Together Forever - Perfecting Dog and Owner Matchmaking

Choosing a dog to become part of your family is a big responsibility. This animal is going to be an important part of your life, a member of your family. So how do you choose the right one? And how do you build a strong bond of affection with it when you get it home?

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Dog’s Life, September-October 2008.

Fit-for-purpose hospital flooring

Choosing and installing flooring for hospitals entails a range of factors other than just cost, colour and material, writes Sue Cartledge.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in FM, June-July 2011.

Grip, not slip, in the digitally integrated OR

A state of the art digitally integrated operating suite at Concord RGH, in Sydney’s Inner West, is serving patients better and making the OH&S demands of theatre less onerous for surgical staff. Article by Sue Cartledge.

Article by Sue Cartledge published in FM magazine, March 2009, and more fully in Hospital&healthcare in December 2009-January 2010

Colour from artworks creates non-clinical effect to hospital renovations

Bright colours from artworks in the hospital create a warm non-clinical atmosphere in the refurbishment and redevelopment of St Vincents, Brisbane, formerly Mt Olivet Hospital.

Advertorial by Sue Cartledge, published in FM magazine. March 2010

Re-creation Health Club

A gym catering to 2600 members from teens to 40 year olds, and offering dancing, boxing and kids’ activities as well as the usual gym classes and weights, needs floors that can take a battering and come up shining.

Advertorial by Sue Cartledge, published in FM magazine, June 2009

Reducing demand for phosphate fertilisers

In the second of a two-part series on **peak phosphorus, Sue Cartledge reviews some of the options for for reducing demand for phosphate fertiliser so the world’s supply is extended for a greater period.

Article by Sue Cartledge published in Australian Farm Journal, July 2009

Study examines space sharing with koalas

Koalas are receiving special treatment in a Queensland residential area in an attempt to study how koalas and humans can both share the same space comfortably, and how residential developments can also protect biodiversity.

Article by Sue Cartledge published in The Veterinarian, May 2009

Evolutionary trap bites Bufo on the bum

The fight against the invasive and noxious cane toad, Bufo marinus has a new weapons with the discovery that meat ants (Iridomyrmex reburrus and I. sanguineous) in Northern Australia are able to overpower and eat juvenile cane toads.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, May 2009.

Vison for improved eye health

A new study hopes to shed light on some effective interventions that could help improve safety, independence and quality of ;life for residents. Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge published in Hospital & Aged Care, June 2009.

Peak phosphorus in sight: more effective use will extend world availability

As every farmer knows phosphorus is a key element in plant growth and is generally added to the soil as phosphate-based fertilisers. Unfortunately it is also a rapidly dwindling non-renewable resource. ‘Peak phosphorus’ – the equivalent of peak oil, when the world’s reserves of phosphate rock run out faster than new reserves can be found, is predicted to occur in some time between 2040 and the end of this century.

Part 1 of an article by Sue Cartledge, published in June 2009 Australian Farm Journal.

Vets’ charity bike ride

A group of Sydney vets, urged on my wildlife artist Geraldine Simmons, will ride from Canberra to Sydney in October to raise funds for wildlife protection in Indonesia.

Article by Sue Cartledge in the May 2009 Issue of The Veterinarian

US vet discovers myelin in cats with neurological problems can recover

A veterinarian neuroscientist has led a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in discovering that the myelin of cats suffering from neurological disorders can actually repair itself, leading to substantial recovery of functions.

Article by Sue Cartledge in the May 2009 issue of The Veterinarian

Pinging shark populations

Climate change may be having an effect on the distribution of sharks on the Ningaloo coral reef off the Western Australian coast.

Article by Sue Cartledge in the May 2009 issue of The Veterinarian

Pasta aplenty

Pasta satisfies three big requirements for the bistro and the customer: it’s cheap, fast and versatile.

Story sub-edited by Sue Cartledge for the May 2009 issue of BISTRO

Cheap cuts + clever cooking = star dishes

Are chefs overlooking the cheap and cheerful cuts of yesteryear or the more unusual by-products that with creative flair can become delicious menu stars?

Story sub-edited, including writing headline, by Sue Cartledge for the May 2009 issue of BISTRO.

Moscow calls

Meet Jonathon Curtis. a young Australian chef working in Moscow. BISTRO caught up with Jonathon for a cup of coffee.

