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)

5 August

Successful COVID vaccine communication: critical to rebuilding public trust
'Rebuilding public trust in the COVID-19 vaccination program is critical to addressing the pandemic and its impacts,' says John Gregg, Chief Executive, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA). The AHHA has released a set of guiding principles to support governments, the health and community sectors and media to reorient their approach to COVID-19 vaccine communication to re-establish public trust and move towards a person-centred approach. The principles statement developed in partnership with AHHA members from across the health sector, calls for government to rebuild trust and re-engage communities through clear, concise and consistent messaging.
Download

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW recorded 262 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm. Of these locally acquired cases, 129 are linked to a known case or cluster - 96 are household contacts and 33 are close contacts - and the source of infection for 133 cases is under investigation. One hundred and ten cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 29 were in isolation for part of their infectious period. NSW Health has been notified of the deaths of five people who were confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Download

QLD: More dedicated truck COVID-19 testing sites coming
A second COVID-19-testing facility for truck drivers will open at the BP in Charlton, west of Toowoomba from 8am on Friday 6 August. The opening of a temporary testing facility in the Toowoomba region to support freight and logistics drivers crossing Queensland's border follows the establishment of a drive-through facility at the Port of Brisbane which opened on Friday 30 July. Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the temporary testing sites were needed to support the mandatory testing regime that came into effect on 30 July for freight and logistics drivers coming into Queensland and working around the state.
Download

QLD: Designated COVID-19 Hospital Network Direction (No. 3)
The purpose of this Direction is to protect the health of the community and health workers, and safeguard the delivery of non-COVID-19 hospital care, by mitigating the risk of the spread of COVID-19 through a consistent and best practice approach to the management of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in Queensland or international arrivals at risk of developing COVID-19, said Queensland Health.
Download

TAS: Contact tracing underway following confirmed case of COVID-19
'Today I can confirm a 31 year old man, who was in hotel quarantine in Launceston, has tested positive to COVID-19 this morning. This is not a case of community transmission. The man flew into Launceston on Monday and as he did not have a valid G2G pass upon arrival, he was immediately sent into hotel quarantine, before choosing to leave the State yesterday,' said Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein.
Download

TAS: Tasmanians must stay vigilant
'This is a timely reminder that it's critical to follow public health advice to keep our community safe,' Acting Tasmanian Labor Leader Anita Dow said. 'That includes continuing to use the Check-In Tas app, practicing social distancing, getting tested if you have any symptoms and scheduling a vaccine appointment.' Ms Dow thanked Tasmania's frontline workers for their hard work protecting the state.
Download

VIC: Seven day lockdown to keep Victorians safe
Due to the COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours - suspected to be the highly infectious Delta variant - Victoria will enter a state-wide lockdown for seven days from 8:00pm Thursday 5 August. With suspected Delta cases infectious in the community, as well as a high number of associated close contacts and exposure sites, Victoria's Acting Chief Health Officer has declared stay at home restrictions will be reintroduced, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Health Martin Foley.
Download

4 August

COVID Vaccine Plan firms direction
The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the National COVID Vaccine Campaign Plan in providing stronger and more detailed directions for Australia to counter the pandemic. 'We still face uncertainty about the future impact of the COVID virus and how best to thwart it, but the public release of the Plan, backed by the Doherty Institute's modelling, provides the community with some assurance that there is a firmer base on which to proceed,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said.
Download

Government must include children in vaccine targets
The Greens say the absence of children under 16 in the latest vaccine rollout plans shifts baselines and according to recent studies risks thousands of deaths. Greens Leader Adam Bandt pressed the Prime Minister in question time as to why he is not including children in his vaccination target. (see transcript below) Leaving children out of the measured cohort effectively changes the baseline, and if that means targeting closer to 65% of the population, rather than 80%, a study by the Grattan Institute suggests that would likely mean thousands of deaths.
Download

QLD: Public Health Alert - new exposure sites for Toowong, Indooroopilly, Loganholme, Shailer Park
A public health alert is being issued for contact tracing locations Toowong, Indooroopilly, Loganholme and Shailer Park, as well as bus routes. This is a reminder for all Queenslanders to keep checking the list of exposure venues on the Queensland Health website.
Download

