Australian Healthcare & Hospitals Association

07/08/2025

📢 New Issue Alert!
The latest edition of Australian Health Review (Vol. 49, Issue 4) is out now!✨

This issue explores topics such as preparing healthcare organisations for AI, whether laws regulating embryo research should be reformed, and experiences working in and teaching palliative care.

Explore the issue here: https://www.publish.csiro.au/ah/issue/12580

07/08/2025

📣 The August 2025 issue of The Health Advocate is now live!

This edition focuses on aged care, from policy reform to grassroots innovation, exploring how we can build a system that delivers care with dignity, equity, and compassion.

🔍 Featured highlights include:

- The ELDAC series on the essential role of palliative care and the value of digital knowledge platforms.
- Golden Angels: A volunteer-led initiative transforming dementia care and patient experience.
- A call to action on the Senior Dental Benefits Scheme.

In his CEO update, The Age for Change, AHHA CEO Tony Farley reflects on the shared needs of older Australians and the importance of integrated, person-centred care, calling for collaboration across sectors to ensure aged care reform is not only sustainable but deeply human.

📖 Read the full issue here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/qfuil/roaf/ =1

05/08/2025

On 31 July 2025, the Victorian Government introduced the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment Bill 2025 to Parliament. Aimed at reducing medicine-related harm in residential aged care settings, the Bill mandates that from 1 July 2026, only registered and enrolled nurses or other authorised health professionals, including pharmacists and general practitioners, will be permitted to administer specific medicines and drugs of dependence to aged care residents.

This legislative reform responds to key findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which identified unsafe medicine practices as a serious concern. While this is a vital step towards enhancing clinical safety, improving the overall health and wellbeing of aged care residents also requires addressing broader, systemic challenges.

One such challenge is social isolation and loneliness, which significantly impacts mental and physical health of the ageing population. According to the AIHW, 16% of Australians over 65 experience loneliness, and 11% are socially isolated. This is partly due to limited access to allied health and lifestyle services in residential aged care. As outlined in Deeble Issues Brief No. 54 - Restorative and wellbeing care in Australian residential aged care facilities, many facilities fall short of delivering the recommended levels of allied health care necessary for restorative and wellbeing support.

The Brief recommends establishing minimum quantifiable allied health service requirements, including mandates for lifestyle and leisure activities. Even modest increases in social engagement opportunities, such as group activities, exercise sessions, or creative therapies, can make a notable difference in improving residents’ sense of community and purpose.

Embedding reform that is truly person-centred and responsive requires genuine partnership with older people and their carers. Deeble Perspectives Brief No. 39, Translating Policy into Practice by Engaging Older Persons and Their Carers as Co-Researchers, advocates for co-research models that actively involve those with lived experience in shaping solutions. This inclusive approach is essential to translating Royal Commission recommendations into sustainable policy and practice.

The upcoming Aged Care Act marks a pivotal opportunity for transformative system reform, aiming to ensure that all Australians, whether providing or receiving care, are treated with dignity, respect, and are supported to live with meaningful quality of life.

Stay tuned for the August edition of The Health Advocate, which will explore a range of aged care-related topics.

Restorative and wellbeing care in Australian residential aged care facilities https://ahha.asn.au/resource/restorative-and-wellbeing-care-in-australian-residential-aged-care-facilities/

Translating policy into practice by engaging older persons and their carers as co-researchers
https://ahha.asn.au/resource/translating-policy-into-practice-by-engaging-older-persons-and-their-carers-as-co-researchers/

04/08/2025

As colder temperatures sweep across Australia, the nation is experiencing a sharp increase in winter-related illnesses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. This year’s winter season has had a serious health impact on Australians, placing renewed pressure on Australia’s healthcare system.

Recent data shows there were 32,348 COVID-19 cases in June 2025, narrowing the gap with the 45,634 cases reported in June 2024. This resurgence is largely driven by the emergence of the NB.1.8.1 subvariant. Meanwhile, influenza cases have surged to levels 30% higher than last year, and RSV notifications reached 27,243, surpassing the 26,596 cases recorded during the previous winter.

A key driver of this escalating disease burden is the decline in vaccination coverage across all age groups. National childhood immunisation rates have fallen below critical thresholds, and COVID-19 booster uptake among older Australians remains low. This has contributed to over 200 aged care facilities currently managing active COVID-19 outbreaks.

Vaccine hesitancy, fuelled by misinformation and declining trust in public institutions, continues to challenge public health efforts. Addressing these concerns requires a person-centred, evidence-informed communication approach that promotes transparency, consistency, and community engagement. In 2021, to support government, health, and community stakeholders in rebuilding trust and improving vaccine literacy, the AHHA developed a Vaccination program communication strategy.

