Author: Team
First Australian hospital embraces new world-leading radiation therapy technology
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]ROC is part of Icon Group, Australia’s largest, dedicated provider of cancer care, and the nation’s first to offer Varian’s HyperArc high-definition radiotherapy – an end-to-end technology solution for the treatment of multiple brain tumours.
Varian developed the HyperArc technology to enable clinicians to treat multiple, well-defined tumours with high-doses of radiation therapy that pinpoint the tumours via a fully automated system.
Icon Group Radiation Oncologist, Dr Jim Jackson, Gold Coast, explains how this technology benefits both clinicians and patients.
“With HyperArc, we can treat patients with several brain tumours with pinpoint accuracy. It allows us to target the tumours, not the surrounding brain. This technology offers patients excellent tumour control, without the side effects associated with irradiating normal brain tissue.
“It is also beneficial for the patient as it is quick and comfortable. A treatment takes less than 10 minutes and there are no invasive head restraints that can be stressful for patients,” said Dr Jackson.
HyperArc utilises the capabilities of Varian’s TrueBeam linear accelerator and enables multiple tumours to be treated more efficiently via one simple, automated set-up point, with treatment lasting only a few minutes.
ROC’s first patient to receive HyperArc technology, Philippa Douglas, Gold Coast, said, “the thing that gave me peace of mind was the precision of the treatment. Knowing I was being treated with the latest technology and that the radiation was targeting my tumours with millimetre accuracy, gives me hope.”
Varian Australasia Managing Director, Chris Cowley, said Varian’s aims to bring advanced technology to cancer patients Australia-wide.
“We are delighted to be introducing this innovative technology to Australian cancer patients. By partnering with leading companies, such as the Icon Group, to deliver advanced cancer treatments to more patients, we are edging closer toward our vision of achieving a world without fear of cancer.”
An estimated 138,000 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Australia this year, with that number set to rise to 150,000 by 2020.1 Approximately 1,750 brain cancers are diagnosed each year nation-wide, which equates to roughly one person diagnosed with brain cancer every five hours.
Icon Group CEO, Mark Middleton, Brisbane, said his company invests in the latest technology and cancer techniques for the benefit of patients and their families.
“Today marks an exciting milestone. The Varian Hyperarc technology places the Gold Coast at the forefront of exceptional cancer care, both in Australia and world-wide.
“As cancer rates continue to rise, and technology continues to progress, it is important for people to have access to state-of-the-art treatments, as close to home as possible,” Mr Middleton said.
HyperArc has also recently been installed at ROC, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, with patients soon to benefit from the groundbreaking technology.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Driving innovation in next-gen AI medical technologies
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Federal Government is providing $4.1 million to support the training centre that will advance ‘next generation’ data-driven and machine learning-based medical technologies.
Liberal Senator for Victoria Jane Hume today launched the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies at The University of Melbourne.
Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the new centre would provide a world-class research and training environment.
“Students and researchers will lead the medical technology industry into a new era of data-driven personalised medical devices and applications,” Mr Tehan said.
“This could mean helping predict epilepsy seizures to restoring mobility to amputees and people with paralysis.”
Senator Hume said the centre would work hand in hand to give our medical technology industry the edge and drive global competitive advantage.
“The high calibre of researchers and industry experts collaborating in this training centre will be great mentors, training up the next generation of early career research talent for an industry-ready workforce,” Senator Hume said.
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said the new centre would play a key role in advancing AI medical technologies to benefit patients and society.
“By collaborating with industry and government, our technical experts will form a significant research effort to advance AI outcomes in the interests of the wider healthcare sector,” Professor Maskell said.
The ARC Training Centre in Cognitive Computing for Medical Technologies will be led by The University of Melbourne, in partnership with IBM Research-Australia, with the involvement of: Western Sydney University, RMIT University, and the University of South Australia; and with participating organisations Medtronic Australasia Pty Ltd, CSIRO, St Vincent’s Health, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Academic Centre for Health, and Cogstate Ltd.
The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme fosters close partnerships between university-based researchers and other research end-users to provide innovative Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and postdoctoral training opportunities that are industry focused.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Cook Medical recognised for contribution towards the Health and Biotechnology sector in Queensland
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Managing Director Cook Medical Asia-Pacific and Vice President Cook Incorporated, Mr Barry Thomas said the award is a welcome recognition of the company’s commitment to innovation, investment in people and drive to expand into new markets.
“It is an exciting time for Cook Medical Australia. Such recognition enhances our opportunity to make advancements in the medical device industry, enabling us to deliver value for our customers and to continue helping to improve patient outcomes.”
“We thank our entire team for their collective efforts in helping us win this award,” said Mr Thomas.
