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Labor Pledges More Metastatic Diagnosis Funding for Australian Hospitals

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Metastatic cancer marks the diagnosis stage at which the disease has spreads beyond a primary tumor site to other parts of the body, such as breast cancer that has spread to the bones, liver or lungs. This stage of the diseases is considered to be incurable.

Stakeholders will work with cancer groups and patients to develop the new metastatic cancer nurse program, building on the success of existing cancer nurse programs – but expanding support beyond particular tumour streams.

Hospitals located in regional areas will be of particular focus for the program in an attempt to bridge the gap between major cities and rural communities for cancer care and outcomes.

The funding will be derived from Labor’s 2.3bilion Medicare Cancer Plan that includes cheaper scans, cheaper specialist consultations, cheaper medicines – and better support for people with metastatic cancer. The Medicare Cancer Plan will cover an additional 2,000 appointments a day – three million specialist consultations with no out-of-pocket costs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Madam Secretary – Glenys Beauchamp Australia’s Secretary of Health

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Appointed by Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Glenys Beauchamp took the position following the resignation of former Health Department chief Martin Bowles. The Secretary of Health is one of the most important appointments in the public service, playing an integral part of leading and shaping Australia’s health and aged care systems, and sporting outcomes. The Department’s size and scope is significant – with more than 5000 employees the policies it implements reach every Australian from birth to death.

Beauchamp has listed the most pressing issue facing her department as equity within the system, echoing the findings of a 2017 Commonwealth report that compared the performance of health systems in 11 OECD countries. The report found that Australia scored well in four of the five categories measured and was ranked second overall. However, our health system fell to seventh place when assessed against the measurement of equity. With poor performance becoming evident when looking at the health gap, for example, between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, its clear that the lens needs to shift to understand how we can better provide for marginalised communities.

Beauchamp has also taken to keeping the Department apolitical stating: “I take seriously my responsibilities and the obligation of the department to ensure we do not support or participate in any political commentary.”  After a letter was sent to Labor’s Shadow Minister for Health, the Hon Catherine King MP, explaining that the Department does not cost Opposition policies. This was in response to Minister for Health Greg Hunt releasing Department of Health data arguing Labor’s $2.3 billion boost to cancer treatment, over four years, would cost taxpayers $6.8 billion.

In the 2018 Department of Health’s Annual Report Glenys Beauchamp listed the strategic priorities as:

  1. Improving health and ageing outcomes and reduced inequality; and
  2. Maintaining Australia’s high-quality health and aged care system.

 The key tactical aspects of these priorities included the following:

  • an integrated approach that balances prevention, primary, secondary and tertiary care
  • promoting greater engagement of individuals in their health and healthcare
  • enabling access for people with cultural and diverse backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people in rural and remote areas and people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage
  • partnering and collaborating with others to deliver health and aged care programs
  • better, more cost-effective care through research, innovation and technology
  • regulation that protects the health and safety of the community, while minimising unnecessary compliance burdens

Away from the domestic agenda and looking to the role Australia plays at the international level, in 2017 Beauchamp chaired the sixty-eighth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, where she was quoted stating the biggest issues facing our region:

  • measles and Rubella elimination that currently average, around 60,000 people infected with measles every year and several thousand babies are born with congenital rubella syndrome in the Western Pacific Region;
  • harmful impact of food marketing with wider availability of cheaper foods high in salt, free sugars and fats is driving the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. Exposure to aggressive marketing of these foods contributes to the problem;
  • regional Action Plan that aims to assist in practical approaches to improving health literacy, and supporting better informed health decisions;
  • sexually transmitted diseases HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis that can be effectively prevented by simple interventions that can be delivered with antenatal, delivery and postnatal care – such as antenatal screening, treatment of infected mothers and prophylaxis of exposed infants.

The next few years will be vital if the Department of Health is able to achieve its objective of ensuring Australia sustains its position in world-leading health and wellbeing standards.

Fortunately, Beauchamp has brought a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to being appointed Secretary for Health, Beauchamp served as Secretary for Department of Industry, Innovation and Science (2013 – 2017) and Secretary of the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport (2010-2013). She has served as Deputy Secretary in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (2009-2010) and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (2002-2009).

Beauchamp also holds a degree in economics from the Australian National University and an MBA from the University of Canberra. In 2010, Beauchamp received the Public Service Medal (PSM) for her work in coordinating the Australian Government’s support during the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

It follows that in the context of an ageing population, the dramatic rise in dementia patients and the current diabetes crises – more and more pressure will be placed on the health system. Following the May 18 Elections, it will be interesting to see whether a returned Coalition Government or an incoming Labor Government will seek to shuffle the Department Secretaries deck, and who will be tasked to take on the challenge of the Health Department.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

A Look At The Australian Greens’ Election Platform

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The balance of power in the Senate is likely to remain with the Centre Alliance and others, such as Derryn Hinch and Tim Storer, however, the Greens have a narrow chance of picking up a few more seats and may be crucial to the passage of key health changes through the Senate.

