This Newsletter covers Federal and State policy and legislative developments in the area of health. Copies of documents referred to can be obtained by clicking on the reference in this Newsletter or through Capital Monitor's collection at www.capitalmonitor.com.au or from the source quoted.
Major Announcements
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
16 July
Additional testing support for Victorian residential aged care services
Five new COVID-19 testing teams will be deployed to test staff and residents in residential aged care services located across metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the new mobile testing teams will help health authorities identify where community transmission is occurring, before there are COVID-19 outbreaks. 'We know Australians living in aged care are among those most vulnerable to becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19,' Minister Colbeck said. Stopping this virus from spreading across Victoria's aged care facilities is our top priority. Minister Colbeck said the new testing teams will give health authorities the chance to identify people with COVID-19 who are living and working in aged care, even before they appear unwell.
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Australian researchers track COVID-19 in wastewater from plane and cruise ship passengers
CSIRO and the University of Queensland said that as Australia considers how to safely welcome international visitors again, testing wastewater systems on long-haul planes and cruise ships could provide crucial information on detecting the presence of the COVID-19 virus in incoming passengers. A new paper in 'Journal of Travel Medicine' reported that testing of aircraft and cruise ship wastewater upon arriving at their destination had detected genetic fragments of the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-2, a step forward in using this test as an additional public health management tool.
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VIC: Victorian hospitals ready to fight coronavirus
The Government will pause all Category 3 elective surgery in Metro Melbourne, as it continues to prepare the state's health system to protect Victorians from coronavirus said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Whilst all Victorians are urged to follow the rules to keep our community safe, the Government will pause all Category 3 elective surgery to ensure we have spare beds and workforce capacity, if the state was to experience an increase in cases. There will be no changes to elective surgery in regional Victoria, but we will continue to ensure these hospitals are well prepared.
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NT: NT Health to open new COVID-19 testing clinic in Alice Springs
Norther Territory Health announced that the Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) will open a COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic in Alice Springs on Monday 20 July 2020. 'The aim of establishing a drive-through screening clinic is to offer an additional testing service to people arriving in the Northern Territory from interstate after the borders open on 17 July 2020,' said Dr Belinda Greenwood Smith, Coordinator Disease Control, Public Health Unit, Primary and Public Health. 'Anyone wanting to be tested at the drive-through clinic will need to make an appointment first by calling 1800 008 002,' Dr Greenwood Smith said.
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15 July
COVID-19: Over 1 million online training completions
Over one million people have completed the Government's Infection Control Training Module: How to protect yourself and the people you are caring for from infection with COVID-19, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. This training is part of the Government's health response to COVID-19, to support key people working in the health and aged care sector in this crucial training. Since 15 March, over one million people in Australia have completed this course so they have the knowledge and skills to better deal with COVID-19 infection prevention and control. The Infection Control Training Module and other COVID-19 modules for Aged Care and Indigenous Health are being widely used across the country.
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COVID-19: Protection for health care workers not adequate
Current guidelines for respiratory protection of Australian health care workers against COVID-19 are not adequate and national reporting of health worker infections is required, according to the authors of an article published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Professor Raina MacIntyre, Professor Global Biosecurity at the Kirby Institute, and colleagues wrote that guidelines for the protection of health care workers (HCWs) in Australia state that a medical mask is indicated for routine care of COVID-19 patients, and a respirator only for aerosol-generating procedures. 'These guidelines are not aligned with the growing body of scientific evidence around transmission and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection,' MacIntyre and colleagues wrote.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update - 15 July 2020
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT in the past 24 hours, leaving the ACT's total at 113. There are five (5) active cases in the ACT. A total of 105 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no (0) COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 38,572, said the ACT Department of Health.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Thirteen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm. One previously reported case has now been excluded after an expert panel review. This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 3,328. Of the new cases, three are returned travellers in hotel quarantine. NSW Health is urging anyone who attended the Crossroads Hotel at Casula between Friday 3 July and Friday 10 July to immediately self-isolate until 14 days after they were last there, attend a clinic for testing even if they have no symptoms, watch for symptoms and get retested should any respiratory symptoms occur.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 15 July 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported eight new cases of COVID-19, bringing the State's total to 644. All of the eight new cases relate to returned overseas travellers who are in hotel quarantine. There are now 29 active COVID-19 cases in Western Australia. Of those cases twenty two are from WA and seven are from interstate. To date, 606 people have recovered from the virus in WA. To date there have been 214,685 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 37,000 were from regional WA.
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14 July
More Australian Defence Force personnel to join Victoria's coronavirus response
A further 1000 Australian Defence Force personnel will be deployed to Victoria to support the coronavirus response. Since the offer from the Commonwealth Government of additional resources was accepted on Sunday, the Victorian Government has been working with the Emergency Management Commissioner and the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police to determine their best use. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Commonwealth Government would continue to work with Victoria to support the state's response to the deadly virus. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews thanked the Commonwealth and other states for their continued support and collaboration to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
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NSW: Two additional cases at Casula Gym confirmed
NSW Health is directing anyone who attended the Planet Fitness Gym at Casula from 4 to 10 July to immediately self-isolate and come forward for testing after two further COVID-19 cases were confirmed. The additional cases, two men aged in their 20s, came forward for testing after it was established a confirmed case from the Crossroads Hotel attended the gym which was subsequently closed for testing. These new cases bring the total number linked to the Crossroads Hotel to 30. Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said it was vital that anyone who attended the gym on the dates specified get tested and self-isolate for 14 days.