Cook Medical was also selected as a Finalist for the Export Award for Manufacturing.
“We’re honoured to be recognised among the other award winners and finalists and congratulate Tritium for winning Queensland’s Exporter of the Year Award for 2018,” Mr Thomas said.
Earlier this year the company announced that it was expanding capacity with the establishment of a second manufacturing shift and the addition of 94 new jobs to meet increasing export demand. The company also launched the Australian Research Council Research Hub for the Advanced Manufacturing of Medical Devices with the goal of transforming Australia’s medical technology industry.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
SIMPLER PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE POLICIES COULD LEAD TO LONGER PUBLIC WAITING LISTS
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Government will be hoping these changes will deliver another record low premium increase. Last year the medical technology industry delivered cuts to the price of medical technology which delivered the lowest premium increases in 17 years.
Due to delays in Parliamentary process the Minister has provided insurers with the option to transition to the new policies by April 2020 but it is anticipated the major providers will be ready on 1 April 2019.
The Minister for Health, Greg Hunt MP said upon announcing the changes that consumers, for the first time, will be provided clearer information to allow them to compare different health insurance policies and choose the cover that best suits their needs.
“These reforms will have an overall neutral to -0.3% impact on premiums compared with current policy settings,” Minister Hunt said.
These reforms, whilst welcome, do not address the fundamental issue around the overall value of private health insurance. CHF maintains its call for an independent inquiry into private health insurance.
“CHF has long argued for consumer-friendly reforms in health insurance to reduce the frustration and uncertainty so many people experience. We believe the development of these four tiers of cover offers a path to more certain and transparent arrangements,” CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells said.
But plenty of stakeholders have expressed concerns consumers will have to pay more for an effective product that covers them for the things they need.
President of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists Dr Peter Sumich says under the reforms it will be “cheaper to pay for your private cataract surgery from your own pocket and save the money you would spend on a poor insurance product”.
Chronic pain treatments will only have to be included in the most expensive Gold level cover.
“We don’t want a situation where many are forced to drop their PHI cover altogether, further exacerbating access issues across the public health system,” Carol Bennett, CEO of Pain Australia said.
The Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) has been supportive of the Government efforts to simplify and make transparent private health insurance policies but remains concerned of the unintended consequences.
“It’s disappointing that consumers that need access to life saving and life changing medical devices will in most cases need a gold level policy to do so,” Ian Burgess CEO of the MTAA said.
“There is only one definite winner today – big private health insurers. The Deloitte modelling that informed this outcome assumes that private health insurance industry would maintain profit levels of 11.5%.
“We endorse AMA’s comments the Deloitte Report should be released, analysed and debated. We have simply been seeking a 12-month delay to these changes, accompanied by a 12-month information campaign, to ensure consumers can make an informed choice,” Mr Burgess said.
Stephen Duckett, a health economist at the Grattan Institute, warned that the new rules will leave thousands of consumers facing significant premium increases.
Even private health insurers now admit that some consumers will be worse off.
“There will be winners and losers but the Government’s PHI Reform process must deliver real change to improve the affordability and value of private health cover. There’s no alternative,” Dr Rachel David, CEO of Private Healthcare Australia said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
St Charles’ Catholic Primary School: “Mars here we come!”
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Mr Alexander said: “Wow! That is all I can say about the brilliant designs, high quality presentations, and interplanetary – even interstellar, actually inter-galactic – levels of enthusiasm that was put on display by our local Bennelong students.
“Congratulations to all the participating schools and students. I hope you got a lot out of the experience, and that it will put you in good stead for the future. Well done to the category winners and to St Charles’ Catholic Primary School who nabbed the overall winner award for their MACER entry.”
Mr Alexander started the competition last year to promote the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Partnering with innovative biomedical device creators Medtronic and then this year also with the Re-Engineering Australia Foundation, the competition has evolved into one of the premier STEM competitions available in Sydney.
Medtronic donated the exhibition space at their headquarters in Macquarie Park, lunch for everyone, and the prizes. They also made their research, development, biomedical devices and staff available to the students to investigate and ask questions throughout the day, hopefully inspiring them to seek careers in the STEM fields of the future.
Medtronic Australasia Managing Director Tim Fortin said: “We are proud to support the Medtronic Bennelong STEM Challenge because we believe in the importance of bringing STEM to life.
“Innovation and collaboration are central to who we are at Medtronic, so we see this initiative as an opportunity to support our future generations of researchers, healthcare professionals and providers, and to encourage them to take bold moves in applying their learnings through STEM,” Mr Fortin said.
