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)

26 May

NT: NT COVID-19 update
NT Health reported that 'There were 330 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory in the 24 hours to 8pm on 25 May 2022. Of these, 273 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). There were 215 cases recorded in the Top End region, 48 in Central Australia, six in East Arnhem, 16 in the Big Rivers region, two in the Barkly region and 43 are under investigation. There are currently 12 patients in hospital. There is one patient requiring oxygen and no patients in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,612.'
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QLD: Hospital data shows March 2022 quarter one like no other
Queensland Health performance data shows the State's public hospitals successfully managed a major Omicron wave in the first three months of 2022, when thousands of frontline health workers were furloughed due to the pandemic. QLD Minister for Health Minister and Ambulance Services Yvette D'Ath acknowledged the outstanding efforts of frontline health workers and paramedics throughout the challenging March 2022 quarter. 'The March 2022 quarter was a quarter like no other for Queensland's public hospitals,' the Minister said. 'Our public hospitals hadn't previously experienced anything like what we saw in the first three months of 2022.'
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SA: COVID-19 update 26 May 2022
There have been 3,837 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia. There are currently 22,524 active cases in South Australia. Sadly, SA Health can confirm one man in his 60s who tested positive for COVID-19, has passed away. There are 238 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including nine people in ICU. Of those hospitalised, 118 people have received three or more vaccine doses and 109 people are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and 11 have an unknown vaccination status. Due to a reconfiguration of the data, the total number of cases has been readjusted.
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WA: COVID-19 update: 26 May 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 11,832 new cases to 8pm May 25th. There are currently 73,397 active cases in Western Australia. To 8pm May 25th, there were 312 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 6 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes two deaths, which date back to 20th May and were reported to WA Health; a man in his 70s and a man in his 80s. Due to confidentiality, no further information will be released by the Department.
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25 May

ATAGI expands recommendation for winter COVID-19 booster
People aged 16 to 64 who have a medical condition that increases their risk of severe COVID-19 illness and people with disability with significant or complex health needs, will be recommended to receive a winter booster vaccination dose from 30 May 2022, announced Minister for Health Katy Gallagher. The Government has accepted advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) to expand the booster rollout program to these at-risk population groups. ATAGI recommended this change to ensure those who are at greater risk of developing severe disease receive the best possible protection.
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RACGP welcomes winter COVID-19 booster expansion
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has welcomed the expansion of the COVID-19 winter booster program. It comes following the federal Government accepting the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), which recommended that all people aged 16 to 64 with specified risks factors be eligible to receive a second COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. ATAGI recommended the change to ensure patients who are at greater risk of developing severe disease from COVID-19 have the best possible protection. People who are now recommended to receive a second booster dose include those with immunocompromising conditions, cancers, specific chronic inflammatory conditions, chronic liver disease, chronic lung disease and severe chronic kidney disease.
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WA: COVID-19 update
WA Health is reporting a total of 12,419 new cases to 8pm May 24th. There are currently 77,331 active cases in Western Australia. To 8pm May 24th, there were 301 people with COVID-19 in hospital, 7 in ICU. Sadly, this report includes two deaths, which date back to 18 May and were reported to WA Health ; a man in his 70s and woman in her 80s. WA Health has reclassified the death of a man in his 80s, who died earlier this month, as a non- COVID related death. Due to confidentiality, no further information will be released by the Department.
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24 May

COVID-19 community sentiment monitor: summary (Apr-22)
Department of Health in discussing vaccine shielding announced 'Third dose intentions remained flat in April, with 85% of adult Australians having either already had, or plan to get, a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Concern about the overall COVID-19 situation remains low this month, only marginally increasing from last month (30% very/extremely concerned).'
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NT: COVID-19 update
There were 236 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the Northern Territory in the 24 hours to 8pm on 23 May 2022. Of these, 214 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). There were 137 cases recorded in the Top End region, 44 in Central Australia, three in East Arnhem, 12 in the Big Rivers region, 11 in the Barkly region and 29 are under investigation. There are currently 17 patients in hospital. There are three patients requiring oxygen and one patient is in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,608.
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SA: COVID major emergency declaration ends
The Major Emergency Declaration in South Australia for COVID-19 has ended, effective immediately, after 793 days in an historic and significant step forward in the state's management of the pandemic. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas and Health Minister joined the State Co-ordinator Grant Stevens in advising the Governor at Government House following an Emergency Management Council meeting. The lifting of the declaration is only possible following the successful passage of the government's legislation to amend the Public Health Act in Parliament last week. The State Co-ordinator declared a Major Emergency on March 22, 2020, as the COVID-19 outbreak first emerged in South Australia.
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23 May

