At the 2024 Telstra Best of Business Awards in February, Earworx was recognised as the National Championing Health Award winner. Lisa Hellwege, the Clinical Director and Founder of Earworx, expressed her gratitude to the entire team and their patients for their trust and support. Earworx specialises in providing professional earwax removal services led by trained nurses using a procedure called microsuction.
Having identified a gap in the market for safe and gentle earwax removal services in her local community, Lisa started Earworx as a part-time venture alongside her role at the Royal Hobart Hospital. Over time, the business grew, and she transitioned to running it full-time, overcoming various challenges along the way, including the impact of COVID-19 and navigating the regulatory environment.
The recognition received at the Telstra Best of Business Award was a meaningful validation of Earworx’s efforts. It not only bolstered the business’s already strong reputation but also provided a boost to its branding, according to Hellwege.
Describing the rigorous application process, including extensive submissions and nerve-wracking presentations, Hellwege acknowledged that it provided invaluable insights into their own business.
Looking ahead, Earworx aims to raise awareness about the vital role of registered nurses in supporting the Australian healthcare system and addressing its challenges. The business plans to continue its mission of delivering high-quality, nurse-led earwax removal services while advocating for recognition and support from funding bodies.
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Lasers in dental treatment without needles and drills
In 2017, Dr. Omar Zuaiter and Alaa Habeb launched Dentroid, a dental technology startup with a mission to make dentistry a kinder and friendlier experience for patients and dentists using photonics (using laser technology) and robotics, as alternatives to needles, drills and sprays. The vision for the startup is to have dentistry adopt laser technology, addressing the root causes of dental pain & anxiety, and create a pain-free dental experience.
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Family biz succeeds in vaccine approval & distribution
It’s been 10 years since Jenny and Karl Herz started in business. Over the past 10 years they’ve launched Biointelect and Biocelect businesses to help secure approval and distribution for new medicines into Australia.
In this Australian Health Journal interview, Jenny and Karl talk about the journey the husband and wife team took to get the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid) approved and distributed in Australia. The journey didn’t just include talented and diverse skilled staff but also their children working in both organisations.
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Role of the Chief Nursing Officer
Professor Alison McMillan PSM spoke with Australian Health Journal about the role of Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer at the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Alison was appointed as our Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer in November 2019.
In June 2021 Alison was awarded a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to driving the Government’s national health response priorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to infection prevention measures.