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NSW: Public health alert: COVID-19 case update (2)
21 cases of COVID-19 have now been linked to the cluster at the Crossroads Hotel - with an additional eight cases reported. NSW Health is urging anyone who attended the Crossroads Hotel at Casula between Friday 3 July and Friday 10 July to immediately self-isolate until 14 days after they were last there, attend a clinic for testing even if they have no symptoms, watch for symptoms and get retested should any respiratory symptoms occur. Even if you get a negative test stay in isolation for 14 days.
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QLD: Pop-up testing clinics to help keep Queensland safe
Queenslanders and tourists will have greater access to COVID-19 testing with pop-up testing clinics established in targeted locations thanks to the Government. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said they are scaling up testing efforts to detect any potential COVID-19 cases around the state. 'Pop-up swabbing clinics are being rolled out across Queensland as part of a testing blitz targeting transient groups like tourists and truck drivers to ensure anyone and everyone with symptoms are being tested,' Deputy Premier Miles said. Queensland Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon encouraged locals and tourists travelling too or through the Gold Coast to get tested, even if they only have mild symptoms.
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QLD: New South Wales hotspots declared after outbreaks
Two Local Government Areas in New South Wales were declared COVID-19 hotspots, following multiple cases stemming from the Crossroads Hotel at Casula. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the local government areas (LGAs) of Liverpool and Campbelltown would be listed as hotspots, following a public health alert issued by Queensland Health on Sunday urging those who visited the hotel to get tested. 'This outbreak is incredibly concerning, and we are taking it very seriously,' Mr Miles said.
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VIC: Coronavirus testing for elective surgery patients
Public and private patients from metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire will now be tested for coronavirus before their elective surgery to help better protect patients and healthcare workers from the risk of infection. Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos said that while elective surgery was continuing throughout the pandemic it was important to manage the higher risks associated with the increased number of cases throughout Victoria. Screening patients for coronavirus before they get to hospital will provide them with the best chance at recovery, while also providing an added layer of protection for the doctors and nurses caring for them.
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13 July
Face masks required for aged care workers in Melbourne hotspots
Aged care staff who work in residential facilities or provide home care support across Victoria's lock down zones will be required to wear surgical masks following recommendations from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). Minister Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck, said personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, would be vital in preventing the introduction of COVID-19 to senior Australians receiving aged care as well as providing protection for carers.
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Medical expert calls for Government action as COVID-19 case confirmed in immigration detention
The Federal Government must take immediate action to protect refugees and people seeking asylum detained in crowded immigration detention facilities, after a staff member at the Mantra hotel in Melbourne - currently being used as a makeshift detention centre - tested positive for COVID-19. Over 60 people who were brought to Australia from Papua New Guinea and Nauru to receive medical treatment are currently being held on a single floor of the hotel. Inside, it is impossible to practice physical distancing, and air ventilation is poor. David Burke, Legal Director with the Human Rights Law Centre.
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Lower public health standards in detention centres under federal jurisdiction will cause a COVID-19 outbreak among high risk people.
The Federal Government must work with the medical community and human rights organisations to release high risk people from detention so they can lock down with family or friends and manage their own adherence to local State Government pandemic measures, said the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre. Two staff members working in Department of Home Affairs managed Alternative Places of Detention (APODs) have so far tested positive for COVID19, 1 in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane in March and another on July 8th in the Mantra APOD in Melbourne.
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QLD: Human trials begin on world-leading COVID-19 vaccine in Qld
Queensland Minister for Innovation Kate Jones has announced human trials will begin on the University of Queensland's promising COVID-19 vaccine. Ms Jones said volunteers would receive the first vaccine dose in Herston, in a trial run by early phase clinical trial specialist Nucleus Network. 'This research is putting Queensland on the map,' Ms Jones said. 'We invested millions into this research because we know a vaccine is crucial to defeating COVID-19.'
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VIC: Labor's hotel quarantine bungle excuses wearing thin
'Continued internal brawling within the Victorian Labor Party is distracting from the state's ability to get to the bottom of what happened with the bungled hotel quarantine debacle,' said Victorian Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier. 'Infighting has seen another series of leaked emails, this time with The Age reporting that 'Top bureaucrats warned senior health officials at the beginning of the Andrews government's botched hotel quarantine scheme that security guards were ill-equipped for the work and demanded police be called in to take control.' But the Premier and his ministers are refusing to answer questions and continue to hide behind an inquiry rather than being upfront with Victorians.'
