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)

13 August

Call for future vaccine and treatment manufacturers
Australian manufacturers have one week to tell the Department of Health if they could pivot to make a future vaccine and/or treatments for COVID-19, said the Department of Industry, Energy, Science and Resources. This request for information (RFI) will help the Government identify potential assets in the fight against the pandemic. The RFI seeks organisations already regulated, or likely to seek regulation, through the Therapeutic Goods Administration. It wants to know about potential COVID-19 vaccine and treatment manufacture and supply, in particular:
- manufacturer current capability and capacity
- manufacturer willingness to expand, modify or repurpose for population-scale production Submissions through AusTender close on 20 August.
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ACT: COVID-19 update
There have been no new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the ACT, leaving the ACT's total at 113, said ACT Health. There are no active cases in the ACT. A total of 110 cases have recovered from COVID-19 in the ACT. There are no COVID-19 patients in Canberra hospitals. The ACT has recorded three (3) deaths. The number of negative tests in the ACT is now 62,424.
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NSW: Public Health Alert - Liverpool Hospital and Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club
NSW Health is advising of a new public health alert for Liverpool Hospital and Dooleys Lidcombe Catholic Club. A third case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in a staff member at Liverpool Hospital. The staff members with COVID-19 are in isolation and all close contacts of the staff members have been identified and advised to isolate for 14 days, get tested for COVID-19 and monitor their health. The first staff member notified with COVID-19 is linked to a known cluster. The contact tracing team is continuing its work to identify how the other two staff members acquired the coronavirus.
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QLD: Government boosts funding for COVID-19 research
Queensland Minister for Innovation Kate Jones has announced $6.45 million to back more than 30 Queensland research projects aimed at combatting the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Jones said 33 researchers would receive support as part of the latest round of the government's Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowships program. 'Coronavirus is one of the biggest challenges we've ever had to face,' Ms Jones said. 'The funding will allow our researchers to get on with some of the most important work of their careers.'
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12 August

ACT: Update on restrictions for those seeking to enter the ACT from Victoria by road
ACT residents will have a brief window of opportunity over the next few days to leave Victoria to travel to the ACT. The NSW Government is allowing ACT residents with an Entry Authorisation Certificate issued by the ACT Chief Health Officer to cross the border at Wodonga at 9am each day from 13 - 17 August inclusive. Residents will need to travel directly to the ACT along the Hume Highway, arriving at a joint ACT Health/ACT Police reception centre at Hall by 3pm on the same day.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 12 August 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The State's total stands at 642 and there is now one active case in WA. To date, 632 confirmed cases have recovered from the virus in WA. 722 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 692 were assessed and 688 were swabbed. There have been 280,116 COVID-19 tests performed in WA. Of those tested, 46,877 were from regional WA.
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11 August

Submissions sought on COVID-19 vaccine & treatment production
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews and Minister for Health Greg Hunt said that the Government's vaccine and treatment strategy is set to take another positive step forward, with the Government putting a call out to local manufacturers as part of preparations to produce a future vaccine and treatments for COVID- 19. The request for information builds on the Government's $333 million investment in vaccine, treatment and therapeutic research and development. Submissions received will be used to determine the extent to which the production and distribution can be supported locally once an effective candidate is found.
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COVID-19 response commendable at every level-but vulnerabilities need urgent attention
In evidence provided to the Victorian Parliament's Inquiry into the Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) Chief Executive Alison Verhoeven acknowledged the enormous efforts being made at every level of the health system-from healthcare staff to public health and political leaders. 'But while the low COVID case numbers during the initial months of the pandemic enabled capacity to be built up in the system, we are now seeing vulnerabilities in the response which require urgent attention', said Ms Verhoeven. 'New information and research findings are constantly emerging, and in this continually-changing situation it's important that this latest evidence is taken into account as quickly as possible.
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10 August