TAS: Thank you Tasmania
Tasmania has reached a major milestone - 50 per cent of eligible Tasmanians have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Tasmanian Premier Gutwein said this puts Tasmania well ahead of the national average of just over 41 per cent. 'I am very thankful that Tasmanians are hearing our message and they are taking action to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community,' Mr Gutwein said. Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said as at 3 August, the Tasmanian Government has delivered 329,781 doses across the state.
Download

VIC: New vaccine appointments open up for under 60s
Almost 60,000 Pfizer appointments are now open for eligible Victorians over the coming month and more than 15,000 extra open appointments have also been are set aside for prioritised workers. Thousands of AstraZeneca appointments are also open, with walk up appointments also available, for people aged 60 and over. The COVID-19 Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are safe and effective. A recent analysis shows that none of the locally acquired COVID-19 cases hospitalised during the July outbreak were fully vaccinated, which further highlights the importance of getting a vaccine, said Victorian Minister Foley.
Download

VIC: Coronavirus update for Victoria - 4 August 2021
Victoria was notified of no new cases of COVID-19 on 3 August. This is Victoria's first day of zero locally acquired cases since the current Delta outbreak began on 12 July. There are 99 active cases in Victoria - 95 locally acquired and four overseas acquired cases. There are nine COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. Two cases are in intensive care and both are on ventilators, said the Victorian Department of Health.
Download

WA: COVID-19 update 4 August 2021
WA Health is investigating a weak positive COVID-19 case, identified outside of the normal reporting cycle and has issued public health advice for Western Australians who visited exposure locations. For all people who attended the below locations during the exposure periods to get tested immediately and self-quarantine until a negative result is received. The State's total remains at 1058. There are nine active COVID-19 cases being monitored by WA Health: two in hotel quarantine, five cases onboard the MV Darya Krishna and two crew members from the MV Darya Krishna are in hospital.
Download

04 AUG 2021: WA, DEPT OF PREMIER & CABINET: COVID Safe (Phase 5) Directions - Paragraphs 19(e) and 20 - Authorisation to Approve Simultaneous Roles and an Alternative Ratio for the COVID Safety Marshal Condition under the COVID Safe (Phase 5) Directions

3 August

ACT: COVID-19 vaccine bookings now available for 30-39 Canberrans
Canberrans between the ages of 30-39 can now book in for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination at an ACT COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Clinic. The opening of appointments to 30 to 39 year olds comes as the ACT reaches 50% of the adult population having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and almost 25% having received both doses. ACT Health will contact every person who registered through MyDHR to notify them that appointments are now open.
Download

NSW: Public health alert - new venues
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new casual contact venues associated with confirmed cases of COVID 19. To view the venues, please visit the NSW Government website. Click the Advanced filter drop arrow at the top of the page and choose Sort by last updated to see the newest additions. You can also search by exposure date or suburb. Anyone who visited one of the venues at the times listed is a casual contact and must immediately get tested and isolate until a negative result is received.
Download

QLD: Update - Covid-19
Queensland Health said that a public health alert is being issued for contact tracing locations in Cairns, Trinity Beach and Yorkey's Knob after a person tested positive to COVID-19. The circumstances of this case are currently being investigated and more information will be released at the daily media conference. Tests are currently being performed to determine whether there is any infection risk to the community. Testing capacity is being increased in the Cairns and Hinterland Health Service region. People planning on attending the fever clinic at Cairns Hospital or COVID-19 drive-through clinic on Aumuller St can book online to help reduce their waiting time.
Download

2 August

Personal Protective Equipment for Primary Health Networks in Queensland
Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said that the Australian Government announced significant quantities of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be made available for GPs, community pharmacies and other healthcare providers across south east Queensland who need to see their patients within their practices. This decision follows the lockdown of the City of Brisbane, Moreton Bay Region, Redland City, Logan City, City of Ipswich, Shire of Noosa, City of Gold Coast, Lockyer Valley Region, Scenic Rim Region, Somerset Region and Sunshine Coast Region Local Government Areas. These packages will assist to further suppress the COVID-19 infection rate occurring across Queensland and builds on the recent commitment to support New South Wales and Victoria as announced on 12 July 2021 and 19 July 2021 respectively.
Download