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11 July
WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19, as well as two historical cases, bringing the State's total to 634. The two new cases are returned overseas travellers currently in hotel quarantine. The two historical cases were based on serology - these cases were linked to cruise ship travel. There are now 21 active COVID-19 cases in Western Australia - all in hotel quarantine. To date, 604 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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10 July
ACT: Additional COVID-19 testing facilities
In response to a surge in demand for COVID-19 testing, the ACT Government will open three additional free testing clinics. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said that Canberrans are hearing the message of getting tested, helping ACT Health to monitor COVID-19 in the ACT. From Saturday 11 July, the COVID-19 Surge Centre located on Garran Oval will operate as a walk-in COVID-19 testing clinic, with a drive through option available from Monday 13 July. From Monday 13 July, the West Belconnen Child and Family centre will operate as a walk-in testing clinic. Testing will be available Monday to Friday from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm. No appointment is required.
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TAS: Border update - Tasmanian restrictions to remain
'The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians remains our top priority and with the escalating situation in Victoria, it is sensible to push back any relaxation on our borders,' said Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. 'We will not reopen our borders on 24 July based on public health advice. Instead, we will continue to review the situation daily and an update will be provided on 24 July, with our border restrictions to remain in place until at least 31 July. I know this may be tough news for those in our tourism and hospitality sectors, and we will continue to identify ways to support those businesses most impacted.'
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Aged Care
14 July
Government must ensure older Australians in aged care are safe
'With concerning new outbreaks of COVID-19 in Victorian aged care facilities the Government must assure Australians everything is being done to keep residents and staff safe,' said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'We have seen the devastating impact of COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care in Australia and across the globe. The Morrison Government must learn lessons from the management of previous COVID-19 outbreaks, including at Newmarch House where 19 residents sadly passed away. It is vitally important workers and providers are supported to limit the transmission of COVID-19 in aged care, including the adequate supply of PPE.'
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13 July
New research highlights Morrison Government's aged care failures
New data commissioned by the Royal Commission into Aged Care underscores the Government's abysmal failure to meet the needs of older Australians. The data reveals 80 per cent of older Australians would like to continue living in their current house to receive support, while 62 per cent would also wish this if they needed care services, said Shadow Minister Collins. Despite these findings, the Government continues to fail these older Australians with more than 104,000 currently waiting for the support and care they have been approved for.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
15 July
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
15 JUL: Transcript of Proceedings - Melbourne - Day 80
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13 July
Australia talks about older age and aged care
Australians of all ages want to be assisted to live independently in their own home during their retirement years rather than ever having to go to an aged care facility, new research from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has shown. The Royal Commissioners, Honourable Tony Pagone QC and Ms Lynelle Briggs AO, said the research confirms Australia's aged care system needs major reform in order to align with community expectations: 'Australians want the Government and community to assist older people to live well in their own homes for as long as possible. The Royal Commission has been investigating how to achieve that.'
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Allied Health
None this edition.
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Children's Health
None this edition.
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Clinical Governance
16 July
VIC: Victorian hospitals ready to fight coronavirus
The Victorian Government will pause all Category 3 elective surgery in Metro Melbourne, as it continues to prepare the state's health system to protect Victorians from coronavirus. 'Whilst all Victorians are urged to follow the rules to keep the community safe, the Government will pause all Category 3 elective surgery to ensure we have spare beds and workforce capacity, if the state was to experience an increase in cases. Elective surgery will also be reduced to no more than 50 per cent of usual activity across all public hospitals and 75 per cent in private hospitals,' said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos.
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10 July
QLD: Labor's latest waiting list scandal exposed
Gold Coast residents desperate for surgery have been left fuming after learning they've being pushed to the back of the waiting list at Gold Coast University Hospital, with little notice. Queensland LNP Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates said it's a devastating blow for locals who've already suffered unacceptable delays. '5188 patients on the Gold Coast are on Labor's surgery wait list,' Ms Bates said. 'That's an increase of 52% since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier.'
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Construction and Health Infrastructure
15 July
NT: Election Commitment Delivered: Stage 2 and 3 of Nightcliff Renal Complete
The Nightcliff Renal Unit redevelopment project is complete with stage 2 and 3 of the project now finished. The $10.5 million project has seen the existing facility completely re-modelled into a contemporary, fit-for-purpose facility for dialysis patients, and created approximately 150 jobs during construction, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles. The project has been delivered in three stages by local construction company, Sitzler, in order to ensure uninterrupted delivery of renal services throughout the construction period.
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Dental
None this edition.
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Disabilities
None this edition.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability
None this edition.
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E-Health
15 July
NSW: Leading the nation in virtual healthcare
The NSW Government will investigate a wider roll-out of virtual healthcare services following the successful expansion of the NSW virtual health system during COVID-19. The success complements the NSW Government's record spend on health, with more than $26 billion invested in the NSW health care system over the past 12 months. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said NSW patients and clinicians have embraced virtual healthcare, with a 700 per cent increase in the use of virtual health services over the four months from February to May 2020, compared with the same period last year.
