Category: News

$19 Million To Boost Health Across The Pacific

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How it works:

Funding has been allocated as such:

  • $13 million for tuberculosis (TB), of which $5 million will be for intensive TB detection and treatment, and $8 million for research into anti-microbial resistance and drug-resistant TB.
  • $3 million to place an infection, prevention and control adviser in Tuvalu, Kiribati and Fiji.
  • $1 million to expand efforts to reduce childhood obesity in the Pacific.
  • $1.065 million over three years to develop tobacco control laws and policy in the Pacific.
  • $1 million over four years to provide Pacific island countries with access to Australia’s pharmaceutical quality assurance systems.

Why it matters:

The funding complements Australia’s annual funding contributions to the Pacific Community’s Public Health Division, which provides advice and support to Pacific countries on clinical services, disease prevention and control, and stronger regional health governance and policy.

Ask the Minister:

Greg Hunt, Minister for Health:

“Through these important initiatives, the Australian Government is building on its commitment to step up engagement with the Pacific and improve the health of populations across the region.”

First Female President of the Cardiac Society

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Clara Chow is Professor of the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney and is Academic Director of the Westmead Applied Medical Research Centre and Program Director Community Based Cardiac Services and Cardiologist at Westmead Hospital, Sydney.

The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand is the professional body for cardiologists and those working in the area of cardiology including researchers, scientists, cardiovascular nurses, allied health professionals and other healthcare workers.  The Society is established with the object of promoting the highest standards of education, training, research and practice in cardiovascular medicine and surgery as well as promoting the prevention and control of cardiovascular disease in human beings.

CSANZ President, Professor Len Kritharides, said “the CSANZ is very fortunate to have Clara as its incoming President. She is an outstanding Cardiologist and Researcher and will bring great energy and insight to the role.”

“I am excited and proud to take up the President-elect position of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. I think this shows the strong commitment of our society to change and addressing the challenges of diversity for our members as well as our patients,” Professor Chow said.

Prof Chow will serve as President-elect for 12 months and will take up the role of President in August, 2020.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MEDTRONIC NAMED ON THE 2019 AFR BOSS MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANY LIST

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For the first time in 2019, organisations were ranked directly against their peers across ten industry lists. All lists can be viewed here.

Medtronic ranked #3 on the Health Industry list, from over 800 nominated organisations across Australia and New Zealand. The assessment measures a top innovation implemented in the past twelve months. Specifically, the judges look at how valuable the problem is that the innovation is solving, the quality and uniqueness of the solution, and the level of impact that the innovation has had. Inventium also assesses internal elements such as innovation culture, strategy, resources and process, which demonstrate a sustainable and repeatable approach to innovation.

Medtronic was recognised for its MiniMedTM 670G system launched in early 2019 – an insulin pump system which automatically self-adjusts to deliver people living with type 1 diabetes precise amounts of insulin when they need it. Medtronic also made the list thanks to the exceptional innovation practices adopted by the organisation like fostering a strong internal culture of innovation and engaged employees as part of their leadership expectations and employee development; as well as supporting local medtech incubators and STEM initiatives with local schools and universities.

“Since 1949, meaningful innovation has been etched into everything we do. This spirit of innovation is evidenced in our technologies, and the way we show up to work every day to improve community health outcomes,” said Tim Fortin, Vice President and Managing Director, Medtronic Australasia.

“Globally our therapies help more than two people every second, delivering on our Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. At Medtronic, we believe patient-focused innovation – and strong partnerships – remain key to an even better, more impactful future; and that nurturing an innovation mindset supports our team to operate at the highest standards when challenging the status quo to go beyond medical devices to deliver better outcomes to more patients more efficiently.”

 

About The AFR Boss Most Innovative Companies List

The AFR BOSS Most Innovative Companies list (previously the BRW Most Innovative Companies list) is now in its eighth year. The list ranks the most innovative organisations in Australia and New Zealand, and is the only national list of its kind. For the first time in 2019, the list was broken down into 10 industry categories, effectively ranking organisations against their peers. The list is judged and compiled by Inventium – Australia’s leading innovation consultancy. Inventium uses a unique, scientifically proven approach to help organisations grow through innovation. In 2019, the list comprised of ten industry lists of ten, compiled from over 800 nominations, and 400 shortlisted organisations.

First Robotic Prostate Surgery On A Public Patient

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How it works:

Radical urology surgery was successfully performed by the Da Vinci Surgical robot system, under the supervision of St Vincent’s surgeons.

