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)

31 July

Delivering better care for patients now and post COVID
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its vision for the future of primary health care and general practice in post-COVID Australia. 'General practice is the cornerstone of successful primary health care, and the foundation of Australia's world-class healthcare system,' AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said. 'However, despite agreeing with the rhetoric of the importance of properly funded general practice, successive Governments have overseen a rate of investment in general practice that has not matched the increase in the cost of providing high-quality patient care. Government spending on GP services is about $391 per person annually, down from $395 in 2017-2018.'
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30 July

Specimen collection swabs
A specimen collection swab is used to take a sample for medical testing, for example a swab that takes a sample of a virus. All collection swabs are medical devices, and must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) before they can be supplied in Australia. The Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) prioritises ARTG applications for collection swabs that are related to COVID-19. How a collection swab is classified for regulation depends on features such as whether it is sterile, the manufacturer's intended purpose for the product and what type of certification a manufacturer may hold.
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Statement from the Honourable Tony Pagone QC relating to the COVID-19 outbreak in aged care facilities
'It is important that I correct some public expectations that may inadvertently have arisen following statements which have been made over the last few days,' said Royal Commissioner of the Royal Commission of Aged Care Quality and Safety, Tony Pagone. 'The impact of COVID-19 on Australia's aged care sector is a national tragedy. It is a human tragedy. At the moment, that tragedy is unfolding daily. It is important for the public to understand that this Royal Commission is not able, and is not intending, to conduct a full inquiry into that impact.'
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RACGP urges people to 'mask up' to curb COVID-19
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is urging people to 'mask up' to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The rules on wearing masks or face covering, differ depending on where you live. The VIC State Government made it mandatory for people over the age of 12 in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire on July 22, following a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases. National advice is to wear a mask or face covering in areas of community transmission where social distancing is difficult. Chair RACGP Victoria Dr Cameron Loy urged people to follow the advice of health authorities.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Eighteen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8.00pm on the 29 July, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,547. There were 27,147 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 18,543 in the previous 24 hours NSW Health has recently started a research program to test sewage for traces of COVID-19 across the state. This research supports the public health response to the pandemic. Sampling has commenced at a number of metropolitan and regional locations across NSW.
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NSW: Public health alert - New venues added
NSW Health is warning patrons and staff of the following venues that COVID-19 cases have been identified as attending: Harpoon and Hotel Harry in Surry Hills, Tan Viet in Cabramatta and Matinee Coffee in Marrickville. These venues are in addition to Fitness First St Leonards. A confirmed case attended Matinee Coffee in Marrickville on 26 July between 8am to 9am and on 27 July between 7am to 7.45am. People who were at this venue at the same times are advised to monitor for symptoms and immediately self-isolate and seek testing if they develop symptoms, however mild.
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WA: COVID-19 update
The WA Department of Health has reported one new case of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The man in his 50s is a returned traveller from overseas and is in hotel quarantine. There are also three historical cases recorded. All were ill between February and April, are fully recovered and present no risk to the community. WA's total number of COVID-19 cases is now 665. There are six active cases in the State - four Western Australians, one from interstate and one from overseas. To date, 650 people have recovered from the virus in WA.
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29 July

Explainer: Masks, COVID-19 and human rights
The Victorian Government is requiring people in Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire to wear a face covering or mask when leaving their home to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This explainer seeks to debunk claims that the requirement breaches people's human rights, said Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC). Different considerations will apply in different Australian jurisdictions and at different times. Being required to wear a mask is a small limit on personal freedom which is completely justified in a pandemic with the current rates of community transmission Melbourne is experiencing.
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ACT: COVID-19 testing site opens in Kambah
In response to sustained high demand for COVID-19 testing, the ACT Government is opening a COVID-19 testing clinic in Canberra's south, at Kambah. The site will operate as a drive-through service only from Thursday 30 July in the northern carpark of Jenke Circuit, Kambah. It will open from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, seven days a week. No appointment will be needed. The ACT Government also recently opened COVID-19 testing clinics at the West Belconnen Child and Family Centre in Kippax, and the COVID-19 Surge Centre on Garran Oval, said ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith.
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QLD: Public health alert: Three new COVID-19 cases
Community members on Brisbane's southside are asked to remain alert but not alarmed as Queensland records three new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The first case is a 19-year-old woman who tested positive after travelling interstate. She is an employee at Parklands Christian College on Brisbane's southside. Queensland Health is working closely with the school which has temporarily closed until further notice. The second case is a 19-year-old female travel companion. Both cases travelled interstate together. It is believed they contracted the virus in Melbourne, Victoria.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 29 July 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported two new cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia. The two males - one in his 70s and one in his 30s - are both returned travellers in hotel quarantine. WA's total number of COVID-19 cases is now 661. There are five active cases in the State - four Western Australians and one from interstate. To date, 647 people have recovered from the virus in WA. 714 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 688 were assessed and 680 were swabbed.
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28 July

