ACC

A big increase in injuries caused by falls at Dunedin homes is ''disturbing'' and more must be done to reduce them, ACC campaigner Denise Powell says.

Establishing an independent ombudsman to deal with ACC issues would restore some of the corporation's lost credibility and public goodwill, Dunedin ACC campaigner Dr Denise Powell says.

The wait for Christmas is nearly over but many Otago residents will continue to wait, not for Santa, but for a doctor.

The Government plans to introduce a range of incentives to help business owners focus on improved safety management and make workplaces safer.

Police have admitted there were things they should have done better to ensure the validity of search warrants used to search the homes of two Dunedin ACC claimants.

Alex Knewstubb, of Port Chalmers, defends the ACC system.

Dunedin ACC campaigner Dr Denise Powell is urging the country's medical system and ACC to improve their handling of traumatic brain injuries after a major report warned they were at "epidemic levels".

ACC must change its approach to a controversial blanket consent form, given criticisms in a recent report and from a district court judge, Dunedin lawyer Peter Sara says.

ACC staff are on the receiving end of a growing number of threats to the organisation, with one client saying his case manager "was lucky he didn't shoot her".

Recent reports on a major privacy breach at ACC will help overcome problems with a controversial claimant consent form and restore fair play, Dunedin ACC campaigner Dr Denise Powell believes.