CLEEN study: Wiping infections away
Cleaning shared medical equipment at least once a day, even with a disinfectant wipe, can save lives by reducing infections in hospitals, new world-first research shows. The finding is based on results from the CLEEN study, an Australian randomised control trial which found the intervention resulted in a 35% reduction in healthcare-associated infections. The research, […]
Limiting soft drinks and red meat may help women in menopause
Diet quality may influence menopausal symptoms and overall quality of life, according to a nutrition study of Australian women. The research of more than 200 women with an average age of 51, found those who consumed fewer sugar-sweetened drinks were less likely to have joint and muscle complaints. In addition, a lower intake of red […]
People with iron disorder encouraged to donate blood
People with haemochromatosis who need to have blood removed in order to reduce their iron levels are being encouraged to donate at Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Haemochromatosis, which causes the body to store too much iron affects one in every 180-200 people. The primary treatment to reduce high levels of iron is the removal of […]
Climate crisis is a health crisis: Nurses and midwives call for action
Nurses and midwives have declared the climate crisis a health crisis with an immediate call to action this Global Climate Change Week (14-18 October). The Planetary Health Collaborative for Nurses and Midwives declaration highlights the devastating impact climate change is having on human health, urging policymakers to adopt health in all policies and to act […]
Virtual reality to improve mealtimes for people with dementia
A virtual reality experience to assist health workers in caring for patients with dementia at mealtimes has been recently released by Dementia Australia. Dementia Australia’s Dine with Ted allows participants to engage in a dining experience from the perspective of a person living with dementia. The three-hour virtual reality program uses avatar technology to educate […]
Coffee during pregnancy may be safe, research shows
New research has failed to find strong links between drinking coffee during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental difficulties in children. However, researchers are advising expectant mothers to follow current medical guidelines on caffeine consumption. University of Queensland researchers conducted an in-depth genetic analysis of data from tens of thousands of families in Norway. “Scandinavians are some […]
The value of the union workplace rep
ANMF Tasmanian Branch member Monica Werner has been a member of the union since she started nursing in 1981. She talks with the ANMJ about the role of the workplace delegate and the value of unions in not just the work setting but the broader community. Q: How did you get involved in being a […]
Daylight savings time starts this weekend: Check your award and prioritise sleep
It’s that time again – adjusting clocks in most of Australia’s eastern states to enjoy longer evening sunlight during summer. Nurses and midwives in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria will lose an hour when the clocks are moved forward at 2am (to 3am) this Sunday 6 October. If […]
Queensland’s historic 10 days paid reproductive health leave takes effect
Queensland public sector nurses and midwives are now able to access 10 days paid reproductive leave, with the state setting the bar for the rest of the country to follow. Announced on Labour Day in May, the historic access to 10 days per annum (non-cumulative) paid reproductive health leave came into effect on Monday. More than […]
Contraceptive and medical abortion model of care in rural areas
An innovative co-designed model of care has been developed to help elevate the role of nurses in contraceptive and medical abortion care in rural and regional areas. The model has been developed as part of the landmark ORIENT study which involves nurses gaining the knowledge and skills to insert contraceptive devices and support delivery of […]