Concerns about rare but high-profile cases of vaccine-related adverse events have also contributed to declining uptake. While such occurrences are infrequent, their visibility can shape negative perceptions at scale. Expanding vaccine injury compensation schemes offers a pragmatic policy response, reinforcing public confidence by acknowledging rare risks while also promoting the broader public health benefits of immunisation.

Improving vaccination coverage is essential, not only to safeguard individual and population health, but also to reduce strain on the nation’s healthcare system. Earlier this month, four hospitals in Queensland temporarily paused elective surgeries due to the number of respiratory illnesses overwhelming emergency departments . Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls reported a 16% increase in presentations, noting that of these, 90% of influenza patients were unvaccinated.

A coordinated national effort to improve vaccine uptake is needed to prevent avoidable illness, protect vulnerable populations, and sustain the resilience of Australia’s healthcare system throughout the flu season and beyond.

COVID, flu, RSV: how these common viruses are tracking this winter – and how to protect yourself
https://theconversation.com/covid-flu-rsv-how-these-common-viruses-are-tracking-this-winter-and-how-to-protect-yourself-261383
Hundreds of aged care facilities facing COVID-19 outbreaks amid renewed vaccination calls
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-22/aged-care-covid-rates-2025/105547808
COVID-19 Vaccination Program communication and engagement
https://ahha.asn.au/resource/covid-19-vaccination-program-communication-and-engagement/

29/07/2025

Mental health disorders such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affect approximately 14% of Australian children aged 4 to 17 each year. These disorders can have long-term implications on wellbeing and functioning, leading to school refusal or drop out and education underachievement.

Timely, coordinated intervention is critical.

The COMPASS (COnnecting Mental-health PAediatric Specialists and community Service) model is one such example of an innovation in practice, which establishes a multidisciplinary community of practice to strengthen collaboration between community-based clinicians and paediatric mental health specialists, to improve clinician confidence in diagnosing and managing childhood mental health disorders using both pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

The latest Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research Perspective Brief, Enhancing Community Clinician Confidence in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, presents a five-year view of the model’s implementation and outcomes. The Brief further proposes to scale the applications of the model nationally, as its current successes aligns with state and national mental health strategies, including recommendations from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System Final Report.

This Brief was authored by Professor Harriet Hiscock, Dr Chidambaram Prakash, Dr Shara Iqbal, Ms Sonia Khano, Dr Elise D’Abaco and Ms Jag Dhaliwal.

Read the Brief in full on the AHHA website: https://ahha.asn.au/resource/enhancing-community-clinician-confidence-in-child-and-adolescent-mental-health-insights-from-the-compass-collaborative-model/

09/07/2025

Funding reform is critical to universal access to oral healthcare in Australia.

Oral healthcare is the second-highest out-of-pocket health expense in Australia, leading nearly one in five adults to delay or avoid treatment due to cost.

While existing funding models provide a foundation for reform, government investment remains largely targeted at low-income and priority populations. There is now a clear opportunity to build on these programs and advance toward a more integrated, population-based approach to oral healthcare.

The latest Deeble Institute for Health Policy Research Issues Brief, Universal Access to Essential Oral Healthcare Through a Priority-Setting Approach calls for a staged evidence-based funding approach to shift from ad hoc interventions to a sustainable, equitable, and high-value oral healthcare system.

A clear fiscal path forward is recommended:
• Define essential oral healthcare in Australia
• Implement a formal priority-setting approach
• Integrate oral healthcare into HTA processes

2025 Jeff Cheverton Scholar Tan Ngyuen is supported by Brisbane North and North Western Melbourne PHNs.

Read the Brief in full on the AHHA website: https://ahha.asn.au/resource/universal-access-to-essential-oral-healthcare-through-a-priority-setting-approach/

Read the media release: https://ahha.asn.au/funding-fix-needed-to-bridge-australias-oral-health-divide/

08/07/2025

🌿 NAIDOC Week 2025 🌿
6–13 July | Celebrating 50 Years of Strength, Vision & Legacy

This NAIDOC Week, AHHA Ltd stands with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to honour the theme: The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.

As we mark 50 years of NAIDOC, we reflect on the enduring strength of Indigenous communities, the visionary leadership of Elders and young people alike, and the powerful legacy that continues to shape our shared future.

We celebrate the next generation of leaders and advocates, who are building a future grounded in self-determination, cultural pride, and community-led health and wellbeing.