WA: COVID-19 update 23 May 2022
WA Health is reporting a total of 10,103 new cases to 8pm May 22. There are 87,103 active cases in Western Australia. To 8pm May 22, there were 323 people with COVID19 in hospital, 9 in ICU. Of the 10,013 cases, 3,105 were confirmed via PCR test, the remaining 6,908 were selfreported positive rapid antigen tests. A total of 9738 PCR tests were conducted at either state-run or private pathology clinics. WA has recorded 660,064 cases since the COVID19 pandemic began.
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21 May

NT: NT COVID-19 update
According to NT Health, there were 224 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in the NT in the 24 hours to 8pm on 20 May 2022. Of these, 198 were positive cases from a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT). There were 156 cases recorded in the Top End region, 28 in Central Australia, three in East Arnhem, 18 in the Big Rivers region, six in the Barkly region and 13 are under investigation. There are currently 19 patients in hospital. There are six patients requiring oxygen and two patients in ICU. The number of active cases in the NT is 1,902.
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SA: COVID cases in SA
There have been 3,171 new cases of COVID-19 reported in South Australia, according to SA Health. There are currently 24,840 active cases in South Australia. Sadly, SA Health can confirm a woman in her 60s, a woman in her 70s, a woman in her 80s, a woman her 90s and a man in his 90s who tested positive for COVID-19, have passed away. There are 211 people with COVID-19 in hospital, including 11 people in ICU. Of those hospitalised, 97 people have received three or more vaccine doses and 114 people are either unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status. SA Health were made aware of 19 PCR samples that were missing after being collected from a metropolitan respiratory clinic.
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Aged Care

26 May

Music therapy eHealth supporting people with dementia
A music therapist and a human-computer interaction expert help carers use music to calm people with dementia, according to the Department of Health. 'Music therapy helps to calm people with dementia if they experience states of agitation,' said Professor Felicity Baker, University of Melbourne. Felicity's research shows that singing to people with dementia improves their symptoms. 'This is amazing because dementia is a degenerative disease,' she said. 'Music also generates autobiographical recall. If someone with dementia listens to music they know, it stimulates their memories. That helps to calm the person.' Felicity wants the benefits of music therapy to be widely available. She created the Homeside study, used in countries around the world.
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22 May

CHA welcomes government and urges action on aged care
Catholic Health Australia has congratulated Anthony Albanese and the incoming Government on winning the federal election and is urging the new government to urgently prioritise addressing the workforce crisis in health and aged care. A new CHA study released this week puts the number of vacancies in aged care alone at almost 60,000. CHA is also urging the government to embark on reforms to the health insurance sector including making it easier for patients to receive hospital treatment at home without losing out financially.
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20 May

Flu treatment deployment in residential aged care
To prepare for the winter season the flu treatment, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) will be deployment in residential aged care, said the Department of Health. Packs of the prescription-only medication, Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an oral antiviral used to treat and prevent influenza A and B infections, are being sent to residential aged care facilities in a one-off pre-placement.
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Government must be held accountable for deaths in aged care
As Australia heads to the polls, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is reminding voters how the Government's lack of action to fix aged care has led to hundreds and hundreds of preventable deaths in privately-run nursing homes across the country. The Department of Health's 'COVID-19 outbreaks in Australian residential aged care facilities' update reports there have been 2,335 COVID deaths in aged care, more than 30% of all deaths from COVID in Australia, with 1,418 COVID deaths reported in 2022 alone. Alarmingly, the data reveals that COVID continues to claim the lives of more than 60 elderly residents living in nursing homes every week.
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82,156 vacancies in hospitals and aged care: CHA calls for urgent reform in light of new data
Catholic Health Australia is calling on the new Health Minster post-election to introduce urgent and high- impact reforms to fill 82,156 hospital and aged care vacancies, after a new study revealed the startling detail of the national health staffing crisis for the first time. The new research, conducted by Evaluate and the University of Notre Dame and commissioned by Catholic Health Australia, reveals some 23,089 vacancies in hospitals and 59,067 in aged care. The research was conducted by drawing on survey data from Catholic health providers across Australia and extrapolating figures for the entire Australian health system.
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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