Re-Engineering Australia Foundation (REA) Founder and Chief Executive Dr Mike Myers OAM added: “It’s important to engage kids in STEM subjects in a way that they can relate to, and in a way that is relevant to problem solving in the real world.”
REA currently run the successful F1 in Schools STEM Challenge, and the Subs In Schools Technology Challenge amongst other STEM challenges for schools, their involvement was critical to the success of this competition.
The Medtronic Bennelong SPACE in Schools STEM Challenge comprised three categories: Portfolio, Virtual Design and Verbal Presentation. High school and primary school were also separated. Then there was an overall winner declared.
REA also provided the expertise that allowed the designs to be uploaded to a 3D virtual reality simulator, so judges and students could literally walk around inside their designs.
Participating schools included: St Charles Catholic Primary, Putney Public, Ermington West Public, Carlingford Public, Epping Boys High School, and Marist College Eastwood.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Stride4stroke For Someone You Love
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
This November, the Stroke Foundation is challenging the community to Stride4stroke, a physical activity campaign which raises funds to support vital programs for stroke survivors and their families.
Registrations are now open and participants can set their own activity goal and fundraising target.
Queensland woman Nicola Baker will take part in Stride4stroke and will stride for her 14 year old son Jed, who had a stroke at just 11 months old.
“Jed’s stroke came as a huge shock. It not only changed his life, it changed mine too,” Nicola said.
“While life has been isolating at times and full of challenges and doctor appointments, each day is a gift. We didn’t know whether Jed would be able to go to school, let alone reach his teens.
“Jed has had three rounds of brain surgery and monitoring is just a part of life, but he is a wonderful kid who has brought me so much joy. I want to help support others in a similar position.”
Nicola will aim to walk 10 kilometres each day of November and has encouraged friends to join her. Nicola said being part of a team would ensure she walked every day and would help raise even more funds.
“Everyone I know has a personal connection to stroke – whether it be a parent, grandparent, friend or colleague. Many have seen first-hand how devastating it can be,” Nicola said.
“By taking part in Stride4stroke, we will not only be helping to raise funds to help Stroke Foundation make recovery from stroke better for families, there is the added bonus of reducing our own risk of stroke by getting active,” she said.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan congratulated Nicola on getting involved in Stride4Stroke and encouraged others to follow her lead.
“We see the impact of stroke on families, like Nicola’s, each and every day,” Ms McGowan said.
“There will be around 56,000 strokes in Australia in 2018. Stroke is one of this country’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.
“Frightening, stroke can strike anyone at any age, but you can make a difference.
“Every dollar raised through Stride4stroke will have an enormous impact. It will go towards vital Stroke Foundation programs like StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and follow up services which help survivors and their families transition to life back home after stroke and throughout the recovery journey,” she said.
This November who will you stride for? Get a team together for Stride4stroke or do it by yourself. Set an activity and fundraising goal and go for it! Register or donate at www.stride4stroke.org.au
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Cancer Treatment Planning Streamlined
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Peter Mac is one of the world’s leading cancer research, education and treatment centres. It operates Australia’s only public hospital dedicated to caring for people living with cancer in Melbourne and provides radiation therapy services from suburban and regional sites.
The partnership with Varian means Peter Mac now has a unified radiotherapy treatment planning and oncology imaging informatics system across its campuses, providing patients with access to advanced radiotherapy treatments and longitudinal follow up of their medical images.
Nilgun Touma, Director of Radiation Therapy Services at Peter Mac said, “Eclipse will support the radiation oncology team to develop tailored treatment regimens – a task that requires absolute confidence in the accuracy of patient data and efficiency of planning workflows.
“Up until recently, Peter Mac ran multiple treatment planning systems across its five radiation therapy sites. Now, with Eclipse being live, we’ll be improving efficiency for our team and improving timeliness to care for patients at all Peter Mac locations.”
Varian designed Eclipse to streamline the creation of optimal treatment plans personalised for each patient by combining patient-specific anatomy with the best practice clinical knowledge of the institution. Multiple sources of information can be consolidated into a single comprehensive data repository, stored in Microsoft Azure and available for approximately 100 Eclipse concurrent users.
This provides Peter Mac with an increasingly comprehensive set of patient data from which its clinicians may draw insights to uniquely devise the preferred treatment strategy for an individual patient as well as continually evolving the best practices for managing patient cohorts of similar conditions.
Chris Cowley, Managing Director of Varian said, “In treatment planning, the radiation dose calculation has historically taken significant time. With Eclipse, the system can use graphical processing units (GPUs) that result in very fast dose calculation – resulting in significant time efficiency for Peter Mac as their GPUs reside in the cloud.”
Collaboration with Microsoft during deployment of the new cloud-based system provides the quality and security features of the Azure cloud.