Story sub-edited by Sue Cartledge for the March 2009 issue of BISTRO

Flooring design for a better environment: Concord Hospital

A state of the art digitally integrated operating suite at Concord RGH, in Sydney’s Inner West, is serving patients better and making the OH&S demands of theatre less onerous for surgical staff.

Advertorial piece by Sue Cartledge, published in FM magazine March 2009

Interact with a dolphin, receive a whistle

Dolphins change their vocalisation in response to interaction with humans, a factor that might be important to vets or other people dealing with dolphins in aquariums or in the ocean.

Article by Sue Cartledge published in The Veterinarian, December 2008

Recognition technology - reducing grazing pressure

Managing total grazing pressure on extensive sheep stations is just one of the benefits of soon to be commercialised animal recognition technology which uses machine vision instruments to control animals’ movements.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Australian Farm Journal, November 2008

New age design

We’ve heard about ways hospitals are making sustainable building choices, but where does Aged Care fit into the picture? Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, October 2008

Greening healthcare buildings

With a global focus on sustainability, Sue Cartledge investigates the challenge of going green in healthcare.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, July 2008

Crocodile Prof finds adventure in discovery

A lifetime passion for zoology, which started with single-celled pond organisms and progressed up the evolutionary tree to mammals - including camels - shifted into a different gear last September, when University of Queensland’s Professor Gordon Grigg retired.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, April 2008

Warm and chintzy or sleek and modern?

What is the style that prospective residents and their families want in a residential aged care facility? How do interior design trends affect the way a person sees their new home? Sue Cartledge looks at the trends taking hold in ‘08.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, March 2008

Functional flamenco

Sue Cartledge takes a look at Villa Serena’s floors to learn how stylish flooring can enhance aged care design.

Advertorial piece by Sue Cartledge, published in FM, March 2008

Quality of life index for apes in zoos

Thirty-five per cent of all the great apes kept in zoos worldwide display abnormal behaviours as a result of inappropriate housing or husbandry approaches. But this should change for the better with the introduction of an index to measure their quality of life.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, February 2008

Selective breeding of detector dogs moves onto global scene

Australia leads the world in breeding detector dogs for Customs, quarantine and police services, thanks to a selective breeding program developed by the Australian Customs Service in Melbourne.

Now the organisation is taking the lead in establishing a global gene bank, in order to keep the gene pool for these specialised working dogs as diverse as possible, and has assisted in setting up other selective breeding programs in the US and China, Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, January 2008

Rural reply

Don’t write the single rural practice off yet, says Walwa vet David Hall. In fact, he warns, “if we keep talking like it’s dying, we will cause its demise.”

Article by Sue Cartledge in the December 2007 issue of The Veterinarian

Stem cell therapy - racing to success

Last month a pair of racehorses demonstrated the success of stem cell therapy for treating tendon and ligament injuries, racing away with the $100,000 Benalla Gold Cup and third place in the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.

Article by Sue Cartledge in the November 2007 issue of The Veterinarian

Laser disc surgery for dogs eases herniated disc pain

A novel approach to treating herniated disc problems in dogs has been developed in a major US veterinary hospital, and its developers say the procedure could be carried out at teaching hospitals and large private clinics anywhere. Yet, although the percutaneous laser disc ablation (PLDA) procedure has been carried out successfully at the veterinary hospital at Oklahoma State University’s Center for Veterinary Health Science since late 1993, it is apparently not being performed anywhere else in the world.

Article by Sue Cartledge in the November 2007 issue of The Veterinarian

Helping the squirrel glider to cross the road

Squirrel gliders on the edges of the busy Hume highway north of Melbourne have been given their own overpass to reduce the number of deaths and to enable populations separated by the freeway to meet, mix and mate.

Article by Sue Cartledge in the October 2007 issue of The Veterinarian

Solving the crisis in rural practice

What is the future for vet practitioners in the country areas of Australia? Will small practices survive? How can graduates be attracted to rural work, and do they have the skills needed to be successful? I asked three well-known and active rural vets to tell me how their practices have changed over recent years, and what they see as the way forward for young vets looking to a rural practice.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, August 2007

Home and community care: reaping rewards for patients

There are some real benefits in caring for patients within their own homes after they’re discharged from hospital. Sue Cartledge takes a look at a community care program with an emphasis on teamwork.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, August 2007

The CRAIC: Book reviews

Two pages of the popular The Craic section of the IRISHecho fortnightly paper.

