Our Team

Penny TimmsSenior Health Reporter

Penny Timms is a multi-platform health reporter. She has a particular interest in consumer health, future preparedness, and medical science. Penny joins The Australian following a background in public and independent journalism in Sydney, London, the Northern Territory, and Queensland.

Latest

RISK TO PATIENTSMedical

There are calls for sweeping reform to Australia’s cosmetic injectables industry, following a series of worrying incidents. Picture: iStock.

Hospitalisations, disease alerts, E. coli, infection: The ugly reality of our cosmetic injectables industry

‘Something has to change’: Doctors ask what will it take before regulators act on our cosmetic injectables industry? | WATCH

Penny Timms

COSMETIC INJECTABLESMedical

A public health notice has been issued for patients of a Sydney cosmetic clinic. Picture: iStock

HIV warning issued to clients of city cosmetic clinic

Health authorities in NSW have issued a warning to patients of a Sydney city cosmetic clinic, saying they may have been exposed to blood viruses.

Penny Timms

Pro tipsMedical

We asked insurers and consumer groups how to get the most from your private health cover. Picture: Getty Images

Four tips to get the most from your health insurance

We asked insurers and consumer advocates how you can get the best value from your private health cover ahead of looming price rises. Here’s what they said.

Penny Timms

RICHARD SCOLYERMedical

Medical hero thanks supporters following complex brain surgery

Renowned melanoma scientist Richard Scolyer is focused on recovery after complex surgery to determine the cause of brain scan ‘changes’.

Steve Robson and Penny Timms

EXCLUSIVEMedical

A new pilot program is being launched to connect GPs and rural generalists with specialist allergy advice. Picture: Getty Images

Help is on the way for regional allergy sufferers

In a win for rural healthcare, allergy sufferers in regional areas, where a lack of specialists can delay diagnosis and treatment, will receive immediate management and improved referrals.

Penny Timms

‘lucky to be alive’Medical

Australian-first study estimates 24,000 deaths a year associated with smoking. Picture: Getty Images/The Australian

‘It took a heart attack for me to quit’: alarming rate Aussies are dying from smoking

Worrying findings from a study examining tobacco smoking and cause-specific mortality have raised the alarm on Australia’s biggest killer.

Penny Timms

EXCLUSIVEHealth

14/2/25 - NSW Governor Margaret Beazley at Government house. She is talking to The Australian about women's health and her own experience of navigating her health and life and work. Picture Ryan Osland

‘I got the shock of my life’: when the NSW Governor became aware of her diagnosis, she took action

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley was thrown when the results of a general health exam indicated she has a condition that can be a prelude to osteoporosis.

Penny Timms

MEDICARE REFORMHealth

Significant pre-election pledges have been made to make it easier and cheaper to see a GP. Picture: iStock.

Labor’s $8.5bn bulk-bill boost ‘no quick fix’: doctors

Doctors have warned Labor’s $8.5bn plan to extend bulk-billing incentives will not immediately lead to everyone in Australia getting to go to the doctor for free.

Penny Timms

Outback Long Ridewellbeing

Sarah Wheeler rides across NSW and Queensland

After a double tragedy, this is how Sarah Wheeler found purpose in grief

Driven by sorrow but also determination, Sarah Wheeler embarked on a charity horseback ride 290 days ago. On Saturday, she returns home.

Penny Timms

MATERNITY CLOSURESHealth

25-11-2024 Barwon Health Foundation is launching its Wish Upon A Star Christmas Appeal that helps parents like Tyla and Dale Anderson who have just welcomed their son Hamish, born prematurely at 31 weeks and is currently receiving care at Barwon Health's Special Care Nursery. Picture: Brad Fleet

Private maternity services to close in Darwin and Hobart

Embattled private hospital provider Healthscope has announced the closure of its maternity services in Darwin and Hobart.

Penny Timms

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/author/penny-timms