'First time it's available': cancer treatment breakthrough at the Mater
It is the first hospital in Australia to use an "MRI-only planning approach" for radiation therapy for prostate cancer in everyday practice.
Dr Sam Dickson, a radiation oncologist at the Calvary Mater, said the research and physics required for the new technology was "quite significant in our field".
"There were many years of background research," Dr Dickson said.
The method removes the need for a CT scan as part of radiation planning.
Dr Dickson said a major benefit of using only an MRI was that "CT spots are available for other patients".
"We can get urgent people in faster than we could have if these prostate patients also needed a CT scan."
He said one benefit for patients receiving the treatment was "a small reduction in radiation dose".
"When you do a CT, you are getting a low dose, but it splashes over other areas.
"With the new approach, the radiation is very targeted."
Patient Paul Doherty said not needing a CT scan meant "less appointments".
"That gives me back time," said Mr Doherty, of Berry Park in Maitland.
On Thursday, he had his 12th of 20 radiation sessions.
"It's a good breakthrough at the Mater with the MRI," he said.
He said having access to a new and more efficient treatment helped his mental approach to the condition.
"And I must say the staff there are excellent," he said.
The 72-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer about three months ago.
"I get a blood test every year and that's where it came up," he said.
"I had a high PSA. They found a tumour and I had a biopsy. I had a few options, but I decided to do this one."
The Calvary Mater has been part of studies into the MRI-only method for years.
Previously, patients being treated in this way had to be on a clinical trial.
"We were part of the group that did the research with the CSIRO," Dr Dickson said.
"We do have quite a lot of experience using this method."
It involves generating a "synthetic CT" from MRI data.
"An MRI gives you much better soft tissue definition. You see the prostate much better," Dr Dickson said.
"But previously, you couldn't plan on that alone. You needed to do a CT and fuse them together.
"The CSIRO and industry partners such as Siemens did a lot of research into ways around that, so we could do the radiation planning with just an MRI."
The new method maintains the "same high level of tumour targeting and protection of surrounding organs as before, but makes the planning process more efficient".
"We started with prostate cancer because we had a background and understanding of that," Dr Dickson said.
The hospital continues to use MRI and CT scans to plan treatment for cancers of the brain, head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
"The hope is we can shift it to other areas, like the brain. That's where the next advance would potentially be."
A significant breakthrough has been made in the treatment of prostate cancer at the Calvary Mater Newcastle.
It is the first hospital in Australia to use an "MRI-only planning approach" for radiation therapy for prostate cancer in everyday practice.
Dr Sam Dickson, a radiation oncologist at the Calvary Mater, said the research and physics required for the new technology was "quite significant in our field".
"There were many years of background research," Dr Dickson said.
The method removes the need for a CT scan as part of radiation planning.
Dr Dickson said a major benefit of using only an MRI was that "CT spots are available for other patients".
"We can get urgent people in faster than we could have if these prostate patients also needed a CT scan."
He said one benefit for patients receiving the treatment was "a small reduction in radiation dose".
"When you do a CT, you are getting a low dose, but it splashes over other areas.
"With the new approach, the radiation is very targeted."
Patient Paul Doherty said not needing a CT scan meant "less appointments".
"That gives me back time," said Mr Doherty, of Berry Park in Maitland.
On Thursday, he had his 12th of 20 radiation sessions.
"It's a good breakthrough at the Mater with the MRI," he said.
He said having access to a new and more efficient treatment helped his mental approach to the condition.
"And I must say the staff there are excellent," he said.
The 72-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer about three months ago.
"I get a blood test every year and that's where it came up," he said.
"I had a high PSA. They found a tumour and I had a biopsy. I had a few options, but I decided to do this one."
The Calvary Mater has been part of studies into the MRI-only method for years.
Previously, patients being treated in this way had to be on a clinical trial.
"We were part of the group that did the research with the CSIRO," Dr Dickson said.
"We do have quite a lot of experience using this method."