Together, let’s walk forward with respect, unity, and commitment to equity in healthcare and beyond.



Find out more about NAIDOC Week 2025: https://www.naidoc.org.au/

03/07/2025

The recently released Grattan Institute report, Specialist treatment: Improving Australians’ access to specialist care, draws attention to the concerning decline in the availability and affordability of specialist care across Australia. Co-author of the report, Peter Breadon, will join us in today’s webinar, Nothing ‘special’ about the problems in specialist care: Developing a vision for the system, alongside AHHA Ltd Interim CEO, Tony Farley, to explore the underlying drivers of this decline and present key recommendations for systemic reform.

One of the issues identified in the report is the underinvestment in public specialist clinics, which has seen them struggle to meet growing service demand and respond to the changing needs of their communities. Without a clear vision on the purpose, operations, and role of specialist care in a system increasingly focused on multidisciplinary, collaborative models of care, opportunities for a more cohesive care system the reflects the evolving health needs of Australians will remain unrealised.

The report proposes a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at modernising public specialist clinics to help facilitate this transition to an integrated healthcare system. The Grattan Institute proposes the National Health Reform Agreement (NHRA) as a mechanism for achieving this: defining the role of specialist clinics, and outlining iterative steps to drive improvements.

Realising the sustainable and joined-up healthcare system Australians expect and deserve requires a commitment to coordination across not only the many services within the health system, but by all levels of government. Changing how specialists clinics work, and further how the health system is oriented, takes time.

It is only through working, sharing, and learning together that we can build the support essential to driving improvements – join us today to be a part of the conversation.

Register now: https://ahha.asn.au/event/nothing-special-about-the-problems-in-specialist-care-developing-a-vision-for-the-system/

Read the full Grattan Institute report: https://grattan.edu.au/report/special-treatment-improving-australians-access-to-specialist-care/

02/07/2025

Following the latest report by the Grattan Institute, Specialist Treatment: Improving Australians’ access to specialist care, AHHA Ltd is pleased to have co-author of the report, Peter Breadon, join us this Thursday, 3rd July, for our next webinar, Nothing ‘special’ about the problems in specialist care: Developing a vision for the system.

Across Australia, we continue to hear concerning statics, reports, and lived experiences exemplifying the immense pressure our healthcare system is under. As captured in the Grattan Institute’s spotlight on specialists, access to timely, affordable and appropriate care is increasingly out of reach for many, leading to the characterisation of the system as ‘pay or delay’ .

The consequences of this are not only confined to specialist services . When wait times become unacceptable and care is delayed, pressure is driven across the system, often into hospitals and acute care services - which we know is not only costly in terms of resources, but costly to quality of life and delivering the outcomes that matter.

Importantly, the report highlights that challenges to access go beyond measures of affordability, an often missing perspective when considering reform opportunities within the health system. Geographic disparities, cultural safety, and system navigation barriers all shape people’s ability to receive care at the right time, in the right place.

Recognising this broader context makes it clear that continued piecemeal or siloed approaches are insufficient. Rather, addressing these complex challenges it demands a coordinated response by all levels of government to consider the system as a whole, challenging the processes by which we fund, manage, deliver and receive care - which have otherwise been left on autopilot for too long.

Understanding what is needed to drive this change begins with having open, honest conversations about the sustainability of the health system, and we invite you to be a part of this come Thursday.

Read the full Grattan Institute report:https://grattan.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Grattan-Institute-Special-Treatment.pdf
Register now: https://ahha.asn.au/event/nothing-special-about-the-problems-in-specialist-care-developing-a-vision-for-the-system/

Two-thirds of Australians currently have to pay out-of-pocket for appointments with specialists such as psychiatrists and cardiologists, often hundreds of dollars per visit. For those with complex, chronic conditions that demand targeted interventions, these costs quickly add up. Nearly a million Au...

01/07/2025

Technological advancement is often hailed as the hallmark achievement of the 21st century. From revolutionary innovations to elevated standards of living, the positive contributions of technology are undeniable. Yet, as with all progress, there is a parallel narrative, highlighting the emerging challenges.

One such challenge is the growing dependence of younger generations on digital devices; a trend that escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, children and teens spend 6 to 9 hours a day on screens, often immersed in video games, social media, or endless scrolling on Tik Tok.

Two recent Australian studies have shed light on the reasons behind these high screen times and the negative impacts on young people.

