Other News

Possible federal bailout for Tasmania health

Written by: Jethro Still

06/06/2012 - 5:09pm

Federal health minister Tanya Plibersek has flown to Tasmania to discuss a funding bailout for the state's flailing health system.

Ms Plibersek arrived yesterday (June 5), meeting with medical groups, staff and federal MPs to learn more about the state's decision to slash more than $400 million from its health budget over four years to 2015.

The visit comes just weeks after independent senator Andrew Wilkie requested a rescue package from the federal government - and may indicate that the extra funding is being considered.

Written by: Jethro Still

31/05/2012 - 4:40pm

While excavation of the $447.5 million Box Hill Hospital redevelopment is well underway, cranes have arrived on-site to begin construction on the new clinical services block.

According to state health minister David Davis, the development is on track to be completed in 2015.

"This new building will add more than 40,000 square metres over 11 floors - eight above ground - and will be linked to the existing hospital via an atrium and several link bridges," he said yesterday (May 30).

Written by: Jethro Still

29/05/2012 - 4:31pm

Australians preparing for cancer surgery will now be able to compare waiting list times for their local hospital thanks to an expansion of the federal government's MyHospital website.

Median elective surgery waiting times for various cancers were added to the online resource today (May 29), listing the information according to the urgency placed on treating the disease.

According to federal health minister Tanya Plibersek, the website provides a vital resource for patients.

Written by: Suzanne Still

24/05/2012 - 6:16pm

Bulk billing rates are at a record high, according to the federal government - with $4.3 billion was paid out in the March quarter.

Health minister Tanya Plibersek revealed today (May 24) that 81.2 per cent of GP services were bulk billed in the three-month period, with records being set for pathology, diagnostic imaging, and radiation therapy.

The percentage of all bulk billing services combined also set a record at 76.5 per cent.

According to Ms Plibersek, Medicare rebates were up by 9.8 per cent compared to the previous year.

Written by: Jethro Still

15/05/2012 - 3:16pm

A new mother-baby service will be developed by Ballarat Health Services in regional Victoria as part of a $6 million package outlined in the state government's latest budget.

In an announcement by mental health minister Mary Wooldridge and premier Ted Baillieu last week (May 11), the five-bed Ballarat facility comes in addition to the government-funded places at the Monash Medical Centre, Austin Hospital and Werribee Mercy Hospital, and will provide an essential service to local residents.

Woy Woy Hospital expansion begins

Written by: Jethro Still

14/05/2012 - 4:21pm

The NSW government has announced the commencement of work at a new health facility in the coastal town of Woy Woy.

A 30-bed sub-acute geriatric rehabilitation unit will be added to Woy Woy Hospital, through a project worth $14 million.

According to state health minister Jillian Skinner, the project - which was made possible by a $9 million grant from the federal government - includes a courtyard area to be used for therapy treatments, a gymnasium and additional parking for visitors.

$10 million health clinic approved

Written by: Jethro Still

11/05/2012 - 5:46pm

The New South Wales town of Raymond Terrace is set to receive a boost to its health facilities, with the Joint Regional Planning Panel approving a new medical centre yesterday (May 10).

The $10.6 million health clinic is due to open at the end of 2013, and will provide access to general practitioners and public dental services, as well as eight renal dialysis chairs and visiting pathology specialists.

State government member for Port Stephens Craig Baumann believes that the centre will help to meet the needs of local patients, both now and in the future.

Written by: Jethro Still

10/05/2012 - 5:15pm

Following on from its State Budget announcement last week, the Victorian government has revealed more details surrounding its investment in health.

Health minister David Davis outlined $364 million in hospital redevelopment plans, which will aim to increase services to key areas.

The $447.5 million Box Hill Hospital redevelopment and the $630 million Bendigo Hospital project are among the most significant sites to receive funding.

New family medical practice for CSU

Written by: Jethro Still

09/05/2012 - 4:07pm

Regional education provider Charles Sturt University is set to add a new family medical practice to its Bathurst campus, thanks to $6 million in funding announced as part of the 2012-13 Federal Budget.

The new facility will be built as part of the university's health and wellness precinct, alongside the existing community dental and oral health clinic and the yet-to-be-built $7 million Allied Health Clinic.

Health costs continue to rise

Written by: Suzanne Still

03/05/2012 - 6:27pm

A new report into the cost of living in Australia has revealed that while most of us are much better off than in previous decades, health costs continue to increase.

Released yesterday (May 2), the latest AMP.NATSEM Income and Wealth Report indicates that disposable incomes around the country have increased by 20 per cent over the last 27 years.

Australian wages are now outpacing the cost of living over the longer term, with the average household better off by $224 per week.

However, this saving is matched a strong increase in the cost of services since the 1980s.

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