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)

7 August

NSW: Masks support the fight against COVID-19
Masks are a helpful addition in the fight against COVID-19 if used correctly. NSW Health strongly encourages people to wear them when unable to physically distance, particularly in indoor settings, to keep everyone safe. NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said masks are recommended particularly in indoor settings such as on public transport, and in places where people congregate, such as entertainment venues and services at places of worship. They also offer protection if worn by staff in hospitality venues such as pubs, clubs and restaurants.
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6 August

Additional support for people with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Government is providing an additional $2.6 million to assist Victorians with severe mental illness whose access to psychosocial supports has been impacted by COVID- 19, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. This funding will provide support to a vulnerable group of people, ensuring that they receive assistance in accessing day to day support, and in accessing more extensive support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme if necessary. The funding recognises that it is vital to ensure that people, particularly those with severe and complex needs, are able to continue to access care despite the regrettable but necessary measures required to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Further mental health support for Victorians during COVID-19 pandemic
The Government is providing an additional $12 million to ensure people in Victoria can access 24/7 mental health support through digital and telephone counselling services during this difficult time, said Minister Hunt. The Government recognises the mental health impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on individuals and communities, particularly those in Victoria, where regrettable but necessary measures are needed to stop the spread of the virus. The loss of freedom gained after the first lockdown, the challenges of isolation, fear for loved ones, and concerns about employment can all take a significant mental health toll.
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New face mask testing facility opens in Melbourne
A new Australian-first testing facility will enable local manufacturers of surgical face masks to fast-track the supply for frontline health workers. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the new CSIRO facility in Melbourne will boost Australia's sovereign capability to produce essential medical supplies more efficiently and at a lower cost. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has seen many Australian businesses shift quickly to meet unprecedented demands for personal protective equipment,' Minister Andrews said. 'This new facility gives companies access to accredited testing here at home so they can demonstrate their products meet rigorous Australian standards.'
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CSIRO launches Australia's first accredited face mask testing facility
CSIRO has launched the nation's first accredited surgical face mask testing facility in Melbourne, to help frontline health workers in the fight against COVID-19, while supporting Australian business. The new facility, accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities, has the capacity to provide a rapid turnaround on surgical face mask testing, helping manufacturers fast-track the supply of masks for frontline healthcare workers. It is also a boost for Australian companies who will not need to send masks and materials overseas for testing, saving time and money.
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Two companies fined $25,200 for alleged unlawful importation and advertising of infrared thermometers in relation to COVID-19
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), part of the Department of Health, has issued two infringement notices, each for $12,600, to Melbourne-based companies Australian Beauty Group Pty Ltd and VeraTemp Pty Ltd for the alleged unlawful importation and advertising of medical devices in relation to COVID-19. Australian Beauty Group allegedly imported non-contact infrared thermometers that at the time of importation were not included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and were neither exempt nor excluded from the operation of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989.
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ACT: Update on ACT COVID-19 restrictions
Based on the ACT's current COVID numbers and the efforts of NSW authorities to manage localised outbreaks, Chief Health Officer Dr Coleman has determined that some remaining businesses and activities can recommence under strict COVID guidelines from 9:00am Monday 10 August. However, there are other elements of the ACT's easing of restrictions roadmap that will not be implemented at this time. These relate to large gatherings and changes to the 1 person per four square metre guideline in some settings. This guideline continues to be an important part of the control measures they have in place to reduce the risk of infection, said ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Twelve new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,643, said NSW Health. There are now:
- 107 cases associated with Thai Rock Wetherill Park cluster
- 58 cases associated with the Crossroads Hotel cluster
- 50 cases associated with the funeral events in Bankstown and surrounding suburbs, including 15 associated with Mounties in Mount Pritchard.
- 32 cases associated with the Potts Point cluster.
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5 August