QLD: COVID-19: Stronger borders, many more tests and ongoing assistance
Border protections will be strengthened from Saturday August 8th to safeguard Queensland's health, lifestyle and ongoing plan to recover from the global economic impact of COVID-19. Meanwhile Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said investment and activity continued on job-creating infrastructure projects, while assistance flows for small business operators. On the health front, 2 new cases were reported, from more than 100,000 tests. There were 12 active cases, 1069 recovered and a total of 1087 as at Friday August 7. Ms Palaszczuk said that from 1.00am Saturday August 8th, entry to Queensland will be banned to visitors from NSW and the ACT.
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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 1,089. The confirmed case recently returned from overseas, said QLD Health. The case was detected and remains in hotel quarantine. They are therefore not currently considered to be a risk to the public. Queensland currently has 11 active COVID-19 cases. Four of these cases are in hospital.
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TAS: Increased COVID-19 testing capacity in Tasmania
The health, safety and wellbeing of Tasmanians is the Government's number one priority as it continues through the recovery phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing a high testing rate is really important to ensure the Government is closely monitoring for any COVID-19 in the community. 'I'm pleased to announce new equipment and an expansion at the Royal Hobart Hospital Molecular Laboratory will significantly boost our COVID-19 testing capacity. This means the laboratory now has more space for our incredible staff and the capacity to regularly process more than 1,000 COVID-19 tests every day,' said Tasmanian Minister for Health Sarah Courtney.
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VIC: Stories from coronavirus survivors
Victorians are being reminded that coronavirus does not discriminate - and that even those who recover from the virus are left with long-term consequences, both physical and psychological, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. As part of its ongoing efforts to keep the community updated and informed, the Victorian State Government is sharing the real stories of real Victorians who are still battling the ongoing effects of the virus. These stories show that not only can coronavirus permanently weaken its victims - it does not discriminate based on age, location or background, said Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos.
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9 August

NSW: Public health alert - PharmaSave Cherrybrook pharmacy
The NSW Department of Health is advising people who visited the PharmaSave Cherrybrook Pharmacy, in Appletree Shopping Centre, from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 6 August to be alert for symptoms of COVID-19. Prior to the onset of symptoms, one of the cases reported in the figures worked at the pharmacy. They were wearing a mask during their shift. People who were at the pharmacy at the same time are urged to watch out for any symptoms of COVID-19, and if they occur, to immediately self-isolate and seek testing.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Ten new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,672, said NSW Health. There were 31,681 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 24,421 in the previous 24 hours. Of the 10 new cases reported:
- one is a returned international traveller
- seven were locally acquired, all close contacts of known cases
- two are under investigation with no link to other cases at this point.
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7 August

Statement - National Cabinet
The National Cabinet met for the 25th time to discuss Australia's COVID-19 response, the Victoria outbreak, easing restrictions, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and getting the economy moving again, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison. The Acting Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, provided an update on the measures underway, the latest data and medical advice in relation to COVID-19. There have been over 20,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 266 people have died. The outbreak in Victoria has meant that there are now around 8,000 active cases in Australia.
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AMA demands P2 or N95 mask mandate
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) demanded that healthcare workers treating known, or likely COVID-19 patients, must be provided with P2 or N95 particulate filter respirator masks, rather than standard surgical masks. AMA Federal President, Dr Omar Khorshid, demanded the mandated use of filter respirator masks for COVID-19 patient care, in response to guidelines issued recommending filter respirator masks in areas of community transmission for care of patients with challenging behaviours only. 'The Infection Control Expert Group's new advice to clinicians is P2 or N95 masks are not mandatory for all COVID-19 patient care,' Dr Khorshid said.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Eleven new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, said NSW Health. One previous case was excluded after further testing, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,653. There were 27,937 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 28,035 in the previous 24 hours. Of the 11 new cases reported:
- one is still under investigation - a female in her 60s from south western Sydney
- one new case was acquired in Victoria and has been in self-isolation
- nine were locally acquired linked to known cases.
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Aged Care

13 August

Government must implement ANMF's aged care action plan
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is calling on the Government to urgently implement its five-point action plan to protect elderly Australians living in nursing homes from further COVID-19 outbreaks. After giving evidence to the Aged Care Royal Commission via video-link Wednesday 12 August, ANMF Federal Secretary Annie Butler, said the unfolding tragedy in Victoria clearly demonstrates a lack of leadership from the Government and a failure to ensure preparedness across the sector to deal with COVID-19.
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VIC: Operational update
The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre continues to align its resources and operations, with the cooperation of more than a dozen federal and state agencies, in a robust effort to address the unfolding situation in aged care facilities. The Response Centre's preventive and critical response efforts remain focused on continuity of care for aged care residents, the safety and wellbeing of staff and residents, and increasing communication with residents' families. Over 400 residents in aged care facilities have been transferred to hospitals, with the Aged Care Response Centre playing an active role in more than 300 of those cases. This includes the transfer of 14 residents this week.
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12 August