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for at risk children aged 12-15 years
Children aged between 12 to 15 years old with either specific medical conditions, who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or live in a remote community will be able to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This follows a review of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged 12- 15 by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which has recommended its use for children at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. Minister Hunt, said the Government expected further recommendations regarding the use Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the remainder of children aged 12 to 15 in the coming months.
Download

Extension of the South East Queensland Hotspot for Commonwealth Support
The Department of Health said that Acting Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd extended the City of Brisbane, Moreton Bay Region, Redland City, Logan City, City of Ipswich, Shire of Noosa, City of Gold Coast, Lockyer Valley Region, Scenic Rim Region, Somerset Region and others. The Acting Australian Government Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, has extended the City of Brisbane, Moreton Bay Region, Redland City, Logan City, City of Ipswich, Shire of Noosa, City of Gold Coast, Lockyer Valley Region, Scenic Rim Region, Somerset Region and Sunshine Coast Region LGAs Hotspot for the purposes of Commonwealth support, to 11:59pm on 8 August 2021.
Download

ATAGI statement regarding COVID-19 vaccines in the setting of transmission of the Delta variant of concern
The increased transmissibility and possible increased severity of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 underscores the importance and immediate benefits of achieving the highest possible COVID-19 vaccine uptake, especially in outbreak areas. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) suggested that several strategies could maximise first dose vaccine coverage. Achieving higher levels of first dose vaccine coverage as soon as possible, especially in those most likely to transmit SARS-CoV-2 or develop severe disease from COVID-19, complements broad and effective public health measures.
Download

ATAGI statement regarding vaccination of adolescents aged 12-15 years
Following the recent approval of the Therapeutic Goods Administration for provisional registration of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine to be extended from people aged 16 years and over to include children aged 12-15 years, ATAGI has reviewed available data on the safety and efficacy of the Comirnaty (Pfizer) COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 12-15 years, the risk of COVID-19 in this age group, and evidence of wider benefits and risks of vaccinating children. ATAGI has also reviewed available evidence on specific medical conditions in children that have been identified to be associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19.
Download

Current Sydney restrictions avert 4000 cases, but more work needed to avoid 1000+ cases per day
The Medical Journal of Australia said that modelling released by the Burnet Institute estimated that current restrictions in Sydney have averted over 4000 cases of COVID-19, but more work is needed to avoid 1000 plus cases per day four weeks from now. Despite increasingly tough restrictions in parts of Greater Sydney, the number of COVID-19 cases has trended steadily upwards over recent weeks. However, the good news is that the restrictions implemented in Sydney so far 'have avoided 4000 cases, over and above the many prevented by contract tracing and subsequent isolation', wrote the authors, led by Dr Allan Saul from the Burnet Institute.
Download

The Four Cs which might be the key to increasing vaccine uptake
The University of New South Wales reported that the changing advice around the AstraZeneca vaccine and months of zero COVID cases in the Australian community has led to one of Australia's biggest challenges: how to get enough people to get vaccinated. The federal government's four stage plan to return to normal aims for a target of 70 per cent of the eligible population to be vaccinated before Australia can move to the next stage of easing restrictions, while lockdowns will end once 80 per cent of the population is vaccinated. Yet as of August 1, 19 per cent of eligible Australians, and just over 19 per cent of eligible people in NSW were fully vaccinated.
Download

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded 207 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm 1 August. Of these locally acquired cases, 105 are linked to a known case or cluster - 92 are household contacts and 13 are close contacts - and the source of infection for 102 cases is under investigation. Eighty-nine cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 21 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Fifty-one cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 46 cases remains under investigation. Two new cases were acquired overseas in the 24 hours to 8pm. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is now 9,171.
Download