Dr Nic Woods, Health Industry Executive for Microsoft Australia stated, “We’re delighted to have been working in partnership with such an innovative team at Varian. Seeing the cutting-edge treatment solutions that they are bringing to improve the delivery of care of patients around Australia is exactly the kind of partnership that Microsoft wants to build.”
“The combination of Varian’s expertise in radiation oncology and the Microsoft Azure cloud’s resilience, performance, security and scale are a winning combination for Peter Mac,” Chris Cowley added. “Because this is a cloud-based solution, it will grow with Peter Mac and they will gain quick access to important innovative updates.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Corin To Acquire Global Orthopaedic Technology
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The acquisition will serve to strengthen Corin’s position as global leaders in the hip and knee joint replacement market as the company continues its global expansion and innovation push.
Formed 19 years ago, Global Orthopaedics Technology (GOT) has an extensive range of orthopaedic implants including knee and hip products with enabling robotics and navigation technologies. GOT already has a significant footprint in Australia and an export business in the USA.
Commenting on the acquisition, Corin CEO, Stefano Alfonsi said the agreement will further strengthen Corin’s presence in the sophisticated and competitive Australian market.
“The combination of Corin and GOT capabilities creates a leading player in Australia with a stronger ability to fulfil the needs of hip and knee surgeons. I look forward to welcoming the talent GOT team into the Corin global family,” Mr Alfonsi said.
Chief Executive of GOT, Andrew Fox-Smith said the acquisition represented a “fantastic next step for both our people and our customers”.
“We’re very excited about what the combined business can achieve, not only here in Australia but also via faster expansion internationally of GOT’s Australian developed product portfolio.”
Corin’s R&D Hub in Australia is a key pillar of its global innovation capabilities and differentiated product offering. The combination with GOT is expected to provide significant scale to Corin’s operations in Australia – one of the world’s most attractive orthopaedics markets, as well as additional R&D expertise.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Who Do We Trust On Health Apps?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The survey found that almost 90 percent of respondents said that there is a role for the government in regulating health and wellness apps. Almost 60 percent of respondents said that the government should review and rate health apps, while 31 percent said that the government should fund a separate organisation to perform the role.
The survey is the first to be undertaken through Australia’s Health Panel which has been established by the Consumers Health Forum to harness community sentiment on contemporary consumer health issues.
It also found that consumers were most likely to trust recommendations by general practitioners and pharmacists on health and wellbeing apps. The results indicate that consumers trust their peers to give good recommendations on apps, but not completely. ‘Big tech’ avenues such as search engines like Google and Apple are much less likely to be trusted sources of health apps advice.
The CEO of the Consumers Health Forum, Leanne Wells, said the survey results highlighted the growing public demand for credible and effective oversight of health apps given their accelerating reach into every aspect of health care.
“As consumers increasingly turn to health apps to aid and monitor their health and treatment, there’s clearly a need for people to know whether they can trust the apps, and whether they offer the best health option available and are worth the investment in time and money.
“To ensure the health system makes the most of the rapid developments in digital technology now gripping health care, the Federal Government should be moving now to assess how best to support and regulate the safety and quality of health apps.
“Given the rapid entry of health and wellbeing apps into health care, it is time now for the Government, consumers, health providers and app companies to come together to determine the fundamental principles that should govern this activity.
“The CSIRO’s recent Future of Health report states that there were approximately 318,000 mobile health apps as at last year. While that presents increasing opportunities for consumers to manage their own health, many remain unregulated despite making health claims, and they have no accountability for health outcomes.
“As the CSIRO report suggests, highly engaged consumers are demanding faster, cheaper, more personalised and preventative health solutions. There is enormous benefit to be gained by more widespread use of health and wellbeing apps to monitor and self-manage health conditions, but also to ‘nudge’ good lifestyle behaviours and choices,” said Ms Wells.
“However, the digital divide in the community is real: enhancing digital health literacy for people to benefit from this technology is becoming more important. As the CSIRO report says we need to develop robust consumer rating tools, symptom checker apps, and publicly available information sources for such health services.
“The value of the findings of Australia’s Health Panel is that while they reflect the responses of a modest sample of 260 respondents, they nonetheless give an insight into how people are viewing this relatively new and still largely unregulated development in health care.
“Importantly, the sentiments expressed by Panel participants flag areas where we need to do more research and policy development. When health and wellness apps are such that they start interacting with the more formal health system, further questions emerge such as whether they should form part of a treatment plan or even be prescribed and whether they should attract government funding in some form.
“The survey highlights the important role Australia’s Health Panel can play in bringing to policy-makers’ attention the thinking of the community on vital issues,” Ms Wells said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
