Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
A round-up of audiological & aged care news
The Friendly Faces of SEQ CCI
You may see Gina & Gerard walking around Toowoomba each day. In March 2024, Gina walked over 400km in one month raising much needed funds for cancer research. In March 2025, the CCI team walked 648km in four weeks! Outcomes for cancer patients depend not only on their medical & allied health team, but also on those working behind the scenes, conducting the necessary research that will enable more personalised care into the future.
SEQ Comprehensive Cancer Initiative
We are proud and excited to launch the
SEQ Comprehensive Cancer Initiative.
Gina commenced a post-graduate oncology degree after her own cancer diagnosis, working through active treatment to complete her studies achieving First Class Honours. She is passionate about improving access to patient-centred, holistic healthcare in rural and regional Queensland, ensuring patients are empowered to make informed decisions. Her dedication to improving her medical knowledge regarding cancer pathology, cancer diagnostics, cancer therapeutics, cancer research and supportive & palliative care, is testament to what she hopes to achieve. She has a particular interest in early-stage breast cancer and sarcoma.
The SEQ Comprehensive Cancer Initiative aims to positively influence cancer patient communication skills, at any time from diagnosis and beyond. If the patient feels sufficiently educated and prepared for their specialist appointment, the limited consultation time will result in better outcomes for all involved. SEQ Comprehensive Cancer Initiative hopes to support all medical practices to optimise health literacy and time management, both pertinent aspects of cancer care.
Comprehensive Cancer Care
As a member of the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network, Savvy Audiology is passionate about improving quality of life into survivorship for cancer patients living in rural and regional communities. Our approach aligns with the Australian Cancer Plan, enhancing patient empowerment, informed decision making and improved access to optimal and timely care.
Savvy Audiology prioritises patient education to enable empowered & informed healthcare decisions.
Research Monograph in Oncology
July 2025
Gina recently submitted her research monograph to the Faculty of Medicine University of Melbourne. Her scholarly review is entitled:
How can early breast cancer consultations integrate physician expertise and patient insight to support shared decisions and optimal outcomes?
Earlier in 2025, Gina submitted her literature review. This review provided an opportunity to identify all relevant scholarly sources related to the research project and to critically examine and compare the different arguments, themes, methodologies, approaches, and debates presented in the existing literature.
Factors impacting informed decision-making for patients under 60 for treatment of early-stage breast cancer: a systematised review.
Our Cancer Fundraising Efforts
Early in 2024, Gina walked over 400km in one month raising funds for vital cancer research. In March 2025, the SEQ Comprehensive Cancer Initiative team walked 648km!
Savvy Audiology Advocacy
February 2023
Savvy Audiology is pleased to collaborate with Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) and the Australian Digital Health Agency, advocating for quality aged care to ensure continued improvements in the overall health and wellbeing of older Australians.
Savvy Audiology is also involved in discussions concerning the role of audiologists under Commonwealth government home and residential aged care programs.
Savvy Audiology is passionate about aged care, offering a person centred approach to hearing health. Identifying barriers in service delivery and building a strong support network around the individual, are crucial when designing healthcare programs within the aged care setting.
Age-Positive Icons
26 February 2021
Amazing range of icons designed in consultation with people in later life. It is so important to emphasize the diversity of later life in a positive and realistic way.
Such a wonderful initiative with outstanding results!
Undiagnosed Hearing Loss
21 September 2020
The problem of untreated hearing loss is widespread. Education is key in reducing the time it takes for people to see an audiologist and talk about sensory impairment.
Button Batteries
6 January 2020
An informative article by Queensland Health regarding button batteries and the danger they present if ingested.
If you have a loved one using hearing aids and there is a concern he or she may be struggling to manage the batteries, please check with your audiologist about the option of upgrading to a device which uses rechargeable batteries. Your audiologist is also able to lock the battery door of the hearing aid. This is common practice with paediatric hearing aid fittings but is also an option for adults.
Bushfire Crisis & the Deaf Community
6 January 2020
Ensuring every Australian has access to the communications surrounding the devastating and ongoing bushfire emergency, would not be possible were it not for the amazing Auslan interpreters. This article by Deaf Australia highlights the vital role these individuals play in time of crisis.
Medication Record
15 January 2020
A step in the right direction for management of medications and accurate record keeping. Savvy Audiology promotes communication amongst all stakeholders to better support individuals and healthcare professionals. This record of both prescribed and non-prescribed drugs in one accessible location encourages a positive digital health environment.
Music Appreciation with Cochlear Implants
6 December 2019
Music and speech are two different things. It is great to see significant research funding for improving the perception of music in cochlear implant recipients. Interestingly, this project will be undertaken by a dedicated researcher who uses a cochlear implant for his own hearing impairment. Access to the article by Alison Rainey is available via the link.
Delivery of Primary Care for Older People
15 July 2019
An interesting article in the Medical Journal of Australia highlighted important aspects in the care for older people. Savvy Audiology would like to highlight:
- patient centred approach
- better coordination between primary health and social care services
- care plans should be patient centred with personal goals regularly reviewed
- carers and nursing staff need to be upskilled
- education of patients and all primary health care professionals in patient-centred goal setting with input from family carers
Multicultural Australia and Dementia Care
23 October 2019
An article written by Nick Baker from SBS News detailing recent findings concerning research into dementia care in Australia, highlighting a need for including those from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
Access to the SBS article via the link.
Savvy Audiology writes extensively about addressing the needs of the CALD population in hearing healthcare, and how incorporating person centred care will help to achieve better outcomes. We encourage those who are interested in this field to view our journal Savvy Insight. Details can be found on our website.
Aged Care in Australia
21 June 2019
To learn more about the aged care system in Australia, click on the link. This guide from the Parliamentary Library contains much useful information with links to all relevant details.
Feelgood Story from the UK
17 June 2019
A touching story highlighting the bond between human and hound! Proof that deafness is no barrier to fulfilling your dreams. As pointed out by Mr Sage, the presence of his dog Jovi in his classroom also promotes hearing loss awareness within the entire school community.
Click on the link to read the full article.
Aged Care in Remote Australia
17 June 2019
Professor Leon Flicker is a professor of geriatric medicine from the University of Western Australia. He discusses Indigenous people and their concerns surrounding residential aged care in remote Australia. An interesting read highlighting some of the challenges facing aged care services in remote communities and how more funding is needed to support the health professionals and services offered.
Click on the link to read the full article.
NARI Director on Elder Abuse
15 June 2019
At a recent function ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Associate Professor and Director of NARI Briony Dow discussed the importance of awareness and education, empowering older people and training professionals.
Savvy Audiology agrees wholeheartedly with these suggestions.
For further information about the National Ageing Research Institute click on the link.