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Kaitlyn O’Kane has grown used to being exceptional. As a teenage cancer sufferer, she was already in an unenviable minority. But, despite now being cancer free, Kaitlyn has had to contend with ongoing side effects from the chemotherapy treatment. This includes permanent hair loss. Recently, Kaitlyn came out in support of a new high-profile campaign to make more breakthroughs with regards to treating brain cancer. Speaking to 9NEWS, Kaitlyn, now 22, said: “I have issues with my bladder, blood pressure, with my hands and fingers, with fertility and they all just seem to pop up.” Diagnosis Her diagnosis came at the tender age of just 13. She had no idea how dramatically her life would change after eight hours of surgery, followed by months of gruelling chemotherapy, that her body went through. “I wasn't socialising and creating my own identity. I was a number in hospital and that was very traumatic,” she says. Cancer Free Nine years on, Kaitlyn is thankful to be cancer free, but she wishes that others could avoid the long-term side effects that now afflict her. Each year, roughly 1935 Australians are diagnosed with some form of brain cancer. Brain cancer belongs to a group of cancers known for their low survival rates. It is alongside the pancreas, liver and lungs, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. Even though brain cancer diagnoses account for less than 20% of all cancer diagnoses, they are responsible for more than 40% of all cancer-related deaths. The reason, according to the chief executive of Cancer Council Victoria, Todd Harper, is that: “There hasn't been the same level of investment. We want to encourage talented scientific researchers to have a career in this field.” A New Initiative The government of Victoria has set aside $12 million to cover the costs of fast-tracking certain procedures, such as colonoscopies, as well as improving screening for bowel cancer. Demand for colonoscopies is rising sharply across Australia due to an ageing population and increased screening from the Commonwealth’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program putting pressure on our hospitals. Victorian public hospitals have experienced a 23 per cent increase in demand for colonoscopies between 2014-15 and 2016-17, when more than 54,000 colonoscopies were performed in Victorian public hospitals. “It might be things like clinical trials, it might be straight scientific research so we can prevent, better treat and ultimately save lives,” said the Health Minister Jill Henessey. Kaitlyn is now pursuing a career in psychiatry. She hopes to be able to help cancer sufferers like herself through a traumatic time.  “My future is shaped the way I want it to be, even with the barriers,” said Kaitlyn.
Brain Cancer Survivor Praises Push for Treatment Breakthroughs
We often like to think that running is the only way to effective weight loss and better fitness. This is partly true, but a lifetime of running also tends to wear out the knee joints and can cause mobility problems even when running only on soft ground. The number of knee replacement surgeries is a testament to the problem.  Walking, on the other hand, doesn’t deliver the impact damage to the body and according to new research, just 40 minutes of daily walking for people over fifty-five reduces the number of hospital stays, their duration, and lowers medical risks for deadly disease like cancer too. Revealing Medical Study Proof Positive of Health Benefits of Walking The Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Newcastle ran a study to look at 2,100 participants aged 55 or older to consider the health benefits of walking. Their findings covered in the Medical Journal of Australia in 2017 found that even just walking 1,000 footsteps every day cut the number of days in hospital by 9%. The benefits increased with a greater level of activity too. Dr Ben Ewald, an author of the study, informed ABC Radio Sydney that, “The more active people, the people who were taking about 8,500 steps a day... had one third of a day less in hospital."  Conditions of the Study To make the study reflect real-world conditions, Dr Ewald along with his team of researchers had 2,100 residents in Newcastle take a pedometer with them wherever they went to track their number of steps between 2005 and 2007. The reason this was done at the time was to track medical conditions that resulted in hospital stays over the following 8 years through to March 2015. It would then be possible to see whether the more active people were any healthier overall. The doctors screened out people with pre-existing conditions or who visited a hospital as a follow-up on a medical issue that pre-dated the study. The exclusions were counted during the first two years of the study only. Other variables where statistics were adjusted include people with asthma, angina, or heart problems.  Activity Required & Healthcare Cost Savings Those people who walked the most received the greatest benefits. Walking 4,300 steps each day covering approximately 3km (depending on stride length) tended to require one-third of a hospital day fewer the longer the walking activity had continued. Dr Ewald commented, "There were less hospital admissions for cancer in the more active group". It was noted that this was also true for diabetes issues too. "Being more active protects you from all types of diseases including cancer," Dr Ewald added. The message from the doctor came through loud and clear when he further mentioned, "Any exercise is better than no exercise, and more exercise is better."  