These are examples of the sub-editor’s skill - I laid these pages up, flowing in the text, placing the images, selecting the pull-quotes and writing the headlines.

The horse-human bond: better performance for both

For years humans have reported emotional bonds with animals, horses and dogs in particular. Horses are often used therapeutically with emotionally and mentally ill and handicapped children and adults. Now an American researcher has discovered that a horse’s heart rhythms reflect the animal’s emotional state and can be measured responding to the emotional state of a nearby human.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, July 2007

Pups behind the razor wire: helping inmates learn life skills

The rehabilitative benefits of working with companion animals are being trialled in a Queensland prison, where eight long-term offenders are training four labrador/ retriever/golden retriever-cross pups to become assistance dogs.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, June 2007

Riding on the sheep’s back: research into wool development

Prize winning research by a South Australian doctoral student into the genes controlling wool follicle development in merinos may incidentally assist with reducing the need for mulesing.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, June 2007

Vet videos take strain off vets

Busy vets in the US are able to offer pet owners a quick and simple answer to the most common problems of caring for their cat – such as cleaning their teeth, clipping claws, or giving a diabetic cat insulin - by directing them to a new website where they can download explanatory videos.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, June 2007

Life lessons for orangutan orphans

The rehabilitation of young orangutans captured in Indonesia after the death of their mothers was a major topic at this year’s Australasian Primate Society’s conference, held at the University of Queensland in March.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, June 2007

DIY for increased value

‘Buy the worst house in the best street’ is a well known piece of advice. However, as Sue Cartledge discovers, that ‘worst house’ will need some hard work and careful budgeting if you want a decent return on your investment.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Your Mortgage, May 2007

Virtual fencing: progress slow but sure

Is virtual fencing on the horizon? Virtual fencing, or, Directional Virtual Fencing, is a concept that has been around for over a decade, and significant advances have been made on it, both in Australia and the US. But is electronic ‘fencing’ going to replace barbed wire, posts and strainers on your property any time soon? The jury is out on that one.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Australian Farm Journal, May 2007

In the zoo or in the wild - primate care is vital

The best housing and enrichment programs for captive primates, and optimum conditions for releasing orphaned orangutans back into the jungle were two major topics of last month’s 25th annual conference of the Australasian Primate Society.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, April 2007

Exotic fish, plants drag Murray-Darling into Top 10

Australia’s longest river, the Murray, gained international prominence last month through a report from the World Wildlife Fund International, but it’s not a good report card.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, April 2007

Making the ‘golden years’ glow

Leah Bisiani is a self-styled crusader for dementia care, who runs regular workshops and training sessions, and addressed the prestigious 25th Annual Gerontology Assoication Conference in Canada last year (2006). She spoke to Sue Cartledge about the importance of ‘true person-centred care’.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, March 2007

Waiting for the rain:

Rural vets share their communities’ pain during the decade-long drought

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, February 2007

World-first test of brumby repellants

The problems of feral horses damaging grazing land, creeks, dams and waterholes, as well as eating endangered native plants in wildlife habitats are being addressed by research into methods of repelling them.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, February 2007

New zoo focuses on native fauna

Questions about the suitability of the site of Australia’s newest zoo – Sydney Wildlife World – have been comprehensively answered by the zoo’s Life Sciences manager, Craig Sowden, who spoke with Sue Cartledge.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, January 2007

Beef DNA tests - gene markers for beef feed efficiency

Research into sequencing the bovine genome has identified genetic markers that will make it easier for beef cattle breeders to identify beasts with the best capabilities for efficient feed conversion, and for tenderness and marbling in the resulting meat.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, January 2007

Test-tube joeys for Queensland koalas

Queensland wildlife vets have worked alongside a team from Queensland University School of Animal Sciences to develop a sperm bank for koalas. The fruits of their work were shown to the world towards the end of the year – eight koala joeys conceived by artificial insemination.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, January 2007

Planning for patient-centred care

Technological advances and new models of care are changing the face of ward and theatre design. Sue Cartledge attended a recent health facilities design conference to hear more about the trends.