TAS: COVID-19 Update - Tasmanians returning from Queensland
The Tasmanian Department of Education said that Tasmanian Government, on advice from Public Health, has announced that Tasmania's borders are closed to non-essential travellers from the eleven Queensland local government areas declared high-risk (level 2) (excluding transit through Brisbane Airport). Anyone who has been in a high risk level 2 area in Queensland at any time on or after 12.01 am on 17 July is unable to attend school - including students and staff. The stay at home order commenced at 6.00 pm on 31 July and will continue to 5.59 pm on 3 August.
Download

1 August

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
NSW Health recorded 239 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm 31 July. Of these locally acquired cases, 115 are linked to a known case or cluster - 92 are household contacts and 23 are close contacts - and the source of infection for 124 cases is under investigation. Eighty cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 35 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Twenty-six cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 98 cases remains under investigation.
Download

NSW: Public health alert - new venues
NSW Health has been notified of a number of new and updated venues of concern associated with confirmed cases of COVID-19. Anyone who attended the following venues at the times listed is a close contact and must get tested and isolate for 14 days, regardless of the result. NSW Health will send a text message to people who have checked in at close contact venues with further information. NSW Health also makes a follow up call to close contacts to discuss the isolation and testing requirements. If you have not received a text message, please call 1800 943 553.
Download

VIC: Coronavirus update for Victoria
Victoria was notified of four new cases of COVID-19 on 31 July. All were locally acquired cases. There are 161 active cases in Victoria - 154 locally acquired and seven overseas acquired cases. There are eight COVID-19 cases in hospital in Victoria. Three cases are in intensive care (including one case on a ventilator). The total number of confirmed cases in Victoria since the beginning of the pandemic is 20,948, said the Department of Health.
Download

31 July

Public health alert - Stay at home order
NSW Health said that anyone in NSW who has been in any of the 11 affected local government areas (LGAs) in Queensland since Wednesday 21 July, must, from 6pm Saturday 31 July stay at home and only leave their residence with a reasonable excuse. Anyone already in NSW who has been in any of the 11 affected LGAs in Queensland since Wednesday 21 July must only leave their home or temporary residence in NSW with a reasonable excuse. Anyone arriving in NSW must complete a declaration and then travel directly to their accommodation and only leave with a reasonable excuse. A person must comply with the stay at home rules for 14 days since they were last in an affected LGA, or until the notice is revoked.
Download

30 July

National Cabinet statement
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the National Cabinet met to discuss Australia's COVID-19 response, recent outbreaks of COVID-19 and the Australian COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy. National Cabinet continues to work together to address issues and find solutions for the health and economic consequences of COVID-19. National Cabinet received a detailed briefing from the Director of Doherty Epidemiology, Professor Jodie McVernon on modelling of COVID-19 infections and vaccinations to define target levels of transition to Phase B and Phase C of the four step National Plan to Transition Australia's COVID-19 Response, taking into account COVID-19 transmission, severity and vaccine effectiveness of the delta variant.
Download

No time to lose to curb Delta's spread in Sydney
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) said time is running out to get control of the COVID- 19 outbreak in Sydney, calling for stricter, wider lockdown measures alongside a massive vaccination push. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said people in Sydney were now facing a very significant risk of catching COVID-19, with people of all ages in hospital and many of these in ICU. Dr Khorshid said the NSW Government should have consistent rules about travel limits within a five kilometre radius from home throughout Greater Sydney and mask wearing, and not just in the eight Local Government Areas (LGAs), to get on top of the outbreak of the Delta strain.
Download

NSW: Fighting the Delta outbreak with new restrictions for local government areas (LGAs) of concern
The New South Wales Department of Health said that given the high number of COVID-19 cases in western and south-western Sydney, additional restrictions have been introduced in a bid to limit transmission of the virus's highly infectious Delta strain, as well as some new allowances. Under amendments to the Public Health Order effective until 28 August, people living in the eight local government areas (LGAs) of concern - Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River - must limit their shopping and exercise to no more than 5km from home. They must carry proof of their address at all times and show it to police upon request.
Download