It involves generating a "synthetic CT" from MRI data.
"An MRI gives you much better soft tissue definition. You see the prostate much better," Dr Dickson said.
"But previously, you couldn't plan on that alone. You needed to do a CT and fuse them together.
"The CSIRO and industry partners such as Siemens did a lot of research into ways around that, so we could do the radiation planning with just an MRI."
The new method maintains the "same high level of tumour targeting and protection of surrounding organs as before, but makes the planning process more efficient".
"We started with prostate cancer because we had a background and understanding of that," Dr Dickson said.
The hospital continues to use MRI and CT scans to plan treatment for cancers of the brain, head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
"The hope is we can shift it to other areas, like the brain. That's where the next advance would potentially be."
A significant breakthrough has been made in the treatment of prostate cancer at the Calvary Mater Newcastle.
It is the first hospital in Australia to use an "MRI-only planning approach" for radiation therapy for prostate cancer in everyday practice.
Dr Sam Dickson, a radiation oncologist at the Calvary Mater, said the research and physics required for the new technology was "quite significant in our field".
"There were many years of background research," Dr Dickson said.
The method removes the need for a CT scan as part of radiation planning.
Dr Dickson said a major benefit of using only an MRI was that "CT spots are available for other patients".
"We can get urgent people in faster than we could have if these prostate patients also needed a CT scan."
He said one benefit for patients receiving the treatment was "a small reduction in radiation dose".
"When you do a CT, you are getting a low dose, but it splashes over other areas.
"With the new approach, the radiation is very targeted."
Patient Paul Doherty said not needing a CT scan meant "less appointments".
"That gives me back time," said Mr Doherty, of Berry Park in Maitland.
On Thursday, he had his 12th of 20 radiation sessions.
"It's a good breakthrough at the Mater with the MRI," he said.
He said having access to a new and more efficient treatment helped his mental approach to the condition.
"And I must say the staff there are excellent," he said.
The 72-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer about three months ago.
"I get a blood test every year and that's where it came up," he said.
"I had a high PSA. They found a tumour and I had a biopsy. I had a few options, but I decided to do this one."
The Calvary Mater has been part of studies into the MRI-only method for years.
Previously, patients being treated in this way had to be on a clinical trial.
"We were part of the group that did the research with the CSIRO," Dr Dickson said.
"We do have quite a lot of experience using this method."
It involves generating a "synthetic CT" from MRI data.
"An MRI gives you much better soft tissue definition. You see the prostate much better," Dr Dickson said.
"But previously, you couldn't plan on that alone. You needed to do a CT and fuse them together.
"The CSIRO and industry partners such as Siemens did a lot of research into ways around that, so we could do the radiation planning with just an MRI."
The new method maintains the "same high level of tumour targeting and protection of surrounding organs as before, but makes the planning process more efficient".
"We started with prostate cancer because we had a background and understanding of that," Dr Dickson said.
The hospital continues to use MRI and CT scans to plan treatment for cancers of the brain, head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
"The hope is we can shift it to other areas, like the brain. That's where the next advance would potentially be."
A significant breakthrough has been made in the treatment of prostate cancer at the Calvary Mater Newcastle.
It is the first hospital in Australia to use an "MRI-only planning approach" for radiation therapy for prostate cancer in everyday practice.
Dr Sam Dickson, a radiation oncologist at the Calvary Mater, said the research and physics required for the new technology was "quite significant in our field".
"There were many years of background research," Dr Dickson said.
The method removes the need for a CT scan as part of radiation planning.
Dr Dickson said a major benefit of using only an MRI was that "CT spots are available for other patients".
"We can get urgent people in faster than we could have if these prostate patients also needed a CT scan."
He said one benefit for patients receiving the treatment was "a small reduction in radiation dose".
"When you do a CT, you are getting a low dose, but it splashes over other areas.
"With the new approach, the radiation is very targeted."