None this edition.

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Clinical Governance

26 May

Profits for health insurers are sky rocketing, but consumers still lose out
The Consumers Health Forum is again calling for an independent review of private health insurance as the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) report for March reveals record profits for insurers. Premiums rates, which many consumers increasingly struggle to meet, are continuing to increase, but the report reveals the PHI industry earned net profits of $2 billion, more than doubling that of the previous year. 'The industry has committed to defer premium increases and create payback options in the wake of the pandemic and delayed treatments and elective surgery suspensions but consumers have seen little return on these promises,' CHF CEO, Ms Leanne Wells said.
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NSW: Public health alert - Legionnaires' disease
NSW Health is advising people who have been in the Sydney CBD area in the past ten days to be on the lookout for symptoms of Legionnaires' disease as five people who have developed the disease spent time in the area in the last three weeks. All five people have been identified with the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, which is often associated with contaminated cooling towers of large buildings. People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from the cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in.
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25 May

Sharp increase in 'missing episodes' adds to elective surgery pain
A sharp increase in 'missing' episodes of care in Australia's private hospitals in the first quarter of 2022 spells longer waits for essential elective surgery. The latest data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) suggests that since the start of the pandemic more than 390,000 anticipated admissions expected in private hospitals, did not occur. Over 100,000 of these 'missing episodes' were added in the first three months of 2022 alone, further increasing elective surgery wait times. Australian Private Hospitals Association (APHA) CEO Michael Roff said every state had elective surgery restrictions in place over this quarter contributing further to already extensive backlogs.
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23 May

AHHA welcomes the new Government and their commitment to delivering what matters to Australians
'We know that the healthcare system is the 'catchall' when the government does not get the policies right in these other areas,' said Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) Acting Chief Executive Kylie Woolcock. 'We have seen this play out during through the bushfires, floods and other natural disasters experienced across the country. Health and wellbeing suffer, mental health suffers. Again, we have seen this play out during the pandemic, where those faced with inadequate housing, insecure employment and low incomes have been most vulnerable to the negative impacts of necessary public health measures such as lockdowns, as well as most at risk from the adverse health effects of infection."
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Australia falls further behind as Austria lifts gay blood ban
Advocates say Australia is falling further behind other countries following Austria's decision to lift its gay blood ban and assess each potential donor for their individual risk instead. Just.Equal Australia has called on the Australian Lifeblood Service to follow the lead of its Austrian counterpart by lifting its blanket ban on donation by gay men, and bisexual men and transgender women who have sex with men. Austria joins the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Canada, Greece, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Brasil, Chile, Portugal, Poland Hungary and many other nations in lifting their gay blood bans and adopting individual risk assessment.
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Consumers Health Forum congratulates Anthony Albanese on election win
Australia's pre-eminent voice for health care consumers, the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF), congratulates Anthony Albanese and the incoming Government on their election win. During the election campaign CHF advocated to all parties several health and social care measures to address the issues of most concern to people. 'Our priorities included better access to affordable primary care and medicines, investment in preventive health, subsidised dental care and enhanced structures to improve consumer participation in decision making' CHF CEO Leanne Wells said.
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WA: WA Health seizes hundreds of illegal nicotine vapes
WA Health has seized almost 1000 illegal ecigarettes from a south west business during a joint operation with WA Police Force. An inspection of the premises late last week led to the seizure of 950 vaping products and two cartons of illicit tobacco. WA Health's Environmental Health Executive Director Dr Michael Lindsay said the Department had ramped up surveillance on the illegal sale of ecigarettes and had recently put 3000 retailers on notice reminding them of the ongoing restrictions regarding the sale of e cigarette devices and vaporiser nicotine products under WA's Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 and Medicines and Poisons Act 2014.
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20 May