NSW: Flight from Melbourne
NSW Health is contacting passengers who were close contacts on flight JQ506 from Melbourne to Sydney that arrived on 25 July 2020. Passengers who were close contacts are being placed into self-isolation for 14 days after the flight and asked to monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, and get tested, even if they have the mildest of symptoms A woman in her 30s who tested positive for COVID-19 was a passenger on this flight. She is in isolation and contact tracing is underway. Close contacts on the flight were seated in rows 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8.00pm 27 July, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,510 Six of the new cases are linked to the funeral gatherings cluster, four cases are associated with Thai Rock Wetherill Park, and one case is associated with the Thai Rock restaurant at Potts Point. One case is a staff member at the Apollo restaurant in Potts Point. NSW Health is calling on people across the state to redouble their efforts to stop the virus spreading.
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27 July

Mask requirement to combat COVID-19 does not breach human rights
The HRLC responded to misguided claims that the requirement to wear masks in public in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire breached human rights. Victoria's Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities protects a number of key rights including the right to life which includes a requirement that governments take steps to protect life and health. The Charter also protects freedom of expression. The Charter allows the government to restrict rights where:
- it is genuinely necessary to achieve a legitimate purpose.
- the restriction is reasonable and no more restrictive than necessary to achieve the purpose.
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ACT: COVID-19 Update - 27 July 2020
There is one (1) active case in the ACT, said the ACT Department of Health. A total of 109 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 48,127. Acting ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Vanessa Johnston said while it was important to note the achievements and good work of Canberrans in the fight against COVID-19, this was not the time to be complacent.
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NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Seventeen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in the 24 hours to 8.00pm, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,496. There were 22,032 tests reported in the 24-hour reporting period, compared with 25,139 in the previous 24 hours. Four of the new cases are linked to the funeral gatherings cluster, three are household contacts of cases associated with Thai Rock Wetherill Park, and two are under investigation. Eight are returned travellers in hotel quarantine. NSW Health announced that there are now two cases linked to the Thai Rock Restaurant at Potts Point.
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NSW: Public health warning - Potts Point and Mount Pritchard
Two new cases of COVID-19 have been linked to a restaurant in Potts Point in inner Sydney, and two pubs in Mount Pritchard in South West Sydney. NSW Health is contacting everyone who attended The Apollo restaurant at Potts Point from Thursday 23 to Saturday 25 July and asking them to quarantine for 14 days after their visit. Any diners who develop symptoms should be tested. NSW Health is also asking all people who live in or have visited the Potts Point area in the past two weeks to get tested if they have any symptoms of COVID-19.
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QLD: Border restrictions Direction (No. 9)
For the purpose of this direction, all people entering Queensland should practise physical distancing and risk mitigation measures such as remaining 1.5 metres away from other persons and regular washing of hands, said the Queensland Department of Health.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 27 July 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new active cases of COVID-19, with the State's total remaining at 658. There are now two active cases in WA. To date, 647 people have recovered from the virus in the State. 416 people presented to WA COVID-19 clinics - 414 were assessed and 411 were swabbed.
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26 July

NSW: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics
Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed, bringing the total number of cases in NSW to 3,479. Four of the new cases attended the following funeral and related church services in south western Sydney between 16 and 19 July, said the NSW Department of Health. Everyone who attended these events is now considered a close contact and must isolate, get tested for COVID-19 regardless of any symptoms, and continue to self-isolate for 14 days even if the test is negative. If symptoms develop get tested again. Testing is available at COVID clinics and through GPs across the state, including at Fairfield Hospital and Fisher Street carpark, Cabramatta drive-through clinic.
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NSW: Public health update and warning
NSW Health is directing everyone who attended the Thai Rock Restaurant at Potts Point for two hours or more between Wednesday, 15 July and Saturday, 25 July to immediately be tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate for 14 days since they were last there, regardless of symptoms. Anyone who attended Thai Rock Potts Point for less than two hours on these dates should monitor for symptoms and immediately isolate and seek testing if they appear. This new advice follows investigation into a case announced who had reported attending Thai Rock Potts Point on Friday, 17 July.
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VIC: Supporting Victoria's last line of defence
Victoria's massive team of doctors, nurses and health care workers is growing every day as the fight to slow the spread of coronavirus continues, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. In March, healthcare specialists, including retired doctors, nurses, midwives, patient care assistants, undergraduate students, paramedics and allied health professionals were being called on to return to work as part of the Government's coronavirus response, said Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos. The Victorian State Government also sought assistance from patient care assistants, assistants-in-nursing and undergraduate students to provide essential support to doctors, nurses and midwives. Since then, more than 16,000 dedicated members of Victoria's health workforce have expressed their interest in working on the response.
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25 July

Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
The Government is establishing a Victorian Aged Care Response Centre to coordinate and expand resources to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 in age care services. The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre will bring together Commonwealth and State government agencies at the State Control Centre in Melbourne in a co-ordinated effort to manage the impact of the pandemic across facilities. Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the Government-led centre would offer a clear and direct oversight to managing outbreaks.
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WA: COVID-19 update - 25 July 2020
The WA Department of Health has reported no new active cases of COVID-19, for the seventh day straight. However, the State's total now stands at 656 after two historical case was identified through serology testing. The historic cases relate to two women, one aged in their 20's and one aged in her 40's. Both are linked to overseas travel in March earlier this year, and one is a former passenger on the cruise ship Ruby Princess.
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24 July

National Cabinet
The National Cabinet met 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 13,000 confirmed cases in Australia and sadly 139 people have died. The Victorian outbreak has meant that there are now around 4,000 active cases in Australia.
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Strapit fined $37,800 for alleged advertising breaches for disinfectant and hand sanitiser in relation to COVID-19
The TGA, part of the Department of Health, issued three infringement notices totalling $37,800 to Melbourne-based company Strapit Medical and Sports Supplies Pty Ltd, for alleged unlawful advertising in relation to COVID-19. Strapit Medical and Sports Supplies allegedly claimed, on its website, that a Zafe Zone product for use on surfaces and skin killed COVID-19, without having the necessary authorisations from the TGA.
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Zafe Zone fined almost $40,000 for alleged advertising breaches for disinfectant products in relation to COVID-19
The TGA, part of the Department of Health, issued three infringement notices totalling $39,960 to Melbourne-based company Italian Princess Coffee Brands Pty Ltd (trading as Zafe Zone), for alleged unlawful advertising in relation to COVID-19. Zafe Zone allegedly promoted its disinfectant as effective against coronavirus, without having the necessary authorisation from the TGA. 'Promoting disinfectants that have not been subjected to the TGA's regulatory framework has the potential to put the public at risk,' Adj. Professor John Skerritt, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health said.
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Statement on strategic direction
The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) recommends that the goal for Australia is to have no community transmission of COVID-19, strengthening the current suppression strategy and updating metrics. Recent outbreaks show us that if the disease is able to enter the community unseen, it will spread quickly. Their strong public health advice is to pursue no community transmission, which many areas of the country have achieved. A goal of no community transmission has been a part of the suppression strategy from the start of the pandemic. AHPPC recommends that this now be more strongly pursued. This involves knowing that single cases will occur.
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Aboriginal Health Coronavirus Alert No 87 - Urges Aboriginal people to do the right thing after confirmed cases of COVID-19 detected in Aboriginal Communities
'While news of two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ballarat is really concerning, it is an important reminder to remain vigilant in looking after ourselves and our families to stop the slow of the spread of this virus, especially now since it's entered regional Victoria,' said the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (NACCHO). 'We know communities have been working hard to minimise any infections which has been quite successful to date, but we are entering a very challenging period. We are seeing alarming rates of community transmission - unlike the first lockdown period.'
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QLD: COVID-19: Financial support and health protections continue
Financial support is continuing for households, health providers and tourism operators, while border and public health protections have again been strengthened as part of Queensland's ongoing plan to recover from the worldwide impact of COVID-19. After a week when four new (overseas acquired) cases were reported, there are five active cases, 1063 recovered and a total of 1076 as at July 24. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that in response to further NSW outbreaks, the city of Fairfield has been added to Liverpool, Campbelltown and all of Victoria as COVID hotspots.
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Aged Care