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13 July
Medical profession and the community embracing technology and digital health
New research commissioned by the Australian Digital Health Agency confirms anecdotal evidence that Australians are now more open to using digital technology in healthcare and can see the importance of technology to improve health outcomes. The Agency focus over 2019 was connecting primary healthcare providers such as GPs and pharmacists to the My Health Record system and to date over 90% of both professions are now registered to upload and view documents. A new survey of healthcare practitioners conducted in late April shows that in particular, 90% of specialists are now open to using more technology when caring for their patients, including using apps and online self-service.
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12 July
Telehealth a crucial advance requiring more patient engagement and certainty
The continuing outbreaks of coronavirus in Australia have reinforced the need for Medicare support of telehealth and Australia needs a Government's decision informed by clinician and patient experience to maintain it, the Consumers Health Forum said. 'Telehealth has provided a vital primary health support for patients and doctors during the pandemic and it makes good sense for this measure to continue after the pandemic hopefully passes,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.
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Education and Training
14 July
Doctors and medical students have health issues too
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its revised Position Statement on the Health and Wellbeing of Doctors and Medical Students. AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that the health and welfare of doctors and medical students is an absolute priority for the AMA. Dr Bartone said that the AMA has for many years provided leadership for the medical profession to collaboratively advance the processes that will enhance the physical and mental health of doctors and medical students, and improve the health and wellbeing of the entire profession.
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Funding
16 July
SA: Latest Repat development to deliver 400 new local jobs
Up to 400 new South Australian jobs will be created thanks to the latest phase of work to reactivate the Repat Health Precinct. SA Premier Steven Marshall said the latest development works on the Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation facilities would provide essential services for South Australians while delivering a much needed jobs boost to the local community. 'The State Government is committed to providing South Australians with outstanding medical facilities at the Repat site,' Premier Marshall said. 'This $80 million investment in the second phase of the project will help us deliver on our commitment to a thriving health precinct while also creating 400 local jobs.'
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15 July
Governments come together to support Australians with lymphoedema
Australians diagnosed with lymphoedema now have greater access to therapeutic compression garments, thanks to investments from the Federal Government and SA State Government. The Government has committed $2 million a year for lymphoedema support at the National level. That funding will begin immediately and be ongoing, while the Government will also provide almost $2.5 million over the next two years. Minister for Health Greg Hunt and SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said after extensive consultations, all states and territories agreed on outputs for the funding, which 'represent a significant step towards a nationally consistent approach to this important issue.'
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14 July
Supporting Indigenous Health Services in Humpty Doo
The Government, through the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA), has delivered $500,000 to Danila Dilba Health Service Aboriginal Corporation to support the establishment of a new health clinic in Humpty Doo. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the clinic that opened will deliver better health services and employment opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said the clinic provides increased employment, training and development opportunities for local Indigenous people. 'Aboriginal health clinics are so important for regional and remote communities in the NT,' Senator McMahon said.
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13 July
New funding to transform diabetes and cardiovascular disease research
The Government is backing cutting-edge research into two of the most prominent health conditions that affect millions of Australians - diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The Government will invest $47 million over four years into a new program to accelerate research into preventing, diagnosing and treating the conditions. Minister Hunt said the program would bring together industry, researchers, clinical organisations, businesses and philanthropists to deliver results. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the nature of the investment meant there was also great economic potential.
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ACT: Investing in ACT paramedics
The ACT Government is delivering on investments in the ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) and has signed a new enterprise agreement to ensure the paramedics are well supported to keep the Canberra community safe. Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mick Gentleman said three new vehicles had recently arrived to the ACTAS fleet to strengthen front line response and complement extra paramedics the ACT Government has invested in. 'This completes our $14.3 million dollar commitment to provide 30 additional paramedics and 10 state of the art vehicles to the ACT Ambulance Service,' Minister Gentleman said.
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Health Professionals
16 July
ACCC authorises life insurers' COVID-19 commitment to healthcare workers
The ACCC granted conditional authorisation to the Financial Services Council (FSC) and its life insurance members, to allow them to implement a commitment that healthcare workers will not be denied life insurance, will not be charged higher premiums, and will not have benefits excluded, purely due to exposure or potential exposure to COVID-19. Authorisation is granted subject to conditions that require the FSC to provide information to the ACCC on request, and require participating insurers to notify the ACCC when they opt in or out of the commitment.
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15 July
COVID-19: Over 1 million online training completions
Over one million people have completed the Government's Infection Control Training Module: How to protect yourself and the people you are caring for from infection with COVID-19, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. This training is part of the Government's health response to COVID-19, to support key people working in the health and aged care sector in this crucial training. Since 15 March, over one million people in Australia have completed this course so they have the knowledge and skills to better deal with COVID-19 infection prevention and control. The Infection Control Training Module and other COVID-19 modules for Aged Care and Indigenous Health are being widely used across the country.