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Twelve new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm. One previous case has been excluded after further testing, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,631. There were 22,087 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 12,876 in the previous 24 hours. NSW Health can advise a previously reported case attended Kids Learning Academy in Busby while infectious on 29 July. The case is a child of a previously reported case, linked with Mounties in Mount Pritchard. The centre is closed for deep cleaning while contact tracing is underway.
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SA: COVID-19 update - 5 August
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 , said the SA Department of Health There have been a total of 456 cases reported in SA. After further testing, a potential case under investigation has returned a negative result. There are now eight active cases in SA and 444 people have been cleared of COVID-19. There have been four reported deaths from COVID-19. More than 258,000 tests have been undertaken. A new drive-through COVID-19 testing location has opened in Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi. A COVID-19 health alert has been issued for locations in Salisbury Downs, Blair Athol and Kilburn in relation to a confirmed case of COVID-19.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 5 August 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia, bringing the State's total to 642. The man in his 60s is a returned traveller from overseas and is in hotel quarantine. There are now seven active cases in the State - five Western Australians, one from interstate and one from overseas. To date, 626 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA.
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4 August

Victoria's COVID-19 response averts thousands of cases
Victoria's COVID-19 control measures have reduced the reproduction ratio of the virus from 1.75 to 1.16 and averted between 9000 and 37 000 infections between 2 and 30 July, according to new research published online by the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA). Researchers from the Burnet Institute, Monash University and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity examined the daily diagnosed COVID-19 cases in Victoria (excluding cases in travellers in quarantine) as reported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services to estimate infection growth rates pre- and post-introduction of the Stage 3 measures in 10 postcodes in Melbourne on 1 July 2020.
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ACT: Consideration of human rights implications of imposed public health emergency directions
The ACT 's Chief Health Officer said that: 'I am mindful that Section 40B of the Human Rights Act 2004 (the Act) requires all public authorities to give proper consideration to human rights in decision making, and to ensure that their decisions are compatible with human rights. I also recognise that section 30 of the Act requires that all Territory laws be interpreted in a human rights compatible way, in so far as it is possible to do so consistently with its purpose, and that section 28 of the Act permits limits to be placed on rights which are demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.'
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Twelve new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8pm 3 August, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,620, said NSW Health. There are now:
- 103 cases associated with Thai Rock Wetherill Park cluster
- 58 cases associated with the Crossroads Hotel cluster
- 40 cases associated with the funeral events in Bankstown and surrounding suburbs, including 16 associated with Mounties in Mount Pritchard.
- 28 cases associated with the Potts Point cluster, including 22 cases linked to the Apollo Restaurant cluster and 6 cases linked with the Thai Rock Restaurant Potts Point cluster.
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SA: Emergency Response Plan - Continuance of Critical Community Pharmacy Services Program (CCPSP)
A framework for the management of pharmacy premises continuity of operation during a time of crisis has been put in place as a result of cooperation of the South Australian Government. The Government has committed to provide a level of funding when and if required during the COVID-19 emergency. The SA Pharmacy Guild of Australia said that the framework will be essential in order to underpin the ongoing provision of critical professional pharmacy services available to the community during a crisis.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State's total case count remains at 641. There are six active cases in the State - five Western Australians and one from overseas. To date, 626 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 824 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 803 were assessed and 799 were swabbed. There have been 259,625 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 43,603 were from regional WA.
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3 August

Fears for culturally and linguistically diverse patients avoiding healthcare due to COVID- 19
Culturally and linguistically diverse patients are being urged to take care of their health and contact their GP for any issues following concerns some may be avoiding medical care due to fear of the COVID-19 virus. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Consumer Health Forum of Australia (CHF), and Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA) are urging patients from CALD communities not to neglect their health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. It comes after Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire in Victoria were placed back under stage three restrictions due to an increase in COVID-19 cases.
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VIC: Supporting Aboriginal communities through coronavirus
The Victorian State Government is continuing to help Aboriginal communities deal with the coronavirus pandemic, with funding now available to develop local responses. Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams called for expressions of interest in the $10 million Aboriginal Community Response and Recovery Fund. Funds will be provided to give local organisations the support they need to develop responses at a local level over the coming year. It will also provide immediate support - though emergency relief, outreach and brokerage, social and wellbeing initiatives - as well as cultural strengthening and virtual celebration opportunities.
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VIC: Research boost to better understand and treat coronavirus
The Victorian State Government is backing cutting-edge medical research projects to better understand, prevent and treat coronavirus. Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford announced the seven beneficiaries of the Government's $5.5 million COVID-19 Research Fund, which will support continued jobs growth in a sector that already employs tens of thousands of Victorians. The Murdoch Children's Research Institute will use human-derived stem cells to better understand the virus's effects on different organ systems in the body, including the lung, heart, kidneys, brain, immune system and blood vessels, to support the development of targeted treatments.
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2 August