Patient Paul Doherty said not needing a CT scan meant "less appointments".
"That gives me back time," said Mr Doherty, of Berry Park in Maitland.
On Thursday, he had his 12th of 20 radiation sessions.
"It's a good breakthrough at the Mater with the MRI," he said.
He said having access to a new and more efficient treatment helped his mental approach to the condition.
"And I must say the staff there are excellent," he said.
The 72-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer about three months ago.
"I get a blood test every year and that's where it came up," he said.
"I had a high PSA. They found a tumour and I had a biopsy. I had a few options, but I decided to do this one."
The Calvary Mater has been part of studies into the MRI-only method for years.
Previously, patients being treated in this way had to be on a clinical trial.
"We were part of the group that did the research with the CSIRO," Dr Dickson said.
"We do have quite a lot of experience using this method."
It involves generating a "synthetic CT" from MRI data.
"An MRI gives you much better soft tissue definition. You see the prostate much better," Dr Dickson said.
"But previously, you couldn't plan on that alone. You needed to do a CT and fuse them together.
"The CSIRO and industry partners such as Siemens did a lot of research into ways around that, so we could do the radiation planning with just an MRI."
The new method maintains the "same high level of tumour targeting and protection of surrounding organs as before, but makes the planning process more efficient".
"We started with prostate cancer because we had a background and understanding of that," Dr Dickson said.
The hospital continues to use MRI and CT scans to plan treatment for cancers of the brain, head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
"The hope is we can shift it to other areas, like the brain. That's where the next advance would potentially be."
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Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Herald Sun
Imagion teams up with Wayne State University for AI push into cancer detection
Imagion to collaborate with MRI experts at Wayne State University to strengthen push into AI-enabled cancer diagnostics Collaboration will establish optimised imaging protocols for Imagion's MagSense molecular-imaging-agent tech Bolsters relationship Imagion has with Siemens Healthineers, the leading manufacturer of MRI equipment Special Report : Imagion Biosystems has strengthened its push into AI-enabled cancer diagnostics through a new collaboration with leading MRI experts at Wayne State University School of Medicine in the US. Imagion Biosystem (ASX:IBX) has signed a collaborative service agreement with Dr Mark Haacke and Dr Sagar Bush to establish optimised imaging protocols for its proprietary MagSense molecular imaging agent technology. The collaboration further bolsters the existing relationship Imagion has with Siemens Healthineers, the world's leading manufacturer of MRI equipment. Both researchers have had a long-standing collaboration with Siemens and are equipped with its top-of-the-line scanners. The research will focus on quantitative MRI sequences compatible with Siemens and other commercially available MRI scanners. By combining advanced quantitative imaging with the MagSense agents, Imagion aims to enable AI-based interpretation and deliver more accurate and precise data cancer detection and patient care. With Siemens' backing, Imagion plans to incorporate the optimised MRI sequences developed by the leading researcher into its upcoming phase II clinical trial for its HER2 breast cancer imaging agent. Other key objectives of the collaborative service agreement also include: Determining the lowest dose of the MagSense imaging agent to achieve detection Establish MRI sequences and protocols optimised for MagSense Transferring the optimised protocols to clinical sites for use in the planned MagSense HER2 Phase 2 study Using quantitative imaging techniques that could net AI compatible image data to improve diagnostic accuracy 'Exciting development for the medical imaging field' Haacke has been a pioneer in the field of quantitative MRI for decades. Collaboration with his team is set to lay the foundation for future automated analysis of MagSense images using AI. By implementing quantitative MR imaging techniques, Imagion said the specific signature of MagSense imaging agents will be uniquely detectable in affected tissue. By applying advanced post-processing techniques and AI interpretation to these images, MagSense has potential to enable not only automatic detection and differentiation of normal versus cancerous tissue, but also improved staging, tracking and treatment monitoring. 'Imagion's MagSense imaging agents are a very exciting development for the medical imaging field as it finally brings molecular specificity to MRI,' said Haacke. 'I have spent decades developing quantitative, high-resolution imaging to identify new biomarkers and explore disease etiology. 