Humour a primary health initiative, says nurse comedian  

Lucy Downey, a nurse from NSW, has been telling stories all her life, but her journey into stand-up comedy began at a rather unexpected moment—her father’s wake. “He always said I was a good storyteller and that I should get up and share them. I thought, what better time than now, in front of over […]

AI to help address aggression in the ED 

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into an immersive virtual reality enhanced computer simulation program to train frontline healthcare workers in de-escalating aggression in patients. Developed by researchers from Edith Cowan University (ECU), ‘Barry’ is an AI computer-based model that allows clinicians and students to verbally interact with him in a hospital setting.   Users have […]

World Sepsis Day: Ask ‘Could it be sepsis?’

On a seemingly ordinary day in 2023, Laura Remy’s life took a dramatic turn. What started off as a mild cough and fever, quickly escalated into life-threatening sepsis. “I initially continued to work and dismissed my symptoms as minor. However, the symptoms worsened dramatically overnight, with chest pain, severe chills, and vomiting. I had an […]

Proposed paid parental leave changes to worsen women’s financial security 

Proposed amendments by the Coalition to the government’s legislation on superannuation for Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave (PPL) have been slammed by unions, including the ANMF.  The Coalition’s proposals would see workers, mostly women, tap into their retirement savings by cashing out of super on Commonwealth PPL through taking a lump-sum or extra leave.  The federal […]

Independent expert midwife to lead Tasmanian maternity services investigation 

The Tasmanian Government has announced the appointment of an independent expert to lead the rapid independent investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH).  Midwife, nurse and health consultant Amanda Singleton has extensive experience, including in the governance and management of maternity services in both rural and metropolitan settings. She also has regulatory […]

Tasmanian nurses and midwives stop work; maternity unit investigation launched 

Nurses and midwives held stop-work meetings across Tasmania last week to protest unsafe workloads, and the state government has announced an investigation into maternity services at the Royal Hobart Hospital.  Members held stop work meetings at the Royal Hobart Hospital, the Launceston General Hospital, and in the north at the North-West Regional Hospital and Mersey […]

New guidelines for early menopause diagnosis and management   

Research has led to the development of a practical framework to help health professionals worldwide diagnose and manage early menopause.  It comes as a Senate Inquiry currently examines issues around menopause and perimenopause for Australian women, including impact on their work.  The diagnosis of early menopause is often not straightforward unless a clear medical cause, […]

Women’s Health Week 2024: Your voice, your choice 

As Women’s Health Week rolls around for its 12th year, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health is shining a spotlight on some of the biggest issues in women’s health, under the banner of ‘Your voice. Your choice’.   Held during the first week of September, Women’s Health Week aims to raise awareness of the health and wellbeing […]

New AI tool to help beat brain tumours

A new AI tool to more quickly and accurately classify brain tumours has been developed to enhance patient diagnosis and treatment. A new AI tool to more quickly and accurately classify brain tumours has been developed to enhance patient diagnosis and treatment. Australian National University (ANU) researchers, in collaboration with experts from the National Cancer […]