Research from Macquarie University revealed that Australian children spend up to nine hours a day on screens, with gaming addiction emerging as a key driver, starting as early as primary school. The study also found that 4% of children exhibited symptoms of clinical or sub-clinical Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). The impacts of IGD were assessed across four domains: education, emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and social/physical development.

A separate study by the University of Queensland provided a broader perspective, analysing 132 longitudinal studies. It found that excessive screen time could significantly worsen conditions such as aggression, anxiety, attention difficulties, and depression. Echoing the Macquarie University findings, the study also identified video gaming as the strongest contributor to children's emerging social and emotional issues.

In response to such findings, some may advocate for the complete prohibition of digital devices among youth. However, Associate Professor Michael Noetel, senior author of the UQ study, cautions against such an approach. ‘It's not about banning screens,’ he explains, ‘but about monitoring their media diet.’

This comes at a time when Australia is nearing the completion of its one-year trial ban on social media for children under 16. While the ban is intended to shield children from harmful online content, Brad Marshall, lead researcher of the Macquarie University study, warns that this measure may overlook a critical issue. As he puts it, the evidence shows that ‘the developmental impacts of gaming far outweigh those of social media.’

Gaming addiction starts in primary school as screen time soars: new research: https://lighthouse.mq.edu.au/article/june-2025/gaming-addiction-strts-in-primary-school-as-screen-time-soars-new-research

Children’s screen time and socio-emotional problems fuel each other over time
https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2025/02/children%E2%80%99s-screen-time-and-socio-emotional-problems-fuel-each-other-over-time

Australia passes social media ban for children under 16
https://www.reuters.com/technology/australia-passes-social-media-ban-children-under-16-2024-11-28/

25/06/2025

Mental health reform in Australia is at a crossroads.

The Productivity Commission’s interim report confirms what many already know: the National Mental Health and Su***de Prevention Agreement is falling short. It lacks clear goals, long-term strategy and the funding needed to drive real change.

The Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association Limited (AHHA) is calling for reform that puts people—not bureaucracy—at the centre. That means listening to those with lived experience, investing in outcomes that matter, and holding governments accountable.

AHHA Ltd CEO Tony Farley says that ‘Maintaining the status quo while expecting different outcomes reflects a system stuck in its ways, holding back progress and damaging trust – Australians deserve better,’

📢 Read the full media release:
🔗 https://ahha.asn.au/mental-health-reform-must-start-with-people-not-bureaucracy

***dePrevention

25/06/2025

Diagnostic imaging in Australia: policy implications of diagnostic error and sector corporatisation

Diagnostic imaging is an essential component of modern healthcare, supporting timely and accurate diagnoses across clinical settings. However, it is estimated that approximately 140,000 diagnostic errors occur each year in Australia, with a considerable proportion attributed to medical imaging.

In a 2021 Deeble Institute Issues Brief, former Deeble Scholar Dr Sean Docking identified three systemic challenges contributing to diagnostic errors in medical imaging: limited access to high-quality and integrated data, escalating Medicare expenditure, and the lack of a cohesive national strategy. The Brief offered a set of evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at reducing diagnostic errors and improving patient outcomes.

Dr Docking revisits this critical issue in 2025 through a new lens—focusing on the corporatisation of the Australian diagnostic imaging sector. His latest study, published in the Australian Health Review, raises urgent concerns about increasing market consolidation by large for-profit corporations and the implications for health system performance.

The study identifies three primary risks associated with this trend:

• Reduced competition: The acquisition of independent imaging providers by large corporate entities may diminish competition, leading to increased out-of-pocket costs for patients and a reduced incentive for providers to offer bulk billing.

• Misaligned financial incentives: Corporate ownership structures may prioritise profit margins, encouraging the use of higher-cost imaging modalities—even where lower-cost, clinically appropriate alternatives exist.

• Commodification of services: Treating radiology clinics as financial assets risks undermining the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care.

Despite these emerging risks, limited research exists on the broader impacts of corporatisation in this sector. The study underscores the need for targeted policy and research efforts to better understand how ownership structures are influencing the accessibility, affordability, and quality of diagnostic imaging services in Australia.

Addressing this evidence gap is critical to safeguarding equity, sustainability, and clinical integrity in diagnostic imaging.

Read Deeble Issues Brief No.44: https://ahha.asn.au/resource/deeble-issues-brief-no-44-reducing-diagnostic-errors-related-to-medical-imaging/
Read the study published in the AHR: https://www.publish.csiro.au/AH/AH25073
Read the Conversation article highlighting the study: https://theconversation.com/medical-scans-are-big-business-and-investors-are-circling-3-reasons-to-be-concerned-257820