Increasing Daily Step Count Reduces Days In Hospital, Study Shows
Going to hospital can be a worrying time for everyone but knowing what you need and what to do beforehand and during can help you feel more in control of your visit and ensure you stay safe whilst getting the best care. These tips will help you with your next hospital stay, whether it is planned or unplanned to make sure you won’t have another one soon. Get Your Medical Information Ready Even if you aren’t expecting a hospital stay in the near future, having your medical information ready can help you get the things you need sooner and could actually save your life. In a similar way to how pregnant women may pack clothes and nappies for their due date, instead of these your kit should hold relevant personal and medical information. This can be what medicines you take, what you are allergic to, your preferences in terms of your care, your next of kin details, and the names of any providers from which you get healthcare. Choose a Decision-Maker This is something you should choose whether you are ill or not. This is a specified person who can make decisions for you when you are in a coma, too sick or too confused to make your own decisions. This can be a spouse, parent or child who knows you well enough to know what you would want. You should have a legal document supporting this such as a will and this should be included in your medical information kit. Make copies of any legal documentation as the original should always be kept with you. Bring an Advocate An advocate is someone who has your best interests at heart and will ensure your hospital stay is safe when you cannot. For instance, if you are having surgery, you may be asleep when you come back, and an advocate can ensure you get the best care when you aren’t aware. They can be there when you are talking to nurses or doctors to make sure you are getting the treatment you deserve.  Always Ask Questions Healthcare professionals must ensure that they gain full understanding consent for anything they do and this involves answering any questions you may have. A healthcare professional shouldn’t be carrying out any process until they believe a patient understands fully what is happening and why. Ask about anything you don’t understand. You have a right to know about your medication and treatment.  For a Speedy Recovery, Keep Moving Hospital stays can leave people feeling weak and losing strength, especially in the older generation, as there is a lack of movement when you are staying in a hospital bed for most of the day. Get moving as much as you can, even if it is just to the toilet and back. If there is a medical reason as to why you cannot, then do not injure yourself trying to stay active. Walk around the ward or walk outside for some fresh air if you can, or even change positions to a chair. Every day you spend in bed accumulates to another four or five days moving recovery time once discharged. Watch Out for Infections The longer you stay in hospital, the more at risk you are from a hospital based infection. Effective hand-washing is the key to staying safe from hospital infections. Anyone coming to visit should wash their hands with soap and water and the hand sanitizers that will be located throughout the hospital and wards. Ensure you wash your hands when using the toilet. Catheters and IV’s can be a higher risk for infection so check if they are still necessary or if you can have medication orally and go to the toilet yourself.  Make Sure You Understand Your Discharge Plan When being discharged from the hospital, you or your advocate should ask about your discharge plan. This will tell you everything you need to know about further appointments or tests, or if anyone will come to visit you at home. Request a discharge summary to give to your main care provider. This summary may include a list of symptoms to look out for and who to contact in the first instance of these symptoms occurring. Following these simple steps can help ensure your stay at hospital is safe and short. 