Beef feed efficiency breakthrough

Australian research into sequencing the bovine genome has resulted in identifying genetic markers that will make it easier for beef cattle breeders to identify animals more efficient at feed conversion.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Veterinarian, December 2006

Taking the load off

With the increase in obesity in the population, and even among the younger cohorts of residents, aged care facilities need to consider purchasing bariatric equipment. What is the essential equipment to provide quality care to heavier residents? Portia James (a pseudonym of Sue Cartledge) investigates.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in InSite, October 2006

Gone are the days of the old homestead look

How do you choose furnishings and decor for your facility when upgrading or building new facilities? The answer isn’t a simple one size fits all, as Portia James (a pseudonym of Sue Cartledge) finds out.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in InSite,October 2006

Taking on the remote challenge

What makes a good candidate for a remote nursing position? Suzanne Phillips tells Portia James (a pseudonym for Sue Cartledge) why she has developed a working life as a locum in rural New Zealand and remote areas of Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Nursing Review,September 2006

Virtual paediatrics on the line

The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne is working towards becoming a virtual paediatric hospital for youngsters and their families in remote and rural parts of Victoria. Sue Cartledge reports on the RCH’s progress.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, September 2006

Leading from the front

Dementia specialist Leah Bisiani finds Australia is way ahead in funding arrangements , quality of care, and understanding the physiological and psychologicakl spects of ageing, reports Portia James* (a pseudonym of Sue Cartledge).

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in InSite, September 2006

Beyond the Bush

Captain Clyde Thomson has served with the Royal Flying Doctor Service for 32 years, and is currently the CEO of the South-East Region, an area which stretches from Dubbo in North-west NSW to Launceston, in Northern Tasmania. He spoke to Sue Cartledge about changes to the RFDS.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, September 2006

Tapping into nurses’ knowledge for more effective design

Design and construction firm, Paynter Dixon takes an innovative approach to ensure the aged care and retirement facilities it constructs most closely meet the needs of its aged care clients. The company employs experienced RNs in its project teams, as Portia James (a pseudonym of Sue Cartledge) reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in InSite, August 2006

Building community ties

Community care is generally taken to mean ageing in place in a person’s own home, but as Sue Cartledge found out when she attended the recent national community care conference, community care covers a lot more than helping the elderly.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, August 2006

Liver nurse embraces pioneer role

Saroj Nazareth fought long and hard to become Australia’s first nurse practitioner in hepatology. Now she’s paving the way for others to follow, as she tells Sue Cartledge.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Nursing Review, August 2006

Apple Isle has international appeal for visitors

Portia James (a pseudoym of Sue Cartledge) profiles the state of nursing in Tasmania.

*Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Nursing Review, July 2006

Creative thinking inside the square

A challenging puzzle that suits ages from six to 106 is the flagship product of a company that thinks creatively inside the square! *Sue Cartledge reports.

*Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Toy & Hobby Retailer, June 2006

Dealing with patient aggression

Nursing staff in psychiatric wards and A&E are most at risk of verbal and/or physical attack from aggressive patients. A new study says training staff in aggression avoidance techniques is not enough, reports Sue Cartledge.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Nursing Review, June 2006

The Gentlemen’s Club

Dr Rodney Jilek has spent the past four years finding out what it is older men want from aged care facilities, and looking for the best ways to provide it. He tells Sue Cartledge that a female majority of both residents and staff numbers leaves male residents feeling disempowered and isolated.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, May 2006

Closing the gap between research and hands-on treatment

The best thing about being a nurse practitioner is the patient contact and “making their hospital stay better for them.” This is the philosophy of Orthopaedic Nurse Practitioner at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) Cheryl Kimber, who spoke to Sue Cartledge about her National Institute of Clinical Studies Fellowship.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Nursing Review, March 2006

Canberra Power Play

Canberra’s public servants and politicians have discovered a gourmet treasure to compensate for the highs and lows of l life in the nation’s capital. Sue Cartledge tears herself away from the Vivienne Westwood exhibition to learn about the delights of Aubergine.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Food Service News, March 2006

Artful Healing

Increasingly, Australian hospitals are recognising the importance of an arts program. Sue Cartledge explores the impressive art collections - and argues, it’s a start!

