Julia Medew

The number of patients using insurance in public hospitals is going up.

Tens of thousands using health insurance in public hospitals

Tens of thousands of Victorian patients are using their health insurance in public hospitals without any guarantee it will get them faster care, a choice of doctor or a private room.

Paul Davies was relieved when an MRI showed his enlarged prostate could be treated with medication.

MRIs reduce the pain of prostate investigations

The thought of being investigated for prostate cancer terrified Paul Davies. About a year ago, Mr Davies was told to see a urologist about a high PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test.

A patient is treated in St Vincent's Hospital after the Bourke Street rampage.

Melbourne hospitals caring for dozens, including children and witnesses

Melbourne's key city hospitals were on Friday night caring for dozens of people battered by the car that careered through the CBD, and one had a witness so traumatised by the event they were suffering chest pains.

Health care workers perform worse when facing criticism.

Criticising doctors and nurses 'causes medical errors'

Ever lost your cool in a hospital? New research suggests you would be wise to stay calm.

The scientists used peppermint gum in their study. There's no data on the efficacy of spearmint flavour.

Chewing gum found to beat drugs for easing nausea after surgery

Chewing a piece of gum could be more effective than a common drug for relieving nausea, new research by Melbourne doctors suggests.

A doctor is being sued for not referring a man with high blood pressure to hospital.

GP sued over man's stroke

A Bendigo man is suing his GP for failing to refer him to hospital while he claims he was suffering a stroke.

One in five knee replacement operations are likely to be unnecessary, researchers say.

Too many patients receiving unnecessary medicine, doctors say

Greed, fear of legal action, and widespread commercial influences are contributing to a costly global trend towards unnecessary and potentially harmful medicine, experts say.

Jamie Hare holding a picture of his partner Linda who died in 2010.

Family compensated over mother's fatal haemorrhage

Jamie Hare was excited about watching the birth of his fourth baby. On a cold day in June 2010, the plasterer put on a gown at Latrobe Regional Hospital and waited to be called into the operating theatre for his partner Linda's caesarean.

Wet and warm weather makes perfect breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

Explosion of Ross River virus prompts mosquito warning for Victoria

Hundreds of Victorians have been diagnosed with Ross River virus after heavy rains probably caused mosquito populations to surge, Victoria's Chief Health Officer says.

Ivana Alexander, who suffered a terrible birth injury

Hospitals urged to reduce birth injuries for women

Ivana Alexander was anxious about having her first baby.