30 July

Statement from the Honourable Tony Pagone QC relating to the COVID-19 outbreak in aged care facilities
'It is important that I correct some public expectations that may inadvertently have arisen following statements which have been made over the last few days,' said Royal Commissioner of the Royal Commission of Aged Care Quality and Safety, Tony Pagone. 'The impact of COVID-19 on Australia's aged care sector is a national tragedy. It is a human tragedy. At the moment, that tragedy is unfolding daily. It is important for the public to understand that this Royal Commission is not able, and is not intending, to conduct a full inquiry into that impact.'
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Minister finally accepts responsibility for aged care failings
'The Minister for Aged Care has finally accepted responsibility for the serious deficiencies in care at Victorian nursing homes but the Government must now ensure it does not happen again,' said Shadow Minister for Ageing and Seniors Julie Collins. 'The growing reports of horrific and avoidable failures in nursing homes where the Government has intervened or been responsible are shocking. These failures can never be allowed to happen again. Labor's thoughts are with these residents and families as this tragedy unfolds in Victoria's nursing homes.'
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29 July

Government fails to deliver PPE training to 4 out of 5 aged care workers
Just one in five aged care workers had taken the Government's training in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before COVID-19 outbreaks exploded in Victorian nursing homes. Answers provided through the Select Committee on COVID-19 reveal only 66,000 people had completed aged care training in PPE by early June - Australia's aged care workforce is estimated to be more than 360,000. These answers also reveal the Government spent just $44,000 on developing this training, said Shadow Minister Collins.
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28 July

Pandemic leave requires more support to be a reality for many aged care workers
Leading Aged Services Australia (LASA), Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) and Aged Care Guild said that aged care peak bodies have long supported pandemic leave for workers at risk of COVID- 19 but the reality is that without additional Government support many aged care workers will not be able to access the scheme. While the Government has recently announced compensation to cover pandemic leave in hotspots such as metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire, this does not extend across the nation. It is crucial that no staff or providers are disadvantaged during these challenging and deadly times, with aged care services doing the best they can to keep the people in care, and the people who care, safe from harm.
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Greens call for Government to fund pandemic leave for all aged care workers across the country
The Greens said that Australians are losing confidence in the aged care sector and that the Federal Government should stop at nothing to protect the most vulnerable Australians in aged care. This includes ensuring pandemic funding for all aged care workers if they need it. 'We keep hearing this narrative blaming workers for coming to work sick but the Federal Government is not taking enough action to ensure that workers are able to afford to stay home if they are sick,' Greens spokesperson on Ageing Senator Rachel Siewert said. 'The Government must act to immediately double the hours of care provided to residents. The Greens will push our bill for 14 days paid COVID-19 sick leave when Parliament resumes.'
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27 July

Pandemic failures in aged care revealed in survey; workers feel 'unprepared, untrained, unsafe'
United Workers Union aged care director Carolyn Smith said the findings confirmed the dire conditions facing aged care workers nationally during the pandemic. 'Aged care workers have revealed they feel unprepared, untrained and unsafe in the face of this pandemic, which is a damning indictment on national preparations to protect Australia's most vulnerable people,' Ms Smith said. 'The public has a right to be very concerned that workers feel unable to take leave if they are suffering minor symptoms because there is no financial safety net for them.'
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26 July

Meeting for families of St Basil's residents
The Government has held a meeting with families of residents at St Basil's Home for the Aged. The online information session was aimed at strengthening the lines of communication with families who remain concerned about the health and wellbeing of their loved ones. It was used to outline the processes in place and strategies which lay ahead as the Commonwealth Government continues to manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said expert teams at the site were ensuring quality standards in care were being met.
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25 July

Victorian Aged Care Response Centre
The Government is establishing a Victorian Aged Care Response Centre to coordinate and expand resources to tackle the challenge of COVID-19 in age care services. The Victorian Aged Care Response Centre will bring together Commonwealth and State government agencies at the State Control Centre in Melbourne in a co-ordinated effort to manage the impact of the pandemic across facilities. Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister Colbeck said the Government-led centre would offer a clear and direct oversight to managing outbreaks.
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24 July

Nationally consistent power of attorney laws key to mitigating elder abuse
Enhancing protections relating to the use of enduring power of attorney instruments is a welcome priority for the Council of Attorneys-General and significant focus should be given to creating nationally consistent laws, according to the Law Council of Australia. EPOAs are set to feature when the Council of Attorneys-General meet next Monday (27 July 2020). Law Council of Australia President, Pauline Wright, said the renewed focus on EPOAs is welcome, and reform was both possible and necessary. 'We understand the establishment of a national online register of EPOAs will be considered by CAG and this has the potential to be an important safeguard against abuse,' Ms Wright said.
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Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

