OriSinal

Thursday health scope

Issues surrounding WA flailing health system took centrefold again with a fourth pair of parents stepping out to criticise WA GPs and Princess Margaret Hospital over the death of their toddler. For over seven days Christopher suffered worsening symptoms including a 40degrees temperature, vomiting and diarrhoea but got sent home from PMH and GPs with nothing but anti-biotics and nurofen. Christopher went back and forth between GPs and hospital only to be pronounced dead on his second trip to PMH

WA Health Minister Kim Hames sparked a new twist in the euthanasia debate by admitting that he had administered painkiller dosage to a terminally ill patient with the knowledge that an early death could result out of the administration. Pro-euthanasia expert, Dr. Nitschke, said that doctors got around the law by using selective language and that it is a grey area which requires legal surety for doctors, patients and families alike.

Fremantle hospital in WA has closed 15 beds for fear of gastro virus infecting the rest of the hospital

On anti-smoking law WA championed the toughest preventative measure around the country by banning smoking within 10 metres of playground, in cars with children, between flags at beaches and around alfresco areas.

The Australian Medical Association has criticised QLD health for the creation of "Physician Assistant" role, claiming that it is a major waste of resources for a part of the workforce that is going to rise up against the govt eventually over unfair work conditions.

AIDS association of QLD is following NSW and ACT lead in calling for heroin injecting rooms in Fortitude Valley and Palm beach.

National Seniors Australia CEO, Michael O'Neill addressed the National Press Club yesterday, calling for significant tax reforms and super-style saving plans to equip for increasing aged care need predicted to double by 2050. Wasn't too happy with the sharing of Minister Butler's portfolio which is divided between Aged Care and Mental Health. Calling for age discrimination issue in the workforce to be taken seriously.

Greens Senator Rachel Siewert is considering alliance with the coalition in pushing mental health service reform. Siewert said the Greens are prepared to work with the Coalition in establishing better mental health service, including a national mental health body. Gave confirmation that the Greens won't agree to all mental health funding cut proposed by the Labor Govt.

Approx 10M dosage of swine flu vaccine are close to their use-by-date. The wastage is predicted to cost taxpayers close to $65M.

Paediatricians are pushing for breast-feeding and for infant-formula to be on prescription as a measure to encourage breast feeding. AMA says that breast-feeding is not a viable option for everyone.

regards,

Estle Iskandar

Labels: Euthanasia in Australia, Injecting room, QLD health, Swine Flu, WA Health

posted by Celesimone @ 6:03 PM