Doctors wouldn't take Julie seriously for years - and she's not alone

Doctors wouldn't take Julie seriously for years - and she's not alone

For six years, Julie Snook couldn't get doctors to listen to her when the mystery illness wreaking havoc on her body landed her in the hospital emergency room.

Even specialists didn't take her seriously and the incurable disease was left to spread without diagnosis or treatment for years.

"I felt like I was making it up, and the amount of women that I have spoken to over the years who say the same thing ... you feel like you're going a bit crazy," the presenter, communications adviser and former 9News journalist told 9news.com.au.

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Julie Snook isn't surprised by new ABS data about women's experiences with hospital doctors and specialists.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics data has revealed Snook was not alone - women are significantly less likely to report positive experiences with hospital ED doctors, specialists, and nurses than men.

The ABS' latest Patient Experiences report found that while 72 per cent of men felt they were "always listened to carefully" by hospital doctors and specialists, only 62 per cent of women felt that way.

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Only 66 per cent of women felt they were "always shown respect" by doctors and specialists compared to 76 per cent of men.

And just 58 per cent of women said they "always had enough time spent with" hospital doctors and specialists compared 69 per cent of men.

Men also reported more positive experiences with hospital ED nurses than women.

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"Unfortunately this isn't really new information," Snook said.

She was 19 when she was finally diagnosed with endometriosis, which affects one in seven Australian women, after years of begging dismissive doctors for answers.

It was only afterwards that she learned her experiences weren't unique.

Now Snook is an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia and has a deeper understanding of the challenges women can face when they don't feel listened to or respected by medical professionals, especially in a hospital setting.

For example, it takes 6.5 years on average to get an endometriosis diagnosis in Australia and many women report the reason it takes so long is because doctors dismiss their symptoms even when they present to hospital emergency departments.

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She has just undergone her 13th surgery for endometriosis treatment.

It was previously reported that two out of three women experience discrimination in healthcare and these new figures reinforce what some women have been saying about gender inequality in Australia's medical system for years.

"This isn't new information but I certainly hope it's enough to drive some change and some action," Snook said.

The ABS data also revealed that women are more likely than men to delay or not see a health professional for their own mental health when needed due to cost (24 per cent compared to 14.8 per cent).

That figure doesn't surprise Snook either.

"A lot of busy women, mums in particular, their focus is on everyone else," she said.

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There are now over three million Aussies at risk of homelessness

There are now over three million Aussies at risk of homelessness

Homelessness services are buckling under increased demands for help as the number of Australians at risk of homelessness skyrockets.

In the six years between 2016 and 2022, the number of Australians in danger of falling into homeless increased by 63 per cent, according to a new Impact Economics report, Call Unanswered.

In 2016, there were 1.5 million to 2 million Australians at risk of homelessness, but in 2022 that surged to 2.7 million to 3.2 million, the report, released today, found.

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The number of women homeless on Census night increased by 10 percent between the 2016 and 2021.

As part of the research, 23 specialist homelessness services were surveyed over two weeks in September 2024.

The majority were unable to cope with the overwhelming demand, with 83 percent of services unable to answer phone calls at times, 74 percent unable to respond to urgent emails; and nearly 40 percent of services forced to close their doors during operating hours.

"Demand for homelessness services has erupted and the system is so under-resourced that people who are homeless can't get in front of a worker who can help them," Homelessness Australia CEO, Kate Colvin, said. 

"With more than three million Australians now at risk of homelessness, services are forced to close their doors, leave calls unanswered, and turn away families with children on one in five days." 

A key driver was the 17.9 percent increase in people experiencing rental stress since the 2021 Census, the report found.

Queensland saw the biggest increase of all states and territories in the number of people at risk of homelessness, up 80 percent in the last six years. Western Australia also saw a higher-than-average increase at 77 percent.

The number of people in danger of becoming homeless in Victoria and New South Wales rose by 67 and 64 percent respectively over the same period.

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The biggest increase in rental stress was felt in the ACT at 31.3 percent, however this was the only state or territory to see a decrease in the number of its residents at risk of homelessness, falling 34 percent between 2016 and 2022.

"People who could have afforded private rentals just a few years ago are now resorting to couch surfing, sleeping in cars or pitching a tent," Colvin said.

Homelessness Australia is using the report to publicise its  No one turned away campaign, which calls for funding for homelessness services to be increased, with a focus on prevention and the expansion of Housing First programs, so staff can respond to everyone seeking help.

Man in his 20s dies after early morning stabbing in Newcastle

Man in his 20s dies after early morning stabbing in Newcastle

A man has died from his injuries after being stabbed in Newcastle this morning. 

Emergency services were called to Beaumont Street in Hamilton, about 2.40am today.

Upon arrival they found a man, believed to be aged in his 20s, suffering serious stab wounds.

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Paramedics treated the man before he was rushed to hospital, but he could not be saved.

He is yet to be formally identified.

A crime scene has been established and an investigation is under way, with the assistance of homicide detectives.

