The Health Consumers' Council has a busy calendar of workshops and public forums throughout the year which are advertised here and in our regular Health Matters newsletter. We also regularly receive health information from other agencies, which will be included here in the first instance and then archived and stored under our Consumer Information tab (on the left) as appropriately.
Speakers Bureau Callout for Speakers!
The Health Consumers Council is looking for suitable individuals to take part in the Speakers Bureau Programme. Further information regarding the volunteer position can be found in the Call for Speakers Factsheet. If you are interested in applying, please complete the Speakers Expressions of Interest Form and send it back to us by 12 noon Wednesday 8 February 2012, or for further information, contact Caroline Rugdee at 9221 3422 or caroline.rugdee@hconc.org.au .
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Mobile phones are no longer just about making calls, they are about finding information and images, sharing insights and managing lifestyles. Mobile phoneapplications (apps) - whether for iPhone or Android are the latest tool to help the
public access, aggregate and consolidate lifestyle related information.
Over a thousand people in Australia were interviewed in 2010 by The Mobile Industry Group and 41% said they had downloadedan application. More than a third of those had downloaded at least one from the category of 'health and fitness" More...
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Chronic Conditions Consumer and Carer Health Networks Group invites you to
Living Life to the Full with a Chronic Condition Forum
Date: Thursday 27 October 2011
Time: 10.00am - 3.30pm (registration from 9.30am)
Venue: The Boulevard Centre, 99 The Boulevard, Floreat
For further information, click here
To register, click here
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Health Workforce 2020: What should Consumers know? Community Forum Presentations
Hon Jim McGinty
Health Workforce Australia
Moira Sim Associate Professor and Head of School of Medical Sciences at Edith Cown University
Introduction of Physician Assistant Program at Edith Cowan University
Richard Brightwell, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Paramedical Science and Preventative Medicine programs,
School of Medical Sciences at Edith Cowan University
Paramedics and their Expanded Scope of Practice
The Forgotten Profession
Annette Fraser
The Future of Nurse Practitioner
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Breaking news on prosthetic Hip Joint Replacements
Concerns have been raised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration about a specific brand of prosthetic hip joint because data from the National Joint Replacement Register suggests that this type of joint is failing at a higher than expected rate. This does not mean that all of this brand of hip joint wiill fail, however patients implanted with this joint may benefit from increaesd monitoring of the stability of the joint. If you recently (in the last two years) had hip replacement surgery and it is troubling you, you should consider having the hip checked. In the first instance you should consider talking to your GP; however it will be helpful if you have some specific information about your original hip replacement surgery. Before seeing your GP you can contact your surgeon and ask:
(a) Was the surgery a resurfacing or a complete hip replacement?
(b) What type of device was used e.g. was it metal on metal?
(c) What is the name of the manufacturer, the model name or number?
- If you do have a DePuy device or articular surface replacement (ASR) hip, you can discuss your concerns with your general practitioner and request a blood test to check your cobalt levels.
- If the hip joint is unstable you may require more frequent monitoring, additional treatment, or in the worst cases revision surgery where the failing device is replaced by a new device
- It is important to remember that having a revision of joint replacement is associated with increased risks of complications and the benefits need to be weighed against the risks. It is important to work with your General Practitioner to find the best solution for you. You may also want to discuss with your GP whether you should consult a different orthopedic surgeon to the one that implanted the prosthetic joint in order to get an independent opinion.
This information is available on the Health Consumers' Council Facebook page and www.hconc.org.au
Last update: 23 June 2011
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Click here for updates on changes intended for South Metropolitan Hospitals to prepare for the opening of Fiona Stanley Hospital in 2014
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Proposed Budget cuts to health and medical research...
The Consumer and Community Advisory Council at the UWA School of Population Health invites you
to join them in raising concerns about this decision. For more information, click here
Last update: 12 April 2011
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Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (AOPA)
Founded in 1975, AOPA is the peak professional body representing orthotists and prosthetists within Australia. AOPA aims to promote the training, education and professional status of orthotists and prosthetists throughout Australia.
Orthotists and prosthetists are allied health professionals who liase regularly with members of the multidisciplinary health team. The prosthetist/orthotist combines knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, pathology and materials with physical skills such as patient assessment, casting, measurement and alignment to provide prosthetic and orthotic treatment, which is specific to each patient managed.
Their website provides information regarding how you can find your local Prosthetists and Orthotists. More information regarding AOPA may be found on their website via the following link: www.aopa.org.au
Last update: 11 April 2011
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Speakers' Bureau - Expression of Interest
Interested in promoting health rights to groups?
The Health Consumers' Council is forming a Speakers' Bureau to equip interested individuals with skills to promote health rights to consumers in Western Australia.
We will provide:
- Training
- Support
- Promotion
- Print Resources
Note: Speakers' Bureau Training sessions will be held on both Wednesday 13 April 2011 and Wednesday 20 April 2011.
Contact Caroline Rugdee, Speakers' Bureau Project Coordinator on 9221 3422 or email caroline.rugdee@hconc.org.au to register your interest.
We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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Discussion Forum for Young People on Facebook
The Health Consumers' Council has created a Discussion Forum for Young People (aged 13-25 years) and we would love to hear from you.
Further information on this forum can be found by clicking here
Be the first to comment on what the key issues are for you in relation to WA Health and the Health System.
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Tapping into Citizens' Values in Health Care
Tuesday 15 March, 6 pm
Perth Convention Centre, Meeting Room 6, Level 2
Speakers
- Amanda Sheedy, National Co-Ordinator of the People's Food Project, Canada
- Desley Renton, President, International Association for Public Participation
- Gavin Mooney, University of Sydney and Cape Town University
Organised by the WA Social Justice Network in conjunction with the Health Consumers' Council and WA Branch of the International Association for Public Participation. The organisers are grateful to the National Rural Health Conference for their assistance with this public forum.
Public Forum - All Welcome
For more information, please contact Gavin Mooney on 08 9339 0803 or gavin@gavinmooney.com
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WA Vaccine Safety Surveillance: A Factsheet for Health Providers
Click here to access this document.
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