30 July

Statement from the Honourable Tony Pagone QC relating to the COVID-19 outbreak in aged care facilities
'It is important that I correct some public expectations that may inadvertently have arisen following statements which have been made over the last few days,' said Royal Commissioner of the Royal Commission of Aged Care Quality and Safety, Tony Pagone. 'The impact of COVID-19 on Australia's aged care sector is a national tragedy. It is a human tragedy. At the moment, that tragedy is unfolding daily. It is important for the public to understand that this Royal Commission is not able, and is not intending, to conduct a full inquiry into that impact.'
Download

29 July

Hearing to examine evolving impact of COVID-19 on aged care
A hearing dedicated to the responses by the aged care sector to COVID-19 and the effect of those responses on aged care services is being held from 10 to 13 August 2020. This hearing was first foreshadowed by Commissioners in May 2020, said the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality & Safety. Commissioners determined to inquire into the measures put in place to protect older Australians, their families and those employed in aged care in order.
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Allied Health

None this edition.

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Children's Health

30 July

Gestational diabetes app supporting flexible care for parents-to-be
Australia's national science agency CSIRO, Mater Mothers' Hospital and Redland Hospital in Brisbane have fast-tracked an app to support pregnant patients with gestational diabetes and reduce their need to visit hospital. Gestational diabetes occurs in one in 10 pregnancies and requires careful monitoring by the patient and a team of clinicians. The secure platform was designed to help patients better manage and track their condition at home, and help their clinical team monitor key health indicators remotely.
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New data confirm stillbirth rate same as 20 years ago
New data has again confirmed that for more than two decades, the stillbirth rate in Australia has remained unchanged with almost 2,200 stillbirths occurring per year and six babies being stillborn every day across the country, said the Stillbirth Foundation. The new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows:
- 2,173 stillbirths occurred in 2017, an average of six per day;
- The stillbirth rate has remained relatively unchanged since 1998; and
- There continues to be discrepancies in data amongst health organisations, such as the AIHW and World Health Organisation.
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Clinical Governance

26 July

WA: Records broken at Australian-first drug treatment prison
Australia's first Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Prison for women has celebrated two years of operation with a rate of return to prison of less than one per cent so far. This is virtually unprecedented for any prison in Australia with a national average of 46 per cent. Wandoo Rehabilitation Prison was introduced by the WA Government as part of its comprehensive Methamphetamine Action Plan to try to reduce addiction-driven offending, said WA Minister for Corrective Services Francis Logan.
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Construction and Health Infrastructure

29 July

NT: Tender released for the Alice Springs Hospital multi-storey car park
The development will accommodate 250 cars and provide much needed additional on-site car parking for staff and public at the Alice Springs Hospital. This project will support over 65 local Alice Springs jobs. Due to the available footprint, the completed building will be a four-storey structure. The development application will be subject to consideration by the Development Consent Authority, said NT Minister for Central Australian Economic Reconstruction, Dale Wakefield.
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WA: Kalgoorlie Health Campus moves forward with MRI technology
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology will arrive in the Goldfields region for the first time with Siemens Healthcare Pty Ltd awarded the contract to supply and install an MRI machine at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus. The availability of an MRI machine in the region, a Government election commitment, will provide residents with timely access to this diagnostic service closer to home, without the added cost and disruption of travelling to Perth, said WA Minister for Health Roger Cook.
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WA: New Kalgoorlie Renal Hostel reaches final stage
Patients undertaking dialysis at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus will soon have the choice of being able to reside at the new 19-bed Kalgoorlie Renal Hostel, which has reached practical completion. The new hostel will help reduce patient demand on other renal accommodation options in Kalgoorlie. The $7.4 million facility is located on Porter Street, in close proximity to the Kalgoorlie Health Campus. It consists of five accommodation blocks and three amenity blocks including a reception, kitchen, dining area, activity room and laundry, said WA Minister = Cook.
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WA: Company to demolish and remediate Princess Margaret Hospital
Local WA company RJ Vincent has been awarded the contract to demolish and remediate the iconic Princess Margaret Hospital site in Subiaco, said WA Minister for Planning Rita Saffioti. The demolition development application was recently approved, with early works to commence onsite in August and major structural demolition to begin in early 2021. The demolition and remediation work at Princess Margaret Hospital is part of the Subi East project, which will create a vibrant inner-city village between Subiaco and the Perth CBD.
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Dental

None this edition.

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Disabilities

None this edition.

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

None this edition.