Monkeypox update from acting CMO Dr Sonya Bennett
According to the Department of Health, the Australian Government has been closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding cases of monkeypox virus internationally. The National Incident Centre has been activated to support the national response after Victoria and New South Wales both confirmed a case. The confirmed cases are both in returned travellers - one travelled to the United Kingdom and the other through Europe. The Victorian Department of Health and New South Wales Health are responding to the cases and working to rapidly identify contacts. The Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) have met and will continue to meet to monitor the situation.
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NSW: Public health alert - Monkeypox
NSW Health has identified a probable case of monkeypox in a recently returned traveller to Europe. A man in his 40s developed a mild illness several days after arriving back in Sydney. He subsequently presented to his GP with symptoms clinically compatible with monkeypox. Urgent testing was carried out which has identified a probable case of monkeypox, with confirmatory testing underway. The man and a household contact are isolating at home, with care and support being provided by their GP and NSW Health. Cases of monkeypox have been identified in several non-endemic countries in recent weeks, including several European countries and the United States.
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NSW: Monkeypox case confirmed in NSW
NSW Health can now confirm a recently returned traveller from Europe has the monkeypox virus. The urgent testing that identified the probable case of monkeypox has been confirmed by further tests. This is the first case of monkeypox to be confirmed in NSW. The man in his 40s continues to isolate at home, with care and support being provided by their GP and NSW Health. Cases of monkeypox have been identified in several non-endemic countries in recent weeks, including several European countries and the United States. Monkeypox is a rare viral infection that does not spread easily between people and is usually associated with travel to Central or West Africa, where it is endemic.
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QLD: Some procedures postponed amid global shortage of contrasting solutions
Queensland Health will reschedule some non-urgent elective procedures due to a critical world-wide shortage of contrast solutions required for a range of medical imaging. The iodinated solutions are used in computerised tomography (CT) scans and other imaging such as angiography, which supports diagnosis and ongoing treatment for a range of conditions, including narrowed or blocked arteries. The disruption is due to supply chain issues related to COVID-19 lockdowns in Shanghai where the supplier's production facility is situated. Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Services Executive Director Kirstine Sketcher-Baker said the supply of the product Omnipaque (iohexol) and Visipaque (iodixanol), is not expected to be resolved until end of June.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

None this edition.

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Dental

25 May

ADA Optimistic about fixing oral health of nation's aged care residents
There is every reason to be optimistic that the new government will work with the nation's peak dental body to fix the broken dental system for people in aged care. The incoming Government promised in a letter written before polling day, that it would work with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) to improve training for aged care workers, so it includes an oral health component. "The ADA congratulates the new Labor government and looks forward to its new Cabinet delivering on the undertaking to work with us," said ADA President Dr Mark Hutton.
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Disabilities

26 May

Introducing the NDIS support worker professional network
The NDIS Support Worker Professional Network is a space for NDIS Support Workers to seek advice, ask questions, share experiences, offer ideas, and develop professionally, said National Disability Services (NDS). The pilot NDIS Support Worker Professional Network offers disability support workers the opportunity to connect and join one of three community groups. The pilot will run until 24 June 2022. Disability Support Workers must register to join the platform. The community is managed by National Disability Practitioners (NDP) in conjunction with Meld Studios, and project partners Northcott Innovation and Ninti (on behalf of the Department of Social Services).
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24 May

Join NT disability providers at disability sector forum
The last few years have presented limited opportunities for the Northern Territory disability sector to come together. The NDS is pleased to be hosting the following face to face events on 8 June 2022. Disability providers are invited to join NDS, Territory Committee and colleagues for the first NT Disability Sector Forum. The forum will include an update from NDS CEO Laurie Leigh and provide an opportunity for disability service CEOs and senior leaders to explore the key issues for the NT disability sector. The NDS will get the latest information from key stakeholders such as the NDIA and NDIS Commission.
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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

