Australian public hospitals need $3 billion – AMA

Australia needs to spend more on its hospitals as the public health system is in danger of collapse. – Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said the public hospital system was ?flat lining’ and the COAG meeting next week may be its last hope for resuscitation.

Patients are benefiting from the new GP contract, says BMA, UK

The new GPs’ contract is benefiting patients as it has enabled GPs to spend more time with them, the British Medical Association (BMA) has said. – General Physicians (GP) are spending more time with their patients and the work they do has become more complex, GP leaders said in response to the National Audit Office (NAO) report on the GP contract in England.

Genetic mutation increases risk of preterm birth

Mutations in immune system gene linked to placental injury common in preterm babies – Genetic mutations in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene appear to have significant association with inflammatory injury to the placenta and developing baby, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh’s department of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences report at the 28th annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Scientific sessions continue through Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Dallas Hyatt Regency at Reunion.

Healing Value of Magnets established

University of Virginia study shows magnets can reduce swelling when applied after an inflammatory injury. – Magnets have been touted for their healing properties since ancient Greece. Magnetic therapy is still widely used today as an alternative method for treating a number of conditions, from arthritis to depression, but there hasn’t been scientific proof that magnets can heal.

Health Newstrack