News briefs from around the health sector.
Here’s a rundown of all the other news that came across our desk today:
Pill-testing in the ACT
Australia’s first illegal pill-testing site will remain open for another three years under new funding by the ACT government.
The territory government has extended funding of the CanTEST Health and Drug Checking Service by $1.8 million until June 2027.
The service opened its doors in July 2022 under a six-month pilot program and has proven successful in harm reduction measures with ACT Health Minister Emma Davidson saying the drug testing “literally saves lives”.
“People take drugs and that’s why we continue to invest in harm reduction measures such as pill testing, so they have better health outcomes,” she said.
In its first two years of operation, CanTEST tested more than 2600 samples, with more than 10% per cent of samples being voluntarily discarded by people following testing. The service delivered more than 3600 health, alcohol and drug interventions to the community in its first year.
Radiopharm wins $18 million
Radiopharm Theranostics Limited (ASX:RAD), a developer of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical products, has entered into strategic agreements with Lantheus Holdings, a leading radiopharmaceutical-focused company, and its affiliates.
Lantheus has agreed to make an initial equity investment of $7.5 million and will have an option to invest a further $7.5 million within six months on the same terms.
Additionally, Radiopharm has agreed to transfer two of its early preclinical assets to Lantheus for $3 million (US$2 million) pursuant to a separate transfer and development agreement.
Medibank’s four-day week experiment
A four-day work week experiment is showing promising results at the midway mark, with greater flexibility, happier and healthier employees, and reduced sick leave among the positive outcomes so far, says Medibank.
The Health and Wellbeing Research Unit (HoWRU) of Macquarie University’s Business School partnered with Medibank to design and conduct the landmark trial, which launched in October with 250 Medibank employees.
It is based on the 100:80:100 model, whereby employees maintain 100% of their pay, reduce their working hours to 80%, and maintain 100% productivity.
The HoWRU has so far found that participating Medibank employees are more satisfied and motivated in the workplace. Meanwhile, productivity is unchanged and participants’ health has improved.
New mental health service for Tasmanian parents
New and expecting parents can now get free mental health care, with the opening of an Australian Government-funded perinatal mental health centre in Hobart, according to the Tasmanian government.
Gidget House Hobart will help meet demand for mental health care and support before and after birth. Health workers at the centre provide psychological services, with no out-of-pocket expenses.
ADHD review for Tassie
The Tasmanian parliament will review ADHD services in the state following a motion put forward by Liberal Member for Clark, Simon Behrakis.
The Government Administration Committee B will inquire into and report on the availability and efficiency of the assessment and treatment of and support services for people with ADHD in Tasmania.
The final report and any recommendations to be tabled in Parliament by 31 March 2025.
New mental health centre in SA
Patients in Adelaide’s north have access to free, walk-in mental health support with a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Elizabeth opening officially today.
This will be complemented by a 16-bed, $20.9 million Crisis Stabilisation Centre, funded by the South Australian Government, that will provide short-stay support for up to three nights for people in Adelaide’s northern suburbs experiencing distress, according to the government announcement.