LASA welcomes Queensland move to expedite hospital transfers and calls on all states to adopt policy
Leading Age Services Australia (LASA), the voice of aged care, has welcomed the Queensland Government's move to expedite hospital transfers for COVID-19 patients receiving aged care and continues pushing for this to be a national policy adopted by all states. 'South Australia has led the way and we commend Queensland for adopting this humane and protective policy which lifts confidence in the care of the most vulnerable to coronavirus,' said LASA CEO Sean Rooney.
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11 August

All states should adopt Queensland's best coronavirus protection measures for aged care
The peak body for non-profit aged care providers Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) has congratulated the Queensland Government for adopting procedures that facilitate the transfer to hospital of residents diagnosed with coronavirus in aged care and urged all states to follow Queensland's lead. The Royal Commission heard that NSW authorities had not transferred COVID-19 positive aged care residents to hospitals because they wanted to avoid setting a precedent .
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10 August

Aged Care Employee Day
Aged Care Employee Day is a timely opportunity to thank all aged care workers for their outstanding devotion to senior Australians in care. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said there has never been a more difficult time to work in aged care. 'The impact of COVID-19 in Victoria and New South Wales particularly has been simply tragic and devastating,' Minister Colbeck said. 'The commitment of everyone working in the aged care sector throughout our nation has never been so vital. It's important we promote and recognise excellence across the diverse and dynamic fields of endeavour in the age services sector.'
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Proposed new aged care funding model offers reform
The profile of Australian aged care residents has changed markedly in recent years, and the developers of a new system for classifying residents, published by the Medical Journal of Australia, said their model is better than the current Australian aged care funding system. 'Since the introduction in 2008 of the current aged care funding model, the Aged Care Funding Instrument (ACFI), the profile of people entering residential care has changed substantially, partly because of the success of programs that enable people to stay at home longer,' wrote Professor Kathy Eagar.
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Catastrophic communications failure costs days in fight against COVID at St Basil's
Extraordinary new evidence has revealed the Government's aged care regulator knew about an outbreak of COVID-19 at St Basil's for four days and failed to inform the Department of Health. This catastrophic communications failure led to a potentially deadly delay in responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 at St Basil's, said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. This revelation directly contradicts evidence given at the Senate Select Committee on COVID-19 when the Government, the Department of Health and the regulator all said they were unaware of the outbreak at St Basil's until the 14 July 2020.
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Aged Care Royal Commission must examine impact of profit making
The Greens said it is a scandal that private aged care providers are making mega-profits while failing to protect their residents from the coronavirus with the sector raking in $1.7 billion in profit in the 2018-19 financial year, at the same time as many not-for-profit providers are struggling with chronic underfunding, said Greens Leader, Adam Bandt and Greens spokesperson on Aged Care, Senator Rachel Siewert.
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VIC: Operational update
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.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

12 August

Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality & Safety
12 AUG: Transcript of Proceedings - Sydney - Day 85
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11 August

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
11 AUG: Transcript of Proceedings - Sydney - Day 84
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10 August

Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety
10 AUG: Transcript of Proceedings - Sydney - Day 83
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7 August

COVID-19, aged care accommodation the focus of Sydney Hearings
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety will hold two hearings in Sydney from 10 to 14 August 2020, first, to inquire into the response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in aged care and, secondly, to inquire into aged care accommodation. Due to the pandemic, there will be no public access to the hearings, and the public and media are encouraged to follow proceedings on the live webcast - external site on the Royal Commission website. Witness lists for both hearings will be available on Sunday, 9 August 2020.
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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

12 August

Schools must close in areas with ongoing community transmission
Complacency about the vulnerability of children to COVID-19 infection and their ability to transmit the virus 'cannot continue', and schools must not remain open for face-to-face teaching in the setting of ongoing community transmission, according to the author of an article published online by the Medical Journal of Australia. Dr Zoe Hyde, from the Faculty of Health and Medical Services at the University of Western Australia, wrote that emerging international research shows children are similarly vulnerable to COVID-19 infection as adults and transmit the virus 'to a meaningful degree'.
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Clinical Governance

None this edition.

