Media Releases 2003

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DATE

Life saving memorial to Constable Angela Taylor	15:12:2003
The memory of Victoria Police Constable Angela Taylor has become synonymous with saving lives, with the opening of a new room at The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit in December 2003.
$1.2 million boost to mental health research	12:11:2003
Researchers at NorthWestern Mental Health (NWMH) have received a financial boost of $1.2 million following the establishment of Lilly Melbourne Academic Psychiatry (Lilly MAP).
Nick walks for peace	11:11:2003
Western Hospital food services kitchen hand Nick Pastalatzis, 32, won’t be putting his feet up on his long service leave – instead he’ll be on his feet every day, walking through four Australian states and territories, and then the length of Japan.
Spina bifida clue found after 50-year international search	10:11:2003
In a major international medical advance, researchers at The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Rotary Bone Marrow Research Laboratories have identified the gene in mice responsible for the congenital birth defect, spina bifida.
Search for coeliac vaccine	24:10:2003
Melbourne scientists are working towards the development of a vaccine to assist millions of people globally who suffer from coeliac disease and are unable to eat food that contains gluten, including bread and pasta.

Free breast screening services expand in north west	16:10:2003
North Western BreastScreen has expanded its free breast screening services for women over 40, with the official opening of its newest site in Moonee Ponds on 27 October - Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

Stroke prevention works for Reservoir survivor	07:10:2003
Reservoir resident Douglas Jackson believes his involvement in The Royal Melbourne Hospital’s new community stroke prevention project is helping him to reduce the risk of having another stroke.

New wards and helipad under construction at The Royal Melbourne Hospital	23:09:2003
The $32.5 million Stage 3 redevelopment of The Royal Melbourne Hospital – including the creation of more wards and the construction of a rooftop helipad – was officially launched today by Health Minister Bronwyn Pike.
Health appointment for City Councillor	16:09:2003
Melbourne City Councillor and community affairs figure, Kate Redwood, has been appointed to the Board of Melbourne Health.
Melbourne researchers study physical link between depression and heart disease	25:08:2003
Melbourne doctors are conducting world leading research to try and determine why patients with depression are twice as likely to develop heart disease.

Mobile phone use by Melbourne motorists a recipe for disaster	04:08:2003
The illegal use of mobile telephones by motorists at the intersection of Springvale and Canterbury roads - one of Melbourne’s busiest junctions - is so rife it equates to more than two intoxicated drivers passing through the intersection every minute.

Revolutionary eye surgery at RMH saves patient’s sight	03:07:2003
Groundbreaking surgery carried out for the first time in Australia by doctors at The Royal Melbourne Hospital has helped save a patient’s sight.
Fund launched to fight coeliac disease	04:06:2003
Australia has moved to the forefront of an international search for a cure for coeliac disease with the launch in Melbourne today of a new organisation to fund and coordinate research into this widespread but little known disease.

Coroner's Report brings closure to Melbourne Health investigation	30:05:2003
The Royal Melbourne Hospital and all Melbourne Health services have adopted robust new procedures that have vastly improved all areas of patient safety and service, the Chief Executive of Melbourne Health, Dr Paul Scown, said today.
Faster chemotherapy treatment improves breast cancer survival	21:05:2003
Australian breast cancer specialists are considering a new way of using existing chemotherapy agents to treat advanced breast cancer in women after a recent US study demonstrated improved survival outcomes.
Video phone provides virtual visits for long-term patients	16:05:2003
Long-term patients at The Royal Melbourne Hospital could soon enjoy virtual visits from families and friends who live too far away to visit the hospital themselves.
New community falls prevention program keeps Teresa on her feet	12:05:2003
70-year-old Teresa, of Airport West, believes a new HARP program provided by Doutta Galla Community Health Service, Moreland Community Health Services and The Royal Melbourne Hospital has helped to prevent her from having another fall.

CEED launches website and seminar program	01:05:2003
The Victorian Centre of Excellence in Eating Disorders (known as CEED) today launched awebsite and seminar program for professionals.

Melbourne Health wins annual report award	01:05:2003
Melbourne Health has won the Corporate Governance Award – Public Sector at this year’s Australasian Reporting Awards for its 2001-2002 Annual Report.
Volunteers needed for Victorian MS study	28:03:2003
Victorians who have multiple sclerosis (MS) are being asked to participate in a study investigating the part played by environmental and genetic factors in triggering the onset of this disease.
Pulmonary rehabilitation program makes breathing easier	21:03:2003
People suffering long-term respiratory problems can breathe easier about future treatments and fewer visits to hospital, thanks to the launch today of the first community-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in Coburg.

Cardiothoracic surgeon plays from the heart	18:03:2003
A group of Melbourne doctors will be trading scalpels and stethoscopes for violins and violas in a special musical performance by Corpus Medicum.
Book delivers new treatment for young people with ongoing mental illness	28:02:2003
A practical manual outlining a new treatment for young people who are experiencing a prolonged recovery from mental psychosis will be launched today.
New service helps save Guiseppe’s feet from amputation	18:02:2003
Coburg resident Guiseppe Marucci believes a new diabetes-related footcare service has saved his feet from amputation.

$1.4 million for new Cardiac Catheter Laboratory	05:02:2003
Victorian Health Minister Bronwyn Pike today announced a $1.4 million funding package for a new Cardiac Catheter Laboratory at The Royal Melbourne Hospital.
Melbourne Health endorses call for open incident reporting	11:01:2003
Melbourne Health’s Medical Services Executive Director, Dr Peter Brennan, today endorsed the Victorian Quality Council’s call for full disclosure of medical incidents in hospitals.
Pharmacy changes at RMH to benefit patients	01:01:2003
From February 2003, Royal Melbourne Hospital patients will benefit from changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, which allow the hospital to prescribe medicines under the scheme for the first time.