Elspeth McLean

When moths collide: No magic when it comes to the talking scales

I was prepared for the triumphant arrival of Ronnie and Maggie, but foolishly forgot they would be accompanied by the talking scales.

Justified cause for complaint

If I thought sorting out myriad nooks and crannies in my hellhole of a house was bad for my blood pressure, my attempt for relief from that last week was worse.

Trust key in healthcare

Trust key in healthcare

Increasing regulation is not the way to make sure doctors and other health professionals behave well, the dean of the University of Otago's law school, Prof Mark Henaghan, says.

Screening changes to take years

It could take three years to put all of the recommendations from the recent critical independent review of Breast-Screen Aotearoa into place.

Groups to 'meet when necessary'

Health Minister Tony Ryall has distanced himself from criticism of the impact of his call for fewer committees providing advice to the Ministry of Health.

Five found with cancer after breast screening glitch

Five found with cancer after breast screening glitch

Five of the 241 women affected by a breakdown in communication over BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA) mammogram appointments were found to have cancer when they finally had mammograms, it has been revealed.

Reports' delay explained

Suggestions the release of highly critical reports on the national breast-screening programme were delayed to avoid the general election and limit media exposure appear to have been rejected by the Ministry of Health.

No follow-upon newborn blood spot card consent

No follow-upon newborn blood spot card consent

People who may have forgotten they gave consent for their newborn baby's blood spots to be used in research after screening for metabolic disorders will not be contacted to see if they are still happy with that decision.

When moths collide: Task of throwing out life's clutter a bit on the nose

My rapidly diminishing number of brain cells has possibly not been helped by the inhalation of things found in odd containers during the basement clean-up.

NZ breast-screening slated

NZ breast-screening slated

Concerns have been raised in an independent report, and by experts and providers, about the sustainability of a national breast-screening service. Elspeth McLean reports.