Concern for smokers
Concern for smokers
The issue of patients who smoke near Dunedin Hospital entrances in sub-zero temperatures was taking too long to address, Peter Barron said.
Elspeth McLean
New system has ODHB 'flying a wee bit blind'
New system has ODHB 'flying a wee bit blind'
Teething problems with the Otago District Health Board's new computer system must be resolved so board members can tell if services are on track, chairman Errol Millar said on Thursday.
Board plans 'strategic' spending of health cash
Board plans 'strategic' spending of health cash
Future decision-making about health services should be strategic rather than based on who squeals the loudest, Otago District Health Board chairman Errol Millar says.
Merger best for effective service delivery, public told
Merger best for effective service delivery, public told
Joining the Otago and Southland District Health Boards would give the best opportunity for health services to be delivered in the most effective way, boards' chief executive Brian Rousseau told the first consultation meeting on the merger proposal yesterday.
More conflict-management training at ODHB
More conflict-management training at ODHB
Further conflict-management training will be conducted at the Otago District Health Board, in what managers describe as an evolving process to improve the workplace culture.
Up to 32 patients' referrals for audit
Up to 32 patients' referrals for audit
Up to 32 patients will have their referrals for colonoscopy at Dunedin Hospital audited by the Southern Cancer Network, Otago District Health Board chief executive Brian Rousseau says.
Another ward closure at hospital
Another ward closure at hospital
One ward and part of another are closed at Dunedin Hospital because of diarrhoea and vomiting.
21% more spent on elderly by Otago body
21% more spent on elderly by Otago body
The Otago District Health Board spends an average of about $500 more than the national rate for each person aged 65 and over.
Not the achiever? He's a very naughty boy
Not the achiever? He's a very naughty boy
If only I had set higher standards, perhaps large numbers of people would have willingly thrown oblong shaped bits of paper at me adorned by Lord Rutherford, Sir Apirana Ngata, the Queen, Kate Sheppard or even Ed Hillary.
ODHB backs tables
ODHB backs tables
Health Minister Tony Ryall's decision to publish tables showing whether district health boards are meeting targets has been welcomed by Otago board chairman .
Health merger possible by October
Health merger possible by October
A combined Otago-Southland district health board could be in place before next October's local government elections.
Colonoscopy issue one of 'resourcing'
Colonoscopy issue one of 'resourcing'
Dunedin Hospital's colonoscopy panel may be having to make decisions which are too hard because of limited resources, an East Otago general practitioner says.
Test may bring better bowel cancer therapy
Test may bring better bowel cancer therapy
A test designed in Dunedin which could lead to more effective treatment for some bowel cancer cases worldwide is about to be granted a New Zealand patent.
Size of colonoscopy audit still unknown
Size of colonoscopy audit still unknown
It is not yet known how many patients will be involved in the audit of some general practitioners' Dunedin Hospital colonoscopy service referrals.
Enough rural hospital beds: report
Enough rural hospital beds: report
Bed numbers in Otago and Southland rural hospitals are adequate until 2026 and could be reduced by treating more people in the community, an analysis of the hospitals' capacity says.
Board reverses PHO decision
Board reverses PHO decision
At a special meeting lasting less than half an hour yesterday, the Southland District Health Board approved having one primary health organisation (PHO) across Otago and Southland; but the vote was not unanimous.
Bowel cancer service review
Bowel cancer service review
The Southern Cancer Network will conduct an independent investigation into concerns raised by Otago general practitioners about access to colonoscopy services.
Vomiting, diarrhoea close wards; tests negative
Vomiting, diarrhoea close wards; tests negative
Two Dunedin Hospital wards are closed because patients have vomiting or diarrhoea, but test results so far have been negative for norovirus and rotavirus.
CEO offers personal aid
CEO offers personal aid
If patients feel they have been unfairly denied a colonoscopy at Dunedin Hospital they should discuss it with their general practitioner or contact his own office, Otago District Health Board chief executive Brian Rousseau says.
Patient tells of struggle before surgery
Patient tells of struggle before surgery
A Dunedin man, who says he was declined an urgent colonoscopy at Dunedin Hospital, sought treatment privately in another centre and was found to have bowel cancer, is pleased the service is coming under scrutiny.