Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of New Zealand’s Unique Code of Consumers’ Rights
On Friday 1 July, advocates from the Nationwide Health & Disability Advocacy Service will be out on the streets and in key places around the country providing information to the public about consumer rights when using a health or disability service. The focus this year is on children and young people, as we know they are one of the groups least likely to know about their rights. The Health and Disability Commissioner Act was passed in Parliament in 1994, and the Code of Health & Disability Services Consumers' Rights came into effect on 1 July 1996. This is the only Code of Rights of its kind in the world with 10 legal rights for consumers and matching duties for providers to respect these rights - so is highly valued by New Zealand consumers.
http://www.hdc.org.nz/publications/other-publications-from-hdc/media-releases/celebrating-the-15th-anniversary-of-new-zealand’s-unique-code-of-consumers’-rights
Articles - Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011
1. PBS deferrals betray trust in government
By Gupte, Jayamala. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p2-3
Abstract: The article reports on the issue of trust involving the deferral of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee's (PBAC) Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS) listings by the Australian government. According to Medicine Australia chief executive officer (CEO) Brendan Shaw, Medicine Australia member companies feel betrayed by the decision of the Cabinet to defer listings on the PBS. He adds that the government seems to be making policy decisions without an evidence base.
2. Politics of pharmacy may be changing
By Greenwood, Stephen. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p4
Abstract: The article reports on the role of Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) chief executive officer (CEO) Liesel Wett in promoting the political influence of pharmacy in Australia. It talks about the determination of Wett to change the political balance of the organisation when it comes to planning and implementing pharmacy's political agenda and influence with government. Also discussed is her agenda, which is to prove the worth of value of pharmacy to the government.
3. Section 100 inquiry
Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p4
Abstract: The article offers information on the review of the Australian Senate Committee on the effectiveness of Section 100 inquiry of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for the supply of medicines to remote Aboriginal health services areas.
4. Indigenous life expectancy gap largely attributable to chronic diseases
Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p4
Abstract: The article focuses on the impact of chronic diseases on the life expectancy gap among Indigenous Australians wherein 80% of the mortality gap may be related to chronic diseases including heart illness, diabetes, and liver diseases, according to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
5. Paid parental leave scheme overly complex
By Doyle, Janet. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p7
Abstract: The article reports that the Australian government-funded Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme presents a complex process which leaves pharmaceutical employers puzzled with the new scheme, according to the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
6. Privacy Act creates ID anomaly
By Doyle, Janet. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p7
Abstract: The article reports on the issue involving the implementation of the Project Stop, a pseudoephedrine monitoring and alert program in Australia. It discusses the need to have a federally-issued identification to purchase products containing pseudoephedrine. However, the problem is directed to people without a state identification, such as a drivers' licence or proof-of-age card.
7. Aussie pharmacist on world opioid stage
Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p8
Abstract: The article profiles researcher Con Berbatis of the University of Western Australia's School of Pharmacy, who spoke on the high consumption and abuse of opioids during the annual conference of the International Society for the Study of Drug Policy held in Urecht, Netherlands
8. As you do.
Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p10
Abstract: A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of entertaining an old woman seeking help in the pharmaceutical service.
9. Political vs policy imperatives
By Eton, Matthew. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p12
Abstract: The author reflects on the impact of Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Government's commitment to balance the federal budget on the nation's health policy. He talks about the responses of health consumers, health professionals and industry pharmaceutical on the government's decision to defer Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings. Also discussed is the effects of the Labor Government's health system reform on health consumers.
10. The PBS data mystery
By Greenwood, Stephen. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p16-17
Abstract: The article focuses on the decision of the Australian government to defer the recommendations of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listings. The author discusses the argument of Minister for Health Nicola Roxon that funding new drugs on the only PBS costs money. However, he believes that the Medicare Australia date-of-supply data used by Nicola to support her assumption is wrong.
11. The medicines budget challenge
By Sclavos, Kos. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p18
Abstract: The article focuses on the issues involving the 2011 federal budget on health in Australia. The author discusses the possible impact of the cut on health spending on the nation's pharmaceutical industry. Also talked about is the response of Medicines Australia and consumer groups on the deferral of new listings to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
12. Better pay, better outcomes
By Plunkett, Warwick. Australian Journal of Pharmacy, 01/06/2011, Vol. 92 Issue 1093: p19
Abstract: The article focuses on the significance of transforming the role of community pharmacist in Australia. The author emphasizes the need to improve the pay of pharmacists to get better performance from them. He recommends the introduction of professional service into pharmacy to better use the pharmacist's skills and improve the health outcomes of consumers. Also discussed is the need to promote the relationship between the pharmacist and the pharmacy owners.
Articles from Nursing Older People
13. Responses to agitation
By Hayes, Nicky. Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p3
Abstract: The article discusses various topics published within the issue, including one by Jan Dewing on non-pharmacological responses to agitation in older people with dementia, another on person-centered care and respect for people's rights, and another on perceptions about people with learning disabilities..