'Working with Imagion is a natural extension of that work, adding increased specificity to the already high resolution and sensitivity of MRI and powering the future of AI-based diagnostics.' Listen : Tim Boreham interviews IBX Solving a key barrier holding back AI diagnostics Imagion said conventional MRI, while producing excellent images of soft tissue, is qualitative by nature. This means it relies on subjective interpretation by radiologists to make a diagnostic determination based on differences in contrast of the various tissues. As a result, imaging findings still require confirmatory biopsies to achieve diagnostic certainty, creating challenges in analysing small lesions or early-stage disease. The lack of specificity is considered a fundamental hurdle for radiologic AI models, limited in their diagnostic capability due to subjectivity of the training data and accuracy of the readers' interpretation. Quantitative imaging, on the other hand, provides specific information about tissue characteristics on a pixel-by-pixel basis. These imaging techniques can measure precise amounts of elements such as iron, water, calcium, or fat in each region of interest. Imagion said that combining quantitative MRI sequences with its MagSense imaging agent could overcome one of the biggest obstacles to AI in medical imaging. MagSense particles attach to cancer cells, creating a unique, measurable signal that can be distinguished from healthy tissue automatically. This could lead to earlier and more accurate cancer diagnoses, reduce differences in how individual radiologists interpret scans, and make advanced imaging available beyond specialised medical centres The company said including these quantitative sequences in its phase II trial for HER2 breast cancer will accelerate development of AI diagnostics by providing early data to train and refine AI models. Exciting time for Imagion Imagion chief business officer Ward Detwiler said the company was very excited to have the collaboration and support of Haacke's research team. 'Dr Haacke literally wrote the book on MRI, which anyone in the MRI space will recognise as required reading,' he said. 'Combining their knowledge and expertise in quantitative MRI with the specificity of our targeted MagSense imaging agents, we believe we can significantly improve the diagnostic utility of the images by introducing quantitative data to enable precise, AI-based detection.' This article was developed in collaboration with Imagion Biosystems, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing. This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions. Originally published as Imagion teams up with Wayne State University for AI push into cancer detection
The Advertiser
07-08-2025
- The Advertiser
'Big win': staffing victory for Calvary Mater hospital in a NSW first
STAFFING at one of Newcastle's largest hospitals will be covered by statewide mandates, closing a loophole its staff had slammed as a dangerous omission. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on Thursday confirmed planning has begun to bring safe staffing levels to the Calvary Mater's emergency department. Introducing the changes will make the hospital the first affiliated health organisation to come under reforms already rolling out across 30 public hospital emergency departments, including the John Hunter. In May, the Newcastle Herald reported nurses were calling on the state government to expand the plan rather than make the Mater the exception among Hunter hospitals. Camilla Smith, the Mater branch secretary for the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association, said on Thursday the news was welcomed. She said there would "definitely be a bottle of champagne" to celebrate. "We're obviously all ecstatic and it couldn't come at a better time with just the surging and the flu and COVID intake and just generally people being sicker," she said. "We're finally getting acknowledged in staffing levels for the work that we do." "It's just been such a massive battle. When you're in the thick of it, you think it's not going to happen." Ms Smith said there remained issues, including "the highest number of code black incidents in the state", but expanding the reform to include the Mater would stop its resources falling behind. "People who work at the Calvary love it and they don't want to go, but when you're working under less staffing levels than every other hospital in your area, you've got to really love your job," she said. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the Safe Staffing Level reforms introduce minimum staffing levels, which the state government says will "result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state". "Importantly, this reform will deliver improved nursing numbers to provide care for patients while supporting our frontline healthcare staff," he said. In the public sector the rules dictate a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied emergency department resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse per three generally occupied treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts. The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce - incorporating local health districts, NSW Health and NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association representatives - is preparing to work out the full-time equivalent staffing required at the Calvary Mater, the state government said. Calvary Mater emergency department nurse unit manager Andrew Adams said extra staff would improve morale on the ground, as well as boosting safety and capacity for care. He said staff would likely feel safer with more colleagues due to the changes, having faced an increase in staff injuries and assaults. "We're one of the bigger EDs in the local health district, and we do see a lot of patients of high acuity," he said. "[With the extra staffing] our high-risk patients that we have in the department will be provided the safe nursing care that they actually deserve and we haven't been able to provide." