Audit reveals that understaffed aged care facilities resulting in lack of quality care

An audit of aged care facilities across Queensland on Saturday revealed the facilities are understaffed, resulting in a lack of quality care for residents.

The union-led audit found residents are going unfed and can be left without treatment for fractures for over 24 hours.

Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union president Beth Mohle said “nurses are being left to look after up to 200 residents at a time”.

UK researchers one step closer to tackling the common cold

UK researchers have stated  they have now taken a step forward in tackling the common cold.

The researchers have said they have potentially found a way to combat the rhino virus which is the main cause of the common cold and a serious health risk for those with compromised immune systems.

The trick they said is to develop a drug that interacts with the enzymes in cells, which will make it harder for the virus to become drug resistant.

French emergency services operator mocks caller, leaving her to die

A French emergency services operator has defended herself, saying she is not to blame for the death of a woman who she mocked when she called for an ambulance.

Naomi Musenga called emergency services complaining of severe stomach pains and stating “I’m going to die,” to which the operator replied "You'll definitely die one day, like everyone else".

Ms Musenga died of multiple organ failure a few hours later.

Hackers target Family Planning NSW

Family Planning NSW has been targeted by hackers who held data on clients for ransom.

The hack occured on ANZAC day and a ransom request for 15,000 bitcoin was sent to the reproductive and health services provider.

Family Planning NSW said medical data was not under threat but that emails requesting information and appointments may have been accessed.

Government department recommends clearing Queensland forest

The Department of the Environment and Energy has recommended mass vegetation clearing of almost 2000 hectares on Cape York Peninsula, despite the likelihood the forest contains endangered species.

Erosion caused by the land clearing could also lead to poor water quality in the Great Barrier Reef.

The department said the possible impacts of the proposal “will not be unacceptable.”

Brisbane West to see new bikeway

Brisbane West may soon see a pedestrian and cyclist bridge as part of the Brisbane City Council’s plan for stage one of the Indooroopilly bikeway.

The bikeway, which is expected to start construction next financial year, will stretch from the existing Western Freeway bikeway,  the University of Queensland’s bikeway and Brisbane River Loop.

The council’s public and active transport chairman Adrian Schrinner, said stage one of the bikeway project would boost safety for the 700 people who rode or walked along Radnor Street every day.

Free washing and checkups for pets sleeping ‘Ruff

Students and volunteers have come up with a plan to help homeless people with pet washing and vet checkups.

‘Ruff Sleepers’ is a not-for-profit which gets together once a month to provide free check ups, a  dog-washing service and general community catch up.

Co-founder Bronwen Dalton, an Associate Professor of Sydney University of Technology, said "it's an environment where we all come together as dog lovers. It’s not paternalistic, it’s friendly and caring.”