NSW: COVID-19 and unexpected mental health impacts
Mental Health Commission of New South Wales said the mental health impacts from COVID-19 and the lockdowns, physical distancing, changes to people's home, work and social life have impacted upon mental health and wellbeing. But in a community visit to Parramatta, the Mental Health Commission heard from the community about another wellbeing impact - from racism. In speaking with local communities, the Commission heard that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on Chinese and Indian families in Western Sydney, reporting their increase experiences of both casual and direct racism, NSW Mental Health Commissioner Ms Catherine Lourey advises.
Download

VIC: Expert forum shapes Victoria's mental health workforce
30 JUL: Experts across Victoria's mental health sector have been invited to have their say on how the state will develop a sustainable and diverse workforce to support the rebuild of the mental health system at a key online forum. Victorian Minister Merlino welcomed attendees to the Mental Health Workforce Strategy Forum, championing the efforts of the mental health workforce and emphasising the crucial role the sector plays in helping shape the future workforce of Victoria's mental health system. More than 100 representatives from clinical and community workforces, mental health representatives and peak bodies joined the forum to discuss ideas, innovation and solutions in addressing workforce challenges relating to wellbeing, supply, capability, and rural and regional issues.
Download

Return to top

Aged Care

4 August

Support for senior Australians as COVID-19 restrictions continue
Senior Australians affected by ongoing lockdowns can access vital support services to ensure they stay socially connected and maintain their health. Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services Richard Colbeck said it was important older Australians and their families - particularly those living across hardest-hit local government areas in New South Wales and South East Queensland - understood what was available. 'Challenges remain for senior and vulnerable Australians as we continue to navigate the impact of the pandemic, particularly the effect of the Delta strain,' Minister Colbeck said.
Download

NSW: How to make your Home Care Package pay for less admin, more care
The Government is going to conduct home care assurance reviews. A frequent and recurring complaint by people on Home Care Packages is that too much of their Package budget goes on admin, which includes actual administration, coordination and case management. There are claims that more than half of the money funding Packages ends up not paying for actual care. New South Wales Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW (CPSA) suggests that people forward their detailed complaints about Home Care Package providers to the Hon Greg Hunt, Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au, Minister for Health and Aged Care, PO Box 6022, House of Representatives, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600.
Download

30 July

Record infrastructure funding and aged care boost
Senior Australians in regional and remote areas will benefit from the single largest investment in residential aged care infrastructure in Australia's history. A total of $150 million in capital grants has been allocated following the conclusion of the competitive 2020 Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR). This substantial investment by the Australian Government has funded 72 infrastructure projects worth, on average, $2.1 million each. Minister Colbeck said the investment reflects the Morrison Government's commitment to greater respect, care and dignity for senior Australians no matter where they live.
Download

Return to top

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

None this edition.

Return to top

Allied Health

None this edition.

Return to top

Children's Health

5 August

Keeping kids safe and well: National Children's Commissioner consulting with children, young people and their families
The National Children's Commissioner, in collaboration with the Department of Social Services, has been consulting with children, young people, and families on how to keep children safe and healthy, said the Australian Human Rights Commission. The priority groups for consultation include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families; children, young people, and families with multiple and complex needs; children who are experiencing or have experienced abuse and/or neglect, including those in out-of-home care, and young people leaving out-of-home care and transitioning to adulthood; and children and young people with disability and/or who have parents or carers with disability.
Download

4 August

Protect Breastfeeding - a shared responsibility
The 2021 theme for World Breastfeeding Week is Protect breastfeeding - a shared responsibility. Any amount of breastmilk benefits the infant. It protects infants against infection and some chronic illnesses and helps promote healthy brain, eyesight and speech development. The Department of Health is putting into action the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy: 2019 and beyond (Strategy). The Strategy aims is to improve support for breastfeeding so that more infants can be breastfed for longer. Currently in Australia about 29% of all babies are exclusively breastfed to around 6 months of age.
Download

Government must include children in vaccine targets
The Greens say the absence of children under 16 in the latest vaccine rollout plans shifts baselines and according to recent studies risks thousands of deaths. Greens Leader Adam Bandt pressed the Prime Minister in question time as to why he is not including children in his vaccination target. (see transcript below) Leaving children out of the measured cohort effectively changes the baseline, and if that means targeting closer to 65% of the population, rather than 80%, a study by the Grattan Institute suggests that would likely mean thousands of deaths.
Download

2 August

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for at risk children aged 12-15 years
Children aged between 12 to 15 years old with either specific medical conditions, who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or live in a remote community will be able to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. This follows a review of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged 12- 15 by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which has recommended its use for children at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. Minister for Health and Aged Care Minister Hunt said the Government expected further recommendations regarding the use Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the remainder of children aged 12 to 15 in the coming months.
Download

Return to top

Clinical Governance

None this edition.