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said on Thursday it was "a big win" to have the Mater brought under the umbrella. "Calvary Mater Newcastle is not just a hospital," she said. "It's a vital part of the Hunter's health network and today's announcement means better care for every patient who walks through its doors. "The Hunter community has fought hard for a fairer health system, and this is the result of that advocacy. Real reform that strengthens patient care and supports our incredible nurses. "Safe Staffing Levels aren't just numbers on a roster, they're the difference between patients being seen sooner, being treated faster and having more time with the professionals who care for them." Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said the fierce advocacy of front-line staff had paid off. "I want to thank the nurses of the Mater Hospital, in particular branch secretary Camilla Smith, for their patience and strong advocacy in seeing this Safe Staffing Level expansion," Ms Hornery said. "I also want to thank Minister Park for his commitment to expanding these reforms to all hospitals in the Wallsend electorate." STAFFING at one of Newcastle's largest hospitals will be covered by statewide mandates, closing a loophole its staff had slammed as a dangerous omission. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on Thursday confirmed planning has begun to bring safe staffing levels to the Calvary Mater's emergency department. Introducing the changes will make the hospital the first affiliated health organisation to come under reforms already rolling out across 30 public hospital emergency departments, including the John Hunter. In May, the Newcastle Herald reported nurses were calling on the state government to expand the plan rather than make the Mater the exception among Hunter hospitals. Camilla Smith, the Mater branch secretary for the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association, said on Thursday the news was welcomed. She said there would "definitely be a bottle of champagne" to celebrate. "We're obviously all ecstatic and it couldn't come at a better time with just the surging and the flu and COVID intake and just generally people being sicker," she said. "We're finally getting acknowledged in staffing levels for the work that we do." "It's just been such a massive battle. When you're in the thick of it, you think it's not going to happen." Ms Smith said there remained issues, including "the highest number of code black incidents in the state", but expanding the reform to include the Mater would stop its resources falling behind. "People who work at the Calvary love it and they don't want to go, but when you're working under less staffing levels than every other hospital in your area, you've got to really love your job," she said. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the Safe Staffing Level reforms introduce minimum staffing levels, which the state government says will "result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state". "Importantly, this reform will deliver improved nursing numbers to provide care for patients while supporting our frontline healthcare staff," he said. In the public sector the rules dictate a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied emergency department resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse per three generally occupied treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts. The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce - incorporating local health districts, NSW Health and NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association representatives - is preparing to work out the full-time equivalent staffing required at the Calvary Mater, the state government said. Calvary Mater emergency department nurse unit manager Andrew Adams said extra staff would improve morale on the ground, as well as boosting safety and capacity for care. He said staff would likely feel safer with more colleagues due to the changes, having faced an increase in staff injuries and assaults. "We're one of the bigger EDs in the local health district, and we do see a lot of patients of high acuity," he said. "[With the extra staffing] our high-risk patients that we have in the department will be provided the safe nursing care that they actually deserve and we haven't been able to provide." