Thursday, 6 August 2026
ED strain prompts vaccination support, Rising stimulant-related harms, New course for men's healthcare access
- 01
Record ED strain prompts calls for vaccination support in NSW
Sydney emergency departments faced record-breaking demand, with nearly 10,000 presentations over a recent weekend, driven by flu-like illnesses. The RACGP and GP experts urged for increased support to enhance vaccination efforts amid reported delays in vaccine supply. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns encouraged individuals with non-life-threatening conditions to seek care from GPs instead of EDs. Experts noted significant constraints on vaccine availability, impacting the ability to meet patient demand for vaccinations, including the new pneumococcal vaccine.
via RACGP newsGP
- 02
Stimulant-related harms rise sharply in Australia
Recent findings from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre indicate a significant increase in stimulant-related harms in Australia, shifting the country's overdose profile. From 2023 to 2024, cocaine-related deaths rose by 40% and deaths from amphetamine-type stimulants increased by 29%, marking the highest rates observed during the NDARC's monitoring period. In 2024, there were 753 overdose deaths involving amphetamine-type stimulants, the highest number recorded to date. The report also noted a 10.5% increase in drug-related hospitalisations, with amphetamine-type stimulants accounting for a significant portion of this rise.
via RACGP newsGP
- 03
New course launched to improve men's healthcare access
The Movember Institute has launched the 'Men in Mind for Primary Care' course to address barriers preventing men from accessing healthcare. Research indicates that over two-thirds of Australian men have left or wanted to leave a healthcare practitioner due to a lack of connection, contributing to high rates of preventable deaths, including suicide. The RACGP-accredited course offers practical tools for GPs to better engage with male patients, focusing on reframing masculinity and understanding social norms. The Federal Government has invested $11.3 million to support this initiative, which aims to improve men's health outcomes by enhancing the skills of healthcare providers.
via RACGP newsGP
- 04
Survey launched to evaluate General Practice in Aged Care Incentive
A survey is underway to assess the impact of the General Practice in Aged Care Incentive (GPACI) on primary care for aged care residents. Conducted by Nous Group, the survey aims to evaluate the initiative's effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability until 19 August. Dr Anthony Marinucci from RACGP encourages GPs to share their experiences, particularly those who have reduced their aged care involvement, to inform future policy changes. The GPACI, which commenced on 1 August 2024, replaces the previous incentive and involves payments to GPs for eligible patients.
via RACGP newsGP
- 05
BD recalls intraosseous needle sets linked to four deaths
BD recalled certain lots of intraosseous vascular access system needle sets due to safety concerns associated with four deaths, as reported by the FDA. The recall follows complaints that the needles, used for emergency access to bone marrow, may be difficult to remove after placement, particularly during resuscitation efforts for cardiac arrests. BD received 75 complaints, including 45 serious injury reports, prompting the company to instruct customers to identify and destroy affected units. Critically ill patients requiring urgent vascular access are at the highest risk, and the FDA is reviewing the issue.
via MedTech Dive
- 06
GP conference in Noosa to explore future of general practice
A conference titled 'BGP 2.0: The Essential Generalist 2033' will take place on September 26 in Noosa, Queensland, focusing on the future of general practice. The event will feature discussions on topics such as AI integration, evolving funding models, and the impact of societal changes on GP careers. Notable speakers include Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, and Adjunct Prof. Karen Price, Director of HCF. A flash sale offering a 20% discount on tickets is currently available until August 19.
MDDR is a news digest for medical professionals. It is not medical advice and should not be relied on for clinical decision-making.