Return to top

Construction and Health Infrastructure

5 August

ACT: Canberra Hospital Expansion DA approved
Canberrans are set to benefit from a bigger, better Canberra Hospital with the approval of the centrepiece building of the Canberra Hospital Expansion. ACT Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman 'called-in' the development application for the Emergency Surgical and Critical Healthcare building to help enable the delivery of expanded health infrastructure for the ACT. 'I want ensure the Canberra Hospital Expansion stays on schedule so that Canberrans can get access to more operating rooms, more treatment spaces and more intensive care beds as soon as possible,' Minister Gentleman said.
Download

Return to top

Dental

2 August

Peep into nation's mouths reveals shocking truths
New research from a deep dive into the nation's mouths has found three quarters of Australians rarely or never floss or clean between their teeth. Also, one in five adults brushes their teeth only once a day and over 60% of adults haven't seen a dentist for at least 2 years. Among other surprising outcomes, the Australian Dental Association's (ADA) 2020 National Consumer Survey of around 25,000 people released for Dental Health Week (2-8 August) also found:
- 4 in 10 parents report their children under 17 years drink 2 - 5 soft drinks a week, despite 83% knowing such drinks can lead to tooth decay.
- 2 in 3 adults usually visit the dentist for a specific problem rather than for a check-up, a figure that has not improved since first being recorded in 2014.
- 1 in 3 adults rate their oral health as 'poor' or 'very poor'.
Download

30 July

QLD: Waiting and Rotting - Queensland's dental waitlist blowout worsens
The shocking state of Queensland's dental wait list has been exposed, with new statistics revealing a disturbing number of people aren't getting treated. Queensland Health said 162,133 patients were on the dental wait list last month, with 73,929 in Brisbane and Ipswich, according to Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates. Ms Bates said that the Queensland Government is losing control of Queensland's dental wait list and that every Queenslander deserves to see a dentist without having to wait years to secure an appointment.
Download

Return to top

Disabilities

2 August

Vic Government promotion of disability careers
National Disability Services (NDS) said that the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) launched a campaign on 4 August, supporting the growth of a strong and skilled disability workforce as part of the State Government's workforce plan for the NDIS. Victorian providers are encouraged to post job vacancies on the Jobs Victoria online hub to coincide with the State Government's promotion of careers in the sector. Employees hired through the Jobs Victoria online hub could be eligible for wage subsidies of up to $20,000.
Download

Return to top

Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

None this edition.

Return to top

E-Health

30 July

TAS: Health Dashboard update
Tasmanian Minister for Health Jeremy Rockliff said that the Health Dashboard update shows despite delivering more funding, more staffing and more health services than any previous Government, demand is continuing to increase. The latest data for June shows some encouraging improvements to the elective surgery waitlist, reducing from 12,271 in January, to 11,284 - a decrease of nearly 1000 people. There is however still a long way to go.
Download

Return to top

Education and Training

None this edition.

Return to top

Funding

5 August

$300 million for Closing the Gap Indigenous health measures
To support the Commonwealth's first Closing the Gap Implementation Plan, the Government is investing over $300 million in health infrastructure and support to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders can access health services, when and where they need them. The Government is investing $254.4 million in infrastructure to better support the critical work of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), which have been a significant part of the Government's response to COVID-19, said Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt and Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt.
Download