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said on Thursday it was "a big win" to have the Mater brought under the umbrella. "Calvary Mater Newcastle is not just a hospital," she said. "It's a vital part of the Hunter's health network and today's announcement means better care for every patient who walks through its doors. "The Hunter community has fought hard for a fairer health system, and this is the result of that advocacy. Real reform that strengthens patient care and supports our incredible nurses. "Safe Staffing Levels aren't just numbers on a roster, they're the difference between patients being seen sooner, being treated faster and having more time with the professionals who care for them." Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said the fierce advocacy of front-line staff had paid off. "I want to thank the nurses of the Mater Hospital, in particular branch secretary Camilla Smith, for their patience and strong advocacy in seeing this Safe Staffing Level expansion," Ms Hornery said. "I also want to thank Minister Park for his commitment to expanding these reforms to all hospitals in the Wallsend electorate." STAFFING at one of Newcastle's largest hospitals will be covered by statewide mandates, closing a loophole its staff had slammed as a dangerous omission. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on Thursday confirmed planning has begun to bring safe staffing levels to the Calvary Mater's emergency department. Introducing the changes will make the hospital the first affiliated health organisation to come under reforms already rolling out across 30 public hospital emergency departments, including the John Hunter. In May, the Newcastle Herald reported nurses were calling on the state government to expand the plan rather than make the Mater the exception among Hunter hospitals. Camilla Smith, the Mater branch secretary for the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association, said on Thursday the news was welcomed. She said there would "definitely be a bottle of champagne" to celebrate. "We're obviously all ecstatic and it couldn't come at a better time with just the surging and the flu and COVID intake and just generally people being sicker," she said. "We're finally getting acknowledged in staffing levels for the work that we do." "It's just been such a massive battle. When you're in the thick of it, you think it's not going to happen." Ms Smith said there remained issues, including "the highest number of code black incidents in the state", but expanding the reform to include the Mater would stop its resources falling behind. "People who work at the Calvary love it and they don't want to go, but when you're working under less staffing levels than every other hospital in your area, you've got to really love your job," she said. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the Safe Staffing Level reforms introduce minimum staffing levels, which the state government says will "result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state". "Importantly, this reform will deliver improved nursing numbers to provide care for patients while supporting our frontline healthcare staff," he said. In the public sector the rules dictate a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied emergency department resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse per three generally occupied treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts. The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce - incorporating local health districts, NSW Health and NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association representatives - is preparing to work out the full-time equivalent staffing required at the Calvary Mater, the state government said. Calvary Mater emergency department nurse unit manager Andrew Adams said extra staff would improve morale on the ground, as well as boosting safety and capacity for care. He said staff would likely feel safer with more colleagues due to the changes, having faced an increase in staff injuries and assaults. "We're one of the bigger EDs in the local health district, and we do see a lot of patients of high acuity," he said. "[With the extra staffing] our high-risk patients that we have in the department will be provided the safe nursing care that they actually deserve and we haven't been able to provide." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said on Thursday it was "a big win" to have the Mater brought under the umbrella. "Calvary Mater Newcastle is not just a hospital," she said. "It's a vital part of the Hunter's health network and today's announcement means better care for every patient who walks through its doors. "The Hunter community has fought hard for a fairer health system, and this is the result of that advocacy. Real reform that strengthens patient care and supports our incredible nurses. "Safe Staffing Levels aren't just numbers on a roster, they're the difference between patients being seen sooner, being treated faster and having more time with the professionals who care for them." Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said the fierce advocacy of front-line staff had paid off. "I want to thank the nurses of the Mater Hospital, in particular branch secretary Camilla Smith, for their patience and strong advocacy in seeing this Safe Staffing Level expansion," Ms Hornery said. "I also want to thank Minister Park for his commitment to expanding these reforms to all hospitals in the Wallsend electorate." STAFFING at one of Newcastle's largest hospitals will be covered by statewide mandates, closing a loophole its staff had slammed as a dangerous omission. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park on Thursday confirmed planning has begun to bring safe staffing levels to the Calvary Mater's emergency department. Introducing the changes will make the hospital the first affiliated health organisation to come under reforms already rolling out across 30 public hospital emergency departments, including the John Hunter. In May, the Newcastle Herald reported nurses were calling on the state government to expand the plan rather than make the Mater the exception among Hunter hospitals. Camilla Smith, the Mater branch secretary for the NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association, said on Thursday the news was welcomed. She said there would "definitely be a bottle of champagne" to celebrate. "We're obviously all ecstatic and it couldn't come at a better time with just the surging and the flu and COVID intake and just generally people being sicker," she said. "We're finally getting acknowledged in staffing levels for the work that we do." "It's just been such a massive battle. When you're in the thick of it, you think it's not going to happen." Ms Smith said there remained issues, including "the highest number of code black incidents in the state", but expanding the reform to include the Mater would stop its resources falling behind. "People who work at the Calvary love it and they don't want to go, but when you're working under less staffing levels than every other hospital in your area, you've got to really love your job," she said. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the Safe Staffing Level reforms introduce minimum staffing levels, which the state government says will "result in more nurses employed in hospitals right across the state". "Importantly, this reform will deliver improved nursing numbers to provide care for patients while supporting our frontline healthcare staff," he said. In the public sector the rules dictate a one-to-one nursing care ratio for generally occupied emergency department resuscitation beds on all shifts, and one nurse per three generally occupied treatment spaces and ED short-stay unit beds on all shifts. The Safe Staffing Levels Taskforce - incorporating local health districts, NSW Health and NSW Nurses and Midwives' Association representatives - is preparing to work out the full-time equivalent staffing required at the Calvary Mater, the state government said. Calvary Mater emergency department nurse unit manager Andrew Adams said extra staff would improve morale on the ground, as well as boosting safety and capacity for care. He said staff would likely feel safer with more colleagues due to the changes, having faced an increase in staff injuries and assaults. "We're one of the bigger EDs in the local health district, and we do see a lot of patients of high acuity," he said. "[With the extra staffing] our high-risk patients that we have in the department will be provided the safe nursing care that they actually deserve and we haven't been able to provide." Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said on Thursday it was "a big win" to have the Mater brought under the umbrella. "Calvary Mater Newcastle is not just a hospital," she said. "It's a vital part of the Hunter's health network and today's announcement means better care for every patient who walks through its doors. "The Hunter community has fought hard for a fairer health system, and this is the result of that advocacy. Real reform that strengthens patient care and supports our incredible nurses. "Safe Staffing Levels aren't just numbers on a roster, they're the difference between patients being seen sooner, being treated faster and having more time with the professionals who care for them." Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said the fierce advocacy of front-line staff had paid off. "I want to thank the nurses of the Mater Hospital, in particular branch secretary Camilla Smith, for their patience and strong advocacy in seeing this Safe Staffing Level expansion," Ms Hornery said. "I also want to thank Minister Park for his commitment to expanding these reforms to all hospitals in the Wallsend electorate."
The Australian
29-07-2025
- The Australian
‘A mere virus': Perth family's heartbreaking plea after losing daughter, 2, to the flu
A Perth family has issued an emotional plea after their two-year-old daughter died from the flu. In a letter shared by the Immunisation Foundation of Australia, the heartbroken family described how the health of their two-year-old daughter, Aabi, rapidly deteriorated from the virus. Only a few months away from turning three, Aabi and her family had returned to their home in Perth on April 30 after spending a month abroad in India visiting relatives. Aabi's parents said she was 'reluctant' to return to daycare, but was sent back the next day. It was only a few days later that Aabi vomited after eating her regular banana and milk. Two-year-old Aabi died from the flu in May this year. Picture: Supplied/ Immunisation Foundation of Australia 'I initially thought it was due to her energetic play with her sister,' her mother wrote. 