The Australian Government has appointed Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, FAA FTSE to lead key reforms as Chair of the Inter-Governmental Policy Reform Group (IGPRG) for health and medical research, including clinical trials.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, The Hon Mark Butler MP commenting on the selection and appointment said, “Professor Chubb has dedicated his career to improving health and medical research and education in this county and I am pleased he has agreed to share his knowledge and experience through the IGPRG.”
All Australian health ministers agreed to establish the enduring IGPRG, which will provide policy and operational oversight of the National One Stop Shop for health and medical research.
Professor Chubb spoke with Australian Health Journal about his career as Chief Scientist for Australia, personal patient experience with a clinical trial and also the consultation done to date on clinical trial and medical research reform.
The National One Stop Shop Program will transform health and medical research in Australia, by making it easier for patients, researchers and sponsors to find, conduct and participate in clinical trials and research.
It will deliver innovative treatments and improved health outcomes, increase productivity and sustainability in the health system, create jobs and help grow Australia’s innovation economy.
Minister Butler attending the MedTech23 conference hosted by The Medical Technology Association of Australia in Sydney yesterday said,
“A One Stop Shop for cutting-edge clinical trials will ensure that Australian patients and researchers are among the first to benefit from new life-changing and life-saving medicines.
I have asked my department to work with states and territories on the next phase of analysis and platform specification as a priority.“
The IGPRG will also have a key role in implementing and regulating the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework which will ensure a nationally consistent approach to clinical trials.
He has been integral to the development of the One Stop Shop to date, having already led the national consultations on the design of the program.
Representing the medical technology industry MTAA CEO Ian Burgess supported the establishment of the IGPRG and the appointment of Chair Professor Chubb. He added, “There is an opportunity to maximise the potential of clinical trials in Australia by increasing the MedTech clinical trials beyond the 394 currently underway, through the One Stop Shop Program and work of the IGPRG.”
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Nursing Now Australia Launches
The evening of Tuesday 9th April saw the launch of Nursing Now Australia in Sydney, with Lord Nigel Crisp, Co-Chair of Nursing Now.
Professor Christine Duffield FACN, President of Australian College of Nursing welcomed the start of the campaign and explained the relevance to Australian Nurses.
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Continuity of Care under COVID-19
Series 3, Episode 1
Under the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Healthcare system has handled the public health crisis by monitoring and responding to challenges in supply chains, testing & tracing of new infections and stock piling of essential equipment.
The public has largely responded by practising social distancing, understanding how hand hygiene can spread contagion and recently installing the COVIDSafe mobile application. Public health messaging has been largely effective and literacy improve, to combat the dangers of misinformation.
To open up access to medical advice during the pandemic, in March the Australian government issued MBS item codes for telehealth consultations, for advanced practice nurses as well as GPs and other specialists.
According to AMA President Dr Tony Bartone, as of mid-May 2020, around 10 million Medicare-funded telehealth services have been provided, either over the phone or via video, a significant majority of which have been provided by GPs and other specialists since the Medicare telehealth items were introduced in March.
However in recent months, the health system has mounting concerns on:
- a reduction in general practice visits for testing, investigation or immunisation
- lower rates of elective procedures resuming since being halted
- reduction in laboratory testing
- reduction in treatments and diagnosis of chronic and acute conditions
- access to, and continuing to take medications
Those with pre-existing conditions have been urged to keep appointments and routine treatments to maintain their health.
Industry has taken action such as the newly formed Continuity of Care Collaboration (CCC). The 15 health organisations forming CCC are an Australian first national communication collaboration of Peak Bodies, Industry and Healthcare Organisations coming together to stress the importance for people to continue monitoring their health and maintaining their regular care.
This Australian Health Journal episode on the continuity of care was produced with commentary from the following health industry associations and organisations: APNA – Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, RACGP, Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA), West Cessnock Medical Practice, Consumers Health Forum of Australia, Medicines Australia
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AHW Exhibitor: Health Professionals Bank
Healthcare professionals recently had a new bank enter the market. Health Professionals Bank owned by Teachers Mutual Bank, commenced operations in February this year aiming to be a member owned bank that “Cares for those who care”. Exhibiting at Australian Healthcare Week in Sydney last week, General Manager Carolyn Murphy spoke with Australian Health Journal reporter, Anne Dao