3 August

WA: Medical Respite Centre for Homeless
Western Australian Minister for Health Roger Cook said that the Government announced the State's first Medical Respite Centre - setting a new benchmark for providing medical care and support services for the homeless. The $4.4 million allocated for two years of operation will allow the concept of a 24/7 Medical Respite Centre to address the current gap in caring for people who are homeless. The primary focus of the centre will be to support the individual to receive post-acute care during their recovery from illness or injury in a safe environment. Additionally, it will provide a 'window of opportunity' to link the person with community and social supports and relevant organisations to help them out of homelessness.
Download

2 August

WA: $9.2 million fund to support local health and medical research
WA Minister Cook said that a Royal Perth Hospital anaesthetist is leading global research to determine whether a commonly used local anaesthetic can play a role in reducing the incidence of chronic pain following breast cancer surgery. On top of the $6.4 million in MHRIF, six WA eligible medical research institutes will share in $2.8 million under the Research Institute Support (RIS) program. RIS funding is allocated based on each institute's researchers' success in obtaining competitive grant income. It enables them to buy resources essential for supporting quality research.
Download

30 July

QLD: Queensland Government delivers $163 million to create 351 new hospital beds
The Queensland Government is delivering an extra $163.7 million to create 351 new beds across Queensland's hospital network. The government's record investment in health is part of the state's COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan to create jobs while keeping Queenslanders safe. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the 351 new beds would help to tackle unprecedented demand in the public health system at a time when resources are also being prioritised for Queensland's pandemic response. 'The health of all Queenslanders is my government's greatest priority,' the Premier said.
Download

Return to top

Health Professionals

6 August

Rural doctors call for action, not questions, on workforce shortages
The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) says that a Senate Inquiry into General Practice workforce shortages must not further delay the implementation of solutions that are already underway, and have been endorsed by the profession. RDAA President, Dr John Hall, said that an Inquiry, while welcome, is unlikely to uncover anything that has not been identified before. 'We welcome the Senate Inquiry, but it is essential that it not distract from, or delay, the good and much-needed work that is already underway to address this nation-wide issue,' Dr Hall said.
Download

3 August

Dr Harsh Priyadarshi - Medical Practitioner - Registration Cancelled and Prohibition Order
The Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) prosecuted a complaint against Dr Harsh Priyadarshi, a general practitioner before the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal. The complaint alleged that Dr Priyadarshi had been convicted of aggravated indecent assault on three female patients in 2011 and 2017, and that the convictions rendered Dr Priyadarshi unfit to practice medicine. In its decision dated 21 July 2021, the Tribunal found the complaint proven. The Tribunal found that Dr Priyadarshi's conduct demonstrated serious breaches of professional boundaries and the Code of Conduct with respect to each patient. The Tribunal found that the practitioner's conduct caused harm to his patients and that he is unfit to practise medicine.
Download

Return to top

Hospitals

3 August

Catholic hospitals' campaign highlights vaccine path back to normality
Catholic not-for-profit hospitals in Sydney are embarking on a city-wide, month-long advertising campaign to promote the benefits of taking up the COVID vaccine. The Get Back to the Life You Love campaign will remind Sydneysiders of the valuable human interactions they are missing out on because of the restrictions they face during lockdown. The Facebook campaign by peak advisory body Catholic Health Australia is aimed at anyone who is eligible for vaccination and urges them to act now and book a date for their shot. CHA's Director of Health Policy James Kemp said the campaign - which has been endorsed by St Vincent's Health Sydney, St John of God Health Care and Calvary Healthcare - aims to give the community a nudge.
Download

VIC: More health and ambulance performance data secrecy from the Government
Victorian Minister for Health Georgie Crozier said that after a record number of people were left waiting in pain on the elective surgery wait list in the January-March 2021 quarter, the Government has not released the latest health and ambulance performance figures. The performance figures for the April -June 2021 quarter were set to be released at the end of last month but are now overdue. If Victorians are to believe the Andrews Labor Government is looking out for their health needs, Labor must release these figures now. Truth and transparency have never been a strong point for the Andrews Labor Government and denying Victorians this latest data leaves everyone in the dark.
Download

