Archived News for Health Sector Professionals
Mesoblast, a Melbourne based regenerative medicine company specialising in the production of off-the-shelf adult stem cell products, has recorded a $92.2 million profit last financial year.
The company stated that it had substantial funds of $263.2 million at 30 June 2011. Mesoblast recorded revenue and other income of $120.9 million and a profit before tax of $92.2 million.
Mesoblast Chairman, Mr Brian Jamieson, said that Mesoblast was in a position of considerable strength after securing its financial future.
Thermopower research could further cancer treatment
Miniaturised semi-conducting structures could be used for super-accurate treatment of cancer, researchers at Melbourne’s RMIT University have found.
NHMRC introduces new clinical practice guidelines
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has introduced its new Standard for Clinical Practice Guidelines in an attempt to streamline health professional’s access to diagnostic information and treatment.
Report shows management plans help chronically sick
A report published by the Medical Journal of Australia shows that suffering from vulnerable chronic diseases are benefiting under the use of GP management plans.
Appointments to IHPA and NHPA announced
Chairs and Deputy Chairs of two of key bodies that will oversee reforms of Australia’s national health system were announced following the meeting of the Council of Australian Governments on Friday.
COAG agrees to development of mental health reform program
Work will begin on the development of a National Partnership Agreement on Mental Health following last week’s meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
National Health Performance Authority bill passes lower house
Legislation to establish the $118 million National Health Performance Authority has passed through the lower house. The Authority will report on the performance of local hospital networks; public hospitals; private hospitals; primary healthcare organisations; and other bodies or organisations that provide health care services. It will be required to deliver performance reports to the parliament on an annual basis.
Discussion paper aims to boost medical workforce in rural NSW
The New South Wales Government has released a discussion paper titled Securing a Stable Medical Workforce for NSW Rural Communities which sets out the framework to support a rural generalist training program and rural pathway for GP training in NSW.
Conference to investigate new health research funding models
Senior medical researchers and those responsible for sourcing private medical funding will meet later this month with community and business leaders to discuss new ways for health and medical research to be funded.
CSIRO eye technology collects award
Research that will allow the production of a low cost, high quality eye screening system that will facilitate significantly greater areas of screening in rural and regional Australia has been awarded the Victorian Government Inspiration Award at the national iAwards information and communications technology event.
E-health IT development contract awarded
A consortium led by Accenture has been awarded the contract to deliver IT infrastructure for the Federal Government’s $466 million e-health records system.
Melbourne Brain Centre launched
The new Melbourne Brain Centre has been officially opened at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, bringing together research and clinical facilities to help ensure that research is effectively translated into improved clinical outcomes.
Employers and unions sign up to Healthy Workers Initiative
Peak employer and union bodies have signed a Joint Statement of Commitment with the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon to promote healthier workplaces and healthier workers.
Acting Director appointed to Professional Services Review
Dr William Coote has been appointed the Acting Director of the Professional Services Review, replacing Dr Tony Webber who has been in the position for the past six years
New membership of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equality Council announced
The new membership of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equality Council (formerly the National Indigenous Health Equality Council) has been announced.
Nursing federation disappointed by aged care report
The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) has expressed its disappointment with the findings of the final Productivity Commission (PC) report into aged care, saying that the findings fail to address the systemic problems of the industry.
Rural and Remote Health Workforce Innovation and Reform Strategy to be developed
Health Workforce Australia is developing a Rural and Remote Health Workforce Innovation and Reform (RRHWIR) Strategy that will provide national guidance on future needs, reforms and initiatives to improve the health care services in rural and remote communities.
New Local Health Networks to guide WA's health system
The Western Australian Government has established five Local Health Networks to guide and oversee hospitals and health services across the State.
National Disability Insurance Scheme to be introduced
The Federal Government has announced that it will start work immediately with states and territories on measures that will build the foundations for a National Disability Insurance Scheme, following the release of the Productivity Commission's final report into the matter.
New measures announced to achieve Tasmanian health budget cuts
The Tasmanian Minister for Health, Michelle O’Byrne, has announced a further $25 million in health budget savings measures as part of the $100 million of required savings from the state’s 2011 $1.7 billion health and human services budget. The latest cost cutting takes the the savings announced since the State Budget to more than $70 million.