Australia's universal healthcare is crumbling. Can it be saved?
That is, the government needs to stop paying doctors a set amount per appointment, and give them a budget based on how large and sick the populations they serve are – that is something several recent reviews have said.
And the longer governments wait to invest in these reforms, the more they're going to cost.
"The stars may be aligning now... It is time for these changes, and delaying them would be really dangerous," Mr Breadon says.
In Streaky Bay though, locals like Ms Williams wonder if it's too late. Things are already dangerous here.
"Maybe that's the cynic in me," she says, shaking her head.
"The definition of universal is everyone gets the same, but we know that's not true already."
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- Reuters
Elevance Health loses bid to challenge US Medicare star ratings
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Daily Record
11-08-2025
- Daily Record
Common painkiller linked to deadly heart failure in older people
A major study found pregabalin raises heart failure risk, especially in older patients with heart disease. A widely prescribed drug for nerve pain, anxiety and epilepsy has been linked to a significantly higher risk of heart failure, prompting calls for doctors to be more cautious when offering it to certain patients. Pregabalin, available on prescription in the UK, was associated with a 48 percent increased risk of developing heart failure, according to a major new study. The risk was even greater among those with an existing history of heart disease, rising to 85 percent compared with patients prescribed gabapentin, a similar medication used for nerve pain. The research, led by Columbia University Irving Medical Centre, examined the records of 246,237 Medicare patients aged between 65 and 89 over a four-year period. All participants had chronic non-cancer pain lasting longer than 12 weeks and none had previously been diagnosed with heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. While it can affect people at any age, it becomes more common as people grow older due to natural weakening and stiffening of the heart muscle. During the study period, 1470 participants were admitted to hospital with heart failure. Researchers calculated that for every 1000 people taking pregabalin, there were around six additional cases each year compared with those not on the drug. Dr Elizabeth Park, who led the study, said the findings supported the European Medicines Agency's current advice for doctors to be cautious when prescribing pregabalin to older adults with heart disease. 'Doctors should consider the cardiovascular risks of pregabalin, particularly for older or vulnerable patients,' the researchers said in their conclusion. Pregabalin works by altering the way nerves send messages to the brain and is often used when traditional painkillers fail to relieve nerve pain. While generally considered safe under medical supervision, the drug can cause side effects including headaches, diarrhoea, nausea, blurred vision and memory problems. In rare instances, pregabalin can trigger a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The NHS advises that pregabalin is only suitable for adults and may not be appropriate for people over 65. It should not be given to children under 18. Doctors are advised to check whether patients have ever had an allergic reaction to pregabalin or any other medication, a history of substance misuse, or are pregnant or breastfeeding before prescribing the drug. People on a controlled sodium diet, or those with kidney problems, are also advised to consult their doctor, as some liquid formulations contain sodium. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Patients with breathing difficulties should also inform their healthcare provider before starting treatment. Although there is no cure for heart failure, recognising symptoms early can help slow its progression and improve quality of life. Common signs include shortness of breath during activity or when lying down, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. Other symptoms can include a persistent cough, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness and fainting. Experts say prevention is key to reducing the likelihood of heart failure. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes can all help lower the risk.
Scottish Sun
11-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Painkiller taken by millions could trigger deadly heart failure – are you in the at-risk groups?
Find out more about taking the painkiller below DRUG ALERT Painkiller taken by millions could trigger deadly heart failure – are you in the at-risk groups? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR medication used to treat chronic nerve pain, anxiety and epilepsy has been linked to a significantly increased risk of heart failure. Doctors have been urged to exercise caution when prescribing the medicine to certain people. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Pregabalin has been found to raise the risk of heart failure, especially among older patients Credit: Getty Pregabalin, which is available on prescription in the UK, was associated with a 48 per cent increased risk of developing heart failure, according to the findings of a major new study. For those with a history of heart disease, the risk was found to be even greater. Researchers found in these patients, the risk of heart failure soared to 85 per cent, compared to those prescribed gabapentin - a similar drug taken for nerve pain. Pregabalin is commonly used to treat nerve pain, as this type of pain is often not relieved by traditional painkillers. It treats pain by changing the way in which nerves send messages to your brain. While pregabalin is considered safe to take under medical supervision, like all medicines, it can cause side effects, including headaches, diarrhoea, feeling sick, blurred vision, and memory problems. In rare cases it can trigger a serious allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Now, researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Centre are calling for doctors to carefully consider the cardiovascular risks when prescribing it to older or vulnerable patients. In their new study, they analysed data from 246,237 Medicare patients aged 65 to 89 over a four-year period. The sleep position that could be a sign of heart failure - plus three other symptoms to look out for Everyone had chronic non-cancer pain - pain lasting more than 12 weeks or beyond the normal healing time - and none had a previous history of heart failure. Heart failure is a condition where the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. While it can occur at any age, the risk significantly increases with age due to the natural weakening and stiffening of the heart muscle. During the four-year study period, 1,470 patients were admitted to hospital with heart failure. The researchers found for every 1,000 people taking pregabalin, there were around six additional cases of heart failure each year, compared to those who didn't take the drug. After adjusting for potential variables, including age and pre-existing health issues, they concluded patients taking pregabalin are 1.5 times more likely to suffer heart failure. 2 While heart failure can occur at any age, the risk significantly increases with age due to the natural weakening and stiffening of the heart muscle Credit: Getty The research team, led by Dr Elizabeth Park, concluded their findings support current advice from the European Medicines Agency to exercise caution when prescribing pregabalin to older adults with heart disease. There isn't a cure for heart failure, but spotting symptoms as early as possible can help manage symptoms before the condition progresses. Heart failure symptoms can include shortness of breath, especially with activity or when lying down, fatigue, and swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. Other symptoms may include a persistent cough, rapid or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, and feeling lightheaded or fainting. Preventing heart failure in the first place is also important. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a balanced diet, not smoking, and managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
