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
'This wasn't a rape, we can't test you': Woman says she was denied drink spiking test at Brisbane hospital
Despite anecdotal information suggesting spiking is reasonably common, only seven people went to court charged with unlawful drink spiking in Queensland between July 2021 and May 2024.
'I was completely paralytic': Jessica doesn't know what her drink was spiked with — and that's part of the problem
What started as after-work drinks on a Friday evening quickly turned into a nightmare when Jessica* arrived at a popular bar in central Brisbane.
These swimmers have their sights set on the Olympics. They're also more likely to develop cancer
The number of high-profile swimmers developing cancer is prompting a dermatologist to call for all major pools to be shaded by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Three patients die by suicide inside a secure Brisbane public mental health unit
Three people have taken their own lives inside a locked mental health unit at The Prince Charles Hospital in the past 16 months, prompting a major review.
Jayden took a drug designed for substance dependence after developing long COVID
After finding anecdotal success with low doses of naltrexone, Griffith University researchers will undertake clinical trials involving the drug and a placebo to see its effect on long COVID sufferers.
Within two hours of a high-risk drug being tested, an alert will be published on social media to warn others
A new permanent drug testing site in Brisbane will allow people to have small samples of illicit drugs tested for free to see if they contain dangerous chemicals.
WATCH: Meet the 92yo volunteer sparking joy — one happy hour at a time
Each week, Colin Apelt visits people in the final stages of their lives, sparking joy one happy hour at a time.
This virus lands more babies and young children in hospital than any other condition, and now there's a free jab
RSV is a highly contagious virus that attacks the lungs and can lead to respiratory illnesses including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. It is the leading cause of hospitalisation for infants in the state.
A festival where two people died will be the first in Queensland to introduce pill testing over Easter
Pill testing is already available in some countries, including New Zealand and parts of Europe. So far, Canberra's Groovin the Moo music festival was the first in Australia to trial it.
Sophia was a victim of coercive control for more than 17 years. Her teenage daughter ended the abuse
Early in her marriage, Sophia went to the police after being controlled by her husband, but they didn't even interview her. It was years before she finally left him.
'Dental tourism' is booming in places like Bali and Bangkok as Aussies look for cheaper care, but is it safe?
Thousands of Australians are travelling overseas for medical treatment every year, but how many — and how successful the procedures are in the long run — is still unknown.
Fasting is an important part of Ramadan — but what if you have diabetes?
Anwar Deen has avoided fasting during Ramadan because of her diabetes, but with the help of a unique clinic south of Brisbane, she'll be able to safely this year.
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.