The Federal Budget provides for the beginnings of a “revolution” in health care that should be a down payment for wider reforms and investment to meet 21 st century needs, the Consumers Health Forum says. “The Health Minister, Greg Hunt, has described the expansion of telehealth as a ‘revolution in...

Over 30 health groups today released a Joint Statement calling on the federal government to address climate change in the National Preventive Health Strategy, which is currently in development. The Strategy’s Consultation Paper does not include climate change in its six focus areas, nor even...

Today, September 17, is World Patient Safety Day and consumers and those who work to prevent infection are calling for all Australians to recognise the vital part we can all play in uniting to halt COVID-19. The Consumers Health Forum of Australia and the Australasian College of Infection...

Health systems around the world have been looking closely at ways that virtual care could enhance the sustainability of health services, a shift accelerating as COVID-19 drives a rapid and widespread uptake of telehealth technology by consumers and health care providers. A new project starting this...

Social prescribing, which involves the referral of patients to non-medical activities to supplement conventional care, should become a standard part of Australian health care, three national health organisations say. The Consumers Health Forum, Mental Health Australia and the Royal Australian...

The Federal Budget must respond urgently to the health and economic lessons of the COVID pandemic and provide funding to ensure that care of elderly and low-income Australians is properly provided for, the Consumers Health Forum says. “The pandemic has revealed many cracks in our society and...

The calls for yet further tinkering with health insurance to make it more attractive to already financially-stretched young people highlight the need for a thorough rethink, the Consumers Health Forum said today. The latest official statistics confirm the continuing decline in member numbers while...

Inadequate supply of face masks reported in some hospitals and widespread confusion about when and what masks are needed represent a serious public health hazard that endangers many Australians, the Consumers Health Forum said today. “The ongoing problems with supply of masks generally, and...

Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients are being urged to take care of their health and contact their GP for any issues following concerns some may be avoiding medical care due to fear of the COVID-19 virus. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Consumer...

The Consumers Health Forum welcomes the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap , a significant step forward that has been determined by and for Australia’s First Nations Peoples. “It differs from the previous agreement because it was developed in close consultation and negotiation with the...