Their big spending health plan, which promises to ‘ensure we have a genuinely universal public health system’ will lift Commonwealth funding for hospitals from 45 to 50 per cent and matches the ALP’s $2.3 billion cancer commitment.

They have also pledged to centralise all health funding under a single agency, with $970 million to be spent over four years in order to stop cost shifting between state and federal governments.

The proposed independent Preventive Health Commission will focus on obesity and alcohol-related harm and there is also a proposal for additional funding from Medicare for team based healthcare for people with chronic diseases.

Private Healthcare Australia have been critical of the Greens policy to abolish the private health insurance rebate, which would likely see significant numbers of people drop their private cover, with CEO Rachel David saying that “No serious health policy-maker would contemplate the Greens proposal to abolish the PHI rebate as even as vague option for the future of Australia’s health system”.

However, it wasn’t all criticism, with Leanne Wells, CEO of the Consumer Health Forum, saying that “Most health analysts would agree that many of the reforms suggested by the Greens would produce better outcomes for those Australians most likely to suffer ill-health.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Disappearing Candidates

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One Nation, Liberal and Labor have all lost endorsed candidates for both inappropriate behaviour and unacceptable social media posts.

Led by One Nation’s Steve Dickson with video emerging of him engaging in both crude behaviour and commentary at a Washington strip club, it was even too much for One Nation leader Pauline Hanson.  It’s a bit hard to campaign on a platform of family values while cavorting with strippers and your wife is back home.

The Liberal Party to date have lost 3 candidates for unacceptable comments in regard to muslims and homophobic comments.  Labor lost a Senate candidate in the NT for spreading Jewish one world conspiracy theories and their candidate in the seat of Melbourne resigned due to totally inappropriate social media postings, joking about rape.

All in all, it just ads to the general cynicism and distrust the public have both in regard to politics generally and major parties in particular as they are seen as the political establishment and ultimately the custodians of the political system.

It is no wonder then, that an increasing number of people vote for fringe and minor parties in protest at these types of antics.

Health Debate

On Thursday, Health Minister Greg Hunt went head to head with Shadow Minister Catherine King at the National Press Club in the traditional health debate.

In a lively debate both the Minister and Shadow Minister forcefully prosecuted their respective party’s health policies.

Catherine King was keen to highlight Labor’s cancer care policy, pensioner dental plan and the restoration of Commonwealth funding to state public hospitals.

Greg Hunt announced that a re-elected Morrison Government would allow older patients to have GP consultations by phone, email or text in an expansion of the Government’s telehealth trials.

He also highlighted that the Government has listed every recommended medication on the PBS and that this was only due to the strong economic stewardship of the Government.

Catherine King was keen to remind those present and hence the Australian community that it was Labor that created Medicare and the PBS.

Minor Parties and the Election

The preferences of minor parties will be key to deciding the outcome in a number of key seats, particularly in Queensland where the Government hold 8 seats on a margin of 4% or less.

Bearing in mind that Labor need to win a net 5 seats to win Government, a good result in Queensland alone could propel Bill Shorten into the lodge.

That being said, the preferences of One Nation, Palmer United and Katter’s Australian Party will be crucial in a number of these seats.

With the preference deal between the LNP and Clive Palmer, the Government will be hoping to save some key marginal seats.

In the key Queensland seat of Herbert, based on Townsville held by Labor with a margin of 37 votes, a recent poll found that a combined 40% of the electorate would vote for minor parties.

This puts into stark reality, the importance minor party preferences will play on May 18.[/vc_column_text][vc_zigzag][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”1915″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Fassina is the Managing Director of Insight Strategy and has served as a strategic adviser to MedTech and pharmaceutical stakeholders.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Clinical trials and disruptive technologies: a case for collaboration

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Introduction: clinical trials in Australia

Technology is significantly transforming the clinical trials landscape, as businesses in the life sciences recognise the benefit of leveraging new technologies that improve clinical data quality and reduce the overall trial timeline.

A 2017 report from the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial registry revealed that Australia ranks in the top tier of national clinical trial activity, estimated to be worth around $1 billion to the Australian economy.[1]

Indeed if Australia is to cement its expertise in the Asia-Pacific region, and continue to prove itself a popular destination for early phase studies, it must ensure that clinical trials are intertwined with technology that enables more efficient trials and smarter drug development.