Top Tips for a Safe Stay at the Hospital
Since October of 2018, the Sydney hospital has successfully performed over 200 robotic surgeries following the launch of its multidisciplinary robotics program. Robert Cusack, who is the general manager at the Prince of Wales Private Hospital, expressed his delight in stating that the success of the program was more than what they initially expected.   “We were told that 100 robotic cases in our first year would be a good outcome,” he said. “So, to have surpassed the 200 mark is really above and beyond our best-case expectations,” he added.   This hospital, which is based in Randwick, has executed robot-assisted operations in colorectal, cardiothoracic, urology, gynecology, and general surgical specialties. They have been using the state-of-the-art da Vinci Xi Surgical System which is supplied by Device Technologies.   The first-ever robotics operation back in 2018 was performed by Dr. Shing Wong, who is a colorectal and general surgeon. He is also considered as one of the most experienced robotic surgeons of the hospital. Some of his most common surgeries involve bowel resections for benign and malignant diseases.   “The robot is especially helpful when operating on patients with high BMI and dense adhesions. It provides magnified three-dimensional vision, an advanced set of instruments and a level of precision not previously available using minimally invasive methods. Prince of Wales Private Hospital has made the robot accessible to a range of surgeons and specialties, which results in improved outcomes for more patients,” Dr Wong added.   Dr. Hugh Wolfenden and Dr. Levi Bassin’s patients are among those who undergo the multidisciplinary approach. These highly-skilled Cardiothoracic surgeons perform a range of mitral valve repairs and minimal access coronary operations together.   “Whilst the safety profile of robotics is similar to open surgery to date, the sternal bone isn’t cut, which reduces bleeding, pain and the prospect of infection. The three arms of the robot are essentially like an extension of the surgeon’s arms and hands — it allows complete dexterity through tiny incisions,”  Dr. Wolfenden stated.   Moreover, Dr. Bassin emphasized that robotic surgery has massively improved the recovery period for patients. It’s because of the less invasive nature of these operations, which as an effect, allows patients to heal faster than others who underwent the traditional route.   “Most robotic patients return to virtually full capacity within four weeks. Open surgery, however, can take six weeks to get back to work for a sedentary job or three months for a physically demanding occupation,” he added.
Sydney Hospital Celebrates 200 Robotic Surgeries
Ashley Morton didn't let being a paraplegic stop her and her family from travelling frequently. "Before COVID-19, there was a lot of travelling abroad, but since then, we've been a little closer to home," said the mother of two. But Mrs Morton had a frustrating row about inaccessible accommodation. "Anybody can go on a website and book a room and know they'll be able to use the bathroom and toilet," he said. "Whereas I have to spend 10x more time researching and making sure the property meets my needs when I'm looking for accommodation. "I'm sure many other people with a disability have got a horror story when it comes to travelling of being told that a property would meet their needs, only to turn up and the property doesn't meet their needs." Ms Morton wants to change the tourism and accommodation industry to better reflect the accessibility needs of Australians with disability. "People with disabilities do love travelling just as much as everyone else," she said. "And if you don't see people with disabilities at your accommodation, that's more than likely a case of them not feeling welcome." A booming industry About a million Australians live with some form of disability, and they count for around 17 per cent of total tourism revenue. This works out to be about $3.3 billion annually, and is the fastest-growing travel sector in the country, according to research published by Accessible Accommodation and Spinal Cord Injury Australia (SCIA). This is not to mention the increasing number of people 65 and over who are also keen travellers and may have accessibility needs. But Accessible Accommodation's Kerry Williams said many Australian hotels still fall short in offering truly accessible and comfortable accommodation for people with disabilities or access needs travellers. "While Australian hotels offering accessible accommodation are required to adhere to regulations to advertise as accessible, this doesn't necessarily translate to guest comfort for those living with a disability," Ms Williams said. Being part of the solution Accessible Accommodation and SCIA have launched a new online training program designed to "help accommodation providers feel confident in their offerings for providing accessible rooms and facilities and welcoming guests with accessibility needs". Among the organisations that have already taken part in the program is Kew-based Aligned Corporate Residences (ACR). The General Manager of ACR, Nu Nizam, said he wants to advocate for accessible accommodation and gained a lot of valuable insight from the program. “The training was very helpful [because] it showed real stories of people with disabilities,” Nizam said. "We just have to assemble and deliver." Gentlemen Nizam said he wants to encourage more travel and accommodation services to take into account the needs of travellers with disabilities. "It was a real draw," he said, "and it was a great opportunity." "[It's] something we should all accept: We shouldn't treat [disabled people] any differently." It's a good business idea Gentlemen Nizam said some businesses are concerned about the cost of implementing modifications to meet the accessibility needs of their residential properties. "[But] most of these mods are free [or] very cheap, which makes a big difference for those who stay," he said. "Hotels will have their strategies in place or think about revenue [but] … you've got to treat the accessible accommodation, or people with specific abilities or disabilities, as a particular segment, a revenue-generating segment." Ballarat Regional Tourism chair Paul Martino said there was plenty of unrealised potential for industry stakeholders when it came to providing accessible tourism options for guests. "There's no question there's a large market, and there's no question that it's potentially one of the most untapped markets," he said. "There's a real opportunity to grow our tourism market and visitor economy and to market these spaces." Mr Martino urged accommodation providers to be mindful of the fact the Commonwealth Games would be returning to Australia in three years' time. "I think there's an expectation around the world that we are providing these sorts of services," he said. "It's not an optional service, It's an expectation." Ms Morton said it was in the interests of accommodation providers to think about people like her. “We are a well-connected group of people, and we speak as a community,” he said. “The most important thing real estate can do for people with disabilities is to provide them with the information they need to decide for themselves whether or not their offer is right for them. "It's in the housing provider's interest to do something small to cater for disabled customers because, yes, they will come back."