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Construction and Health Infrastructure

10 August

SA: Rejuvenated Repat ready to open
In a landmark day for the health of South Australians, the construction of two complex dementia wards has been completed as part of the Government's historic reactivation of the Repat Health Precinct. SA Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the milestone on the Repat site is an important step in ensuring members of the community have access to specialised dementia services closer to home and when they need it. 'The Marshall Liberal Government listened to South Australians and promised to reactivate the Repat as a thriving medical and health hub for the community,' Minister Wade said.
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SA: New WCH forging ahead despite COVID challenges
The development of the new Women's and Children's Hospital has reached a major milestone with the launch of 93 new Project User Groups (PUGs) to support consultation. SA Minister Wade said staff will play a vital role in the planning and design of the new hospital. 'The construction of the WCH will build on the Marshall Liberal Government's landmark $1 billion hospital infrastructure program across all metro hospitals which is easing pressure on the State's EDs and building better health services, closer to home for all South Australians,' Minister Wade said.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

13 August

New trauma guide to support people with disability
The Government is backing the development of a best-practice guide to better support people with disability who have experienced complex trauma. Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the $267,760 investment means Australia will lead the way in supporting people with disability who have past or present experiences of violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation. 'The Government will fund Blue Knot Foundation to guide organisations and practitioners on how to better understand complex trauma and deliver trauma-informed care to the disability community,' Minister Ruston said.
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11 August

NDIS update for Victoria
Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Stuart Robert announced additional temporary measures for NDIS participants and providers in Victoria to ensure continuity of services in a COVIDSafe setting. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has created a panel of four large experienced disability providers to offer additional workforce support for participants living in residential support settings. These providers are able to offer advice, support staff and isolation accommodation for smaller organisations to access due to the impact of COVID-19.
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10 August

Administration of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funded assistive technology
Commonwealth Ombudsman Michael Manthorpe released a report into the National Disability Insurance Agency's (NDIA) administration of assistive technology funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The report focusses on the NDIA's administration of assistive technology requests, reflecting concerns raised in complaints to the Ombudsman. In releasing the report, Mr Manthorpe acknowledged that the NDIA has undertaken significant work to improve its approach to assistive technology. However, the Ombudsman stated that further work is needed to support participants to quickly access the assistive technology supports they need.
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Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability

12 August

Practice Guideline 7 Virtual Public Hearings
This Practice Guideline is about the conduct of public hearings of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability which the Royal Commission will refer to as 'virtual public hearings'. Virtual public hearings are hearings in which the Chair determines that the Commissioners sitting in the hearing are to be located in a hearing room or separate hearing rooms from other participants (including witnesses for the hearing, their representatives, and parties with leave to appear), who will appear at the hearing from locations which are remote from the hearing room(s), through a combination of audio, or visual technology links.
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Government laziness is impeding the important work of the Disability Royal Commission
The second progress report of the Royal Commission into the Violence, Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect of People with Disability makes it clear that the limitations of confidentiality provisions are impeding on people's willingness to speak with the Commission and affecting the scope of the Commission's work, Australian Greens Disability Rights and Services spokesperson Senator Jordon Steele-John said.
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E-Health

13 August

Extend Medicare telehealth items until March - AMA
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has written to Minister for Health Greg Hunt, calling on the Federal Government to extend temporary telehealth arrangements under Medicare that have supported patients to have a consultation with their doctor either over the phone or by video. These arrangements, which were put in place as part of the Government's COVID-19 response, are due to end on 30 September. 'The AMA has long advocated for Medicare-subsidised telehealth consultations, and the COVID-19 arrangements have shown the value of telehealth,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid said.
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10 August

Medibank and ahm customers to benefit from telehealth extension
Medibank has announced it is extending the ability for customers to claim for virtual consultations for psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, podiatry, exercise physiology and speech therapy, until further notice. Access to these telehealth services was due to end on 30 September 2020. Medibank's Chief Customer Officer David Koczkar said more people in Australia have been utilising telehealth in 2020, most for the first time. 'The feedback from our customers on the delivery of health services via telephone and video conferencing has been promising,' said Mr Koczkar.
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

None this edition.

