Paul Smith

2 weeks ago | ausdoc.com.au | Paul Smith

Doctors working at one of Australia’s privately run public hospitals have spoken of dozens of near misses and adverse events, suggesting its management has been motivated by profits rather than patient care. The claims have been made during a NSW parliamentary inquiry into Northern Beaches Hospital, which has been plagued by chronic staff shortages and failed IT systems.

2 weeks ago | ausdoc.com.au | Paul Smith

A woman who stalked her doctor, reported her to AHPRA and drew a bullet hole on a picture that she stuck on a medical practice’s door has been handed a suspended jail sentence. The ACT Magistrates Court was told that Diane May Corcoran had sent a message to her GP saying, “There is a bullet coming your way, bitch.” × If this is your first visit to the new AusDoc website, reset your password here.

2 weeks ago | ausdoc.com.au | Paul Smith

Eight medical practitioners have apparently each written more than 10,000 medicinal cannabis scripts in just six months for the highest THC-strength products, AHPRA says. There has been continued concern about the rise of the clinics since medicinal cannabis was first legalised in 2016, particularly with scripts being written following short telehealth consults.

2 weeks ago | ausdoc.com.au | Paul Smith

One of Australia’s biggest private health insurers is rejecting claims that its plan to build a network of 130 medical centres risks undermining patient care. According to media reports last week, Bupa is considering a possible bid for the troubled private hospital giant Healthscope, which is currently mired in $4 billion of debt. × If this is your first visit to the new AusDoc website, reset your password here.

3 weeks ago | ausdoc.com.au | Paul Smith

Police in WA say doctors signing off a patient as fit to hold a gun licence will not be responsible if they subsequently misuse their firearm. The State Government has introduced new laws requiring gun owners to submit health assessment certificates signed by their GP. × If this is your first visit to the new AusDoc website, reset your password here.