Ask the industry to do more to realize the $3.3 billion potential in the accessible travel market
Every year, roughly 55,000 Australians go to the hospital because of a heart attack. Of these, a third are repeat heart attacks. A new text message alert system is being trialled across Australia, in a bid to combat heart attacks. After leaving the hospital, the system provides patients with important follow-up information. After Hospital Professor Clara Chow is the Director of Applied Research Centre at Westmead Hospital. When asked about the new system, she said:  "People often think they're cured after they've left hospital with a heart attack, but they're left with heart disease and that heart disease needs to be looked after. We've been amazed at how effective 'TEXT ME' has been. We ran a randomised clinical trial that demonstrated that people receiving 'TEXT ME' had lower LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, were more likely to lose weight, give up smoking and more likely to be physically active.” Common problems for patients after they leave hospital include taking their medication inappropriately and not making necessary lifestyle changes. Without these, a second heart attack is much more likely. Second heart attacks are also much more likely to be fatal than the first. Text Message Reminders Westmead Hospital is at the forefront of the national trial. The text messaging system delivers alerts and reminders to patients every day. These give them advice on everything from their medication, exercise, and diet, following their discharge from hospital. Ben Sharma, aged 68, is one of the patients who has received the daily alerts since leaving the hospital.  "(It is) giving you hints on exercise, what to eat - it even tells you what to eat in the mornings, evenings, lunchtime and also tells you about your medications,” he went on, “With a busy life, you tend to forget a lot of things." Exercise Some researchers have pointed to the importance of exercise, and how this system encourages patients to do it.  "There's increasing information to say that exercise is nothing but good," said Dr. Chow. 20 hospitals, representing 1400 patients, are currently involved in the trial. The results are expected to be reported at the end of the year.  
'Text Me' alert system helping heart attack sufferers maintain treatment after hospital
In Victoria, Australia, 26 people have died from a killer flu season, three of which were children aged three, six and eleven. This early start to the flu season in Victoria has led to many concerns about others in the area being affected. This is because many of the flu-related death cases have been people who were in an aged-care residency. Chief Health Officer Angie Bone stated to 3AW radio that "it's certainly not showing any signs of tapering off, but it's not showing any signs of suddenly taking off with a massive increase”. It is currently unknown if the early arrival of the flu season in Victoria will lead to an equally early end. Dr. Bone said that so far, 10,683 confirmed flu cases have been reported since the current season started late last year. Health Minister Jenny Mikakos believes that the early start to the flu season has been caused by people traveling along the northern hemisphere when the flu has been at an all-time high for the year in that area. These people then return home, spreading the flu to other people. Ms. Mikakos stated that "We are seeing a lot of communicable diseases spread through overseas travel, that's certainly been the case in terms of measles cases and flu cases. We have seen a very significant summer flu season this year as a result of people coming back from the northern hemisphere with the flu and that spreading in the community". Also according to Ms. Mikakos, the death of three children in the state of Victoria from flu-related causes are highly peculiar. She said that "(Juvenile flu deaths) do tend to be associated with situations where there might be other illnesses and vulnerabilities involved with those children’. With the early rise of flu contributing to the death of 26 people, the Victorian federal government is running a programme to assist those in need to get their flu shots and allow children five years of age and younger to receive their urgently needed shots for free. Ms. Mikakos stated that "we have put in an order for a record number of flu vaccines this year, two million flu vaccines for Victorians are available". The Royal Children’s hospital and Monash Medical Centre provide immunisation services for their in-patient and out-patients in the hospital.
