Cancer care website for indigenous Australians now live

A comprehensive cancer website developed by and for indigenous people has been launched in Australia.

The online portal called Our Mob and Cancer provides culturally-safe support and information for patients, their families, communities and health professionals.

It includes information on how cancer affects indigenous people; ways to protect against cancer; types of cancer, diagnosis, treatment and living with cancer; how cancer spreads; and where to get help and support.

"More culturally appropriate and safe information about prevention, early detection, screening, treatment and support can directly translate into better outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people," Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health and senator Malarndirri McCarthy commented on the website launch.

Over the past decade, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were found to be 1.4 times more likely to die from cancer compared to non-indigenous Australians. They also posted higher incidence rates and lower participation rates in cancer population screening programmes.

Free mobile app launched to support early dementia diagnosis

A federal government-funded mobile app has been launched to support the early diagnosis of dementia. 

Called BrainTrack, the free mobile app allows users to monitor and better understand the changes in their cognition over time.

Available on both iOS and Android devices, the app also provides information on brain health through travel-themed games that have been adapted from validated cognitive testing.

Dementia Australia developed the app together with the Applied Artificial Intelligence Institute and Deakin University. It is also supported by a research grant from the Medical Research Future Fund - Dementia, Ageing and Aged Care initiative. 

Website to support people affected by miscarriage

Miscarriage Australia is putting up a website that provides evidence-based information and research for people affected by miscarriage.

According to a media release, the online site is being developed following research that found people wanted a single authoritative source of information and resources about miscarriage.

The web portal will include information about the symptoms, frequency and causes of miscarriage; future pregnancy preparation; current research on miscarriage; and ways to cope with grief and how to support those affected by miscarriage.

Currently under initial phase of development, the website is also planned to have resources that support the needs of male partners and LGBTIQA+ couples.

The website will be launched on 15 October – International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Shaun Drummond formally takes director-general post at Queensland Health

Shaun Drummond, acting director-general of Queensland Health, has been formally appointed to the post following an open merit recruitment process.

He was also the former COO of the department. 

In a statement, Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Yvette D’Ath said strong executive leadership is needed to deliver the state government's ambitious health reform agenda.

"Mr Drummond has a deep understanding of the current Queensland health reform agenda and has well-established networks and system credibility in Queensland," she said.

Drummond has over two decades of experience in the public health sector, including serving as the former chief executive of Metro North Hospital and Health Service and the deputy chief executive of Western Sydney Local Health District.

"Mr Drummond has a proven ability to lead in complex and challenging environments and has a clear vision for the department. He brings with him experience, contemporary health service leadership and genuine investment in driving public health reform to deliver the best possible outcomes for Queenslanders," Minister D'Ath said.