The issue of public hospital waiting lists is never far from the headlines and with major reforms to public hospital funding being proposed, it will continue to generate considerable public interest. Recently the Australian government announced $150 million in funding to the states and territories to assist them to reduce the length of elective surgery...

This report presents the results of a study of options for the safest and most sustainable model of critical care services at the Mersey Community Hospital. The report recommends: • Development of a formal regional critical care network. • That a high dependency unit is the safest and most sustainable model of critical care at...

The chemicals used in hospitals cause symptoms in people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). However, the indoor air quality in hospitals can be improved to make hospitals more accessible and healthier environments for everyone. This article describes some of the problems people with MCS experience when in hospitals, either as patient or visitor, and outlines...

This briefing provides an overview of football-related hospitalisations during 2004-05. Injuries sustained while playing football accounted for 31% (n=14,147) of all sports and leisure-related hospitalisations during this period. Australian football accounted for 30%, soccer for 24%, and rugby for 21% of all football-related hospitalisations. Over 90% of those hospitalised were aged 34 years or younger...

The proportion of the population aged over 65 is projected to increase from 13% in 2004 to 20% by 2024. As hospital use increases with age (after the age of 50), this ageing of the Australian population can be expected to affect both the demand for and provision of hospital services. In addition, there is...