Good PR can play a key role in changing public policy. There are countless examples, but one primary area of major PR success is in tobacco control, where groups with modest advertising resources like Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), the Cancer Council and various state-based advocates have won comprehensive victories by driving a constant barrage of editorial stories about the risks of second hand smoke and the public health benefits of tighter controls.  Read More

The fact that the pharmaceutical sector is one of the most heavily regulated industries in Australia is just one reason why it is important for pharmaceutical marketers – and their agencies – to have a good solid working knowledge of the various marketing codes. With the 16th Edition of the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct under review, I thought it timely to review the provisions that relate to direct to consumer communications and tease out the implications for PR.  Read More

Seven reasons why it makes sense for Australian healthcare companies and medical not-for-profits (NFP's) to outsource their PR & media relations. Read More

How will we measure our success?  Read More

Seven things to ask a PR consultant before you contract them to handle your health-focused PR project Read More

Like every speciality, healthcare PR has its own little quirks. You can bet that behind every "breakthrough" story on the TV news and every heart wrenching "miracle cure" in the Sunday Telegraph is a health-focused PR consultant who knows how it works.  Read More

Healthcare PR is about targeted communications with specific audiences on health-related issues to achieve agreed outcomes. Read More