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COVID-19: Protection for health care workers not adequate
Current guidelines for respiratory protection of Australian health care workers against COVID-19 are not adequate and national reporting of health worker infections is required, according to the authors of an article published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Professor Raina MacIntyre, Professor Global Biosecurity at the Kirby Institute, and colleagues wrote that guidelines for the protection of health care workers (HCWs) in Australia state that a medical mask is indicated for routine care of COVID-19 patients, and a respirator only for aerosol-generating procedures. 'These guidelines are not aligned with the growing body of scientific evidence around transmission and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection,' MacIntyre and colleagues wrote.
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SA: Locally made masks protecting healthcare workers and creating local jobs
The first South Australian-made D95+ respirator masks to leave Detmold production lines are now being fit-tested to local health workers - another step in preparing the State for any second wave of COVID-19. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said access to domestically produced respirator masks was a key part of the SA Government's commitment to protecting healthcare workers and the community against COVID-19. 'Ensuring South Australians have a local supply of PPE is part of the Marshall Liberal Government's strong plan to protect the community and our heroic frontline staff from the potential spread of the disease,' Minister Wade said.
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14 July
Doctors and medical students have health issues too
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its revised Position Statement on the Health and Wellbeing of Doctors and Medical Students. AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said that the health and welfare of doctors and medical students is an absolute priority for the AMA. Dr Bartone said that the AMA has for many years provided leadership for the medical profession to collaboratively advance the processes that will enhance the physical and mental health of doctors and medical students, and improve the health and wellbeing of the entire profession.
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Hospitals
14 July
VIC: Coronavirus testing for elective surgery patients
Public and private patients from metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire will now be tested for coronavirus before their elective surgery to help better protect patients and healthcare workers from the risk of infection. Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos said that while elective surgery was continuing throughout the pandemic it was important to manage the higher risks associated with the increased number of cases throughout Victoria. Screening patients for coronavirus before they get to hospital will provide them with the best chance at recovery, while also providing an added layer of protection for the doctors and nurses caring for them.
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Insurance
15 July
PHI 53/20 - Prostheses List
On 9 July 2020, the Department of Health updated the Question and Answers document on the hibernation of the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) Strategic Agreement. The Question and Answers document now clarifies that sponsors are required to pay Prostheses List fees throughout the period of hibernation. The Minister for Health, the Hon Greg Hunt MP, previously agreed to pause all Prostheses List reform work under the MTAA Strategic Agreement, reviews, and some other activities for a period of up to twelve months commencing 1 April 2020. This decision was made in recognition of the COVID-19 impact.
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12 July
CHOICE responds to private health COVID-19 mega profits
Following reports of private health mega profits, consumer group CHOICE said private health funds must dump their upcoming October price rises. 'Reports today that private health funds have made mega profits out of COVID-19 show they must provide some relief to Australians' said Dean Price, CHOICE Health Campaigner. Not-for-profit fund HBF is the only insurer who has done the right thing, by giving their customers 12 months relief from premium increases during the COVID-19 crisis. The industry has also begun backtracking on promises to return profit made from customers being unable to claim in lockdown periods.
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Medicare
None this edition.
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Men's Health
None this edition.
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Mental Health
15 July
WA: Mental Health Emergency Telehealth Service sees country patients avoid transfer
Residents of rural and regional Western Australia are receiving specialist mental health care closer to home and avoiding transfer as the WA Country Health Service's Mental Health Emergency Telehealth Service celebrates one year. Connected across 83 sites spanning 2.2 million square kilometres, the 24/7 support service has supported frontline clinicians to care for more than 1,000 patients in its first year of operation. WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook said: 'Through the Command Centre, the Mental Health Emergency Telehealth Service supports rural and remote clinicians to care for people of all ages experiencing a mental health crisis or drug and alcohol issues.'
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13 July
Easing of restrictions leads to improved mental health
Fewer Australians reported feeling personal stress, anxiety or loneliness as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease in late June, according to latest data issued by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Head of Household Surveys Michelle Marquardt said the seventh Household Impacts of COVID-19 Survey, carried out from 24-29 June, before the reinstating of restrictions in some parts of the country, showed how Australian's mental health had recovered once restrictions were eased. 'We asked respondents about the stressors that they have experienced as a result of the COVID restrictions and what impact that had on their mental health,' Ms Marquardt said.
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WA: New emergency mental health service to better support children and young people
A new Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) Emergency Telehealth Service (ETS) launched by the WA Government will provide urgent support to children and young people experiencing a mental health crisis as an alternative to attending a metropolitan hospital emergency department for mental health assessment, said WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook. Run by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), the Emergency Telehealth Service (ETS) will provide support for young people, families and carers experiencing an urgent mental health crisis.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System
None this edition.
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Pharmaceuticals
16 July
Latest AIHW report shows smoking targets well off track
The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) National Drug Strategy Household Survey data reveals that national smoking targets have not been met for yet another year, and that vaping is playing a crucial role in helping Australians quit smoking and is displacing traditional cigarette use amongst people who would otherwise smoke. Russell Zimmerman, Australian Retail Vaping Industry Association (ARVIA) spokesperson, said the latest smoking rate failures showed the urgent need for Australia to follow every other civilised and developed nation in the world and to legalise and regulate safer smoke free products such as nicotine vaping devices and electronic cigarettes.