Additional COVID-19 mental health support
The Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister Hunt. Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of the Government's highest priorities, and this Government recognises the mental health impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on individuals and communities, particularly those in areas such as Victoria, where regrettable but necessary measures are needed to stop the spread of the virus.
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NSW: Health advice update on masks
The NSW State Government is strongly encouraging greater use of masks in high-risk public settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The advice from the NSW Department of Health specifically recommends:
- the use of face masks in indoor settings where physical distancing is hard to maintain, such as on public transport or in supermarkets
- the use of face masks (where practical) in indoor settings with a higher risk of transmission, such as for the staff of hospitality and customer-facing venues i.e. cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs
- during attendance at places of worship.
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QLD: Queensland novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Queensland has one new case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) to report, bringing total cases to 1,085. The new case recently returned from overseas via New South Wales and is in quarantine. Queensland Health is in the process of contacting people from Jetstar flight JQ790 Sydney to Maroochydore on 31 July 2020. Queensland currently has 13 active COVID-19 cases. Seven of these cases are in hospital. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles thanked the community for their cooperation and patience. 'Over the past 24 hours, we've conducted more than 11,000 tests. This includes testing of staff and residents at the Bolton Clarke aged care facility at Pinjarra Hills,' Minister Miles said.
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WA: First round of swab testing in schools detects no COVID-19
More than 4,700 school children, teachers, and staff from across Western Australia's public schools have undergone their first test for COVID-19, as part of the WA Government's research study scanning the school community for any asymptomatic COVID-19 cases. The program is voluntary, with consent required from parents of child participants and all staff, and involves a swab being taken from the throat and nose, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook and WA Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia, a man in his 30s who returned from overseas. He is in hotel quarantine. This brings the total case count to 641. This total is reduced from the previous total of 668 because historical cases diagnosed through a blood test and indicative of infection in the past are no longer being reported in the daily report or in overall figures. This change has been made to bring WA's reporting closer into line with other Australian jurisdictions.
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31 July

NT: Darwin man tests positive for COVID
The man arrived on a flight from Melbourne, said NT Department of Health. In accordance with national medical guidelines, the Centre for Disease Control has carried out contact tracing for this flight and all close contacts have now been notified and are in mandatory supervised quarantine at Howard Springs Quarantine Facility. The man is now under the care of Top End Health Service. All 33 cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Territory are related to international or interstate travel, with no cases of community transmission.
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NT: Keeping Territorians Safe: Extra Frontline Health Employees to fight COVID-19
The NT Government is creating 100 additional full-time frontline health workers to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and keep Territorians safe, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles. The 100 full-time positions will be deployed across the Northern Territory to:
- Enable ongoing border screening of passengers arriving from interstate at NT Airports;
- Screen staff and visitors to NT Public Health facilities across the NT;
- Support management of mandatory supervised quarantine; and
- Conduct health tests and checks.
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TAS: Update on coronavirus restrictions
Tasmanians health, safety and wellbeing is the Tasmanian Government's number one priority. 'From today there is mandatory testing, including a health check for symptoms, of all essential travellers from Victoria or determined hot-spots, in NSW and Queensland. In regards to freight and logistics operators, they will need to undergo a test on arrival, unless they have evidence of having had a COVID-19 test not less than seven days prior to their arrival in Tasmania,' said Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.
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TAS: Tasmania needs expanded mandatory testing, COVID-19 management plan
Tasmanian Labor is calling on the Premier to strengthen procedures around arrivals into the state and give Tasmanians a clear idea of how any future COVID19 outbreaks will be managed. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said the worsening situation in Victoria and other hotspots around Australia is causing community concern and Tasmanians need to know what to expect in the event of another outbreak. 'The crisis in Victoria and parts of New South Wales and Queensland has shown us how lucky we have been in Tasmania to date,' Ms Lovell said.
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Aged Care

