‘A big difference’: Poisons Standard change brings hope Reduced paracetamol pack sizes are now in force, as a new report highlights the number of children hospitalised due to preventable medicine-related issues.
World experts urge overhaul of obesity definition The Global Commission on Clinical Obesity says diagnosis must change, setting out new criteria, categories, and calling on doctors to go ‘beyond BMI’.
‘Too little, too late’: An investigation into medication shortages How are medication shortages affecting GPs and their patients? Calls are being made to change how they are being managed and communicated.
GPs’ role in gun ownership assessments expands Recent changes mean New South Wales GPs can conduct a health risk assessment to determine a patient’s suitability to possess a firearm, helping authorities ‘make informed decisions’.
Spotlight falls on ‘forgotten people’ of mental health care New analysis highlights huge life expectancy gaps for those with severe mental illness – and suggests a funding shortfall of around $8 billion.
Calls to delay changes to B12 testing Potential changes to item descriptors, fees and claim frequencies are scheduled for July, but doctors are calling for further consultation, saying ‘additional red tape for GPs should be avoided’.
GPs are ‘specialists in life’: Health Minister addresses GP24 Mark Butler has vowed to keep seeking GPs’ input, as Australia walks the ‘path towards a more multidisciplinary, GP-led, team-based primary care’.
‘Best profession in the world’: RACGP award winners Dr Bruce Willett has won the prestigious Rose-Hunt Award – one of 19 winners recognised for their work in general practice, rural health, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
‘No evidence’ for older GP health checks: RACGP The college says an AHPRA plan for mandatory checks on 70-year-old GPs diminishes experience and will lead to extra red tape and early retirements.
Dementia soon to be Australia’s biggest killer As dementia deaths soar at the same time as heart disease mortality drops, just 237 cases now separate the top two leading causes of death.