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E-Health

30 July

East Arnhem announced as site for digital health Communities of Excellence program
Under a national initiative led by the Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA), East Arnhem will become a Community of Excellence for digital health. The new program is funded through a Government $750 000 commitment over two years from the Australian Digital Health Agency (Agency) and a co-contribution valued at $240 000 over two years from NT Health, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance NT (AMSANT) and Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN). The Communities of Excellence program aims to embed digital health capabilities in East Arnhem focused on four key initiatives: My Health Record system, secure messaging, telehealth and medicines safety.
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Gestational diabetes app supporting flexible care for parents-to-be
CSIRO, Mater Mothers' Hospital and Redland Hospital in Brisbane have fast-tracked an app to support pregnant patients with gestational diabetes and reduce their need to visit hospital. Gestational diabetes occurs in one in 10 pregnancies and requires careful monitoring by the patient and a team of clinicians. The secure platform was designed to help patients better manage and track their condition at home, and help their clinical team monitor key health indicators remotely. CSIRO project lead Dr Marlien Varnfield said while social distancing was critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19, an unintended consequence was a drop in patient attendances at hospitals.
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27 July

ACT: world-leading Digital Health Record system for the ACT
The ACT Government is one step closer to delivering a world-leading Digital Health Record system, creating 100 new jobs for Canberrans and providing healthcare workers with improved access to patient information. The ACT Government has contracted global software company, Epic, to implement their world-leading digital health record software across Canberra's public health services. This includes ACT public hospitals, community health centres and nurse-led walk-in centres. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the contract was a significant milestone for the ACT Health system.
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Education and Training

None this edition.

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Funding

29 July

WA: New Kalgoorlie Renal Hostel reaches final stage
WA Minister for Health Roger Cook said that patients undertaking dialysis at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus will soon have the choice of being able to reside at the new 19-bed Kalgoorlie Renal Hostel, which has reached practical completion. The new hostel will help reduce patient demand on other renal accommodation options in Kalgoorlie. The $7.4 million facility is located on Porter Street, in close proximity to the Kalgoorlie Health Campus. The project received the capital funding under the Commonwealth Government's $45.8 million Bringing Renal Dialysis and Services Closer to Home program, with the WA Government funding the ongoing operational costs of the hostel.
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WA: Kalgoorlie Health Campus moves forward with MRI technology
WA Minister Cook announced that: 'Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology will arrive in the Goldfields region for the first time with Siemens Healthcare Pty Ltd awarded the contract to supply and install an MRI machine at the Kalgoorlie Health Campus. The availability of an MRI machine in the region will provide residents with timely access to this diagnostic service closer to home, without the added cost and disruption of travelling to Perth. The tender to build the $6.27 million Kalgoorlie Health Campus Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite has been awarded to ACorp Construction.'
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28 July

World Hepatitis Day: Australia on track to eliminate hepatitis C
On World Hepatitis Day, Australia remains on track to eliminate hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. The Government is investing more than $45 million in five National Blood Borne Viruses and Sexually Transmissible Infections strategies-including hepatitis B and C-to save lives and protect lives. Hepatitis is preventable, treatable, and in the case of hepatitis C, curable. It is critically important to diagnose and treat hepatitis C early to avoid the risk of serious liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis and liver cancer, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt.
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ACT: Planning for the future of our health system
The ACT Government is planning for the future of the ACT health system, based on strong policy, integrated systems and excellence in health and medical research. Accessible, Accountable, Sustainable: A Framework for the ACT Public Health System 2020- 2030 has been formally released. ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Framework has been developed to provide a common vision for the strategic, policy and planning activities that will shape the future direction of ACT public health services. 'This Framework sets out the ACT Government's vision for the next ten years as we continue working to ensure our public health system is innovative, sustainable and effective now and into the future.'
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27 July

$27 million to boost research in preventive and public health
The Government continues to invest in vital research to help promote better health and prevent people from getting ill, said Minister Hunt. The Government is investing $27 million in 22 preventive and public health projects through the landmark $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund. This funding will enable research teams across Australia to look at new ways to prevent people from getting ill. Telehealth will have a key role in a number of these projects. The new research will concentrate on vulnerable groups, mothers, babies and children, with a focus on improving diet, nutrition and physical activity.
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Health Professionals

31 July

Delivering better care for patients now and post COVID
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) released its vision for the future of primary health care and general practice in post-COVID Australia. 'General practice is the cornerstone of successful primary health care, and the foundation of Australia's world-class healthcare system,' AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said. 'However, despite agreeing with the rhetoric of the importance of properly funded general practice, successive Governments have overseen a rate of investment in general practice that has not matched the increase in the cost of providing high-quality patient care. Government spending on GP services is about $391 per person annually, down from $395 in 2017-2018.'
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29 July