25 May

TAS: Major investment in digital health to improve patient care
'The Tasmanian Government is transforming the way we deliver patient care with a $150 million investment over the next four years to upgrade our digital health infrastructure. The 2022-23 State Budget commitment forms part of a Digital Health Strategy and it is anticipated more than $475 million will be allocated to this project over the next 10 years as the strategy is further scoped and developed. This investment will see the launch of a new state-wide fully integrated care platform that will enable our hospitals, GPs, community health, allied health, and other specialist providers to seamlessly communicate and share information with each other,' said TAS Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
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Education and Training

25 May

SA: DCS funds Indigenous psychology scholarships
The SA Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is proud to be funding the next generation of Aboriginal psychologists for the next three years under a prestigious scholarship. The Dr Tracy Westerman Indigenous Psychology Scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible psychology students to help with study, living and transport costs while they undertake their qualification. Dr Westerman set up the scholarship using personal funds in 2019. Since then, she has worked with private and government sectors to build and grow the scholarship program. The scholarship program aims to increase the number of Aboriginal people studying and practicing psychology, to be skilled in Aboriginal-specific mental health, suicide prevention and intervention programs.
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Funding

24 May

$75 million funding supports Australian clinical trials and cohort studies to improve health outcomes
More than $75.3 million to support 33 clinical trials and cohort studies through the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has been announced, close to a quarter funding studies to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In clinical trials and cohort studies, researchers work with participants to establish the evidence base required for better health treatments, policies, practices and outcomes. This round of NHMRC's Clinical Trials and Cohort Studies Scheme is notable for the success of grants that will benefit health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Health Professionals

26 May

QLD: Bundaberg Hospital investigation
'I am deeply concerned about the alarming developments at Bundaberg Hospital. We can now confirm disciplinary action has been taken against staff for medical malpractice with more investigations launched. I am also deeply concerned by the Palaszczuk Government's attempts to hide the truth from Queenslanders. If the Opposition hadn't raised these allegations on the floor of Parliament, the people of Bundaberg wouldn't know the seriousness of what is happening inside their hospital. Patient safety must always be our top priority. In the middle of the Queensland Health Crisis, Queenslanders are appalled the State Government is prioritising secrecy over openness and transparency,' said QLD Shadow Minister for Health Ros Bates.
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25 May

Tribunal confirms suspension of GP's registration
'A tribunal has confirmed the decision of the Medical Board of Australia (the Board) to suspend a GP's registration following allegations of inappropriate conduct and/or performance. The Board took immediate action on 10 March 2021 and suspended Dr Sofoklis Lahanis's registration (in effect from 11 March 2021) following a complaint from a female patient who saw him for the first and only time on 1 February 2021. Her complaint was about Dr Lahanis's conduct and/or performance during a cervical screen and bimanual examination (an internal vaginal examination),' said the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA).
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24 May

Palliative Care a right for all who want and need it
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomes this year's National Palliative Care Week and its theme 'Palliative Care. It's your right.' National Palliative Care Week runs from Sunday 22 May until Saturday 28 May. AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said National Palliative Care Week was an important event as it celebrated professionals and volunteers working in the palliative care sector. Dr Khorshid said all Australians have the right to high-quality palliative care where and when they need it. "Palliative care supports not only the patient but their family members as well.'
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Counselling and psychotherapy peak body welcomes new federal government
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) congratulates the new Federal Government under PM Anthony Albanese and looks forward to advocating for greater utilisation of the counselling and psychotherapy workforce to address Australia's mental health crisis. In coming months, PACFA will seek meetings with the new federal Health Minister and newly-elected federal MPs to discuss the policy platform outlined in PACFA's Election Statement 2022, including Medicare rebate access for Registered Clinical Counsellors and Registered Clinical Psychotherapists As Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative are currently available only to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, there are significant waiting lists.
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23 May

