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In the wake of the record-setting 2017 flu season in Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews is taking steps to assure families that the state is on top of flu season 2018 and that hospitals are being made ready for what could be another horrible year. Although it is yet too early to gauge the influx of those suffering from influenza, the state government is being proactive in preparing for a worst-case scenario after being hit unawares last year. There were more than 48,000 patients who presented with the influenza virus last flu season, which was reportedly the worst on record. “We saw a significant increase in flu tests last year,” says Clinical Director of Microbiology at Wollongong Hospital, Peter Newton. “To put that into context, we are a medium-sized lab serving a regional city. Last year, in this lab alone, we performed 5,518 tests for the whole calendar year. That was compared to 2,816 tests in 2016. So as you can see it’s double the number of flu tests.” Premier Andrews Addresses Growing Concern Among Families Speaking in early April, Premier Andrews addressed the growing concern among families hit hard by the flu last season. "Young kids can be especially vulnerable to nasty colds and flu. It's why we've stepped in to make sure they'll be protected with free flu shots ahead of winter," Mr Andrews said. "We're giving families peace of mind that if another horror flu season hits this winter our hospitals will be ready," he added. He assured the public that Victoria’s hospitals are being made ready this year and that money has been set aside for just this purpose. Experts say that even those who have been vaccinated may come down with the flu because at any given time several different strains may be active. Vaccines are produced on strains which are active in other countries just coming out of flu season, and these are the strains most likely to be passed along. However, even vaccines are not 100% effective, so there is every possibility that strains not present in the vaccine could also circulate. Where the $50 Million Is Going In all, 17 of the biggest health services have been allocated a share of the money which has been set aside. In addition, Mr. Andrews stated that $3.5 million has been set aside to offer free flu vaccinations for children ages six months through five years of age. These free shots became available for dispensing earlier this month (May) and are intended to protect some of the most vulnerable within society: the children. Premier Andrews went on to say that this is the main reason why the state stepped forward to ensure these little ones will be protected this winter just ahead of flu season. Health Minister Commends Healthcare Workers on a Job Well Done In addition to Premier Andrew’s public announcement, Health Minister Jill Hennessy made a statement in which she commended the efforts of paramedics, nurses, and doctors during what turned out to be an unparalleled demand during the previous year. While few succumbed to the illness, when something of that magnitude becomes pandemic, there is every likelihood that mortality rates will rise, especially in the youngest and oldest within the population. Ms Hennessy said that the job healthcare workers did last year was nothing less than “remarkable.” Organisations like WHO (World Health Organisation), the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States and Public Health England, have been tracking and recording the movement of current influenza strains and as a result, have developed this year’s vaccine to be disseminated in Australia now and then in the northern hemisphere starting in late September or early October. In the meantime, the money set aside by Victoria should do much to alleviate any concerns among the general population.
Victoria Sets Aside $50 Million for Hospitals to Combat Flu Season 2018
The Adult Acute Mental Health Unit at Robina Hospital is getting a facelift. Premis has been hired to bring about the changes at the facility on the Gold Coast, a project that will result in a 20-bed hospital, including anti-ligature fixtures. The old building’s exterior will get work in the form of new windows, an RW-rated soundproofing system, a new sprinkler system, upgraded electrical systems and joinery. This Robina Hospital refurbishment is the last in a number of projects Premis has taken on in the Queensland area, including the upgrading of Ipswich Hospital’s High Dependency Mental Health Unit. The refurbishment project began in the middle of August and should be finished in mid-November.
