Archived News for Health Sector Professionals
St John of God Health Care is the preferred respondent to partner with the State in delivering the new hospital in a public private partnership and is releasing the master plan - developed in conjunction with its design and construction partners, Hassell and Brookfield Multiplex - to the public as it begins the planning approval process.
Health Minister Kim Hames said the Midland Health Campus would provide contemporary, patient-centred design focused on healing.
“The proposed design creates a connection with the outdoors by optimising the use of natural light and views of surrounds including the distant Darling Scarp, and the creation of green spaces that aim to reduce stress and improve clinical outcomes,” Dr Hames said.
“The new Midland Health Campus will enhance the former Midland Railway Workshops precinct though its industrially inspired design and large multi-use civic plaza which will integrate it with the wider community.
“The State and St John of God Health Care are committed to delivering the new hospital for the people of Midland and surrounds by 2015 and is working towards reaching contractual agreement in the coming months, to enable construction to begin by mid-year.”
The master plan and development application are being submitted for approval while negotiations continue to ensure building can commence as soon as contractual agreement is reached.
The new hospital will have 50 per cent more beds than Swan District Hospital and a broader range of services including high dependency and coronary care and cancer care.
It is planned that Swan District Hospital will close upon the opening of Midland Health Campus.
The Midland Health Campus Master Plan will be advertised by the Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority for public comment in the coming weeks.
New clinical trials facility launched
A new Clinical Research Facility at RMIT University's Bundoora campus is set to become a hub for community-based clinical trials, hosting the largest primary prevention aspirin study ever undertaken in older Australians.
Report on ambulance ramping in Queensland
In the first official study of the phenomenon and the practices associated with ambulance ramping, researchers from Griffith University examined its impact on the delivery of emergency health services across South East Queensland.
McJames to head National Blood Authority
The Federal Government has appointed Leigh McJames as the new general manager of the National Blood Authority (NBA).
Public Health Association calls for federal action on food
Australians are eating themselves to death and our food choices are one of the nation’s leading causes of environmental damage, according to a new report released by the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA).
New approach to diabetes care trialled
The Victorian Government has committed $2 million for a new pilot scheme to improve care for people with diabetes.
Stem cell production breakthrough promises new treatments
University of Queensland scientists have developed a new method for producing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can be used to repair bone and potentially other organs.
Government strikes dental deal
The Federal Government and the Greens have struck a deal that will see the formation of a $165 million package to provide dental services to low income earners in return for support of the government’s health care means testing legislation.
Controlled drugs to be electronically monitored
The Federal Government will set up a new $5 million national electronic records system to combat abuse of controlled drugs including prescription painkillers.
The Electronic Recording and Reporting of Controlled Drugs system will be made available to doctors, pharmacists and state and territory health authorities across Australia to monitor the prescribing and dispensing of addictive drugs in real time.
New head for Woolcock Institute
Professor Carol Armour has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Woolcock Institute, an independent medical research institute centre for respiratory and sleep disease research which is affiliated with the University of Sydney.
The appointment takes effect upon retirement of Professor Norbert Berend on 30 June 2012 after 12 years as Head of the Institute.
Professor Armour formally joined the Institute as a Research Leader in mid-2011. Her many years spent investigating clinical management of asthma from within the School of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney added significantly to the Institute's strengths in asthma research.
As a former Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at the University she also has extensive experience in research management and career building for students and young scientists.
The Institute, initially called the Institute for Respiratory Medicine, was founded 30 years ago by Professor Ann Woolcock, an internationally renowned asthma physician and researcher.
The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research has been leading research into respiratory diseases and sleep disorders for 30 years. With a world-class network of specialised researchers, the Woolcock Institute is focused on prevention, diagnosis, treatment and education on respiratory disease and sleep disorders for the community.
Emergency department demand soars
Demand for public emergency department (ED) care across Australia increased by 37 per cent throughout the decade ending in early 2010.
New cancer centre for South Australia
A new specialist cancer centre is being built at Lyell McEwin Hospital in Elizabeth Vale, one of Adelaide’s northern suburbs, with funding of $11.5 million provided jointly by the State and Commonwealth Government.
NHMRC picks ten of the best
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has released a publication Ten of the Best Research Projects 2011, which profiles ten leading research projects undertaken by NHMRC-funded researchers.
Queensland chilldren's health foundations merge
The Boards of the Children's Health Foundation Queensland and Royal Children's Hospital Foundation have agreed to create a single, new Children's Health Foundation Queensland that will preserve the structure of the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation - including staff and volunteers, - while also taking on a broader perspective across children's health state-wide.
Curtin Uni defends plans for a medical school
Curtin University has responded to comments critical of its plans to establish a medical school.
Cancer centre announced for Lyell McEwin
The Federal and South Australian governments have announced a jointly funded $11.5 million cancer centre for Adelaide’s Lyell McEwin Hospital.
Biota expands headquarters
Anti-infective drug development company Biota Holdings has announced it will expand its headquarters in Victoria. The expansion is likely to see a 35 new, highly skilled jobs generated in the state by 2014.
Means testing success looks likely
The Federal Government looks likely to its private health means testing legislation through the Parliament, promising to win the government $2.4 billion in savings.
George Institute appoints new executive director
Principal directors of the George Institute for Global Health, Professor Stephen MacMahon and Professor Robyn Norton, have announced Associate Professor Vlado Perkovic as the executive director of the George Institute in Australia.
MJA backs health reform
A research report published in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) has found ‘dramatic’ improvement in waiting times in Western Australia.
GSK to expand Boronia site
Pharmaceutical giant GlaxonSmithKline has announced it will invest $60 million in expanding its Boronia site in Victoria, which will generate 58 new jobs by 2017.