RECENT ACTIVITIES
June 2008
Project News
In 2005, Health Issues Centre examined the issues of informed consent surrounding newborn screening in Victoria. As a result a report presenting a number of recommendations around informed written consent for testing of newborn babies and access to, and retention of, Guthrie cards was submitted to the Victorian Minister for Health in 2006. A Working Group for a Newborn Screening Written Consent Pilot Project has now been established by the Victorian Department of Human Services and Health Issues Centre has been invited to join it. Through this pilot project, a written consent framework will be developed, implemented and evaluated within at least two maternity hospitals in Victoria. Go to our completed projects page for more information about the Newborn Screening Project.
May 2008
Policy News
On the 29 May 2008, Health Issues Centre (Tere Dawson) participated in a meeting of the National Primary and Community Health Network to discuss the National Primary Health Care Strategy. The meeting suggested a series of strategies for a better primary health care system in Australia including:
Other critical areas that need to be addressed include the role of general practitioners vs specialists, interface between primary health care and acute and sub acute sectors, workforce changes, training and research, after-hours services and health literacy. A letter containing a summary of the discussions was sent to the Minister for Health and Ageing, The Hon Nicola Roxon MP, on 18 June 2008.
Publication News
The Autumn 2008 edition (Number 94) of Health Issues journal was published. This edition focuses on women’s health. See our journal page for more information.
Events News
Committed to Participation
On the 20 May 2008, Health Issues Centre held a one-day forum for health consumers who participate on Community Advisory Committees to share their experiences. The conference was held at Victoria University, Melbourne and was attended by over 100 participants.
A number of presentations from this event can now be downloaded from our website and more will be added as they become available. For more information go to our Community Advisory Committees page
April 2008
In the Media
On the 14 April 2008, Tony McBride participated in a panel at Parliament House in advance of 2020 Summit. The panel discussion was broadcasted on 3LO radio.
Events Attended
Tony McBride and Lauren Cordwell attended the National Prevention Summit and advocated for the active involvement of consumers and communities in the design and implementation of future prevention strategies
Learning and Development
Health Issues Centre continued its series of workshops for Queensland Health around Community Engagement. The workshops were funded by the Community Rehabilitation Department and participates came from a number of areas in Queensland Health including occupational therapist, speech pathologists, community helath, drug and alcohol services and transitional care. Workshops were held in Townsville, Cairns, Bundaberg, McKay and Rockhampton.
March 2008
Learning and Development News
On 19 March 2008, Assunta Morrone delivered an introductory session on Consumer Participation in Bendigo. The session coincided with the establishment of the Bendigo Community Advisory Committee (CAC) and was attended by 30 people including the CAC Chair and the CEO of Bendigo Health.
Health Issues Centre began a series of workshops for Queensland Health around Community Engagement. The workshops were funded by the Community Rehabilitation Department and participates came from a number of areas in Queensland Health including occupational therapist, speech pathologists, community helath, drug and alcohol services and transitional care. Workshops were held in Brisbane and Toowoomba.
Events Attended
Health Issues Centre staff participated in two seminars on Knowledge Translation. At these seminars, staff put forward the perspective of consumers in relation to dissemination of knowledge in plain language and argued that consumers benefit from evidence-based and reliable sources of information.
Health Issues Centre was represented at the Victorian Department of Human Services’ Advisory Group for the development of Advance Care Planning for Victoria. This forum has allowed the Centre’s representative to argue for clarity of the policy and consideration of all parties involved in Advance Care Planning.
In the Media
Tony McBride gave media phone interview with Jon Faine regarding the Health Ministers Conference. The interview was broadcasted on 3LO radio.
Campaign News
Tony McBride was elected onto the Executive of the Australian Health Care Reform Alliance once again following a ballot of Alliance members. Tony will act as an alternative spokesperson for Alliance when Fiona Armstrong (Australian Nurses Federation) not available. Go to our Campaign page for more information about the AHCRA.
February 2008
In the Media
Tony McBride gave a phone interview regarding the Warley Hospital in Philip Island. The interview was broadcasted on 3LO radio.
Tony McBride gave a phone interview and this information was used in an article by John Breusch published in the Financial Review on 7 February 2008. The article was entitled, ‘Chaotic system needs healing—Health experts have urged the Rudd government to use its Australia 2020 Summit to explore ways to overhaul the shambolic structure of the country's health system.’
January 2008
Publications News
The Summer 2008 edition (Number 93) of Health Issue Journal was published. This edition focused on environment and health. See our journal page for more information.