Australian College of Nursing congratulates government on election win
The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) welcomes the incoming Government's victory in Saturday's Federal Election and is calling for addressing the crisis facing the nursing workforce to be at the top of their post-election priority list. 'I congratulate the ALP on their election victory and look forward to working with new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Health Minister Mark Butler,' ACN CEO Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN said. 'Throughout the election campaign, all sides of politics acknowledged the importance of investing in a sustainable nursing workforce to ensure all Australians receive expert nursing care for generations to come.'
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22 May

Doctors for the Environment believe climate was decider for voters in Australia
National Chair of Doctors for the Environment, John Van Der Kallen said climate change is now a deciding issue for Australian voters from all sides of politics. 'I think we see this in the results last night,' Dr Van Der Kallen said. Doctors have been extremely concerned about the health of all Australians in a hotter and potentially wetter nation, especially since the fires of 2019/2020 and the floods this year in Queensland and New South Wales. 'Climate change is the greatest threat to health this century and we are already seeing the health impacts of this firsthand on the front line in GPs' rooms and in hospital emergency departments,' he said.
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ANMF congratulates Prime Minister on election win
The country's largest union, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), congratulates Anthony Albanese and the incoming Government on their federal election victory. The ANMF and its membership of over 310,000 nurses, midwives, care workers and students are confident the new Albanese Government will deliver much-needed reforms for health, aged care, better wages for low-paid workers, gender equality and action on climate change. 'We are delighted that we finally have a Federal Government that has a real plan to fix the systemic issues in health and aged care,' ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said.
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20 May

Winners crowned in a celebration of Australia's nurses and midwives for 2022 HESTA Awards
Winners of the 2022 Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia (HESTA) Australian Nursing & Midwifery Awards have been announced in a national celebration of the contributions of Australia's nurses and midwives. Nurse practitioner Sue Hegarty was revealed as the 2022 Nurse of the Year for her exceptional advocacy and support for women with ovarian cancer and developing Australia's first ovarian cancer telehealth program. Melanie Briggs, a descendant of Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr peoples, was awarded Midwife of the Year for her work to improve First Nations' maternal and infant health. Ms Briggs is the director and founder of Binjilaanii, the first Aboriginal-led maternity model of care in Australia. Outstanding Organisation winner Beaudesert Hospital Maternity was recognised for its high-quality maternity services, demonstrating incredible commitment to improving the health of women and babies in rural Queensland.
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Hospitals

26 May

NSW: Construction completed on Campbelltown Hospital's new $632M clinical services building
Construction of the new 12-storey clinical services building at Campbelltown Hospital, the centrepiece of the $632 million Stage 2 redevelopment, is now complete. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard, Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons and Member for Camden Peter Sidgreaves toured the new building, which is undergoing final touches in readiness for its 12-week commissioning period, which will further boost first-class healthcare facilities in South-West Sydney. 'This major investment in Campbelltown Hospital is strengthening our frontline services to deliver better services sooner and closer to home,' Mr Perrottet said.
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NSW: Concept design released for $53 million Gunnedah hospital redevelopment
The concept design for the Gunnedah Hospital redevelopment has been unveiled, providing the community with its first look at the new $53 million health facility. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the artist's impression showcases the redevelopment including the hospital's new main entry which has been designed to significantly improve access - a key issue raised by the community. 'It was great to see more than 900 people provide feedback during the consultation phase on the masterplan. As you can see from this artist impression, the NSW Government has taken that feedback on board to ensure the hospital best meets the region's needs now and into the future,' Mr Anderson said.
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WA: New $10 million heliport for Royal Perth Hospital
WA Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and WA Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson unveiled Royal Perth Hospital's (RPH) new 788 square metre $10 million heliport. The new heliport will allow the next-generation Emergency Rescue Helicopter Service (ERHS) to access RPH - ensuring sick and injured patients get to the hospital quicker from even further locations throughout the vast regions of Western Australia. The upgrade was also required to meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations and accommodate future aircraft which may be engaged in emergency situations.
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20 May

