$4M investment for digital portal on rare cancer
A cutting-edge digital portal dedicated to providing information on rare and less common cancers is on the horizon in Queensland, thanks to a significant A$6.7 million ($4 million) investment from the federal government.
The Australian Rare Cancer Portal, managed by BioGrid Australia, is a one-stop resource where individuals diagnosed with rare and less common cancers can access expert opinions on their diagnosis and disease management. This innovative platform also offers evidence-based information, guidance on molecular testing and result interpretation, as well as opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
The upcoming pilot project in Queensland, in partnership with Cancer Alliance Queensland, will enable healthcare professionals to refer patients in remote areas to the portal. Statistics reveal that rare and less common cancers accounted for nearly a quarter of all cancer diagnoses in Australia in 2024, and these types of cancers are responsible for a third of all cancer-related deaths.
New Zealand allocates $3M for healthcare AI research
The Health Research Council of New Zealand has recently unveiled a funding boost of NZ$5 million ($2.8 million) for research in the field of healthcare artificial intelligence.
With a focus on addressing key priority areas outlined in the Government Policy Statement on Health, such as access, timeliness, quality, workforce, and infrastructure, the council is inviting research proposals from investigators. The application period will run until April, with successful applicants expected to be announced in July.
Northeast Health Wangaratta embraces EMR upgrade
Northeast Health Wangaratta, a prominent healthcare service provider in Victoria’s north east region, has bid farewell to its outdated EMR system and embraced a modern solution from Orion Health.
The implementation of the Orion Clinical Workstation promises to deliver faster and more accurate access to crucial patient information. This comprehensive platform includes modules like Results, Medicines Management, and Care Pathways, along with new applications tailored to meet the specific needs of clinicians at NHW.