WA: New state-of-the-art centre to meet local demand in aged care and disability
WA Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery and Minister for Disability Services Stephen Dawson opened the brand new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Training Centre at North Regional TAFE's Broome campus. Built at a cost of $955,000, the centre was designed to cater for the region's increase in demand for skilled aged care and disability workers. The new facility will support the delivery of half price courses as part of the State Government's Lower Fees, Local Skills initiative. Initially launched in January, the initiative halved the cost of training for 34 high priority qualifications.
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26 July

VIC: Supporting Victoria's last line of defence
Victoria's massive team of doctors, nurses and health care workers is growing every day as the fight to slow the spread of coronavirus continues, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. In March, healthcare specialists, including retired doctors, nurses, midwives, patient care assistants, undergraduate students, paramedics and allied health professionals were being called on to return to work as part of the Government's coronavirus response, said Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos. The Victorian State Government also sought assistance from patient care assistants, assistants-in-nursing and undergraduate students to provide essential support to doctors, nurses and midwives. Since then, more than 16,000 dedicated members of Victoria's health workforce have expressed their interest in working on the response.
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Hospitals

30 July

Gestational diabetes app supporting flexible care for parents-to-be
CSIRO, Mater Mothers' Hospital and Redland Hospital in Brisbane have fast-tracked an app to support pregnant patients with gestational diabetes and reduce their need to visit hospital. Gestational diabetes occurs in one in 10 pregnancies and requires careful monitoring by the patient and a team of clinicians. The secure platform was designed to help patients better manage and track their condition at home, and help their clinical team monitor key health indicators remotely. CSIRO project lead Dr Marlien Varnfield said while social distancing was critical to slowing the spread of COVID-19, an unintended consequence was a drop in patient attendances at hospitals.
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28 July

Elective surgery pause welcomed
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) welcomed the Victorian State Government's decision to suspend elective surgery to address the COVID-19 surge in hospital admissions. Federal AMA President and Melbourne GP Dr Tony Bartone said the Victorian hospital workforce is already stretched, and will be further tested by the State's COVID-19 aged care crisis. 'With 245 COVID-19 patients in hospital yesterday, and 44 in intensive care, we expect admissions to grow in coming weeks,' Dr Bartone said. Dr Bartone said the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments should address the impacts an elective surgery pause would have on patients and health care staff alike.
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Government ECG changes will hurt Australians' hearts and pockets
Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen said that Labor called on Minister for Health Greg Hunt to urgently reconsider changes which would make it harder for Australians to access electrocardiograms (ECGs). The imminent changes taken from the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review will mean GPs will no longer receive a rebate for interpreting the tests, significantly impacting those in regional and rural Australia who don't have easy access to see specialists. The Government should be making it easier for Australians to check their heart health, not harder. Labor has written to Greg Hunt to ask him to repeal these changes.
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24 July

NSW: Mudgee Hospital delivers world-class care
Ambulatory care space has doubled, dialysis capacity more than tripled and, in a first for the region, the new $70.7 million Mudgee Hospital also has a CT scanner. NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard, joined by the NSW Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders, officially opened the new Mudgee Hospital - well ahead of its scheduled completion in late 2020, ensuring it is prepared for any potential COVID-19 surge. 'This is an incredible transformation for the Mudgee community, which now has a world-class health facility with multiple services under the one roof,' Minister Hazzard said.
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Insurance

None this edition.

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Medicare

29 July

MBS Committee members confirm Government misrepresented ECG Recommendations
An explosive article featured in medical industry publication AusDoc has confirmed the Government has misrepresented the Medicare Benefits Schedule Review recommendations on changes to electrocardiogram scheduling, said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. The changes proposed by the Government from this Saturday will mean GPs will no longer receive a rebate for interpreting the tests, significantly impacting those in regional and rural Australia who don't have easy access to see other specialists.
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Men's Health

27 July

$500,000 investment in Men's Sheds across Australia
121 Men's Sheds across Australia will share in $500,000 in the latest funding round of the National Shed Development Programme, thanks to the Government. Men's Sheds help men find social support, while being engaged in meaningful community projects. The Government is committed to supporting Men's Sheds and encouraging men to meet regularly, support each other, and take part in meaningful projects, said Minister for Health Greg Hunt and Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government Mark Coulton.
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Mental Health