Premis Wins Robina Hospital Refurbishment Project
Getting sick or injured during a vacation away from home can always ruin a holiday, but some of the hospital bills in these Countries will cost you thousands. When you get sick at home it’s bad enough, but you usually don’t have to worry about receiving a vicious hospital bill that could leave you scrambling on your next paycheque. There are a couple of places you should be warned of before you visit, as a one night stay at the hospital could cost you over £2500. Analysis done by the World Health Organization (WHO) saw that Monaco is the number one vacation destination that you’re going to have to put out the most money in the case of a hospital visit. Staying the night in a hospital in Monaco without insurance can set you back over £2500! Luxembourg and Norway follow at a distant second and third, with £1300 and £1000 respectively. Bessie Hassan is a travel insurance expert at finder.com.au and said that even though you are paying top dollar for these visits, it is far from a five-star hotel. “Three thousand dollars a night for overseas accommodation may sound like a luxury hotel, but in some places, that’s the cost of a stay in hospital,” she said.  “Trips overseas are already expensive without adding the cost of a hospital stay into the mix.”   There are protocols you absolutely need to follow before you go on vacation, not just to one of these Countries but in general. You should always remind yourself to get travellers insurance, even if the price feels like an unnecessary expense. With the average in traveller’s insurance price being just around £22 for the whole week, you do not want to leave home without it. Ms. Hassen recognises that anything can go wrong when you’re far away from home, and you would much rather be covered then worrying about how much your stay is going to cost you in the long run. “In most cases travel insurance with medical cover is far cheaper than what you’d have to fork out for a hospital stay overseas,” she said. “You never know what can go wrong when you’re travelling so it’s important to have cover in place to protect you if something does happen.” There are however, some spots that won’t totally ruin your bank account if you happen to leave home without traveller insurance. Popular vacation spots in southeast Asia, such as Fiji and Thailand, have beds that average out to only around £22 a day. In the end, traveller’s insurance through your provider is usually dirt cheap, as they realise it is a rare occurrence. You should check in and see what the rates are, because it’s an expense that you should always account for when travelling. £22 a week is a much better deal than having to pay out even the cheapest rate at £22 a day. Be safe and safe travels!
Countries where you really don’t want to end up in hospital
In the wake of the record-setting 2017 flu season in Victoria, Premier Daniel Andrews is taking steps to assure families that the state is on top of flu season 2018 and that hospitals are being made ready for what could be another horrible year. Although it is yet too early to gauge the influx of those suffering from influenza, the state government is being proactive in preparing for a worst-case scenario after being hit unawares last year. There were more than 48,000 patients who presented with the influenza virus last flu season, which was reportedly the worst on record. “We saw a significant increase in flu tests last year,” says Clinical Director of Microbiology at Wollongong Hospital, Peter Newton. “To put that into context, we are a medium-sized lab serving a regional city. Last year, in this lab alone, we performed 5,518 tests for the whole calendar year. That was compared to 2,816 tests in 2016. So as you can see it’s double the number of flu tests.” Premier Andrews Addresses Growing Concern Among Families Speaking in early April, Premier Andrews addressed the growing concern among families hit hard by the flu last season. "Young kids can be especially vulnerable to nasty colds and flu. It's why we've stepped in to make sure they'll be protected with free flu shots ahead of winter," Mr Andrews said. "We're giving families peace of mind that if another horror flu season hits this winter our hospitals will be ready," he added. He assured the public that Victoria’s hospitals are being made ready this year and that money has been set aside for just this purpose. Experts say that even those who have been vaccinated may come down with the flu because at any given time several different strains may be active. Vaccines are produced on strains which are active in other countries just coming out of flu season, and these are the strains most likely to be passed along. However, even vaccines are not 100% effective, so there is every possibility that strains not present in the vaccine could also circulate. Where the $50 Million Is Going In all, 17 of the biggest health services have been allocated a share of the money which has been set aside. In addition, Mr. Andrews stated that $3.5 million has been set aside to offer free flu vaccinations for children ages six months through five years of age. These free shots became available for dispensing earlier this month (May) and are intended to protect some of the most vulnerable within society: the children. Premier Andrews went on to say that this is the main reason why the state stepped forward to ensure these little ones will be protected this winter just ahead of flu season. Health Minister Commends Healthcare Workers on a Job Well Done In addition to Premier Andrew’s public announcement, Health Minister Jill Hennessy made a statement in which she commended the efforts of paramedics, nurses, and doctors during what turned out to be an unparalleled demand during the previous year. While few succumbed to the illness, when something of that magnitude becomes pandemic, there is every likelihood that mortality rates will rise, especially in the youngest and oldest within the population. Ms Hennessy said that the job healthcare workers did last year was nothing less than “remarkable.” Organisations like WHO (World Health Organisation), the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States and Public Health England, have been tracking and recording the movement of current influenza strains and as a result, have developed this year’s vaccine to be disseminated in Australia now and then in the northern hemisphere starting in late September or early October. In the meantime, the money set aside by Victoria should do much to alleviate any concerns among the general population.