6 August

St Basil's Home for the Aged, Victoria
Statement from Ms Janet Anderson PSM, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner: 'The Commission has been actively engaged with the approved provider of St Basil's Home for the Aged in Victoria, which operates under the auspices of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia. We are focusing on monitoring and supporting their efforts both to manage the outbreak and to respond to complaints from residents and families. The Commission took regulatory action in relation to the approved provider following concerns identified about the serious impact of the outbreak on the residents and staff.'
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Morrison Government's aged care secrecy must end
The Government must end its aged care secrecy after revelations the names of 75 nursing homes that failed standards relating to COVID preparedness have been kept hidden. The 75 nursing homes were among more than 100 across the country that failed standards on preparing for COVID-19. This latest concerning report follows an extraordinary exchange at the Select Committee on COVID-19 when the Government refused to disclose nursing homes in Victoria with outbreaks, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins.
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VIC: Operational update - Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to coordinate and deploy resources across the State in what is an important strategy for protecting senior Australians against the COVID-19 pandemic. Executive Officer Joe Buffone said cross-sector cooperation had progressed the rapid response to COVID-19 outbreaks in aged care facilities and assisted in strengthening their prevention measures.
- The Response Centre consists of senior representatives from more than a dozen Federal and State agencies, including the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, who are working in partnership to address the unfolding situation in Victoria.
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4 August

ANMF calls for paid pandemic leave for all aged care workers
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) welcomed the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) ruling that aged care workers, on three awards including the Nurses Award, be granted paid pandemic leave by the Prime Minister for a $1,500 pandemic leave disaster payment but said these measures still don't go far enough. The ANMF is concerned that many aged care workers, whose employment is covered by Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBA) and which represent the majority and casual employees working irregular shifts, will remain without access to paid pandemic leave.
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31 July

Prime Minister ignores reports that could have prevented tragedies in Victorian nursing homes
'Scott Morrison failed to progress key reports that could have prevented the disastrous and tragic events that have unfolded in Victoria's nursing homes,' said Shadow Minister Collins. 'On Wednesday Scott Morrison said the complete withdrawal of a workforce at an aged care facility that has led to such tragic circumstances in Victoria could not have been 'anticipated or foreshadowed'. But it did happen - just a year ago at the Earle Haven nursing home on the Gold Coast.'
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

5 August

SA: Meningococcal case
A case of invasive meningococcal disease has been notified in a seven-month-old baby girl from metropolitan Adelaide, who is in a stable condition in hospital. The strain has been identified as Serogroup B. The SA Department for Health and Wellbeing has identified multiple people who have had contact with the patient and 26 people have been directed to receive clearance antibiotics. Meningococcal health information has been distributed to contacts in accordance with the Invasive Meningococcal Disease Communicable Diseases Network Australia: National Guidelines for Public Health Units.
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Clinical Governance

None this edition.

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Construction and Health Infrastructure

5 August

WA: Recovery: significant health investment for the South-West
Country Western Australia's busiest healthcare facility, Bunbury Hospital, is set for further redevelopment following a WA Recovery Plan funding announcement from the WA Government. With $22.8 million already earmarked for the project, the WA Government will dedicate an additional $38 million as part of its WA Recovery Plan to enable the first stage of works to progress. The $60.8 million total investment will focus on priority clinical areas and ensure residents of the South-West have access to a contemporary facility, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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4 August

WA: State-of-the-art Northam Health Service officially opened following $42 million redevelopment
Northam Health Service has been officially opened, marking the completion of the facility's $42 million redevelopment. New, state-of-the-art features include modern operating theatres at double the previous capacity, a refurbished recovery suite and a central sterile services department, said WA Minister Cook. The overall Northam Health Service redevelopment saw the inclusion of an expanded emergency department, purpose-built consultation rooms and indoor and outdoor rehabilitation treatment areas, as well as a new ambulatory care building that provides access to community health services.
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Dental