82,156 vacancies in hospitals and aged care: CHA calls for urgent reform in light of new data
Catholic Health Australia is calling on the new Health Minster post-election to introduce urgent and high- impact reforms to fill 82,156 hospital and aged care vacancies, after a new study revealed the startling detail of the national health staffing crisis for the first time. The new research, conducted by Evaluate and the University of Notre Dame and commissioned by Catholic Health Australia, reveals some 23,089 vacancies in hospitals and 59,067 in aged care. The research was conducted by drawing on survey data from Catholic health providers across Australia and extrapolating figures for the entire Australian health system.
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Doctors warn lives at risk due to federal failing to fund hospitals
"Doctors groups across Australia including the AMA, Royal Australian College Of GPs and Australian Doctors Reform Society warned more Australian lives would be lost if the incoming Federal government did not increase its funding of hospitals to 50% from 45%," said Dr Robert Marr GP and Secretary General of Australian Doctors Reform Society. "A combination of delayed hospital surgery due to Covid delays and increased emergency department visits has resulted in "ambulance ramping"and unnecessary deaths in Australian hospitals over the last year," said Dr Marr. "The Covid Pandemic has stress tested Australia's hospitals and has exposed the underfunding and failures in Australia's hospital system," said Dr Marr.
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25 May

NSW First look at Griffith Base Hospital's $250 million redevelopment
New fly-through animation will give the community the first look at the state- of-the art health facilities within the new three-storey Clinical Services Building being delivered as part of the Griffith Base Hospital's $250 million redevelopment. NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said all major health services will be located under the one roof for the first time, improving patient experiences and outcomes. NSW Minister for Regional Health and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said this project will make a real difference to lives of people living in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

None this edition.

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Men's Health

None this edition.

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Mental Health

26 May

Our journey our story
Aboriginal-led research is implementing and evaluating the Debakarn Koorliny Wangkiny (Steady Walking and Talking) co-design framework, according to the Department of Health. The aim is to improve mental health services for Aboriginal young people. Most youth mental health service staff are 'dedicated people with a strong sense of social justice. They want to meet the needs of young Aboriginal people,' said Professor Michael Wright, Curtin School of Allied Health. 'But they also know they don't know how to do this. For historical reasons, Aboriginal youth distrust mainstream organisations. For this reason, they often don't seek help early for mental health issues. Our Journey Our Story aims to build the capacity of mental health service staff.'
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24 May

Counselling and psychotherapy peak body welcomes new federal government
The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) congratulates the new Federal Government under PM Anthony Albanese and looks forward to advocating for greater utilisation of the counselling and psychotherapy workforce to address Australia's mental health crisis. In coming months, PACFA will seek meetings with the new federal Health Minister and newly-elected federal MPs to discuss the policy platform outlined in PACFA's Election Statement 2022, including Medicare rebate access for Registered Clinical Counsellors and Registered Clinical Psychotherapists As Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative are currently available only to clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, there are significant waiting lists.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals and Regulation

26 May

Prescription medicines: applications under evaluation
This page provides a list of applications for new medicines or new uses for existing medicines that are currently under evaluation by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA). The list of medicines under evaluation is updated each month. Publication commenced for applications accepted for evaluation from January 2021. The list only includes medicines that have been accepted for evaluation and are under evaluation with a cut-off the day the report is completed. Entries are removed from the list as part of the monthly update, if the medicine application has been decided (approved or rejected for registration), or when the applicant has withdrawn the application.
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Isturisa
The Australian Prescription Medicine Decision Summary provides a short overview of the TGA's evaluation process leading to the registration of a new prescription medicine on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Osilodrostat is a cortisol synthesis inhibitor. It inhibits 11ß hydroxylase (CYP11B1), the enzyme responsible for the final step of cortisol biosynthesis in the adrenal gland. CYP11B1 inhibition is associated with the accumulation of precursors such as 11 deoxycortisol and acceleration of adrenal biosynthesis including androgens. In Cushing's disease, the fall in plasma cortisol concentration also stimulates adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion, via the feedback mechanism which accelerates steroid biosynthesis (see section 4.8 Adverse effects (undesirable effects).
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25 May