Victoria Sets Aside $50 Million for Hospitals to Combat Flu Season 2018
Getting sick or injured during a vacation away from home can always ruin a holiday, but some of the hospital bills in these Countries will cost you thousands. When you get sick at home it’s bad enough, but you usually don’t have to worry about receiving a vicious hospital bill that could leave you scrambling on your next paycheque. There are a couple of places you should be warned of before you visit, as a one night stay at the hospital could cost you over £2500. Analysis done by the World Health Organization (WHO) saw that Monaco is the number one vacation destination that you’re going to have to put out the most money in the case of a hospital visit. Staying the night in a hospital in Monaco without insurance can set you back over £2500! Luxembourg and Norway follow at a distant second and third, with £1300 and £1000 respectively. Bessie Hassan is a travel insurance expert at finder.com.au and said that even though you are paying top dollar for these visits, it is far from a five-star hotel. “Three thousand dollars a night for overseas accommodation may sound like a luxury hotel, but in some places, that’s the cost of a stay in hospital,” she said.  “Trips overseas are already expensive without adding the cost of a hospital stay into the mix.”   There are protocols you absolutely need to follow before you go on vacation, not just to one of these Countries but in general. You should always remind yourself to get travellers insurance, even if the price feels like an unnecessary expense. With the average in traveller’s insurance price being just around £22 for the whole week, you do not want to leave home without it. Ms. Hassen recognises that anything can go wrong when you’re far away from home, and you would much rather be covered then worrying about how much your stay is going to cost you in the long run. “In most cases travel insurance with medical cover is far cheaper than what you’d have to fork out for a hospital stay overseas,” she said. “You never know what can go wrong when you’re travelling so it’s important to have cover in place to protect you if something does happen.” There are however, some spots that won’t totally ruin your bank account if you happen to leave home without traveller insurance. Popular vacation spots in southeast Asia, such as Fiji and Thailand, have beds that average out to only around £22 a day. In the end, traveller’s insurance through your provider is usually dirt cheap, as they realise it is a rare occurrence. You should check in and see what the rates are, because it’s an expense that you should always account for when travelling. £22 a week is a much better deal than having to pay out even the cheapest rate at £22 a day. Be safe and safe travels!
Countries where you really don’t want to end up in hospital
In a total allotment of $1.1 billion construction project for the Herston Quarter Redevelopment, construction has begun on the public health facility which is to be state-of-the-art. According to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who visited the work site in mid-June, her government is providing Queenslanders with “world-class healthcare,” of which this project comprises approximately 1/3 of the expenditure. The government has set aside $340 million for the Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre. Specialists a Huge Focus of the New Centre The Premier went on to say that this new facility is set to provide rehabilitation surgery by specialists which will, in turn, free up space in the hospital which is located adjacent to the new centre. This is seen as a boon for the largest hospital in Queensland, the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, which, as mentioned, is situated next to the site of the new surgery. Only the Beginning In a budget set earlier that week, the State set aside a total investment of $1.1 billion to invest in public healthcare. Ms Palaszczuk said that investing in healthcare is seen as a “cornerstone of the State Budget” and that she is happy to also announce that there are additionally 50 more beds being made available as a result of better “design of clinical spaces.” The total beds will now number 184 at the facility which will enable the hospital to offer healthcare to a larger number of patients while making a significant reduction in the number of those waiting for beds. As well, it is predicted that the new centre will draw patients from across Queensland who are in need of complex rehabilitation. Construction of the New Centre a Top Priority Adding to the statement provided by Premier Palaszczuk, Cameron Dick the Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning said that the construction of the new centre is a top priority. He stated that innovation and research at the hospital next door, which will be complemented by surgical services offered at the new centre, will bring together the “brightest minds” in research and health now and for many years to come. In the end, what the centre will also accomplish is adding jobs while utilising government-owned property which has yet to be used. Services the Centre Is to Offer The new centre will offer care to patients who are recovering from trauma, injury, burns, stroke and a host of other medical illnesses and conditions. Steven Miles who is the Minister for Health stated that the centre will provide “short stay” services for endoscopy and elective surgeries alongside a number of other outpatient services. With seven operating theatres and three procedure rooms for endoscopy, the hospital will be able to greatly increase the number of services being offered to Queensland. Also, there will be a number of consultation rooms that will provide space for more specialities. A Milestone for Health, Education, Research and Employment When complete, at least 900 jobs will be added to the healthcare system in Queensland and the centre will offer an opportunity for public health and the private sector to work more closely together. The aim is to deliver a much-improved health infrastructure due to the collaboration in health, education and research. It is projected that this new centre will continue meeting future demands in healthcare in Queensland and that during the next decade, the redevelopment goal is to provide world-class services. At this time, it is estimated that the project will be completed by the year 2020 and that the construction will have generated at least 250 jobs. When complete, 900 non-clinical and clinical jobs will be provided in this 9 level public health institution.  