It is the first successfully performed robotic urology surgery on Victoria’s first public patent, using the Da Vinci surgical robot system located within St Vincent’s Private Hospital

Why it matters:

The Da Vinci Robot creates a GPS system for the procedure, assisting the surgeon to stay within the pre-programmed route of the surgical area.

The system has been shown to reduce post-operative pain and provide quicker recovery for patients due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.

Ask the hospital:

St Vincent’s Private Hospital:

“The new robots are a part of striving for something greater in clinical and research excellence at St Vincent’s and providing patients with the best clinical outcomes.”

“This is a great example of collaboration and a fantastic opportunity for an ongoing partnership between St Vincent’s Private and Public hospital.”

GRATTAN INSTITUTE WRONG ON DEVICES

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The medical devices industry has been the sole contributor to reducing the pressure on private health insurance premiums, through the Agreement signed with the Commonwealth in 2017.

This means that, for example, in February 2020, hip replacements will have their 3rd price cut in 4 years.

“Costs for medical devices have fallen in every quarter since the Agreement with the Federal Government signed in 2017,” said Ian Burgess, CEO of the Medical Technology Association of Australia.

“The medical devices industry has been the sole contributor to reducing the pressure on premiums, with another round of price reductions to come in January 2020,” Mr Burgess said.

The Agreement will save private health insurers $1.1 billion in payments for medical devices over the next four years and helped deliver the lowest private health premium increase in 18 years in December 2018.

The benefit paid per device has declined by 1% per annum since 2013, with any increase in expenditure on devices due entirely to an increase in demand.

According to recent APRA data, compared with the March 2018 quarter, March 2019 quarter statistics show that the average benefit paid for all prostheses has gone down 9%.

The Prostheses List is a key part of the value proposition of private health insurance and ensures that surgeons can choose the best available device for privately insured patients without the option being restricted by health funds.

The Prostheses List is a key driver of choice for privately insured patients, enabling surgeons to choose the best possible device for each individual patient.

“The Prostheses List ensures that patient outcomes, rather than insurer profits, are at the centre of patient care. Bundling payments, as proposed by the Grattan Institute, simply serves to incentivise the lowest cost option and restrict access,” said Mr Burgess.

“To make comparisons with international prices is like comparing apples with oranges, as the price of devices can vary due to range of factors, including differences in healthcare systems, purchasing arrangements, geography and other economic factors.

“The medical technology industry believes access to a full range of medical technology is the most valuable component of a private health insurance policy and we’re committed to doing what we do best – assisting patients to lead healthier and more productive lives,” Mr Burgess concluded.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3903″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Last chance to nominate – Australian MedTech Industry Awards

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The categories are:

Kerrin Rennie

The Kerrin Rennie Award for Excellence in Medical Technology – Improving Quality of Life was established to recognise and profile the innovative and extraordinary contribution of medical technology in improving health outcomes of Australian patients.

Outstanding Achievement

This award recognises an individual who has contributed in an exceptional way to the medical technology industry in Australia. This may be evidenced through their contribution to industry development, improvement in patient outcomes or excellence in leadership or innovation.

Women in MedTech (WiMT)

The WiMT Awards are presented to an individual and a company who have both been leaders in advancing or achieving a significant result in the WiMT mission or goals within their company or the industry.

Nominate on the MTAA website.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

$2.2 Million Dedicated To Ovarian Cancer Research

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How it works:

The funding will be spread across three Australian based projects that are focused on targeting rogue cancer cells, overcoming treatment-resistant disease, and a hormonal pill.

Why it matters:

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological disease with more than 1,500 Australia women diagnosed with the disease each year.

It is known as the silent killer, as women in the early stages typically do not present with any symptoms meaning the disease is often not detected until the advanced stages, when it has spread beyond the ovaries.

What they’re saying:

Lucinda Nolan, OCRF Chief Executive:

“The Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation is one of the largest not-for-profit funders of ovarian cancer research in Australia. Since 2001, we have given more than $16.5 million to Australian researchers in an attempt to make serious inroads into understanding this insidious disease, developing an early detection test and finding new treatments.”

“The researchers we have funded this year are taking innovative approaches to tackling ovarian cancer from a range of different angles – targeting rogue ‘leader cells’ and proteins that allow the disease to proliferate, and potentially preventing it all together with a pill.”

HAIL TO THE (NEW NSANZ) CHIEF

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Melbourne-based Pain Specialist and Anesthetist, Dr Nick Christelis, has hit the ground running in his new role as NSANZ President, spearheading the development of several policies promoting best practice within the neuromodulation industry.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

What is Neuromodulation?

