Haphazard Health Systems: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
We hope that everyone is ready to have a wonderful break and a Happy Easter. For many, this is the time of year where health goes out the window and some well-earned chocolates are had. However, before you overdose on chocolate easter eggs, we would like to bring your attention to some legal news regarding our health system.
The good
A state parliament committee will investigate endometriosis; a condition affecting up to 1 in 7 women.
Initiated by Waite MP Catherine Hutchesson, the inquiry aims to improve treatments and support for sufferers.
Endometriosis, where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causes severe pain, infertility, and a decline in quality of life.
Delays in diagnosis are common due to symptom dismissal. Deanna Flynn Wallis, a sufferer since age 13, welcomes the inquiry, stressing the need for awareness and support. The committee will examine prevalence, treatment access barriers, support, education, and employer assistance.
South Australian Health Minister Chris Picton supports the inquiry's goal of aiding affected South Australians, echoed by Ms. Hutchesson. This will hopefully create a long awaited ripple effect that will positively impact thousands of women suffering from the condition.
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
Photo by Anthony Tran on Unsplash
You can support endometriosis research through various charities and fundraising events like the upcoming GULS Pilates session that donates 50% of proceeds to charity. You can purchase tickets here.
The bad
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
The Queensland tuberculosis (TB) frontline unit is currently under scrutiny for alleged mishandling of medical files, compromising patient care, and mistreatment of senior staff.
Dr. Emma McBryde and the unit's former head nurse blew the whistle after PNG TB patients, including children, were sent back instead of receiving necessary treatment.
The nurse resigned, citing procedural concerns and lost records during digitization. Queensland Health employed a criminal law specialist to investigate her for alleged insubordination. The nurse and Dr. McBryde sought whistleblower protection after exposing inconsistencies in patient classification.
Queensland Health's response has led to accusations of humiliation and professional repercussions. The matter has been referred to the Crime and Corruption Commission with Queensland Health declining to comment due to the ongoing investigation. Read more here.
The ugly
Photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash
In a poignant ruling, the NSW Supreme Court confronted the agonizing decision of whether to treat a 14-year-old girl, OL, diagnosed with Pre B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Facing a grueling treatment regimen, OL's chance of survival is 90%, but without it, she has only four weeks to live.
Despite OL's parents' reluctance to pursue treatment, Justice Elkaim invoked parens patriae, prioritizing OL's welfare.
Despite acknowledging the treatment's hardship, he deemed it necessary, stating the alternative was effectively a death sentence. Highlighting OL's resilience and joy amidst adversity, the court ordered treatment, affirming her right to a fighting chance.
The ruling underscores the judiciary's moral burden and the imperative of compassionate yet pragmatic decision-making. Moreover, the directive for ongoing consultation between the hospital and OL's parents reflects a holistic approach to familial involvement in medical decisions, emphasizing the court's recognition of the parents' role in the decision-making process.
Bad advice from Jeremy
Happy Easter to everyone and I’m sure that reading this is better then some lame chocolate (Disclaimer: Chocolate is not lame. Cadbury please sponsor me). I will now ignore the health theme and name the best 3 chocolates.
3. Rocky Road
Brand doesn’t matter too much but darrell lea do it best. There’s a bit of everything in rocky road and it never gets old with different variances and different tastes in each bite.
2. Caramello
Caramel anything is elite tier. The caramel melting in the middle is chefs kiss, “mwah”.
1. Toblerone
I will not debate. I will also still pronounce it toll-berone. If you were hoping to see something like mint chocolate here, then i sincerely hope you stay disappointed.
Upcoming events
Come try out Pilates this Friday with our certified instructor Julia, where we will highlight the prevalence and management of endometriosis among women and girls in Australia.
50% of all proceeds will be donated to Endometriosis Australia.
Get out your capes and masks - it’s time for a Bar Crawl to remember (or forget 😉)!
Join us as we crawl through the streets of Gotham, seeking justice and wreaking havoc on SEVEN evil exes… or bars, if you will. With free shots, discounted drinks, competitive drinking games against your nemeses… this is not one to miss.
Bring your non-law friends along for the ride, and let’s get this party started!!