Healthcare
Doctor’s regret over treatment of toddler who died after being discharged
Paul Bumford told a coroner he was on his first locum shift at Wangaratta hospital when he treated Noah Souvatzis and should have escalated his care to a more senior doctor.
- by Erin Pearson
Latest
Claire was dubious about this DIY test. It found a virus that causes cancer
The Sydney woman says the vaginal swab alternative to a Pap smear is “much less invasive than a COVID test up the nose”.
- by Megan Gorrey
At 21, Cassie had no idea she could have a stroke. Then it happened to her
Cassidi-Rae Amosa told an inquiry on Monday her stroke – suffered nine days after giving birth – could have been prevented if doctors had taken her concerns seriously.
- by Angus Thomson
Parents’ fight to save their toddler from a broken health system
Noah loved cuddles, the swings and music, but his parents say a chaotic and under-resourced regional health system took the 19-month-old from them.
- by Erin Pearson
Exclusive
AI
Why you shouldn’t ask ChatGPT for medical advice
The more information you give a GP, the more likely you are to get a diagnosis. Not so for ChatGPT.
- by Angus Thomson
Exclusive
Healthcare
Sick and span: The household germ killers nurturing drug-resistant superbugs
Researchers investigated hundreds of antibacterial products sold in Australian supermarkets and chemists, and found that almost one in three contain potentially harmful ingredients.
- by Henrietta Cook
Plastic surgeons lose legal challenge in cosmetic industry crackdown
Doctors had argued new guidelines went beyond the powers of the Medical Board of Australia. But a judge said the board had taken public safety into account.
- by Angus Thomson and Megan Gorrey
Exclusive
Pollution
This factory contaminated the whole world. And you helped pay for it
Most Australians can expect to find forever chemicals – also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) – in their blood.
- by Carrie Fellner
Exclusive
Healthcare
Change in advice for cow’s milk over formula in what’s best for baby
The World Health Organisation now says cow’s milk is a safe alternative to breast milk or formula for six-month-old babies. But the change in advice has been criticised by Australian health authorities.
- by Henrietta Cook
It’s not just you: ‘flu season’ is starting earlier
There are above-average cases of flu and RSV, as well as the nation’s first surge in whooping cough since the COVID-19 lockdowns.
- by Mary Ward
‘I landed on my head on the concrete’: the new clinic treating patients with concussion
Victoria’s first public concussion clinic has been set up to help those dealing with serious knocks to the heads. Steve Kemp, who landed on his head during a soccer match, is among the first patients to be treated. The injury has impacted his eyesight and sense of smell.
- by Henrietta Cook