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Health Professionals

13 August

NSW: Exemptions for essential frontline workers is a matter of life and death
NSW Member for Ballina Tamara Smith is calling for border exemptions for essential frontline workers traveling between NSW and the QLD border. 'The health implications of the border closure as it stands for our Northern Rivers communities is potentially fatal because hundreds of doctors are unable to staff our emergency departments, our medical centres and assist emergency services like the Westpac helicopter rescue service.' Ms Smith said. 'As of tomorrow more than 60 police who serve in the Tweed Byron area command are unable to go to work without quarantining for 14 days after their shift. This is unacceptable for the safety of our communities.'
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11 August

Additional workforce support and In-home testing
National Disability Services welcomed the announcement by Minister for the NDIS Stuart Robert of additional workforce support for Victorian providers and participants in residential support settings, as a temporary measure. This includes advice, support staff and isolation accommodation that smaller organisations can access if needed due to the impact of COVID-19. The NDIA has created a panel of four large experienced disability providers to provide this support. For any identified outbreaks of COVID-19, the NDIA has appointed Aspen Medical to provide a clinical first response. This ensures that Infection Control procedures, PPE and nursing support is immediately in place for residents and workers if needed.
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Young people and careers in disability support campaign
National Disability Services (NDS) said: 'We're looking for young people to participate in a new campaign raising awareness about disability support careers. You can contribute in two different ways - firstly, to take part in focus groups to test the campaign creative and secondly to feature in the campaign. We're looking for young people working in the sector to take part in focus groups that will test the campaign concept. This is an important role, as it will help to ensure that the campaign appeals to the target audience, is engaging, and paints a true and honest picture of what it's like to work in disability support as a young person.'
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Make mask supply mandatory for health workers
Inadequate supply of face masks reported in some hospitals and widespread confusion about when and what masks are needed represent a serious public health hazard that endangers many Australians, the Consumers Health Forum (CHF) said. 'The ongoing problems with supply of masks generally, and particularly of hospital-grade masks, highlights the need for mandatory measures to ensure all health settings are adequately supplied,' the CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells said. 'This is vital for the safety of health staff, but also for the community at large to ensure that the spread of coronavirus is contained by all possible means.'
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9 August

TAS: Nurses commended, safety must be prioritised
Protection must be guaranteed for any Tasmanian nurses who are deployed to support Victoria's COVID-19 response, and public health in Tasmania must also be prioritised. Tasmanian Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said Tasmanians would commend efforts to support Victoria, but the interests of the state must be protected. 'Tasmanian nurses who have the expertise to help in Victoria, and are in a position to travel to that state, will want to do what they can as part of the national effort to manage the pandemic,' said Ms Lovell.
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7 August

AMA demands P2 or N95 mask mandate
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) demanded that healthcare workers treating known, or likely COVID-19 patients, must be provided with P2 or N95 particulate filter respirator masks, rather than standard surgical masks. AMA Federal President, Dr Omar Khorshid, demanded the mandated use of filter respirator masks for COVID-19 patient care, in response to guidelines recommending filter respirator masks in areas of community transmission for care of patients with challenging behaviours only. 'The Infection Control Expert Group's new advice to clinicians is P2 or N95 masks are not mandatory for all COVID-19 patient care,' Dr Khorshid said.
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Hospitals

14 August

NSW: Easier hospital access for domestic violence victims
Victims of domestic and family violence will have easier access to public hospitals for treatment, as part of the NSW State Government's COVID-19 response. The hospital fees policy has been changed so that Medicare ineligible victims of domestic and family violence will no longer be required to report the crime to police to access public hospitals at no cost. The change by the Government follows an Australian Institute of Criminology report that found DFV had risen during the pandemic. The report also found a large proportion of victims were not reporting to police. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said it is vital that people facing violence at home feel safe to seek support.
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13 August