4 August

NT: Get sugar savvy
The NT Department of Health said that Territorians are being urged to get sugar savvy this Dental Health Week. Top End Oral Health Service Principal Dental Therapist, Adam Bacon, said monitoring sugar intake was essential to help reduce tooth decay and enhance your overall health. 'Sugar consumption is an important contributing factor to poor oral health and, in fact, a person's overall health,' Mr Bacon said. 'An important part of being sugar savvy is knowing how much sugar is in the food you eat. Because sugar is everywhere, including foods that might appear healthy.'
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31 July

AIHW report shows Government failing Australians on oral health
'A damning report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has confirmed that 39 per cent of Australians avoided or delayed dental care in 2017 -18 due to cost, increasing 8 per cent in 11 years,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. 'In the same year, around 72,000 preventable hospitalisations occurred for potentially preventable dental conditions. It's clear that the Government is failing Australians on oral health. Last month Minister Hunt insufficiently extended the rollover of the agreement between the Commonwealth and the states to fund public dental care for those who can't afford it - allowing only a 12 month extension on this program.'
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Disabilities

3 August

The NDIA and Victorian Government must prioritise people with disability so they do not suffer in Stage 4 lockdowns
Children and adults with disability need to be a primary focus of government. 'We have already seen infections in group homes for people with disability, and significant impacts on their access to services and children's right to education,' said Children and Young People with Disability Australia, Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, Youth Disability Advocacy Service, Inclusion Australia and Disability Advocacy Network Australia. As the situation in the aged care system shows, it is vital that the Commonwealth and states work together to eliminate critical gaps for people with disability during the pandemic, including children and young people.
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WA: New high support accommodation centre for Shenton Park
The WA Government is investing in much needed new accommodation for residents of the Quadriplegic Centre in Shenton Park. The residents will be accommodated in a new 20-unit high care supported accommodation facility to be built and managed by MSWA, with a $9 million WA Government grant for the construction. MSWA provides vital support and services to people living with neurological conditions, including spinal cord injury, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook and WA Minister for Lands Ben Wyatt.
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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

None this edition.

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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

6 August

Research funding to deliver easier-to-access Q Fever vaccine
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed the Government's announcement of $1.8 million for trials of an updated Q Fever vaccine. The NFF and its members have long been advocating for better access to Q Fever vaccinations as farmers and those who work with livestock are most at risk of contracting the illness. Progress towards a more effective and less expensive vaccine, is an important step in the right direction for Q Fever prevention. Q Fever can be debilitating with patients suffering from a chronic-fatigue like illness for years.
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4 August

SA: Emergency COVID-19 fund to protect critical pharmacy services
A $200,000 emergency fund has been established to ensure South Australian community pharmacies significantly impacted by COVID-19 can continue to provide critical pharmacy services. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the funding would be used to maintain critical pharmacy services when the impact of COVID on a pharmacy at short notice threatens its closure. 'Ensuring access to medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic is part of the Marshall Liberal Government's strong plan to protect South Australians from the impacts of the disease by ensuring they are able to access treatment for other health problems,' Minister Wade said.
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Health Professionals

4 August

ANMF calls for paid pandemic leave for all aged care workers
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) welcomed the Fair Work Commission's (FWC) ruling that aged care workers, on three awards including the Nurses Award, be granted paid pandemic leave by the Prime Minister for a $1,500 pandemic leave disaster payment but said these measures still don't go far enough. The ANMF is concerned that many aged care workers, whose employment is covered by Enterprise Bargaining Agreements (EBA) and which represent the majority and casual employees working irregular shifts, will remain without access to paid pandemic leave.
Download

31 July

NT: Keeping Territorians safe: Extra frontline health employees to fight COVID-19
The NT Territory Government is creating 100 additional full-time frontline health workers to:
- Enable ongoing border screening of passengers arriving from interstate at NT Airports;
- Screen staff and visitors to NT Public Health facilities across the NT;
- Support management of mandatory supervised quarantine; and
- Conduct health tests and checks.
With the Australian Federal Police ceasing their screenings of incoming passengers to the Northern Territory from 31 July, NT Health will pick up this important function as part of the NT's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles.
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Hospitals

