Emma Pollard
Emma Pollard is an experienced television, radio and digital journalist reporting on general news including health, urban affairs and social issues. She began her career at the ABC's Bundaberg bureau in 2007 before moving home to Brisbane. The award-winning reporter has covered everything from floods to earthquakes, inquests and council budgets.
Latest by Emma Pollard
You can't put a price on health – but in Nick's case, it was almost $23,000
Nick Ham lost about half his body weight after spending more than $20,000 on bariatric surgery -- much of it paid for by his dad, who withdrew from his superannuation on compassionate grounds.
Major research funding for childhood brain cancers gives families hope
The federal government says up to $20 million will be made available over seven years to find treatments for childhood brain cancers, including Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
A new era in medicine: Robots scan the hearts of patients in outback Queensland
In a world-first, sonographers can now assess the health of patients thousands of kilometres away. The technology has saved the equivalent of almost a dozen full trips around the world in distance travelled.
Tina never thought she would be the 'dying mum of a five-day-old'. Months later, her life 'really is a fairytale'
Tina thought she would never see her baby son again after her health deteriorated eight years after a double lung transplant. But behind the scenes, her medical team was thinking "outside the box".
Analysis
analysis:There's a ghost haunting Queensland politics — and it isn't going anywhere for now
Despite being evicted from George Street eight years ago, the ghost of Campbell Newman is still haunting Labor and the LNP.
This simple public health policy has been adopted by most of Australia. Queensland's premier has ruled it out
In the sunshine state, councils have ultimate authority over whether there's fluoride in their water supply. Some say it's too expensive, others are wary of anti-fluoride campaigners.
Queensland is significantly lagging behind the rest of Australia when it comes to the simple health measure of water fluoridation
In 2023, about 90 per cent of Australians can access fluoridated water — but only 72 per cent of Queenslanders do.
'Seeing your child dying': Mum of teen who nearly died from meningococcal disease urges parents to vaccinate
Katy O'Connell's daughter almost died from the Y strain of the deadly meningococcal disease five years ago.
Selesa Tafaifa died with a spit hood over her head. Lawyers say she pleaded for her puffer six times
A Coroner's Court document said body worn and CCTV footage "indicates" Ms Tafaifa died "following a prolonged period of physical restraint", including "the application of handcuffs and the use of a spit hood".
Australians left with rotting teeth, unable to smile in 'completely unaffordable' dental system
In pain, unable to eat properly or smile – many Australians are wondering if dental services will ever be included in Medicare.
'It's just unbelievable': Shocked community grieves friends killed in devastating house fire
A Russell Island soccer club will observe a minute's silence to honour the memory of five children and their father, who died tragically in a house fire over the weekend.
Scientists suspect vapes contain 'weapon of espionage' polonium-210 after finding cancer-causing substances
Impounded vapes are being tested for polonium-210, a radioisotope which naturally occurs in cigarette tobacco.
Police opened fire fearing their lives were in danger when man ran at them with a knife, inquest told
Police said, when they offered to help Mr Abdi — who was walking alongside a busy motorway — he yelled and ran at them with a knife.
Nicholas has a good eye for an eye — and knows a great prosthetic eye can make a world of difference
Craig lost an eye to cancer but says the "hardest thing" has been people's reaction. An orbital prosthesis handmade by Brisbane technician Nicholas Puls has helped him feel more confident.
'Distressing': Sleep study explores difficulties children with neurodisability have when getting rest
Life with kids means less sleep — especially for the half a million Australian children living with a neurodisability — but a new study hopes to change that.
Canadian police find Brisbane woman's body while searching remote hiking trail
JM Lane had been living in Canada since early January and was on a road trip in British Columbia before she was due to start a finance job.
Family fears for Australian woman missing after going hiking in Canadian bear country
Twenty-four-year-old Julia-Mary Lane, who is known as JM, has been living in Canada since early January and is heading into her third night in the wilderness of British Columbia.
'Sends the wrong message': Demand for action as Queensland hospitals struggle with COVID, flu
Public hospitals in Bundaberg and Mackay have already re-introduced compulsory mask wearing with significant numbers of Omicron and flu cases circulating together across the state for the first time.
Warning of 'imminent disaster' as government changes may leave people addicted to opioids with nowhere to turn
More than a dozen private opioid treatment services in Queensland and New South Wales are at risk of closure because of changes announced in last month's federal budget, say clinic operators.
Flu vaccine that could last 'number of years' being trialled in Brisbane
Researchers at Brisbane's Mater Hospital are starting to trial a vaccine that could mean flu jabs are only necessary every few years, instead of annually.
A foetal alcohol spectrum disorder diagnosis at seven changed Jazpa's life. Now he wants to lift the stigma
When her son Jazpa couldn't focus at school, Sam Pinnell thought she was a bad parent. A diagnosis of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder changed that.
About 20 Australian children are diagnosed with DIPG every year. Ruby was one of them. This is her story
Ruby was just six when she died. Her parents donated her brain tumour to a paediatric cancer research laboratory, hoping her short life might help others.
'Monumental' Queensland law shift marks an end to the 'war on drugs', advocates say
The new laws mean police will issue a warning for first-time minor drug possession and offer a place in a diversionary program. It's hoped thousands of people will be kept out of jail as a result.
Study finds long COVID symptoms 'on par' with influenza in vaccinated population, but expert raises concerns
The study compared the symptoms of Queenslanders who had COVID and influenza 12 weeks after testing positive.
Brisbane doctor secures legal win after tribunal hears closure of practice led to 'desperate' calls to helpline
Stuart Reece says he had to close his Highgate Hill practice late last year after the Medical Board of Australia imposed supervision conditions on his registration.