Construction Begins on $340 Million Herston Quarter Health Facility
Thanks to the Andrews’ Labor Government funding boost for core infrastructure at Wonthaggi Hospital, patients on the Bass Coast are going to have access to the care they require, as and when they need it. Premier Daniel Andrews met hospital staff in announcing the local health authority – Bass Coast Health - is to be given a $1.9million boost in funding, funding which will help Wonthaggi Hospital fit the newest air handling systems and other such crucial safety equipment. These upgrades will boost patient care and general work conditions for those who work at the hospital. The Regional Health Infrastructure Fund The Labor Government’s $200million Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) is helping to rebuild rural and regional hospitals. This is the largest fund in its history and it will ensure access for more people to the major care facilities which they so desperately need, regardless of where they come from. This funding boost is going to help improve facilities for staff, visitors and patients alike. The funding boost for Bass Coast Health should help towards replacing five air handling units, an emergency lift, patient care areas, emergency systems, and new medical air compressors. This upgrade in infrastructure means that Bass Coast Health will be equipped to deal with surgeries on a larger, more complex scale and improve overall conditions for hospital staff. Initially, Bass Coast Health were provided $3million under the RHIF for upgrades to medical equipment and infrastructure, with this $1.9million boost taking the total up to $4.9million. The 2017/18 Victorian budget delivered $1.67billion in support of hospitals to help provide the level of care which patients in Victoria deserve. Previous Governments Have Had Other Ideas The move by Andrew’s Labor Government is a sharp contrast to that of Malcolm Turnbull and Greg Hunt who have historically declared their intention to reduce Victoria’s hospitals budget by $2.1billion, a move that will put thousands of vulnerable people in jeopardy. Given that demand already far outstrips supply, these cuts would put Victorian hospitals and other health institutions at a massive risk. Across the Bass Coast, such cuts to the hospitals budget will impact patients hard, with the agreement put on the table by Malcolm Turnbull and Greg Hunt estimated to cause an $8.6million shortfall in funding. If you want to put that in numbers, it is the same as 29 less doctors, 69 less nurses and almost 1,400 fewer surgeries. Taking Action Premier Daniel Andrews had this to say: “We are taking action to fit Wonthaggi Hospital with the latest, cutting-edge infrastructure that will allow hard-working hospital staff to treat more patients sooner, and closer to their homes.” In response, the Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing, said – “Our doctors, nurses and health workers across the Bass Coast region work tirelessly every day to provide their patients with the best possible care. “ “Unlike Greg Hunt who refuses to support local health workers as the Coalition cuts hospital funding, we are determined to provide safer, more reliable and modern facilities as the population grows.” 
Major Infrastructure Upgrade For Wonthaggi Hospital
Originally set to open in 2015, the Perth Children’s Hospital is finally accepting patients as of mid-May this year. In a project costing $1.2 billion, the three years of delays were due to such things as contamination from asbestos, lead, and two suspected cases of Legionella disease. Attending the opening were 300 guests, including the Health Minister and the WA Premier. As a welcome relief to the political divide, the two were joined by Colin Barnett, the former premier. The Grand Opening Declared a “Victory” Health Minister, Roger Cook, promoted the opening as a celebration of victory for hospital staff, patients and the families of patients as well. He went on to state that the hospital was opened with a “great sense of pride” and, of course, a great deal of relief. He then went on to acknowledge all who had a part in working hard to bring them to this point in time after a rocky three years of delays and doubts. Mr Cook said that the opening would be staggered and that outpatients would be accepted first with surgical patients being admitted two weeks later. In mid-June, the emergency department was opened, and the date was set to coincide with the closing of a 108-year-old facility, The Princess Margaret Hospital. Water Samples Yielded Legionella Bacteria Recently, almost half the water samples from various locations (45 of 100) produced legionella bacteria, which was a grave concern. The problem was first noted in October of 2017 and was a part of the delay which put the target opening off even longer than originally estimated. The Minister was, however, quick to reassure the public that the latest water samples had been found to be clear of the disease-causing bacteria and that the water had been tested thoroughly. Mr Cook went on to say that all problems had most definitely been resolved and after two weeks of “rigorous testing”, he concluded that legionella bacteria were no longer present. Even so, the Minister did admit that the bacteria issue was a fix that was much easier than the earlier asbestos and lead contamination issues. It was a simple matter of flushing and re-flushing the system with chlorine and that now children and their families could be secure in knowing the issue had been resolved. Unfortunately, the other problems took a much longer time to correct. An End to a Long Line of Concerns Sitting idle, the children’s hospital was costing the government approximately $6 million per month, which was inclusive of power and utility bills, as well as almost three-quarters of a million to Capella Parking in light of car bays which remained empty. Then there were problems with the childcare facility located on site as well as the isolation rooms, a unit for mental health, and the delivery of anaesthetic gas. Along with the other issues of contamination and the finding of legionella bacteria, the delay in opening was prolonged well beyond all estimated timelines. A Total Cost of $115 for Delays In a statement given by Mike Nahan, Opposition Leader, he stated that the facility was indeed “world class” and then went on to offer congratulations to anyone who was a part in the construction and opening of the building. He also said that he was happy that it was finally open and that all West Australians had every reason to be proud of their new children’s hospital. As a final note, the government could not confirm whether or not John Holland, the building general contractor would be the target of any legal action which resulted in these lengthy delays. Originally sought was $300 million as compensation for changes to the hospital plans, which were made after the commencement of construction. If legal action is taken, news will be released to the general public. At this point, everyone is overjoyed that the facility is finally open.