Killer Flu is Killing Children Across Australia at an Alarming Rate
You’ve probably seen the ads on television talking about Hepatitis C. The World Health Organization estimates over 71 million people globally have Hep C and that 95% of those patients can be cured using expensive antiviral medications. Now, the more than 200,000 people in Australia who suffer from Hep C might be able to afford a brand-new and effective treatment. Health Minister Greg Hunt announces that starting August 1, the Turnbull government plans to subsidise this new drug, called Epclusa. This medication combines the antivirals sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. Because this new drug is part of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), patients can expect to pay up to $38.80 a month ($6.30 for concession patients) for this combination drug, which would normally cost over $20,000 for a single treatment. Health Minister Hunt says that about 800 Australians die each year from Hep C and that “our investment in this drug is aimed at reversing this unacceptable statistic.” Results from clinical trials of Epclusa show a cure rate of around 90 percent and an added benefit is that this medication can be used to treat patients with any of the Hep C genotypes. The six subtypes of Hep C make it difficult for GPs to identify and treat the correct disease. Putting Epclusa on the PBS list makes it easier for doctors to prescribe the drug and Minister Hunt expects it to increase uptake rates, especially for patients who live in rural areas. An estimated 227,000 Australians lived with Hepatitis C in 2015. Australia was one of the first countries to subsidise drugs for patients over the age of 18 who suffer from chronic Hepatitis C. The Kirby Institute data shows nearly 40,000 people have already taken advantage of the subsidies. The government has set aside more than $1 billion for this drug over the next 5 years. Epclusa is the first medication considered pan-genotypic, meaning the drug is effective against all subtypes of Hepatitis C. Right now, the appropriate treatment for Hep C depends upon which genotype the patient has. Epclusa will make it easier for GPs to prescribe medication for their patients with Hep C. In most cases, treatment consists of one pill a day for 12 weeks. The drug’s subsidies are only part of the attempt to eliminate Hep C. Other interventions include prevention, early detection of the disease, and eliminating the stigma surrounding Hep C infections; 80 percent of cases occur by sharing paraphernalia to inject drugs. Around 18 percent of the Australian people don’t even know they have the disease. Along with the push to eliminate Hepatitis C, the federal government also funds a program through the National Immunisation Program to vaccinate again Hepatitis B. Because of this program, over 96 percent of all two-year-old children have been vaccinated. There’s no vaccine for Hepatitis C, but the new drug Epclusa is a step in the right direction to offer a permanent cure for patients who live with the struggle of Hepatitis C. Australia hopes to eradicate Hepatitis C by the year 2020.
