ALMOST 500 medical errors in NSW public hospitals either seriously harmed patients or could have done so in 2005-06 – the highest number in the three years the statistics have been collected.

Problems with diagnosis, treatment and specialist referral topped the list of incidents judged to be in the most serious category, followed by 137 suicides that occurred outside hospital within a week of the person having been seen by a mental-health professional.

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HAYLEY Lewis – the young Australian who swam into the history books as a 15-year-old by winning five gold medals at the 1990 Auckland Commonwealth Games – made a splash at Noosa’s Aquatic Centre last week as part of a campaign to promote sun safety this summer.

The retired swimmer, who married husband Greg Taylor in nearby Sunshine Beach in 1997, has first-hand experience with skin cancer, having recovered from two melanomas. (more…)

ST. ANDREW DEANERY – It’s just a simple red and green wristband, but it’s message is a powerful one in a society in which many government leaders and retailers have tried to remove any reminders of the true meaning of this holy season.

“Just Say ‘Merry Christmas’ the wristband reads.”

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Former Australian swimming champion Hayley Lewis will host a special coaching clinic at Noosa this afternoon.

She is visiting the region to raise awareness about skin cancer and encouraging children to wear new UV sun wristbands which turn from white to purple after too much exposure to the sun. (more…)