Neuromodulation, also known as Spinal Cord Stimulation, is a minimally invasive and reversible therapy that may prove an effective, additional or alternative option for those who have tried, and failed, conservative pain management treatments. It works by intercepting pain signals as they travel along the nerve fibres through the spinal cord, before they reach the brain.

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]One of Dr Christelis’ first actions as president was to announce NSANZ had been awarded charity status by the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit (ACNC), recognising its invaluable role in striving to uphold the professional practice of neuromodulation across the Tasman, and supporting the estimated one-in-five Australians and New Zealanders living with chronic pain.

Dr Christelis said he was delighted the NSANZ had been award charity status, allowing it to fund and promote further research, educate doctors and establish a neuromodulation device registry.

“I am genuinely excited at the prospect of further consolidating our organisation’s significant success to-date and continuing to strengthen our position as professional pain management industry leaders”, Dr Christelis said.

“We are currently drafting policy documents and guidelines outlining standards for safe and effective neuromodulation practices, encompassing device-related education, training, implantation techniques and management.”

An estimated 3.24 million Australians, including children and adolescents, live with the debilitating affects of chronic pain. Chronic pain is neither preventable, nor the consequence of poor health choice. The condition affects both young and old and can significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health, often leading to social isolation and loss of purpose.

According to a Deloitte Access Economics report released by Pain Australia earlier this year, the 2018 estimated total financial cost of chronic pain in Australia was $73.2 billion, comprising $12.2 billion in health system costs, $48.3 billion in productivity losses, and $12.7 billion in other financial costs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

World-First Online Program For Refugee Men Who Suffer From PTSD

Posted on | by Staff Writer

How it works:

The online program consists of 11 short, interactive web-based modules that contain information, short videos, and activities. Participants complete up to 3 modules per week over a 4-week period.

Other interactive activities educated users about PTSD and supported them to develop personalised plans for seeking help. A computer algorithm was then used to feedback responses to various activities that assisted men in generating a help-seeking plan.

So far, the men who have participated in the trial group have gone on to seek more help than those in the control group, they also experienced less self-stigma.

Ask the expert:

Angela Nickerson, Associate Professor from the Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program at UNSW Science’s School of Psychology:

“The prevalence of PTSD in people from a refugee background is five times higher than in Australia’s general population, so PTSD is a devastating burden on refugees’ mental health.”

“But even though the group’s mental health needs are high, their treatment uptake is low. That’s a big concern – those who don’t access treatment may have an increased risk of ongoing distress and impairment.”

“One key barrier to seeking help is self-stigma, or negative beliefs about the psychological symptoms commonly experienced following exposure to trauma and help-seeking.”

The details:

More information on the ‘Refugee Trauma and Recovery Program’ can be found by clicking here.

NIB boss calls for abolition of Medicare

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]He described Medicare as a “government monopoly” whilst warning of a growing crisis facing private health insurers over burgeoning costs.

“(The) sensible policy approach would be to make private health insurance compulsory for all Australians with taxation devoted to subsidising the premiums for those who would otherwise be left behind,” Mr Fitzgibbon wrote in an opinion piece for The Australian Financial Review.

“That is, high-income earners would at one end of the scale pay the entire premium while at the other, those with low income fully subsidised.”

This comes as Health Minister Greg Hunt flags the ‘next stage’ of private health insurance reforms, saying he met with private hospitals, private health insurers and other medical leaders: “we’ve got to work on those cost drivers. So, we dealt with prostheses last time, they’ll be coming back to me shortly, those three groups with their suggestions and their proposals”.

The op-ed also came on the back of a report published last week by think tank the Grattan Institute which suggested that the private health insurance industry was in a “death spiral”, a suggestion that Mr Fitzgibbon dismissed, saying “the industry is doing well”.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3806″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” title=”NIB Share Price”][vc_column_text]Mr Fitzgibbon did not believe that his ideas were particularly controversial.

“It’s hardly a radical proposition when you consider Medicare is itself a compulsory ‘social insurance’ system. It’s not as if you or I can opt out of Medicare,” Mr Fitzgibbon wrote.

“And no different to the approach taken by many ‘left-leaning’ European governments that don’t feel it necessary to actually run a health insurance system to ensure cost-effectiveness and fairness.”

The views professed by Mr Fitzgibbon did not garner much public support, with his op-ed slammed across the spectrum of government and industry, with Mr Hunt quick to restate the Federal Government’s unequivocal support for Medicare, saying that the Coalition remained “committed to (Medicare) for life, forever”.

“I did see one comment today questioning Medicare, and I have to say clearly and categorically that we reject that proposition: clearly, categorically and absolutely,” he told reporters this week.

“But equally, we’re committed to private health insurance. Both of those elements are part of the model that best serves Australians.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]