Police said Beaumont Street is closed between Tudor and Donald Street, with motorists and pedestrians advised to avoid the area.

Anyone with information about the incident, was in the area at the time or has dash cam or mobile phone footage is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

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This 'family photo' of world leaders may look very different next year

This 'family photo' of world leaders may look very different next year

World superpowers have gathered in Peru for the annual APEC summit in a forum that will look very different this time next year.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the Asia-Pacific economic summit alongside US President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the South American nation this week for a pre-Tump discussion.

The world leaders are attempting to arm against trade policies flagged by US president-elect Donald Trump.

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APEC summit world leaders class photo

Biden also met with China's President XI Jinping, who skipped the summit in Lima, today.

"The two are wary of a threatened trade war between the superpowers that leaders here say would force prices up and cost jobs in Australia," Nine's political editor Charles Croucher said.

Albanese used the summit to "speak about the importance of free and fair trade between our economies".

"President Biden was in good form," Albanese said at a press conference later. 

"I don't talk about the detail of private discussions, as you'd be aware, but it was friendly. I regard him as a good friend personally, but also a good friend of Australia."

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, third from front left, takes part a family photo during the APEC summit in Lima, Peru on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

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The PM met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Peru's President Dina Boluarte in a move to highlight Australia's trade interests as the world braces for Trump's return to office.

During the summit leaders of the region posed for a 'class photo' of sorts, an annual tradition at the APEC forum.

Next year is set to be held in Korea, where Trump will represent US interests.

Truck driver arrested after allegedly ramming into police cars in pursuit

Truck driver arrested after allegedly ramming into police cars in pursuit

A truck driver has allegedly taken police on a lengthy pursuit before ramming into five police vehicles in Greater Western Sydney.

Police were called to Toongabbie Road in Girraween at midnight after reports that someone was trying to steal a truck.

Officers tried to stop the driver, but the truck allegedly kept driving and crashed into a parked prime mover.

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A truck driver has allegedly taken the authorities on a lengthy pursuit before ramming into five police vehicles in Greater Western Sydney.

The truck then continued along Toongabbie Road, heading towards Magowar Road, before driving down Gilba Road and crashing into a fence on Oramzi Road.

Police followed the truck down several streets until it crashed into a parked Toyota Camry on Normac Road. 

He allegedly kept driving onto the Great Western Highway in Toongabbie before road spikes were deployed and the truck was stopped.

A roadblock was established on the highway where the truck collided with five police cars at the intersection of Tarlington Place in Prospect.

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A truck driver has allegedly taken the authorities on a lengthy pursuit before ramming into five police vehicles in Greater Western Sydney.

One vehicle was pushed into a power pole.

A police inspector who was inside was treated by NSW Paramedics and was uninjured.

It's alleged officers had to surround the truck with their police cars to get the driver to stop after he crashed into the police cars.

Early reports indicated the man was not cooperative and he was tasered.

The driver of the truck, aged 45, was arrested at the scene and taken to Westmead Hospital.

He remains there and will undergo a mental health assessment.

'Chart your fart': CSIRO calls on Australians to track their flatulence

'Chart your fart': CSIRO calls on Australians to track their flatulence

Whether they're silent but deadly or loud and proud, the CSIRO wants us to keep track of how and when we pass wind.

Australia's national science agency says charting your farts can help scientists learn more about one of the leading gut health symptoms experienced by Australians.

A study of gut health in 2021 discovered that 60 per cent of Australians reported "excessive flatulence", with up to 43 per cent experiencing that most days.  

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A man suffers from abdominal pain while sitting at home on the couch. Beautiful young man suffering from abdominal pain sitting on the couch at home.

Using an app called 'Chart Your Fart', the CSIRO is asking Australians over 14 years old to keep a log of their flatulence for at least three days.

Users can track the frequency of their flatulence, and qualities like "smell, loudness, duration, linger and detectability."

The citizen scientists will help to profile what a "normal" fart may be among different age groups in the population.

The CSIRO says while some can find farting embarrassing, it's perfectly healthy.

"Passing wind is a natural occurrence and a sign that our digestive system is working as it should, to expel excess gas that is produced from breaking down and processing the food we eat," CSIRO Research Dietitian, Megan Rebuli said.   

"Talking about diet often leads into discussion about the other end of eating.  

"Different foods, medical conditions, or even the way we chew, or swallow can have an impact on how our body processes the excess gas, leading to different smells, frequency or even volume." 

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The project's designers say the community bring observations that can better inform research. 

"Research is only as good as the data we have, and we want to work with as much of our diverse Australian community as we can to drive innovation in health and wellbeing research and deliver meaningful outcomes," CSIRO Behavioural Scientist, Dr Emily Brinda said.

"We want to showcase the potential of public-led research and ask the community to come on board with shaping our future health and wellbeing science. 

"We rely on the public to share their experience with us for so much of our health and wellbeing research, but we also want to hear what research the community wants us to do – it is about keeping it real and relevant, but why not have some fun too?"

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