As clinical trials in Australia already enjoy myriad domestic advantages, including a diverse population as well as strong government support and incentives, harnessing new technologies and big data will ensure these circumstances are long-lived.

Beyond the new technologies enabling the clinical trials sector, there are other important trends at play.

Globally, collaboration in life sciences is allowing businesses to solve problems that are too large and complex in nature for single companies to solve alone. The combination therapies that will result are expected to become extremely powerful.

Recruitment into clinical trials remains a challenge for the sector, however, the disruptive technologies currently being embraced will allow for more personalised solutions that improve the patient experience.

Technology and clinical trials

Exactly how technology is improving clinical trials and enabling a higher standard of healthcare is in part, through its ability to make sense of the growing volumes of data being produced every day.

The clinical trials process involves having to accommodate an incredible variety of data and content from various sources; from traditional clinical data, to real world data, to high-resolution images and so on.

Embracing technologies that are able to capture and utilise these large data sets assists in managing the growing complexities of clinical trials, namely the standardisation, reconciliation and integrity of data.

The role of intelligent clinical solutions must also be acknowledged, which utilise new technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse and detect anomalies in data.

An example of these nascent capabilities includes the identification of novel biomarkers for Castleman disease by Medidata and the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN).

The discoveries provided novel insights into treatment response and potential new drug targets, demonstrating the benefit of harnessing data for smarter drug development.

Likewise is the recent launch of Medidata’s AI-as-a-Service outfit, Acorn AI, which leverages the business’ standardised clinical data storehouse and AI capabilities to personalise and optimise clinical trials, and support decision making.

It is disruptive technologies like these that businesses in the life sciences must continue to embrace in order to drive meaningful transformation and add value for clinical trials, the patients involved and the entire healthcare system.

What’s ahead for clinical trials in Australia

 According to Deloitte’s 2019 Global Life Sciences outlook report, life science businesses that adopt digital technologies and platforms will benefit from stronger engagement with patients, deeper insights from clinical trials and a shorter clinical trial timeline.

However, to ensure we’re realising the full potential of disruptive technologies in life sciences, regulation must become more agile and evolve to foster innovation.

Similarly, an interoperable system that facilitates information sharing will ensure Australia is making the most of big data and analytics.  Data sharing through modern platforms such as wearables and social media supports greater engagement and understanding of patients who are participating in clinical trials.

These developments redefine the role of trial participants – from subjects to collaborators – enhancing their overall experience and helping to overcome challenges associated with recruitment into clinical trials.

Beyond digital transformation, collaboration across life sciences will also play an integral role. In 2019, collaborative approaches will be key for working with patients and regulators, advancing drug development and the Internet of Medical Things.[2]

Big data-driven insights will transform patient care and enhance the productivity of trials.

As Australia looks to establish itself as a popular destination for early phase studies, the future of the Australian clinical trials sector must be intertwined with technology.

[1] http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/Clinical-Trials

[2] https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/life-sciences-and-healthcare/articles/global-life-sciences-sector-outlook.html

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Andrew Gebbie, Principle Solution Consultant, Medidata Solutions APeJ[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Establishment of Australia’s First Cystic Fibrosis Unit

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The Cystic Fibrosis unit will be co-located within the hospital’s respiratory unit and contain:

  • A 16-bed inpatient unit with single rooms, including four isolation rooms
  • Specialist research zone
  • New consultation rooms
  • New work spaces for clinical staff
  • An upgraded outpatient service including day stay rooms for procedures and outpatient physiotherapy and respiratory testing.

This funding announcement has come off the back of two medication listings for Cystic Fibrosis on the PBS over the last two years. Orkambi® in 2018 costing $250,000 annually and Kalydeco® in 2017, costing $300,000 over the same period. Now costing $40.50 or $6.50 a script.

Cystic Fibrosis in considered the most common chronic illness affecting young Australian’s today.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Ground Breaking Heart Surgery Performed for First Time In Australia

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The procedure has only been performed 100 times internationally and took lead surgeon Dr Matthew Brooks and his team two hours to complete.

The patient who had previously undergone heart surgery, had developed complications after a valve failed and resulted in leaking. In this case the coronary artery was too closely located to the leaking valve to attempt the traditional style of surgery.

Director of Cardiology, Associate Professor, Leeanne Grigg, “this procedure gives another option for patients, it’s really incredible and it’s great because it is the first in Australia and it’s very new worldwide, with only 100 known cases done, this is really early on and has big potential,” A/Prof Leeanne Grigg said.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Labor Pledges $20 Million in Clinical Drug Trials for Cancer Patients

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The right to Trial initiative was established after research from the Leukaemia Foundation found that one in five blood cancer patients tried to access a clinical trial but there either weren’t any trials available or they weren’t eligible. With less than 30 per cent having access to genetic and genomic testing to inform their diagnosis and treatment.

