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, […]
ANMF champions universal health coverage and high-quality aged care
The ANMF continues to be a powerful advocate for universal health coverage (UHC) in Australia, underlining the pivotal role nurses and midwives can play in ensuring all people have access to the healthcare services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. For example, the expansion of nurse-led and midwife-led clinics, such […]
New Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Clinical Care Standard launched
A nagging cough, coupled with being unable to breathe or walk properly, prompted John to visit his GP. After being referred to a lung specialist, he found out he had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was given 18 months to live. “It was a big shock once we [my family] found out what it […]
Queensland unions push for equal paid parental leave
The Queensland Police Union has this week partnered with the Queensland Council of Unions in a joint campaign pushing for equal paid parental leave across the state public sector. The campaign is calling for commitments from both Labor and the LNP to assure workers of their job security, fair wages and improvements to paid parental […]
Transitioning nursing education into higher education
The transfer of nursing education to the higher education system was one of the most significant milestones in the history of nursing in Australia. Australian Nursing Federation (ANF), now the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), has played a pivotal role in the evolution of nursing and midwifery education in Australia. Its involvement spans decades […]
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 […]
Introducing a person-centred approach to indwelling urinary catheter care in aged care homes
The care workforce is central to the quality of care in aged care homes in Australia. The knowledge, confidence and skill of the aged care workforce is fundamentally important for the quality of life and wellbeing of people in aged care homes. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety has identified the need […]
The Power of Persistence: How the ANMF’s advocacy laid the foundation for NPs in Australia
The nurse practitioner (NP) role originated in the United States in the mid-1960s to address gaps in healthcare. But it took 35 years later, on 12 December 2000, for Jane O’Connell (emergency) and Sue Denison (rural and remote health) to become Australia’s first authorised NPs. Requiring Master’s level education, NPs possess the expertise and authority […]
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 […]