers and other frontline health workers will soon have access to new free information resources on the perinatal mental health disorders women can face during pregnancy and after birth.
These new resources have been developed in consultation with Australia’s leading perinatal experts. The resources include fact sheets and other quick-reference tools like scoring wheels and questionnaires to help healthcare workers detect and discuss depression, anxiety and other mental health problems with pregnant women and new mothers.
Speaking at the launch of these resources, Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, said the new resources would be extremely useful to frontline primary health care professionals.
“These new resources will equip GPs, midwives, obstetricians and child and maternal health workers who work on the frontline with the right knowledge and tools to undertake screening for perinatal depression, and provide a better understanding of safe and effective treatments for mothers and their babies,” Mr Butler said.
“It’s critical that mothers who are showing signs of depression or anxiety are treated quickly and effectively. These resources will result in more women being screened, symptoms being detected earlier and most importantly, more women getting the care and support that they need.”
The Labor Government provides $30 million to the states and territories under the National Perinatal Depression Initiative to help roll out routine and universal screening for perinatal depression, for support services and to train health professionals to treat the condition.
NSW projects target hospitalisation and homelessness
As part of a new National Partnership Agreement (NP) on Mental Health, the Labor Government will provide the NSW Government with $57.6 million over 5 years for three new projects that will improve the care and support provided to people living with severe mental illness.
Under the NP, NSW is receiving the largest share of funding of all states and territories.
The following projects will receive Commonwealth funding:
Women's presence growing in health sector
Australia’s medical workforce has grown steadily in the 10 years to 2009 with the number of female working doctors increasing to make up more than one-third (36 per cent) of all working doctors.
Federal Government announces NSW mental health boost
The Federal Government has announced it will provide the NSW Government with $57.6 million over five years for three new projects to improve the care and support provided to those living with severe mental illnesses.
MS breakthrough announced
A team of research scientists has announced a major breakthrough in slowing or even halting the development of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
Shorten pushes for HSU administration
Federal Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations has announced the Government has intervened in Federal Court proceedings with the Health Services Union (HSU) by applying for the application for the appointment of an Administrator for the HSU East Branch.
CSIRO announces starch research
The CSIRO has announced a breakthrough in the development of a new resistant starch that may help protect against the development of bowel cancer.
Shift work connected with diabetes
Resent research published in the Science Translational Medicine journal suggest that shift-workers are significantly more likely to develop diabetes and other weight problems thanks to glucose imbalances as a result of sleep disturbances.
AIHW demands more for Indigenous dental health
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has lauded the work of the Closing the Gap Child Oral Health Program in the Northern Territory, but has demanded more services to be delivered to Indigenous communities.
Hays Quarterly Report: Healthcare professionals
Global recruitment specialist Hays has released its quarterly report into recruitment trends for the April – June 2012 quarter.
'Health Insurance Insider' launched
The Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (PHIO) has launched its new consumer bulletin, Health Insurance Insider, as part of its ongoing consumer awareness campaign.
Children's cancer centre opens in SA
The federal and state health ministers have opened the new children’s cancer centre at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The new haematology and oncology centre is one element of a three-storey redevelopment on top of the existing Gilbert Building. This work has also created space for a new 20-bed medical ward, a lung disease centre and a gene therapy laboratory.
The extensive redevelopment has been funded in partnership between the Commonwealth and State Governments, with generous support from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Little Heroes Foundation.
The new haematology and oncology facilities are named after the respected paediatric oncologist, Dr Michael Rice, who has been associated with the hospital for more than 50 years.
Minister Plibersek said, “The Michael Rice Centre brings together a place where children and teenagers with blood disorders or cancer can be treated.”
Minister Hill said, “The facilities include a special lead-lined room for children undergoing radiotherapy with a video link to a parents’ room. This physically isolates them to reduce the risk of radiation exposure for other patients and staff while still keeping them in close contact with their families.
“There are also two ‘negative pressure’ areas which allow for infectious patients to be nursed in isolation.”
The new floors on the Gilbert building also house the Breathing Space service which will assess patients with respiratory and lung illnesses as well as the new Allan Scott laboratory where research will continue into an airway gene therapy to treat or even cure the lung diseases associated with cystic fybrosis.
Fish good news for lowering blood pressure
New Australian research has found eating fish may have the edge over fish oil capsules when it comes to lowering blood pressure, a known risk factor for heart disease.
Liver an important fat-controlling organ
Researchers from the University of Melbourne and Austin Health have come one step closer to understanding how our bodies regulate fat and weight gain.
Positive changes made to Aged Care systems
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, announced a 10-year plan to reshape aged care, beginning 1 July 2012.
The Gillard Labor Government will deliver the $3.7 billion Living Longer Living Better plan to deliver more choice, easier access and better care for older Australians and their families.
To make it easier for older Australians to stay in their home while they receive care, the Government will:
Monash announces new Alzheimer's research
Monash University has announced new research that could possibly change the way health professionals treat Alzheimer’s disease, which affects over 35.6 million people worldwide.
Victoria outlines hospital funding boost
The Victorian Government has announced a $35 million funding boost for the state’s hospitals to allow the purchase of replacement medical equipment.
AIHW releases new mental health workforce data
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released new data that shows the country’s mental health workforce is continuing to grow.
Australian Medical Association wants better access to doctors' health services
In a submission to the Medical Board of Australia (MBA), the AMA is calling on the Board to fund better access to doctors' health services across the country.
Companies need to raise their mental health awareness
Australia’s top companies are failing to recognise and manage mental illnesses in the workplace. This is despite ongoing attempts at raising awareness in Australia to the dangers of mental health issues going unnoticed and untreated.
Michael Williamson resigns as Vice President of HSU
The Executive and full council of Unions NSW has voted to accept Michael Williamson's resignation as Vice President, and also to suspend the Health Services Union's affiliation until governance issues can be resolved.