Women’s health gains impact female-dominated professions
For predominantly female professions, recent gains under Federal Labor for women’s health means more affordable reproductive health for nurses and midwives, with further commitments made by the Albanese Government if re-elected. For 55-year old registered nurse Allison, menopause was instrumental in her resignation from the profession. Experiencing intense itching, severe mind fog, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, […]
More affordable contraceptive, endometriosis and IVF treatment welcomed
New PBS listings have been welcomed as a major step forward in providing much-needed financial relief for women living with endometriosis, as well as those undergoing fertility treatments and using contraceptive methods. Thousands of women are expected to benefit from cheaper contraceptive and fertility treatment with the federal government announcing further commitment to women’s health […]
McGrath Foundation expansion provides nurse support for all cancers
The federal government kicked off 2025 with commitment for $2.3 million to the McGrath Foundation to expand an online tool that connects patients with expert cancer care nurses. Nurses take the chaos out of a cancer diagnosis, says McGrath Foundation Chief Nurse Kerry Patford, who welcomes the charity’s expansion to support patients with any type […]
Public health campaign: First Nations mums and bubs
A new public health campaign to improve pregnancy outcomes for First Nations mothers and their babies across the country has launched, with educational resources now available to midwives and nurses. The Preterm Birth Prevention ‘See, Stop, Scan’ campaign aims to educate and empower First Nations mothers by promoting engagement between healthcare providers and pregnant Top […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Nurse practitioners enabled to prescribe medical abortion pill
Women across Australia are set to have easier access to medical abortions under landmark changes that will remove restrictions on health professionals, including nurse practitioners, doctors, and pharmacists, prescribing, and dispensing, termination pills. The Therapeutic Goods Administration decision means that, from 1 August, doctors and pharmacists will no longer be required to register and be […]