The initiative will allow 1,800 blood cancer patients access to emerging treatments specific to the genetic markers relevant to their individual disease. Under current clinical trial schemes, these same patients would be waiting potentially five to ten years longer for access to trials.

Current figures by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019 Cancer in Australia Report, predicted over 17,000 new cases of blood cancer will be diagnosed this year. With more than 6,700 dying from a blood cancer disease in the same period. Partly due to the ongoing issue that whilst game-changing treatments are being developed, there are often too slow for patients to fully utilise their potential.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

1000 of the Nations Caravan Parks to Have Defibrillators Installed

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Roll out of the defibrillators will be organised by the Caravan Industry of Australia who will also be contributing half the cost of each device.

There had been previous petitioning to the NSW Government to have mandatory laws requiring all parks in NSW to install the life saving devices. After an incident on New Year’s Day this year resulted in a man dying, after suffering a cardiac arrest in a NSW caravan park and no access to a defibrillator was available.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt stated, “research shows that if a person is defibrillated within the first five minutes of collapse, their chance of survival is around 90 per cent and for every minute that this is delayed, the chances of survival decrease by up to 10 per cent.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

AUSTRALIA’S HEALTH MINISTER

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Election 2019 will be the seventh consecutive election Greg Hunt will be contesting for his House of Representatives seat of Flinders in Victoria.

Born in Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, Hunt graduated from Melbourne University in 1990 with a First-Class Honours Law Degree, deciding to continue his studies at Yale University in the United States after being selected for a Fullbright Scholarship.

Back in Australia, Hunt worked as an associate to the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, before entering politics for the first time as a senior advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Alexander Downer MP. During his work with Downer, Hunt was appointed to head Australia’s electoral mission to Cambodia in 1998.

Hunt later moved to the private sector where he worked for the management consulting company McKinsey & Co, becoming an engagement manager specialising in telecommunications, start-ups, government reform and banking.

In 2001, Hunt returned to his hometown in Victoria to campaign for, and be elected as, the Federal Member for Flinders in the then government of Prime Minister the Hon. John Howard MP. Following the 2004 election, Prime Minister Howard appointed Hunt as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage.

Following the 2007 Federal Election which saw Labor form government under then Prime Minister the Hon. Kevin Rudd MP, Hunt was appointed Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Environment and Urban Water by then Opposition Leader the Hon. Brendan Nelson MP. Throughout the tenure of Opposition Leaders Nelson, the Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP and the Hon. Tony Abbott MP, Hunt held the Shadow Ministry role with slight tweaks to his title by each incoming Opposition Leader.

After the Coalition’s successful election victory in 2013 under then Prime Minister Abbott, Hunt was appointed as Minister for the Environment. During this period, Hunt declared his greatest achievements in the portfolio were to establish Australia’s Emissions Reduction Fund, develop the Great Barrier Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and invest $1 billion into the Reef Fund.

In 2016, Hunt was recognised internationally by Thomson Reuters as the ‘Best Minister in the World’, during that year’s World Government Summit in Dubai.

After the ascension of Malcolm Turnbull as Liberal Party Leader and Prime Minister and following then Health Minister Sussan Ley’s resignation from Cabinet, Hunt was elevated to Minister for Health. Upon being promoted Hunt stated that his vision as minister was to guarantee Australians’ access to health services and affordable medicines with the establishment of the Medicare Guarantee Fund, as well as ensuring the security of the ongoing funding of Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Since inheriting the Health portfolio, Hunt has announced the extension of the Health Care Homes program to June 2021, to help with coordinating the care for patients with chronic and complex conditions, and brought mental health to the forefront of the healthcare discussion, by investing a record $1.45 billion for community mental health services.

During a 2010 speech, Hunt explained that his mother Kathinka suffered a form of bipolar disorder.

“It’s not something about which I have talked much about. He condition was not preventively debilitating but it was significant,” Hunt said.

One in five Australians experience a common mental disorder each year. Nearly half of the Australian population experiencing a mental illness at some point in their lives, with less than half accessing treatment for it.

Hunt has a personal passion for Genomics, a type of study that address genes and their inter-relationships within the body to better identify their influence on how these organisms grow and develop. In an interview given on the subject he said, “This is one of my great personal passions and priorities for the transformation, not just of Australia’s medical research but our health system and our treatment over the coming decade.”

Health is always a key issue in every Federal Election, however with the massive spending announcements from the Opposition in the first week of the election campaign, it has become even more prominent. The Government’s, and to a large extent Minister Hunt’s, vision and record in Health will be put to the test by voters when it comes time to cast their vote.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]