14. Charity launches online dietary guide to assist health and social care
Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p4
Abstract: The article announces the launch of an online tool about nutritional practice in health and social care developed by charity the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN)..
15. Park life perked up
Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p4
Abstract: The article reports on the opening of an outdoor playground for older people in London's Hyde Park in England..
16. Songs serve as memory boost for people with dementia, says study
Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p4
Abstract: The article focuses on a study by the Boston University which suggests that people with dementia can easily recall information that is sung to them..
17. Family can offer older people reassurance by holding their hands
Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p4
Abstract: The article deals with a survey held by charity Abbeyfield which suggests that holding hands is often associated with romance with more than 25% of respondents who had never held the hand of a grandparent..
18. Dementia care made priority in Scotland
By Dean, Erin. Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p5
Abstract: The article provides information about the National Dementia Strategy launched in Scotland. The program aims to improve the care and treatment of people with dementia, with focus on boosting the support given in the wake of a dementia diagnosis and improving hospital care. According to June Andrews, Director of the Dementia Services Development Center (DSDC), patients are often disturbed by their surroundings and experience delirium. She added that DSDC will provide training for acute nurses to improve the situation
19. TV chef's blitz on hospital food gains support from nurses
Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p5
Abstract: The article discusses the participation of scientists from the University of Reading's food biosciences department in the effort of chef Heston Blumenthal to find ways to improve taste in the restaurant Fat Duck..
20. Commission set up to solve funding of long-term care
By Cowper, Andy. Nursing Older People, Jul 2010, Vol. 22 Issue 6: p6-7
Abstract: The article analyzes the proposals of the new coalition government of Scotland for improving social care. It describes the condition of social care in the country which is in need of reform in funding, with public spending on adult social care having increased by 53% from 1997 to 2008 according to the King's Fund. Presented are the pre-election proposals for social care of the Conservative, Labor, and Liberal Democrats in the country and the coalition government's proposals for social care, including the formation of a commission on long-term care
Journals - Table of Contents
21. From The Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA), May 2011
21A. Transitions: There's Always a Goodbye and a Hello [by Smith, Suzanne P.]
21B. The Development of Nurse Executive Leadership: An Interview With Marjorie Beyers
21C. Recognizing Nursing Professional Growth and Development in a Collective Bargaining Environment
21D. Staff Nurses Transform Peer Review
21E. Nurse Manager Leadership Development: Leveraging the Evidence and System-Level Support
21F. Work Satisfaction, Intent to Stay, Desires of Nurses, and Financial Knowledge Among Bedside and Advanced Practice Nurses
21G. Statewide and National Impact of California's Staffing Law on Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Outcomes
21H. Geisinger's ProvenCare Methodology: Driving Performance Improvement Within a Shared Governance Structure
21I. Willing to Walk: A Creative Strategy to Minimize Stress Related to Floating
21J. On-boarding and Enculturation of New Chief Nursing Officers
News - National
22. Dinner for one
Waikato Times - 20 June 2011
When Dave Wood's wife was alive he never missed a meal and she kept an eye on his Type B diabetes "like a bloody hawk". She has been gone six years now and the 78-year-old has not eaten the same since. He never learned to cook while Maureen was alive and is adamant now is not the time to start. "At 78, who the hell would want to?" Wood received Meals on Wheels for a while and although he liked the food he does not enjoy being in his house alone and tries to get out as much as he can.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/life-style/people/5166180/Dinner-for-one
News - International
23. Backlash over drug subsidy delays
The Australian - 22 June 2011
HUNDREDS of thousands of patients will continue to miss out on government medicine subsidies, even though cabinet has funded 13 new drugs and softened its controversial policy of delaying subsidies until it can offset costs. Health Minister Nicola Roxon yesterday announced government subsidies for 13 medicines, including a life-extending bowel cancer drug that would help 400,000 patients and that cost the government $200 million.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/backlash-over-drug-subsidy-delays/story-fn59niix-1226079526564
24. Smoking linked to more aggressive prostate cancer
CNN - 21 June 2011
Men with prostate cancer who are cigarette smokers at the time of their diagnosis are much more likely to die of the disease or experience a recurrence than nonsmokers, including former smokers who kicked the habit at least 10 years before diagnosis.
That's the conclusion of a new government-funded study published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, and it's one more very good reason to quit smoking.
The study followed 5,366 men -- all found to have prostate cancer between 1986 and 2006 -- for about eight years, on average. Nearly 10% of the men ultimately died from the disease, and 16% experienced a recurrence after treatment.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/21/smoking.prostate.cancer/index.html?hpt=he_c2
25. Drugs for psoriasis, arthritis may lower diabetes risk
CNN - 21 June 2011
http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/21/psoriasis.arthritis.diabetes.gardner/index.html?hpt=he_c2