'As I cleaned her, I noticed she felt lukewarm.' The two-year-old complained of a headache, with her mother giving her a dose of paracetamol syrup and a 'gentle forehead massage' that seemed to help. While Aabi's mood seemed to improve, her fever - and the niggling headache - returned a short time later. '(On) Sunday, May 4th, she woke as usual - enjoying two biscuits with my tea, her milk, and then a banana,' her mother wrote. 'She was playing, singing, and seemed well. 'Relieved, I started my regular Sunday household tasks while the girls entertained themselves.' However by about 11am that morning, Aabi's temperature was rising again and her headache had returned. There have been more than 230,000 confirmed cases of the flu in Australia this year alone. 'I sat beside her, waiting for the fever to drop, but it kept climbing,' her mother wrote. Aabi's fever kept climbing to 40.6C and she was rushed to hospital, where her dehydration made it difficult for doctors to figure out the problem. 'It felt like she deteriorated significantly and too quickly,' her mother said. Aabi had a 'gentle seizure' while in hospital and was later diagnosed with influenza. 'The decision was made to perform a CT scan and then transfer her to the ICU, as she was highly febrile and partially unconscious,' the letter read. However, the little girl's health had deteriorated too quickly for the CT scan to be effective and she instead required an MRI scan. Aabi's mum said it was then she believed they had lost their little girl, saying her pupils were non-responsive and 'she was beyond anyone's help'. In the span of a few days, Aabi had gone from being a 'healthy, happy, active, and fun-loving child' to lying unconscious in the hospital bed. The MRI scan confirmed the worst. Medical experts are urging families to get vaccinated as flu cases spike. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie 'The MRI confirmed total brain death due to acute necrotising encephalitis, a devastating complication of the influenza infection,' her mother wrote. 'The virus's rapid progression with such minimal initial symptoms – just a normal fever and headache, which so many children her age experience regularly – gave us no indication of the extreme seriousness of the situation.' Aabi's mother said doctors suspect her daughter's immune system reacted 'much more aggressively than usual', which led to 'acute inflammation and severe damage to her brain'. 'We lost our beautiful Aabi at the hands of what seemed like a 'mere virus',' she said. 'Aabi will forever be two years and nine months old,' her mother wrote, describing her daughter as the 'radiant joy of our lives and the very heart of our home'. Flu spike 'really concerning' Immunisation Foundation of Australia founder Catherine Hughes said Aabi's story was a reminder of the tragic impact influenza can have, and highlights just how vulnerable young children are to infectious diseases. She said an ongoing spread of misinformation was leading to shockingly low rates of flu vaccination, something she described as a 'serious public health concern'. According to figures from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCRIS), more than 230,000 lab-confirmed flu cases have been reported in the country as of late July. Less than a quarter of those cases are children under the age of five. Ms Hughes said the numbers were 'really concerning'. 'Many of us might mistakenly think of the flu as 'just a bad cold', especially after a mild case,' she told NewsWire. 'However, influenza can be extremely severe, leading to serious complications, hospitalisation, and death, even for healthy children and adults.' This could be reduced with higher vaccination rates, she said. 'We urge families to prioritise vaccination as a proactive step to protect their children, prevent the wider spread of the virus, and ultimately, help protect all Australians,' she told NewsWire. Monash University associate professor James Trauer said the vaccine was the 'most effective' way to prevent the flu from spreading. Picture: NewsWire / John Appleyard Monash University Epidemiological Modelling Unit for the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine associate professor James Trauer reiterated it was important for Australians to get vaccinated against the flu. He told NewsWire the flu vaccine presented 'little chemicals to the immune system' that are in both the vaccine and flu virus, meaning the body is exposed to the chemicals without the body having to be exposed to the flu virus itself. 'So you develop antibodies … once you've got those antibodies, you have a more effective, more rapid response to the vaccine,' he said. He said children under five and the population over 65 were the biggest priority for flu vaccinations, though the general public - particularly those with young children - should also get the jab. 'The flu transmits a lot within family units,' he said. '(The) flu causes a major epidemic every winter, and people do die of it every year, and so it's important for us to do everything that we can (to prevent it).' While there are 'some other treatments' to prevent the virus, he said 'vaccination is really the best … preventive and effective intervention' that can 'really help us to reduce the flu each winter'.