6 August

06 AUG: DEPT OF HEALTH: PHI 59/20 - Hospital Revocation

5 August

VIC: Surgeries on hold in regions to boost hospital capacity
Public hospitals in regional Victoria will begin winding back all non-urgent surgery on the eve of restrictions coming into force across the state, as Victoria steps up protections against the coronavirus pandemic. 'From 11.59pm tonight, regional Victoria will be under Stage 3 restrictions, where there are only four reasons to leave the house: care and caregiving, shopping for the things you need, exercise, and work and education - if you can't do it from home,' Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos.
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4 August

WA: State-of-the-art Northam Health Service officially opened following $42 million redevelopment
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said that Northam Health Service has been officially opened, marking the completion of the facility's $42 million redevelopment. New, state-of-the-art features include modern operating theatres at double the previous capacity, a refurbished recovery suite and a central sterile services department. A new dedicated chemotherapy department space has also been established, including a waiting room, reception, consulting room with telehealth capability, and large treatment areas equipped with recliner chairs.
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SA: Ending pyjama paralysis
SA Health said that Doctors, nurses and allied health teams at the Royal Adelaide Hospital will turn up to work in their pyjamas to mark the expansion of a program to 'End PJ Paralysis'. Central Adelaide Local Health Network Clinical Practice Director, Madeleine Baillie, said the campaign encourages patients to 'Get Up, Get Dressed, Get Moving' and will be rolled out to two general wards, after the successful introduction to two surgical wards in 2018. 'End PJ Paralysis' is a global movement started by CALHN critical friend, Professor Brian Dolan in the United Kingdom and has been embraced by hospitals around the world.
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Insurance

6 August

06 AUG: DEPT OF HEALTH: PHI 59/20 - Hospital Revocation

3 August

Cardiac services and Co-dependent Pathology Service changes - 1 August 2020
The Private Health Insurance Legislation Amendment Rules (No. 5) 2020 (the Amendment Rules) were registered on the Federal Register of Legislation on 31 July 2020 and commenced on 1 August 2020, said the Department of Health. The Amendment Rules amend the:
- Private Health Insurance (Benefit Requirement) Rules 2011; and
- Private Health Insurance (Complying Product) Rules 2015.
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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

6 August

Additional support for people with severe mental illness during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Government is providing an additional $2.6 million to assist Victorians with severe mental illness whose access to psychosocial supports has been impacted by COVID- 19, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt. This funding will provide support to a vulnerable group of people, ensuring that they receive assistance in accessing day to day support, and in accessing more extensive support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme if necessary. The funding recognises that it is vital to ensure that people, particularly those with severe and complex needs, are able to continue to access care despite the regrettable but necessary measures required to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Further mental health support for Victorians during COVID-19 pandemic
The Government is providing an additional $12 million to ensure people in Victoria can access 24/7 mental health support through digital and telephone counselling services during this difficult time, said Minister Hunt. The Government recognises the mental health impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on individuals and communities, particularly those in Victoria, where regrettable but necessary measures are needed to stop the spread of the virus. The loss of freedom gained after the first lockdown, the challenges of isolation, fear for loved ones, and concerns about employment can all take a significant mental health toll.
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5 August

Temora's Shed 4 Men to receive federal funding to upgrade kitchen
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack was in Temora to visit Temora's Shed 4 Men and to announce funding to upgrade its kitchen area. Minister Hunt said belonging to a social group was vitally important for emotional and mental health. Minster for Regional Health Mark Coulton said these organisations were particularly important for regional, rural and remote communities across the country. Temora Shed 4 Men president Howard Ruth said the money would be put towards making the existing kitchen more functional and safer.
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Health support at Wagga Wagga's Sunflower House
The Federal Government will provide $113,000 to Sunflower House in Wagga Wagga to continue supporting people with severe mental illness in the region. The funding, to be provided this financial year, will enable Sunflower House to maintain its services while it adapts to the new mental health service environment under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The Commonwealth's funding is being matched by the NSW State Government. It will be administered through the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network. Deputy Prime Minister McCormack said the Government was pleased to help Sunflower House through the NDIS transition.
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4 August