NT: 20 extra hospital beds at RDH
The NT Government announced an additional 20 hospital beds will become available at Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) following the opening of new ward Palmerston Regional Hospital, said NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner. Less-complex patients are being transferred from RDH to a newly opened ward at the Palmerston Regional Hospital (PRH). Additionally, an eight-bed 48-hour care surgical service will commence at PRH, further freeing up capacity at RDH, meaning more efficient care for emergency surgery patients. These short-stay surgical beds will see ear, nose, throat (ENT), urology and gynaecology procedures performed at the Palmerston campus for the first time, said NT Minister for Health Natasha Fyles.
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QLD: Wait times improve despite COVID-19
Wait times for elective and emergency care in Queensland hospitals have improved despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the Queensland Government revealed. Newly released performance data from Queensland covers hospital performance from April to June. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Steven Miles praised the state's healthcare workers. 'They've worked so hard. Not only have they kept COVID out, they've also made sure Queenslanders have the other healthcare they need,' Mr Miles said.
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WA: Funding to enhance palliative care services at Kalamunda Hospital
Underlying the WA State Government's commitment to the importance of quality palliative care and end of life choices, WA Minister for Health Roger Cook announced $9.5 million in funding for Kalamunda Hospital. Located in the Perth Hills, Kalamunda Hospital is a 39 bed hospital which incorporates 25 palliative care beds. It is a specialist hospital and in addition to providing inpatient palliative care, it provides low risk endoscopic surgery services. The $9.5 million funding is part of the WA Recovery Plan and will be used to redevelop the palliative care section of the hospital.
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11 August

Medibank announces investment in East Sydney Private Hospital
A new investment by Medibank in East Sydney Private Hospital will help doctors give patients more choice in how their care is delivered. Medibank has taken a 49% minority shareholding in East Sydney Private Hospital and will initially invest $8.8 million in the business to fund capital investment and operational costs required for the hospital to scale its short stay model of care. The investment is part of Medibank's broader strategy to support hospitals and doctors to enable a short stay model of care that reduces unnecessary time spent in the hospital and allows patients to recuperate in their own home with support from a multi-disciplinary care team.
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NSW: $200 million Wyong Hospital reaches high point
A new, state-of-the-art hospital on the Central Coast is one step closer to completion with the six-storey clinical services building reaching its highest point. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the $200 million Wyong Hospital redevelopment would provide first-class healthcare services to the Central Coast. 'The $200 million Wyong Hospital Redevelopment will not only significantly increase health service capacity for the local community, it is also boosting employment for the region,' Ms Berejiklian said.
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ACT: Canberra Hospital expansion to create 500 local jobs
ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said that the ACT Government took another step towards delivering the Canberra Hospital expansion, partnering with experienced contractor Multiplex to design and build Canberra's new emergency, surgical and critical healthcare building. The Canberra Hospital expansion will increase capacity across adult intensive care, paediatric intensive care, surgical, coronary care and the new emergency department. This expansion will be a significant contributor to Canberra's recovery plan, creating and protecting more jobs at a time when the city needs it most. It is part of a $14 billion infrastructure plan that will stimulate the economy and provide the services the growing city will need in the decades ahead.
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7 August

07 AUG 2020: DEPT OF HEALTH: PHI 60/20 - Second-Tier Updates

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Insurance

11 August

CHOICE response to private health insurers backflip on returning members' money
CHOICE Health Campaigner Dean Price said 'Most health insurers were charging people the full price during COVID-19 and promised to give any windfall gains back to their customers. The attempt to rebrand their profits as savings doesn't change the fact that people had their surgeries cancelled, many insurers closed their dental centres and other services were severely restricted. People were paying full price for services they couldn't access. The Australian Government must appoint an independent umpire to make sure that any windfall gains are handed back to people who were paying full price and not getting a full service.'
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10 August

Medibank and ahm customers to benefit from telehealth extension
Medibank has announced it is extending the ability for customers to claim for virtual consultations for psychology, physiotherapy, dietetics, occupational therapy, podiatry, exercise physiology and speech therapy, until further notice. Access to these telehealth services was due to end on 30 September 2020. Medibank's Chief Customer Officer David Koczkar said more people in Australia have been utilising telehealth in 2020, most for the first time. 'The feedback from our customers on the delivery of health services via telephone and video conferencing has been promising,' said Mr Koczkar.
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7 August