Finally, An Affordable Cure for Hepatitis C
People usually have nothing good to say about hospital food. In fact, describing someone’s cooking as similar to hospital food is considered as an insult. Fortunately, the norm that surrounds hospital food is about to change in Australia. Healthcare professionals teamed up with some of the country’s top chefs in order to raise the standard on hospital food. They recently participated in a conference in Melbourne for that purpose. "The best way to lift the bar is to show what's happening at some amazing facilities and by people doing incredible work," said Mr. Troy Litzow, chairman of the institute's Queensland/NSW branch. A good example is Epworth Richmond which was awarded the IHHC Project of the Year. The hospital management's efforts to providing high-quality food service to their patients were recognized. They were also commended for achieving the highest standard for infection control, and even implementing a system which helps reduce food waste and cost. The hospital boasts a cooking area worth $8 million to prepare these meals, which is actually the largest room service kitchen in a healthcare setting in the eastern hemisphere. With this, they’re able to produce over 3000 meals a day for 700 overnight patients. They have over 30 chefs which include a pastry chef who is tasked to make in-house pastries and desserts, and a saucier who is in charge of making fresh sauces and stocks every single day. They even have a dedicated dietitian that plans the meals and oversees the daily process to ensure that patients are eating nutritious and delicious food. Innovation for Epworth Richmond doesn’t stop in the food preparation. The hospital has a hybrid room service system whereby patients are provided food through various means, namely menu monitor assistance, call center service, ward-based production ordering, and direct meal ordering. To further improve their services, the hospital recently introduced a 24-hour meal dining which includes automated meal trolleys to deliver the meals. This new concept is currently in its trial phase and its effectivity is still being studied as of the moment. In addition, Japara Millward Health Care’s Sarah Fryer received the IHHC Values in Action Customer Service Award. But more importantly, she also took home the Rosemary Anne Pirie Award for Excellence which is the institute’s top award. She shared her victory with the service project at Epworth Richmond. Ms. Fryer is known for her outstanding cakes and special event delicacies. Japara Millward’s kitchen provides over 450 sumptuous meals every day which Ms. Fryer personally checks. This is to guarantee that they’re consistently providing meals and delivery service are nothing but top-notch and in alignment with what the residents need. On the other hand, Chef Parween Ramsahye received the IHHC's Brightest Star Award. It was for her superb five-star cooking skills and dedication to delivering excellent in-patient meals at Marist Lodge.  
Top hospital chefs serve it up to critics at awards ceremony.
A bill that is trying to be passed that affects emergency departments was almost completely turned down. The Abbott Government would like to charge a $7 copayment for any GP services offered in an emergency department. Hospitals aren’t free by any means, and the Abbott government made this proposal for people who refuse to meet copayment. This proposal would allow public hospitals to charge for any service given in the emergency department that can be considered GP. Many hospitals won’t charge GP patients at this point, and this proposal has also gained the interest of NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner. Skinner has come up with a plan to use GP services done in a public hospital as a rebate from Medicare. This plan is flawed in many ways, one of the biggest ways being that it will overcrowd with people seeking free GP care through an emergency department. If there is no copayment needed, they will skip their doctor’s office and use the emergency department instead. There are thoughts that this plan won’t ever reach the status of being voted on because there aren’t enough GPs to equal the demand of them. Unless they start bringing them in from other places which is highly unlikely. State governments shouldn’t make it seem like hospital services are free, because this is entirely untrue. Many hospitals in large cities charge for parking, which may also be called a sick tax. The government should be finding a new way of direct cost sharing, not giving the public ideas on how to avoid their copayments. Medicare has been a big changer for federal funding since its funding relies on the public receiving treatment in public hospitals without being charged any money. If the Abbott government wins the vote, hospitals will be able to charge for outpatient services. They can also take advantage of this time and allow hospitals to charge for inpatient care as well. This copayment will be so small that it won’t cover any medical treatment that someone receives. Instead, it can be used to cover other amenities, such as food, overnight stays and cleaning. This can help hospitals earn more money through the public without actually charging them for their care. This copayment or fee is very popular in different European countries. Europeans see it as transferring their normal living expenses that they spend everyday to the hospital. In France, they are charged about $27 a day to stay in the hospital. This amount doesn’t cover any medications or treatments, but it covers the smaller things. Between 2012 and 2013, around 5.5 million people were admitted to the hospital, and this equaled almost 19 million days of hospital stays. If the hospitals would have charged around $30 a day as an accommodation fee, they would have earned roughly 565 million dollars. This would have been an easier way for hospitals to make money, rather than charging outrageous parking fees or sick taxes. Each year, about 37 billion dollars are funded to public hospitals all around Australia. The 565 million dollars that could have been raised would have helped lessen the amount of public funding, allowing that money to be used elsewhere. If this proposal is passed, it can help the public understand that medical care isn’t free at all.  According to the Australia’s hospitals 2016–17 - For patients who spent at least 1 night in hospital, the average length of stay was 5.7 days in public hospitals and 5.2 days in private hospitals.  
Public hospitals aren't 'free': so charge an accommodation fee