ACT: Community recovery supported by the launch of Red Cross Wellbeing Calls
ACT Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Suzanne Orr and the Australian Red Cross launched the Wellbeing Call Service to help support Canberrans maintain their wellbeing especially during COVID-19.The service is a partnership between the ACT Government and Red Cross and offers connection and support to Canberrans to help them maintain their wellbeing through regular conversation. The calls are being conducted by Canberra based Red Cross volunteers from the ACT Emergency Services and Social Support teams and can also be conducted in various languages. All volunteers are trained and experienced in supporting vulnerable people.
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3 August

Government launches new headspace satellite in Northam
Young people in Northam and surrounding communities will now have greater access to mental health support, with the opening of a new headspace satellite service . The Government committed to establish a new headspace service in Northam in the electorate of Pearce, as part of a $111.3 million plan to establish 30 new headspace services announced in the 2019-20 Budget. Minister Hunt said the new centre will provide a significant increase in support for young people living in the local area.
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Practical steps to support veteran mental health
General Practitioners (GPs) across Australia now have access to a new 24/7 hotline to assist them in supporting the health and wellbeing of veterans. Minister for Veterans' Affairs Darren Chester said the Veteran Mental Health GP Assistance Hotline forms part of a $1.4 million investment in practical steps to meet the needs of the veteran community. 'GPs play an important role in coordinating a patient's care, requesting additional tests, treatment or assessment by other health professionals, and making referrals to relevant Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) services or programs,' Mr Chester said.
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TAS: Housing support initiative for Tasmanians with mental illness
Tasmanians living with mental illness are being supported through the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) pilot program, providing clinical and psychosocial rehabilitation supports linked with stable housing and supported accommodation. HASI is based on a successful program in New South Wales, which found that when housing was linked to appropriate clinical and rehabilitation support, people were better able to overcome the often debilitating effects of mental illness and live more independent lives, said Tasmanian Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing for Jeremy Rockliff.
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TAS: Long term plan needed for HASI trial
Tasmanians living with mental illness being supported by the government's HASI pilot program deserve answers about their long-term future. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Mental Health Sarah Lovell said as the HASI pilot trial progressed, the government was yet to announce a long-term plan to continue supporting the 16 Tasmanians taking part, as well as many others who would benefit from this model. 'HASI is not a new announcement - the funding was earmarked in the last two budgets, and the program has been running during this time in its pilot stage,' Ms Lovell said.
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2 August

Additional COVID-19 mental health support
The Government will provide 10 additional Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for people subjected to further restrictions in areas impacted by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Minister Hunt. Mental health and suicide prevention remains one of the Government's highest priorities, and this Government recognises the mental health impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on individuals and communities, particularly those in areas such as Victoria, where regrettable but necessary measures are needed to stop the spread of the virus.
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31 July

WA: New home for southern suburbs residential mental health service
A new refurbished State-wide community mental health transitional facility has been opened by the WA Government in East Fremantle. Located on Moss Street, the refurbished house, which was part of a generous bequest to Fremantle Hospital, has been given a $500,000 upgrade, creating a welcoming and home-like environment for people with mental health issues, said the WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

3 August

Prescription medicines: registration of new generic medicines and biosimilar medicines
A generic medicine is an additional brand of an existing medicine. It contains the same 'active ingredient' as the existing medicine; the 'active ingredient' is the chemical that is biologically active in the body and makes the medicine work, said the TGA. Active ingredients can be manufactured and sold by other sponsors once the patent for the existing brand medicine has expired. Apart from containing the same active ingredient, generic medicines must also be 'bioequivalent'. This means that the same amount of active ingredient is absorbed by the body over the same period of time for the same dose of generic or existing medicine.
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Seizures of medications linked to pandemic on the rise
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is warning Australians against importing prohibited substances, which they believe could protect against COVID-19. ABF officers are screening medical supplies coming into Australia and have seen a significant spike in detections of the herbal medicine Ephedra and Hydroxychloroquine used to treat malaria and autoimmune conditions such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
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