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The NSW government wants to terminate its contract with Healthscope's Northern Beaches Hospital. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS)

HealthInsurance plan to limit payout for beleaguered hospital

The threat of a massive payout over the termination of a contract with a private hospital operator has prompted plans to limit the potential fallout.

Jack Gramenz

Channel 7’s Dr Chris Brown visited Perth Children’s Hospital on Thursday morning, where he met Kate Wagner, 16, who had a stroke last week.

TelethonCommentsVisit from Aussie vet lifts spirits of young patients at PCH

Dr Chris Brown popped into the ward, alongside support dog Murphy, with Telethon gifts in hand as he chatted to youngsters.

Hannah Cross

Australian researchers have found repeated soccer headers may alter brain chemistry. (Con Chronis/AAP PHOTOS)

HealthSoccer headers alter brains, adding to dementia fears

Repeatedly heading a soccer ball alters the brain, a world-leading Australian study has found, but the long-term impacts still need to be investigated.

Alex Mitchell

Ozempic pen.

HealthHuge increase in WA kids being prescribed Ozempic

New data has revealed the number of children being prescribed Ozempic in WA has skyrocketed by 84 per cent in just 12 months.

Hannah Cross

Premier Roger Cook said those with symptoms should stay at home.

Health VideoCommentsPremier gives stern message to those with flu symptoms

Roger Cook has given a blunt message to Western Australian’s who are suffering flu symptoms as cases of the virus soar in the State, don’t go to work and just ‘soldier on.’

Oliver Lane and Jessica Page

Adriana Smith has been on life support since February 19, when she was eight weeks pregnant.

The NightlyBrain dead woman gives birth amid abortion controversy

The family of the woman, who was eight weeks pregnant, was told she had to be kept alive until delivering her baby due to strict abortion laws. 

Peta Rasdien

Emyria executive director Michael Winlo.

BiotechCommentsPremiumEmyria wins major insurer backing for MDMA-assisted therapy

Australia’s biggest health insurer is backing the use of MDMA-based therapy to treat post-traumatic stress disorder in a landmark deal signed with a WA-based biotech.

Cheyanne Enciso

Male blood donors will no longer be asked if they've had sex with another man. (Steven Saphore/AAP PHOTOS)

HealthBan to lifted on gay and bisexual men giving blood

Sexual activity eligibility rules at Australia's blood donation service will change, in a world-first move that paves the way for 95,000 extra donations a year.

Maeve Bannister

The study found teenage girls and gender diverse teens were more likely experience worsening depression and anxiety over their high school years, compared to teenage boys.

Mental healthPremiumYouth mental health a growing public health issue: study

Nearly one in four Australian teenagers are reporting high mental distress by the time they’re in Year 10, new research suggests.

Hannah Cross

Pictured are Zhia Soo and 9yo son Jacob Jagan. Jacob is stuck on a long waiting list to see a paediatrician. Ian Munro

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
state politicsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Mum forced to wait 42 months to see paediatrician

A Perth mother has been told her nine-year-old faces a 42-month wait for a paediatrician, as he struggles to keep up in the classroom.

Jessica Page

Jenna Gibellini unexpectedly gave birth to baby James at home on May 16 with the help of St John ambulance paramedic Gerard Monks and volunteer ambulance officer Lisa Kelder, while Liam, 2, was at the park.

BATHROOM BIRTHPremiumMum thanks paramedics after baby’s surprise bathroom birth

An Albany mother who gave birth on her bathroom floor after labour began unexpectedly last month says she and her husband are “so grateful” for the paramedics who arrived in the nick of time to help.

Melissa Sheil

One state will soon open its first fixed pill-testing site in a popular entertainment precinct. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

HealthPill testing clinic set for entertainment hotspot

Anyone of any age can use an anonymous, permanent pill testing clinic that's set to open in a major nightlife area close to public transport.

Rachael Ward and William Ton

Melissa Mullan and her 11-month-old Tulsi Jackson.

FertilityCommentsPremiumCalls grow for government reform on reproductive leave

With one in six Australian couples experiencing infertility, many are juggling work and fertility treatment, which can be physically and emotionally draining, and the heartbreak of miscarriage. 

Angela Pownall

Some specialist doctors charge patients two to three times more than the Medicare rate. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)

HealthMental health hit hardest amid exorbitant doctor fees

Extreme costs to see specialist doctors, including psychiatrists, are putting the health of millions at risk, as a report urges a boost in government funding.

Allanah Sciberras and William Ton

When Jessi's chair was damaged, she didn't feel comfortable speaking up but help was available. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

HealthHelp for disabled youths left at the mercy of carers

A young disabled woman has described feeling "lost" with no idea where to turn when a carer damaged her wheelchair and left her feeling unsafe.

Katelyn Catanzariti

Nearly six in 10 Australians aged 50-74 didn't return their free bowel cancer screening test. (HANDOUT/CANCER COUNCIL)

HealthPharmacists push for new bowel screening approach

Pharmacists are advocating for a new strategy on bowel cancer screening due to Australia's failure to meet targets.

Melissa Meehan

Tibi Healthcare founder Nell Gillett and Siemens Healineers manager Neil Foster. Dennis Tan

HealthCommentsFirst mobile CT scan coming to meet demand in remote WA

A mobile CT scan could be the key to early detection of life-threatening diseases in regional patients, who currently have to wait weeks or travel to Perth for a screening. 

Claire Sadler

Leading eating disorder expert Dr Anthea Fursland.

HealthCommentsPeak eating disorders body offers solution to growing crisis

Australia’s peak body for eating disorder specialists has urged the State Government to support more training for primary care providers, amid concerns patients are missing out on vital early intervention.

Rhianna Mitchell

A new clinical trial to treat Parkinson’s disease will start in Perth next year using a drug currently under investigation as a ground-breaking treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

HealthCommentsWonder drug shows big promise for neurodegenerative diseases

A new clinical trial to treat Parkinson’s disease will start in Perth next year using a drug currently being tested as a ground-breaking treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.

Angela Pownall

Norwegian and Danish researchers studied the impact of daily walks on low back pain in a group of more than 11,000 people.

HealthCommentsOne thing sufferers of chronic low back pain should do daily

People who walk for more than 100 minutes a day reduce their risk of chronic low back pain by almost a quarter, new research suggests.

Hannah Cross

The latest case brings WA’s total for the year to 20 after an outbreak in March sparked at least 17 cases. 

HealthCommentsVaccine reminder as measles exposure site confirmed in Perth

The latest case brings WA’s total for the year to 20 after an outbreak in March sparked at least 17 cases. 

Hannah Cross

SAC chief executive Asha Bhat and yoga instructor Ritu Rawat demonstrate poses.

YOGA DAYWellbeing honoured with free Albany Library yoga session

Mindfulness, connection and wellbeing will be honoured on Wednesday as Albany joins the global celebration of International Yoga Day with a free community yoga session.

Melissa Sheil

OT Stephanie Clarke with 10-year-old son Alexei Clarke-Jennings. She has launched a digital platform to help with early occupational therapy intervention. Kelsey Reid

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
WA NewsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Perth mum’s OT app cuts down nine month wait

A Perth mum and occupational therapist is trying to combat the long waits for occupational therapy by launching a digital platform.

Claire Sadler

Helga Renz had severe side effects from being incorrectly dosed with chemotherapy. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

HealthPremiumBreakthrough tool aims to help prevent chemo overdoses

Researchers have developed an innovative AI-powered tool that offers hope to cancer patients by helping prevent incorrect doses of chemotherapy.

Allanah Sciberras