Welcome to the first edition of The Pulse.

A quarterly publication providing critical and timely insights for organisations and professionals in the Healthcare sector. 

In these updates, we aim to provide you with the latest insights from our Health Services by RSM team. This quarter’s edition has several papers including a review of Operational Technology cyber security risks, an outline of what the next 12 months might look like for hospitals, and an analysis of the recent NAB Health Pharmacy survey and how to better meet customer trends and sentiment through data management.

The healthcare sector has been at the forefront across Australia over the past 2 years, its presence has been critical. We can appreciate the pressure that the sector has been under. Often, patient care means the focus can understandably move from the business itself. RSM has a strong understanding across Healthcare and if you require a deep dive or even just a sounding board, call us to see how we can help.

At RSM, we act as your strategic partner, backed by industry-specific knowledge and solutions whatever your needs may be.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to our specialist Health advisory, assurance and consulting team should you wish to discuss any of the ideas raised in this publication. To know more about Health Services by RSM click here.

We hope you enjoy the read.

Kind regards,
      
Peter Saccasan      
National Leader, Health Services     View online profile >>
 

To learn more about Health Services by RSM – click here >

The Health Library

Family Law insider Articles

Patent box”

Better data in pharmacy

By Peter Saccasan (5 min read)

Too many businesses keep pushing what they think the customer needs. Listening to what the customer is telling them – whether that be by direct consultation or by their habits and spending patterns. Continue reading

 


Patent box”Hospitals facing greater uncertainty over the next 12 months

By Jayesh Kapitan (7 min read)

Forced onto the frontline in the midst of a global health pandemic, the doctors and nurses who work within Australia’s public and private hospitals have certainly been under enormous strain these past 18 months. So what can a hospital do at a time when staff are already being pushed to breaking point, and the worst may still be yet to come? Continue reading


Rapid Antigen”The startling tax ruling impacting GP and allied health practices

By Peter Nicol (5 min read)

Following a shocking determination by the Chief Commissioner of State Revenue in NSW, owners of general and allied health practices have been left wondering what it means for them.      
The ruling, which was made on September 3, found that the owner of four GP practices in Western Sydney owed the state almost $800,000 in retrospective payroll taxes. Continue reading


Health MattersThe journey towards independent Aged Care governance

By Ray Scott (3 min read)

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety released its final report in March 2021 with a focus on Aged Care Governance. While there were 148 recommendations, the first recommendation was that a new act come into force by no later than 2023. Continue reading


Medical funding”COVID-19 stress testing medical practice owners

By Michael O'Hehir and Young Han (5 min read)

It’s been a challenging 12 months for people in the medical field. Amid a health crisis, they have stood strong on the frontline and bravely put themselves in situations that most people would go to great lengths to avoid. Continue reading


Bed Licenses”Impact of lockdowns on NDIS, Aged Care and Community Service Providers?

By Jaime Lam and Kirsty McGovern-Hooley (8 min read)

At RSM we understand the difficulties that NDIS and Aged Care and Community Service Providers are facing with the recent round of lockdown measures in Australia. With the rapidly changing and uncertain situation, there are immediate priorities for managing current risks of maintaining and upholding the welfare and safety of the participants, clients, and staff. Continue reading


Pharmacy Optimal Technology (OT) security in healthcare

Cyber security incidents are continuing to grow exponentially globally. Pharma companies have rushed to find vaccines and have stepped up efforts to manufacture these in large numbers to meet global demand. Unfortunately, cyber criminals have also realised this and are now ramping up attacks on healthcare. Continue reading

 


MEET THE TEAM

Q1. Tell us a bit about your role at RSM and your background personally?

My cultural origin is Indian, but I was born in South Africa. I moved to Australia in 1988 and it’s been home ever since. By the age of 25 I had lived and worked in three countries.

I’m a Partner in the East Coast Risk Advisory Practice, based in Melbourne offering internal audit, risk management and assurance services for my clients.

Q2. What local health trends are you seeing right now?  

The biggest trend I’m seeing is infection control. The majority of my focus is in servicing hospitals and at present they are gearing up for an increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases that present at hospitals.  

This is placing significant pressure in managing infection control risk within hospitals.  However, the greatest toll is on the staff.  The health system has been in a prolonged state of “high alert”, with the

coming months expecting to be the worst they are yet to face.  Our healthcare workforce are stretched and in some cases fatigued.

Q3. What are you doing day-to-day to help your clients?

Being supportive in any way possible.  Generally, this involves being flexible and responsive to their needs.  They operate within a very fluid environment, often reacting to the world around them.

So if I can think ahead and help position so they are less reactive and more proactive, then I’m happy.