After 3 Years of Disease and Contamination Scares, Perth Children’s Hospital to Open
As of the moment, there are 9 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Australia. The ninth person that was recently diagnosed is identified to be a 42-year-old female Chinese national from Wuhan. She was part of the tour group wherein another 44-year-old patient, who was diagnosed yesterday in Queensland, also belonged. Queensland’s Health Department stated that this is the state’s second case of the deadly disease. Based on statistics, there have been three cases in Victoria and four in New South Wales, for a total of nine coronavirus patients in the country. As of the moment, the woman is quarantined at the Gold Coast University Hospital. Thankfully, her current condition is stable and her respiratory illness is under control. The other seven individuals who were in the same tour group are also quarantined in Gold Coast. Greg Hunt, who is the Health Minister, stated earlier today that two Australians based in China have also tested positive for the virus. According to Mr. Hunt, these patients have not been asking for any consular assistance as of the moment. Thankfully, they are receiving the appropriate medical care to manage the symptoms and to help their bodies fight the disease. It also appears that unlike most patients who came from Hubei province, these individuals acquired the disease while they were in Guangdong province. “My advice before coming to this event from the national incident center in our morning briefing is that two Australians did contract the virus in Guangdong province. They have been treated and the advice that I have, and I would want to be cautious about this, is that they have been released and are not seeking consular assistance at this stage,”  said Mr. Hunt. Last Wednesday, a woman in her 40s from Hubei Province, was declared as the third patient positive for the novel coronavirus in Victoria. She’s currently being isolated at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and her illness is stable as well. According to the Department of Health and Human Services in Victoria, the patient had herself checked by a general practitioner and was immediately transferred to Royal Melbourne. 71 people in Victoria who were initially suspected of having the virus were cleared out and 8 new individuals are being tested. In New South Wales, 50 individuals were reported as negative of the virus and 20 are currently being monitored. On the other hand, 44 individuals in Queensland are being tested as of the moment.
Second Queensland Coronavirus Case Takes National Toll to Nine
Redevelopment plans devised by the South Australian government are underway to transform the old Royal Adelaide Hospital site into a luxury rooftop tent hotel. The hotel will comprise of a total of 14 canvas tents placed on the old hospital rooftop and helipad. The transformation will begin as soon as SA Health completes the three-day move of patients and staff over to the new hospital site. Once open for business, a stay at the much-anticipated tent hotel will cost $400 a night, Urban Development Minister, Stephen Mulligan, revealed. "It's been extremely successful in the high-rise buildings of the Melbourne CBD and it's something we're bringing to Adelaide", Mr. Mulligan remarked about the venture. "We want people experiencing particularly some of the old beautiful heritage buildings, and also keeping people around that part of the city to continue providing a boost to the East End". However, redevelopment plans for the old hospital site don't just stop with the tent hotel. The Government has already announced that a third of the old hospital site is to be integrated with the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. There will also be a state-of-the-art research institution created, along with new multi-storey apartment buildings. The exact details of the overall redevelopment plan for the old hospital site are to follow at a later date, Mr. Mulligan explained. The government has provided an estimated time frame of four years and a budget of $150 million to demolish some of the buildings at the old hospital site.  
Tent Hotel to Be Opened on Old Royal Adelaide Hospital Rooftop