Review of discount rate in the PBAC guidelines
The Commonwealth has entered into a new Strategic Agreement in relation to reimbursement, health technology assessment and other matters (the Agreement) with Medicines Australia acting on behalf of the innovator medicines industry. The Agreement includes a commitment to seek the advice of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) as to whether the base case discount rate at 3A.1 of the PBAC guidelines aligns with international best practice. The PBAC will use a two-phased consultation approach to inviting input on the review of the discount rate. The first phase of this consultation is closed. The second phase of this consultation is opened.
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24 May

Prescription medicines: registration of new chemical entities in Australia
Each year, The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) registers approximately 40 new prescription medicines containing new active substances. The TGA refers to these as New Chemical Entities (NCEs) or New Biological Entities (NBEs). Some of these NCEs/NBEs are innovative or 'first-in-class', and have been made available to the public for the first time outside the controlled environment of a clinical trial. This decision by TGA to register a NCE/NBE often comes after years of research and development and following a comprehensive review by TGA scientists and clinicians of the medicine's quality, safety and efficacy.
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Prescription medicines: registration of new generic medicines and biosimilar medicines
Throughout the year, the TGA will be publishing information on new generic and biosimilar prescription medicines as they are approved. Please note that the sponsor name reflects the information in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) at the time of registration. As sponsors may change over time, consult the ARTG for full information in relation to these products, including full indications. Once an application has been accepted for evaluation by TGA, the approval time is defined as the number of TGA working days between commencement of evaluation and registration decision.
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Prescription medicines: new or extended uses, or new combinations of registered medicines
Over time, the approved therapeutic uses of prescription medicines registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) can change. Changes commonly include 'new uses' or 'extended uses'. A new use is where an already registered medicine is approved for an additional therapeutic use. The decision to approve an 'extension of indications' or 'new combination' for already registered prescription medicines follows a comprehensive review by TGA scientists and clinicians on the quality, safety and efficacy of the proposed use of the medicine.
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NT: New branch director for NT branch of Pharmacy Guild
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia NT Branch has announced the appointment of Keely Quinn as its new Branch Director. Ms Quinn said her appointment as NT Branch Director was both exciting and challenging. 'The community pharmacy sector has undergone some radical change over the past few years and now has the momentum to provide even more services and benefits for patients,' Ms Quinn said. 'We need to make the most of these opportunities in the Territory and ensure Pharmacy Guild members are able to continue increasing the range of services, advice and benefits for all of their patients.
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23 May

Shortage of iodinated contrast media (contrast) diagnostic agents
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is aware of a global shortage of iodinated contrast media (contrast) diagnostic agents. The TGA recommends urgent conservation of stock until the shortage is resolved as current supply is very limited. Non-ionic contrast agent is used to enhance imaging in a wide range of diagnostic procedures in adults and children. GE Healthcare, the sponsor of Omnipaque (iohexol) and Visipaque (iodixanol), has notified the TGA of a shortage of multiple presentations of both these products due to reduced manufacturing capacity and freight delays caused by the recent unexpected COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China.
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22 May

Incoming government must act urgently keep Australians safe
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the election of Anthony Albanese as Australia's 31st Prime Minister. PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, welcomed the Government's election victory. 'I congratulate, what looks to be an incoming Labor majority Government, on their success at the election. PSA has always enjoyed a strong and productive working relationship with the ALP's health team and is delighted to see pharmacist Emma McBride MP MPS retain the marginal seat of Dobell. We look forward to working with the Hon. Mark Butler MP as the new Health Minister, to continue to improve the health and wellbeing of Australians."
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Guild congratulates incoming Government on election victory
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has congratulated incoming Government leader Anthony Albanese on his election victory at the weekend's election. Guild Acting National President Nick Panayiaris said that after a tough election campaign it was time to get back to business and help provide ongoing certainty for Australia's community pharmacies and their staff. 'It's been a tough few years for the community pharmacy sector and the new Government needs to ensure these practices remain confident about their future so that in turn they can continue providing the services their communities depend on,' Mr Panayiaris said.
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