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Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling (ACCS)
The Therapeutics Goods Administration said that the Advisory Committee on Chemicals Scheduling (ACCS) was established to advise and make recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Health (or delegate) on the level of access required for chemicals and in some instances medicines Under revised scheduling arrangements the Secretary to the Department of Health (Health) (or the Secretary's delegate) superseded the National Drugs and Poisons Schedule Committee (NDPSC) as the decision maker for the scheduling of medicines and chemicals.
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Research
16 July
'Simple' gestational diabetes test fix for accuracy
Testing procedures for gestational diabetes in pregnant women around the world need greater scrutiny to be reliable, researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) warn. The researchers found a 'significant flaw' in the approach commonly used that can lead to substantial underdiagnosis of the condition. The problem arises if there is a delay in processing the patients' blood samples after the glucose drink. This is because the red and white blood cells continue to consume glucose. Delayed processing gives a false low glucose reading.
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13 July
Vaping lung injury: Unregulated fluids pose danger
Australian physicians should ask every patient about possible e-cigarette use given little is known about the long-term effects of vaping, and severe lung diseases and deaths have occurred in connection with the use of unregulated solutions, according to the authors of a Perspective published by the Medical Journal of Australia. Dr Eli Dabscheck, a respiratory and sleep physician at Alfred Health and Monash University, and colleagues described the outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) which hospitalised over 2800 people and resulted in 68 deaths.
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Active screening needed for rheumatic heart disease
The high burden of rheumatic heart disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people requires more active case finding and echocardiographic screening to detect undiagnosed cases, according to the authors research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. The rates of acute rheumatic fever (ARF; 354 per 100 000 people in 2017) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD; 2436 per 100 000 people) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory are among the highest in the world; the RHD rate is much higher than for non-Indigenous Territorians (63 per 100 000 people). Many patients present with late complications of the disease and without a history of acute rheumatic fever.
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Culturally appropriate resources needed for management of gestational diabetes in South Asian women
More culturally appropriate resources are needed to assist with recommended lifestyle modifications to reduce risks for future development of gestational diabetes or type 2 diabetes in Australia's South Asian communities, according to the authors of a letter published by the Medical Journal of Australia. 'Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is being diagnosed with increasing frequency in Australia, with the greatest prevalence reported in South Asian women,' wrote the authors, led by Dr Asvini Subasinghe, a Research Fellow at Monash University.
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Rural, Regional and Remote Health
14 July
Supporting Indigenous Health Services in Humpty Doo
The Government, through the Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA), has delivered $500,000 to Danila Dilba Health Service Aboriginal Corporation to support the establishment of a new health clinic in Humpty Doo. Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt said the clinic that opened will deliver better health services and employment opportunities for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon said the clinic provides increased employment, training and development opportunities for local Indigenous people. 'Aboriginal health clinics are so important for regional and remote communities in the NT,' Senator McMahon said.
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Women's Health
16 July
Open Letter: It's time for a clear, visible health warning label
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) said that: 'We are all in agreement that we need a mandatory label. Now our independent food authority has developed a clear and visible label that, with your support, will soon appear on all alcohol products sold in Australia and New Zealand. This will replace the ineffective and confusing label applied inconsistently by some alcohol producers to date. You will soon be meeting to decide whether to support this carefully designed label. As you do so, we ask that you put the health and wellbeing of Australian children first by supporting the evidence-based design in full.'
