Mike Houlahan

Half of all working GPs are expected to retire within the next 10 years, potentially leaving an enormous gap in the front line of the health system.

Our politicians have been taking a break from making the law over the long winter recess, but that doesn't mean that lawmaking stops.

Daily southern Covid-19 cases roared past the 1000 mark yesterday, a surge which contributed to Southland Hospital being abruptly closed to all visitors except those seeing the most seriously ill patients.

The Health Minister has ordered a re-examination of the budget for the $1.47b new Dunedin Hospital, but ruled out any size reduction in the new facility being built in the central city.