October 2011 News

31/10/2011 - 4:34pm

The seven billionth baby was welcomed into the world this morning, but not in the country first predicted.

The United Nations announced last week that the world's population would reach 7 billion on Monday, October 31, but at the time could not pinpoint exactly where the child would be born.

It was predicted that India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, was a likely candidate - an estimated 11 children are born every minute.

But it has been reported that the Philippines is the country of origin for the world's symbolic seven billionth baby.

31/10/2011 - 2:01pm

More than $120 billion was spent on health goods and services in Australia last year, according to a new report.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that an average of almost $5,500 per person was spent by governments, health insurance companies and individuals on all aspects health in 2009-10 - including hospital funding, research, dental work and prescriptions.

28/10/2011 - 3:52pm

Australian birth rates are on the rise again, according to a new survey.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has reported that a total of 297,900 births were registered in Australia in 2010 - the highest number of births ever registered in a calendar year.

The increase in births now sees Australia's total fertility rate at 1.89 babies per woman.

Health costs soaring

28/10/2011 - 1:14pm

Out of pocket health costs for Australians have soared to $1 billion, according to a recent study.

Results of the Australia Institute's Bulky Billing: Missing out on fair and affordable health care survey found that an average of $900 a year was paid for health services.

27/10/2011 - 3:57pm

Four of Sydney's largest hospitals have recorded unacceptably high rates of "golden-staph" infection, according to new government data.

The federal government's MyHospitals website shows that the Westmead, Concord, Liverpool and Nepean hospitals all had infection rates that exceeded the accepted two cases per 10,000 patients.

Outside of Sydney, another five NSW facilities recorded above-average instances of the superbug.

27/10/2011 - 1:27pm

Stress caused by financial circumstances is taking an increasing toll on families, particularly when it comes to their health.

The Wesley Mission reports that more than a third of people in NSW - 850,000 households - are affected by financial stress, with the number of those "very worried" about the future doubling in the past five years. Money woes

Changes to Medicare on the cards

27/10/2011 - 12:12pm

Medicare may require some changes to its system to ensure it continues to provide adequate support, according to the federal government.

Health minister Nicola Roxon floated the idea yesterday, speaking at a conference in Melbourne for the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia.

Medicare has remained largely unchanged since its inception 27 years ago and now costs an estimated $17 billion a year.

26/10/2011 - 1:00pm

Today marks Universal Children's Day and Australian children are being reminded to care for one of their most important assets - their teeth.

Teeth are the one part of the human body that will not grow back once damaged, and tooth decay and infection of the gums are among the five most common health conditions in Australia.

These oral diseases are easily prevented by a healthy diet, good oral hygiene practices and regular check-ups with an oral health professional.

New headspace sites announced

25/10/2011 - 1:08pm

Mental health issues amongst young people received a boost yesterday, with the announcement of additional services nationwide.

Five new headspace sites were announced for NSW - Tamworth, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Penrith and North Sydney.

Victoria will welcome four new sites, while headspace facilities were also named for Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia.

Two outpost services - overseen by existing headspace centres - will also be established in Mount Isa (Queensland) and Burnie/Devonport (Tasmania).

25/10/2011 - 1:07pm

The head of Australia's newest private health insurance provider has urged the federal government to reconsider its controversial reforms for the industry.

The recent merger sees the combining of MBF, HBA and Mutual Community into the one provider, Bupa.

Primary links

October 2011 News

News by Subject

News by Date

Get your quick quote...

About me

I'M INTERESTED IN...

TO COVER...

I LIVE IN...

Secondary links