30 July

Mental Health Australia welcomes National Agreement on Closing the Gap
Mental Health Australia has welcomed the Government's announcement and release of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. Mental Health Australia CEO Dr Leanne Beagley said the new target areas will go a long way to increasing the focus on some of the social determinants that support the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 'The clear focus on '16 national socio-economic targets that will track progress in improving life outcome' is pleasing,' said Dr Beagley.
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Mental Health Pharmacy Trial - On track to commence soon
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Guild), Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), Griffith University (GU) and The University of Sydney (USYD) are pleased to announce that The Bridging the Gap between Physical and Mental Illness in Community Pharmacy (PharMIbridge) trial is set to commence in a few months' time. This study, co-led by highly respected pharmacy and mental health researchers Professor Amanda Wheeler (GU) and Dr Claire O'Reilly (USYD), focuses on individualised medicine support, adherence and mental and physical wellbeing for people living with severe and persistent mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar and severe depression.
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One month and counting for mental health report release
'The 30th of July marks one month since the Government received the final Productivity Commission report on mental health,' said Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen. 'The report was handed to the Government on 30 June, and gives Australia a chance to reform policy across education, housing, the workplace and the justice and health systems to address better mental health for Australians.' 'The report must be released as soon as possible so that a response can be finalised and funded in October's Budget,' said Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health Emma McBride.
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29 July

NSW: Lake Illawarra's first responders to benefit from innovative mental health collaboration
Specialist mental health clinicians will collaborate on-scene with Lake Illawarra police and ambulance services to treat people experiencing a mental health crisis thanks to the expansion of a ground-breaking evidence-based program. NSW Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor announced a phased expansion of the Police Ambulance Clinical Early Response (PACER) model into Lake Illawarra Police District as part of a $1.12 million investment in virtual mental health care.
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WA: Goldfields community mental health service on track for completion
WA Minister for Mental Health Roger Cook visited the site at 13 Davidson Street, Kalgoorlie and helped lay bricks at the new 10-bed facility. The service will provide short-term accommodation, together with specialist treatment and support, for people with mental health issues. It will give people in the Goldfields region another option for their mental health treatment in a community-based setting, close to home and to their personal support networks. The new service will bring the total number of step up/step down beds to 58 State-wide, including the existing services at Albany (six beds), Bunbury (10 beds), Joondalup (22 beds) and Rockingham (10 beds).
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28 July

QLD: Works start on the $91 million new Mental Health Unit at Ipswich Hospital
Early works have begun for the new $91 million, 50-bed Acute Mental Health Unit (AMHU) to be built at Ipswich Hospital. Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Steven Miles said the funding was part of the Queensland Government's $146.3 million commitment for the master-planned Ipswich Health Precinct. 'This project, along with the $25 million 26-bed ward at Ipswich Hospital will increase the number of beds and meet the significant demand in the growing Ipswich region,' Mr Miles.
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Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System

None this edition.

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Pharmaceuticals

30 July

3-D printing (additive manufacturing) of medical devices
Three dimensional (3-D) printing (an additive manufacturing process), is a process where computer aided design (CAD) software or a 3-D scanner is used to develop an object, which then informs a hardware manufacturing process where material is deposited in layers to form that specific three dimensional object, said the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA). Additive manufacturing is being used more frequently to manufacture medical devices and their components. While there are often advantages to using 3-D printing for these kinds of products, there are also specific risks that arise that must be documented and reduced as much as possible by manufacturers.
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Insight - Fast-track approvals in China's drugs market to unlock pharma prospects
China's pharmaceutical market is expected to be worth over US$160 billion by 2023, which is around 30 per cent of the total global market - according to market research firm Daxue. Pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop, manufacture and sell new pharmaceuticals in China should benefit from new regulations that came into effect on 1 July 2020. Streamlined approvals - including for urgently needed drugs - may benefit Australian companies looking to expand into China. Faster turnaround times for clinical trial applications are likely to expand opportunities to conduct pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) in China, said the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).
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29 July

No evidence alcohol-free hand sanitisers effective against COVID-19
CHOICE is issuing advice for people to be wary of alcohol-free hand sanitisers, as there's no evidence they are effective against COVID-19. 'After CHOICE found a hand sanitiser without enough alcohol to be effective against COVID- 19, our members asked us to look at whether any alcohol-free options would work. The simple answer is no,' said CHOICE Managing Editor Marg Rafferty. For hand sanitiser to be effective when it comes to killing COVID-19, it must contain between 60% and 80% alcohol, depending on the type of alcohol.
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Practical diabetes guide
The Diabetes for Smarties guide aims to help people make informed health decisions, manage their condition and reduce the risk of preventable diabetes complications. The guide encompasses essential diabetes self-management information, said Pharmacy Guild of Australia (PGA). Diabetes is Australia's fastest-growing chronic disease, with a person being diagnosed on average every five minutes. Type 2 diabetes makes up about 90 per cent of all cases in Australia, and is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation if not managed effectively.
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