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Transcripts
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert
16 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Leon Byner, FiveAA Adelaide
Subjects: COVIDSafe App, Contact tracing, Public health, Coronavirus
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Nick Coatsworth
16 JUL: Opinion Piece - 'Eliminating COVID-19 a false hope'
Subjects: Coronavirus, Public health, Elimination, Suppression, Community transmission
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
15 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Paul Kennedy, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus outbreak in Sydney pub, Aged care and coronavirus situation in Melbourne, Suppression vs elimination, COVIDSafe App, ADF personnel, Hotel quarantine
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
15 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: COVID-19, Health, Aged care facilities, VIC outbreak, Crossroads Hotel outbreak, COVIDSafe app, Fed Member for Dawson, AFP, Social media, Lockdown, Masks, Genomics testing
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
15 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon, Today Show
Subjects: Coronavirus, Number of cases, Aged care homes, Casula pub
Minister for Industrial Relations Christian Porter
15 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Gareth Parker, Radio 6PR
Subjects: Coronavirus, Palace letters, Whitlam Govt, Governor-General reserve powers, Lockdown, VIC outbreak, NSW, Health restrictions
Australian Medical Association (AMA)
15 JUL: Transcript of Interview by President, Dr Tony Bartone, with Samantha Armytage, Sunrise
Subjects: Impact of coronavirus on hospitals, Victorian outbreak, ICU beds
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack
14 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Paul Culliver, ABC Capricornia Breakfast
Subjects: Rockhampton Ring Road, Coronavirus, COVIDSafe app, ABC funding, Toowoomba region, QLD Government, Regional Australia, Roads of Strategic Importance
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Minister for Resources, Water & Northern Australia Keith Pitt, Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Children and Families Michelle Landry and Member for Flynn Ken O'Dowd
14 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Rockhampton
Subjects: Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road, Infrastructure investment, Unemployment rate, Young people, Superannuation, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Australian Special Forces
Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
14 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Annelise Nielsen, Sky News AM Agenda
Subjects: COVID-19, NSW, Western Sydney outbreak, Victorian outbreak, COVID-SAFE app, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Public health, Gough Whitlam
Shadow Minister for Government Services Bill Shorten
14 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Allison Langdon, Today Show
Subjects: COVID-19, Victorian outbreak, COVIDSafe app failure, Gough Whitlam, Public health, Stage 4 restrictions
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
13 JUL: Transcript of Press Conference, Melbourne
Subjects: COVID-19, Victorian outbreak, Hard lockdown, Social distancing, Masks, Family, Supermarket, Victoria's healthcare system, Police assistance, ADF
Minister for Health Greg Hunt
13 JUL: Transcript of Doorstop Interview, Melbourne
Subjects: COVID-19, Masks, ADF, Victoria, Aged care support, Hospital, Healthcare worker, Contact tracing, COVIDSafe app, E-cigarettes, Children
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
13 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Paul Kennedy, ABC News Breakfast
Subjects: Coronavirus, Crossroads Hotel, Number of cases, Victorian outbreak, Health workers, Al-Taqwa college
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
13 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Natalie Barr & David Kochie, Channel 7 Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus, Crossroads Hotel, Victorian outbreak, Border closures
Department of Health
13 JUL 2020: Transcript of Statement by Australian Health Protection Principal Committee
Subjects: PM's announcement for independent review of hotel quarantine arrangements
Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen
13 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Patricia Karvelas, ABC RN Drive
Subjects: COVID-19, COVID outbreaks, Crossroads hotel cluster, COVIDSafe app, Health restrictions, Venues reopening, Social distancing
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
12 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Peter Overton, Nine News Special
Subjects: Coronavirus, Victoria second wave, Cross Roads Pub cases, Flattening the curve, Restrictions, Lockdown
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
12 JUL: Transcript of Interview by Deputy CMO, Dr Nick Coatsworth, with Rebecca Maddern, Channel 9, Today
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Number of infections, Victoria, Second wave, Hotel quarantine, Vaccine trial
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
12 JUL: Transcript of Press Conference, Canberra
Subjects: Coronavirus, Number of cases, Crossroads Hotel, Restrictions, Vaccine, Lockdown, Symptoms, Masks, Sydney, AHPPC, NSW-VIC border, CovidSafe app
Deputy Chief Medical Officer
12 JUL: Transcript of Interview by Deputy CMO, Dr Nick Coatsworth, with Monique Wright & Matt Doran, Channel 7, Weekend Sunrise
Subjects: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Number of infections, Victoria, Vaccine trial
Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers
11 JUL: Transcript of Press Conference, Logan
Subjects: COVID-19, Economic recession, Unemployment rates, JobKeeper, Coronavirus treatment, TGA, Remdesivir, Domestic travel, QLD border, Childcare services
Shadow Assistant Minister for the Environment Josh Wilson
11 JUL: Transcript of Interview with Johanna Nicholson & Fauziah Ibrahim, ABC News, Weekend Breakfast
Subjects: COVID-19, Coronavirus, International arrivals, Border restrictions, Mandatory hotel quarantine, Domestic travel
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Reports
What Australians think of ageing and aged care
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
The survey asked adults for their views about Older Australians (defined as those aged 70 years or more), the current aged care system, and what they would want should they need aged care themselves. It is fundamentally important to understand these views when considering the current aged care system and how to reform it to meet the needs of Australians in the future. To the best of Roy Morgan's knowledge, this is the first time a survey like this has been conducted internationally.
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National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
The National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) collects information on alcohol and tobacco consumption, and illicit drug use among the general population in Australia. It also surveys people's attitudes and perceptions relating to tobacco, alcohol and other drug use. The 2019 NDSHS collected information from almost 23,000 people aged 14 and over across Australia.
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They look after you, you look after them: Community attitudes to ageing and aged care
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety
The research gives attention to three themes: the community's attitudes to older people; their understanding and perceptions of the current aged care system; and their planning, expectations and concerns for their own old age. The qualitative research included the general community and a broad range of targeted diversity groups, resulting in a wide range of views from people aged 18 years or more. The findings affirm and challenge perceptions of Australian society.
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National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019
Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW)
Tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use can place a heavy burden on individuals, families and society. The health, social and economic effects are diverse and substantial, and include disease and injury, mental health conditions, road accidents, family and domestic violence, and other crime. This report presents key results from the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey. It looks at people's drug use throughout their lives and during the last 12 months, and examines how these patterns have changed over time.
