Tasmanian medical research charity funds projects that have a global impact and improve community health and well-being.
- Tasmanian medical research charity funds projects that support community health and well-being, with clinicians and researchers working across the health system and university.
- Tasmanian medical research on childhood cataracts and gene variants can be easily studied and applied globally due to the small population and genetic diversity of the island state.
- The Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation funds medical research in various fields to support the Tasmanian community, in areas such as cardiothoracic, neurological conditions, and premature babies.
- Research supported by RHHRF has led to the development of innovative treatments for JackJumper ant bites, resulting in the establishment of a desensitisation clinic at the hospital and a significant reduction in deaths from anaphylactic shocks caused by these bites.
- Tasmanian medical research has had a global impact, with projects like the Hobart Method being implemented in neonatal clinics worldwide, and blood pressure testing research involving patients from Tasmania, China, Italy, and other countries.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Stephanie Furler the Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation about the impact of this research locally and in global health.
-
AHW Exhibitor: HPA Managing Director Shawn Wigham
Hospital Products Australia (HPA) exhibited at last week’s Australian Healthcare Week. Anne Dao spoke with Managing Director Shawn Wigham on the advanced equipment HPA supply, that combines technology and furnishings within the clinical setting.
-
Misinformation impacts routine vaccines
More significant changes in recent years have been health-related misinformation eroding trust in healthcare professionals, leading to people seeking alternative treatments or avoiding medical advice altogether. This can make it more difficult for healthcare professionals to provide effective treatment and care.
Recent vaccines delivered as part of the COVID-19 response, are having a consequential impact on the uptake of routine vaccines.
Australian Health Journal spoke with Dr Paul Griffin, an Infectious Diseases Physician and Microbiologist at Mater Health, and who has been involved in over 150 clinical trials in the field of infectious disease.
Paul talks about the importance of having reputable sources of information that can used to encourage people to understand what is involved in clinical trials and the roles of vaccines.
-
Awareness campaigns and HCP Toolkits for thyroid health
In 2021, the Australian Thyroid Foundation released analysis to show, well over 1 million Australian are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, including thyroid cancer, lower IQs, lifelong disability, and a causal or possible contributory factor – in the development of other neurological disorders such as ADHD and autism. Some of the challenges for diagnosis and treatment can be addressed by producing material for health care practitioners during patient presentations.
‘Recent statistics show well over 1 million Australians are living with an undiagnosed thyroid disorder, awareness and testing can prevent unwarranted outcomes for mothers and their babies’ says ATF CEO Beverley Garside OAM
The Australian Thyroid Foundation has lodged a Pre-Budget Submission for the Federal Budget 2024-25 to counter increasing misinformation on social media creating dietary deficiencies such as an increasing number of young women, who are planning pregnancy or already pregnant opting for plant based milks such almond, soy or oat milk coffee as an alternative to standard cow’s milk, which is a source of iodine and alternate milks do not include.
