After facing strong pushback from staff and the public, the management at Sydney's Royal Prince Alfred Hospital has temporarily halted planned cuts to its women and babies unit. A midwife shared that the pause has brought relief, with hopes now turning to negotiating a fairer staffing arrangement.

Editor’s Note: Hospital cuts—especially in critical areas like maternity care—often spark fierce debate because they directly impact patient safety and staff morale. This pause suggests public and staff pressure can sway decisions, at least temporarily. It’s a small win for advocates, but the bigger question remains: Will long-term solutions address understaffing without compromising care?

A new report reveals that while 60% of cancer patients got to spend their final days where they wanted—like at home or with family—only about half had conversations with doctors about their end-of-life wishes. It’s a mixed picture: some progress in honoring patient preferences, but still gaps in crucial communication.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about stats—it’s about how we handle life’s hardest moments. More patients are getting to die where they choose (a win), but many aren’t having those tough, necessary talks with their care teams. That disconnect could mean missed chances to align medical care with what matters most to people in their final days.