07 AUG 2020: DEPT OF HEALTH: PHI 60/20 - Second-Tier Updates

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Medicare

13 August

Extend Medicare telehealth items until March
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has written to Minister for Health Greg Hunt, calling on the Government to extend temporary telehealth arrangements under Medicare that have supported patients to have a consultation with their doctor either over the phone or by video. These arrangements, which were put in place as part of the Government's COVID-19 response, are due to end on 30 September. 'The AMA has long advocated for Medicare-subsidised telehealth consultations, and the COVID-19 arrangements have shown the value of telehealth,' AMA President, Dr Omar Khorshid, said. 'They have supported the provision of care during these very difficult times and contributed to efforts to contain the spread of the virus.'
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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

13 August

Mental health support for Victorian small businesses a lifesaver
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Kate Carnell said the Victorian Government's $26 million wellbeing initiative for small business owners and workers will save lives. 'The enormity of this second wave lockdown and the psychological distress it is causing for small business owners cannot be underestimated,' Ms Carnell said. 'Given small business loans are often secured against the family home, the stakes are incredibly high and that is understandably taking a huge toll on small business owners' mental health.'
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10 August

Mental health support for asylum seekers in regional Victoria
Not-for-profit organisation Cabrini Outreach will expand its specialist mental health services to regional Victoria in response to increasing need during the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with local support agencies and GP clinics, Cabrini Outreach will expand its services to people seeking asylum and temporary visa holders in Mildura and Shepparton. Funding received as part of the Victorian Government's Keeping Victorians Connected and Supported - Mental Health and Wellbeing Coronavirus Response Package will allow referrals for psycho-social support, psychiatric care and consultation to commence immediately.
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9 August

VIC: Fast-tracked mental health support for Victorians in need
Victoria's mental health system will receive nearly $60 million in an additional boost to get more Victorians support when they need it - now and after the pandemic is over and its effects are still being felt - as they continue to work together to fight this deadly virus, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Building increased system capacity will be vital to the wellbeing of all Victorians as the challenges of the global pandemic hit hard for some, especially those people already living with mental ill health, said Victorian Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley.
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8 August

WA: Review into mental health services for children and adolescents
WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook has asked the Chief Psychiatrist to undertake a targeted, independent review into how the public mental health system cared for 13-year-old Kate Savage, who recently passed away. The review will focus on the clinical care, and comment on how to improve mental health services for young people across inpatient and community-based clinical services. The findings of the review will form part of the broader Young People Priority Framework, already underway by the Mental Health Commission, which will analyse and make recommendations for young people, aged 12 to 24, across both the public health system and non-government services.
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7 August

Mental health program to support the hardworking commercial fishers
Australia's first industry-specific mental health program to support commercial fishers is now underway with a new pilot program starting in three iconic fishing communities. The Government is investing $600,000 for Seafood Industry Australia to deliver a package of mental health initiatives for the seafood community. The program will be piloted in industry-selected regions including Darwin, Northern Territory, Lakes Entrance, Victoria and Newcastle, New South Wales. Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam said studies had shown a range of factors including job insecurity had led to poor levels of mental health among Australian commercial fishers.
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Social housing can be a step toward mental health reform
Secure housing is fundamental to improving mental health, said Shadow Minister for Housing and Homelessness Jason Clare. The Government cannot deny the link between secure housing and better mental health outcomes for Australians. The Productivity Commission's draft report into mental health highlighted the importance of non-health services, including housing, in preventing mental ill health and improving recovery, said Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride. Organisations such as Wesley Mission and the NSW Mental Health Coordinating Council have reported the desperate need for adequate housing as the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of people at risk of mental ill health and homelessness.
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VIC: Supporting students through the pandemic
For Victorian students in their final years of school, as well as their parents, carers, families and teachers - this has been a year like no other, said Victorian Premier Andrews. That's why the Victorian State Government is announcing more support for VCE students and further mental health resources for young people struggling with this pandemic, said Victorian Minister for Education James Merlino. Every Victorian student will be individually assessed, and any adverse impacts of coronavirus will be reflected in ATAR rankings as part of a wide-ranging process to ensure fair and accurate results in this unprecedented year of school - taking a huge mental load off students and their families as they head towards exams.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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