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Hansards
Queensland Health
15 JUL 2020: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Adjournment - Inquiry into the Queensland Government's health response to COVID-19
15 JUL 2020: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Ministerial Statements - Coronavirus, Health Update
15 JUL 2020: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Health Infrastructure
15 JUL 2020: QLD ASSEMBLY HANSARD: Questions Without Notice - Ingham Hospital, Upgrades
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Court Cases
None this edition.
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New Regulations
Federal
Health Insurance (Section 3C Diagnostic Imaging Services - Cardiac Services) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00918
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C Diagnostic Imaging Services - Cardiac Services) Determination 2020 (the Determination) is to list 19 new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for cardiac diagnostic imaging services from 1 August 2020.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Cardiac Services) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00917
The purpose of the Health Insurance (Section 3C General Medical Services - Cardiac Services) Determination 2020 (the Determination) is to list 10 new Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items for cardiac investigation services from 1 August 2020. These amendments are part of the Government's response to changes recommended by the clinician-led MBS Review Taskforce (the Taskforce) made during the 2018-19 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) under the Guaranteeing Medicare - strengthening primary care measure.
Explanatory Statement
Health Insurance (Bonded Medical Program) Amendment Rule 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00914
This Rule amends the Health Insurance (Bonded Medical Program) Rule 2020. Both are made under Part VD of the Health Insurance Act 1973. The purpose of the Principal Rule is to provide the details necessary to support the operation of the Bonded Medical Program by prescribing:
- the period of time in which a bonded participant must complete their course of study in medicine;
- the requirements for completing a return of service obligation; and
- the eligible locations in which a bonded participant must work as a medical practitioner to complete their return of service obligation.
Explanatory Statement
Medical Research Future Fund (Crediting of Amounts) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00911
This instrument provides that the determination credits $3,212,050,668.00 to the MRFF Special Account on 21 July 2020. The amount of the credit represents the estimated value of health function savings published in the 2014-15 Budget, adjusted for subsequent policy decisions.
Explanatory Statement
Narcotic Drugs Amendment (Fees) Regulations 2020 - Narcotic Drugs Act 1967
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00904
The purpose of the Narcotic Drugs Amendment (Fees) Regulations 2020 (the Regulations) is to update fees to implement changes to cost-recovery arrangements for the Office of Drug Control in the Department of Health. The Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 (ND Act) gives effect to certain of Australia's obligations under the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs 1961 (the Convention), as in force from time to time. The objective of the Convention is to establish a framework to both prevent abuse and diversion of controlled narcotics and to ensure the availability of such drugs for medical and scientific purposes.
Explanatory Statement
Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2020
Legislative Instrument - F2020L00901
The purpose of the Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2020 is to update licence charges to implement changes to cost-recovery arrangements for the Office of Drug Control in the Department of Health. The Narcotic Drugs (Licence Charges) Act 2016 (the Act) enables the Commonwealth to impose a charge on a medicinal cannabis licence or cannabis research licence granted under the Narcotic Drugs Act 1967 (the ND Act) and that is in force within a specified period.
Explanatory Statement
ACT
Public Health (Self-Isolation) Emergency Direction 2020 (No 2)
Notifiable Instrument NI2020-406
This instrument commences at 11.59pm on 11 July 2020. This direction is in force for the period ending on the day the declared emergency (as extended or further extended) ends, unless it is earlier revoked. In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the purpose of this direction is to require people diagnosed with COVID-19 and people identified as a close contact to self-isolate.
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Western Australia
10 JUL 2020: WA, COOK: Hospitals (Licensing and Conduct of Private Hospitals) Amendment Regulations 2020 - Private Hospitals and Health Services Act 1927 - SL 2020/115
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Proclamations
None this edition.
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Gazette Notices
Western Australia
15 JUL 2020: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: Special Gazette No. 121 - Public Health Act 2016 - Section 170 - Extension of Declaration (No. 2) of Public Health State of Emergency
10 JUL 2020: WA GOVERNMENT GAZETTE: General Gazette No. 118: Health
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Consolidated Legislation
Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
Act Compilation - C2020C00203
Act No. 21 of 1990 as amended, taking into account amendments up to Therapeutic Goods Amendment (2020 Measures No. 1) Act 2020 An Act relating to therapeutic goods.
Administered by: Health
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National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Instrument 2012
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00586
PB 71 of 2012 Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Listing of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 6).
Administered by: Health
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National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Determination 2020
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00575
Determinations/Health as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Continued Dispensing - Emergency Measures) Amendment Determination 2020 (No.5) (PB 58 of 2020).
Administered by: Health
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Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirements) Rules 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00573
Rules/Other as amended, taking into account amendments up to Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 4) 2020.
Administered by: Health
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National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement 2011
Legislative Instrument Compilation - F2020C00572
PB 79 of 2011 Arrangements as amended, taking into account amendments up to National Health (Efficient Funding of Chemotherapy) Special Arrangement Amendment Instrument 2020 (No. 6) (PB 60 of 2020).
Administered by: Health
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New Bills
None this edition.
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New Acts
None this edition.
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