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in *Hospital&healthcare, December 2005

All Hail The Hermaphrodude

Easily the most overlooked of all clothing sectors, menswear has sharpened its manicured toenails and is preparing to kick back. A tentative Sue Cartledge takes a peek.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Rag Trader, October 2005

Shaw Method to control efficient energy use

Already successful in South Australia for cutting energy usage and operating costs, the Shaw Method of air conditioning is being considered by other state government departments. Sue Cartledge investigates.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Climate Control News, August 2005

Reducing the need for HVAC by design

Is residential airconditioning an energy-gobbling dinosaur that should be led away quietly and left to die? Some very prominent Australian architects think so. Sue Cartledge caught up with them at the recent DesignBuild Expo in Sydney

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Climate Control News, August 2005

The fine art of gastronomy

The cutthroat nature of the restaurant trade can leave even the most seasoned professional chef wary. Darren Taylor, founder of catering company Gastronomy - the art and science of food, explains to Sue Cartledge why he left it all behind for a career of catering to the masses.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Food Service News, July 2005

How cool is that? Dry air courtesy of the Dead Sea

Air in your home or office cooled, dried and disinfected by a revolutionary new Israeli system that uses liquid sourced from the Dead Sea. Intrigued? Sue Cartledge investigates

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Climate Control News, July 2005

Company growth no fantasy!

The resurgence of fantasy, aided by the incredible popularity of the Lord of the Rings films, is seeing Games Workshop expand all over the world. Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Toy & Hobby Retailer, July 2005

East meets West in Sydney

Sydney-based designer and retailer Yoshi Jones has called on her Japanese heritage to develop a range of women’s clothing and homewares. Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Rag Trader, June 2005

Broadband connects hospitals & GPs

Kalgoorlie Base Hospital, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and GP practices in the remote Eastern Goldfields region of Western Australia can now communicate thanks to a new multiservice broadband network. Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, June 2005

Scaling new heights

Keeping established customers happy and attracting new ones is a key challenge for leading Katoomba, NSW-based retailer, Ellis Davidson Menswear. Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Rag Trader, May 2005

Refrigeration Don pulls stumps after 50

After 50 years in the refrigeration industry, 27 of them with Coles, Don Griffiths has seen it all. Sue Cartledge reports on a fine innings.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Climate Control News,May 2005

Chinese Health Delegation gains Oz management insight

A group of Chinese healthcare professionals visited NSW in March to compare Australian approaches to healthcare management to their own.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, May 2005

Coordinated Care from the Emergency Dept

A service that could reduce chronically ill patients’ health costs by 50 per cent is being considered by health insurers around the country.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, April 2005

Sydney over EXPOSED

Sue Cartledge outlines some of the key innovations of the forthcoming spring/summer 2005-2006 FASHION EXPOSED trade fair, which will be staged in Sydney from March 6 to 8.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Rag Trader, February 2005

New directions in palliative care

The current state of and future directions in palliative care in the UK and Australia were explored at the Strengthening Palliative Care forum staged at Monash University. Sue Cartledge reports

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, February 2005

Mercy emerges from the smoke

The fire at Melbourne’s Mercy Hospital for Women on Christmas morning 2004 not only caused the evacuation of maternity and neonatal patients and staff to other metropolitan hospitals, it totally disrupted Mercy Health & Aged Care’s newly upgraded IT system. Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, February 2007

Music releases physical and emotional pain

Music therapy is generally used in children’s hospitals to boost the spirits of young patients. Less well known is its use in rehab. Sue Cartledge learns more.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, February 2005

Collaboration for Dementia Care

Hammond Care Dementia Services Development Centre recently collaborated with Scotland’s Stirling University and Japanese welfare organisation Tenjinkai to produce a resource kit exploring dementia care in Australia and Japan, Sue Cartledge reports.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, February 2005

Rooms for healing: the interior environment

Hospitals are places where we expect everything to be done to assist the healing of the patient, but how often do we consider the contribution of the environment - walls, ceilings, windows, furnishings? Sue Cartledge learns more.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Hospital&healthcare, January 2005

Help for Eczema

My skin was on fire, but nothing seemed to work until a herbalist offered a surprising solution. Portia James (A pseudonym for Sue Cartledge) talks about her experience.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in Nature&Health, December 2004

New MD faces DNA test

Dana Nelson is managing director of Delaware North Companies Australia (DNA), one of Australia’s most successful catering companies. She spoke to Sue Cartledge about her plans for DNA and the challenges facing the catering industry in general.

Article by Sue Cartledge, published in The Food Service News, December 2004