2 August

SA: Fighting for country hospitals
Country hospitals are the beating heart of communities, and their efficiency should never be compromised, said South Australia Member for Frome Geoff Brock. Mr Brock has called on the State Government to expedite essential repairs and upgrades to the Port Pirie Hospital 'I have submitted Freedom of Information applications to SA Health's Port Pirie Health Service seeking access to reports, documents or correspondence relating to the condition of the Port Pirie Hospital building, in particular the accident and emergency department, the X-Ray department and the kitchen areas,' Mr Brock said.
Download

WA: Patient services at Fiona Stanley Hospital back in public hands
Western Australia Minister for Health Roger Cook said that staff working in the cleaning, patient catering and internal logics of Fiona Stanley Hospital will be run by the public sector, delivering a McGowan Government election commitment. The 633 staff working in these areas are now employed by the South Metropolitan Health Service with most staff choosing to work for the State Government. The services had previously been provided by Serco Australia as part of a contract to run non-clinical services at FSH. Serco will continue to run 21 other services at the hospital under the existing contract, which extends to 2027.
Download

Return to top

Insurance

None this edition.

Return to top

Medicare

None this edition.

Return to top

Men's Health

None this edition.

Return to top

Mental Health

5 August

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention August hearings
The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention has announced the dates for its August public hearings with a range of health and allied health stakeholders. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, these hearings will be held via videoconference.
Download

VIC: Design underway for Thomas Embling hospital upgrade
The Government is one step closer to delivering expanded forensic mental health capacity at Thomas Embling Hospital with the design team for the massive expansion project now appointed. Victorian Minister for Mental Health James Merlino announced Guymer Bailey Architects and Aecom (Engineering) will help deliver the $349.6 million expansion of the Fairfield hospital, with work now underway on detailed designs which will implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System.
Download

August

WA: Expressions of Interest Sought for Expert Working Groups
The Mental Health Commission said it is leading the development of a Roadmap for Community Mental Health Treatment Services, including Emergency Response Services. The Roadmap Steering Committee is looking to appoint three Expert Working Groups to inform the development of the Roadmap. The Roadmap will provide a clear vision for community mental health treatment and mental health emergency response services that will best meet the needs of Western Australians of all ages who require specialist community mental health care and/or emergency mental health care.
Download

30 July

NSW: COVID-19 and unexpected mental health impacts
Mental Health Commission of New South Wales said the mental health impacts from COVID-19 and the lockdowns, physical distancing, changes to people's home, work and social life have impacted upon mental health and wellbeing. But in a community visit to Parramatta, the Mental Health Commission heard from the community about another wellbeing impact - from racism. In speaking with local communities, the Commission heard that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on Chinese and Indian families in Western Sydney, reporting their increase experiences of both casual and direct racism, NSW Mental Health Commissioner Ms Catherine Lourey advises.
Download

VIC: Mental health building blitz begins in Geelong
Residents in Greater Geelong will soon have access to better local mental health support with a construction blitz now underway on two major projects said Victoria Minister for Mental Health James Merlino. Work on a new world-class 16-bed acute mental health facility at Barwon Health's McKellar Centre will create and sustain more than 230 local construction jobs when Victorians need them most. It will also deliver on a key recommendation made by the Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System. The facility's frame will be constructed as individual modules off-site, then transported and completed on-site - reducing disruption to the operational hospital and local residents while construction is underway.
Download

Return to top

Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

Return to top

Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

If you have any issues viewing this e-mail, please contact LexisNexis Capital Monitor on 02 6100 0801 or help@capmon.com

Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Privacy Statement | Contact Us | Twitter | Linkedin

© 2021 LexisNexis Capital Monitor

COPYRIGHT WARNING: This Newsletter is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced, copied or redistributed, in part or in whole, without the express permission of LexisNexis Capital Monitor.

WARNING - This email is confidential and may contain copyright material. If you are not the intended recipient of LexisNexis Capital Monitor original e-mail, please notify by return e-mail, delete your copy of the message, and accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused. Republication or re-dissemination, including posting to news groups or web pages, is strictly prohibited without the express prior consent of LexisNexis Capital Monitor. © 2021 Reed International Books Australia Pty Ltd  (ABN 70 001 002 357) trading as LexisNexis. LexisNexis and the Knowledge Burst logo are registered trademarks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., and used under license.