Cancer plan 'going to take time'
Diana Sarfati’s life work has been to improve cancer treatment. Now the University of Otago, Wellington academic has six months to make a lasting difference.
Dunedin
More measles vaccines for Queenstown area
More measles vaccines for Queenstown area
Queenstown and the Lakes district have received additional doses of the measles vaccine, as health authorities battle to contain an outbreak of the disease in the town.
Vaccinations encouraged
Vaccinations encouraged
People born between 1970 and 1990 are being encouraged to check whether they have been vaccinated against measles, in the wake of an increasing number of cases of the disease in New Zealand this year.
Call for aged-care funding model changes
Call for aged-care funding model changes
The current funding model for aged residential care does not meet people's needs and should be changed, a major new report says.
Neuro staffing levels 'unsafe'
Neuro staffing levels 'unsafe'
Dunedin's neurosurgery service's staffing levels are ''inherently unsafe'', an independent report of the service says.
Ageing population key to planning: report
Ageing population key to planning: report
New Zealand's rapidly ageing population must be considered when new hospitals, such as the coming $1.2 billion new Dunedin Hospital, are built, a newly released report on New Zealand's health...
Neurosurgery 'litany of unfulfilled expectations'
Neurosurgery 'litany of unfulfilled expectations' - report
The South Island neurosurgery service has never functioned in a way for services to be properly offered in both Christchurch and Dunedin, a scathing report says.
More resources needed: doctor
More resources needed: doctor
More resources are needed for colonoscopy services throughout the country, the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners' outgoing medical director Richard Medlicott says.
Ambulance ramping 'pretty close' in Dunedin
Ambulance ramping 'pretty close' at Dunedin Hospital
A top Dunedin doctor says the "dangerous" practice of ambulance ramping has not yet reached the city but the hospital’s emergency department has run close.
Study gives new hope to asthma sufferers
Study gives new hope to asthma sufferers
Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders suffering asthma have been given hope by a life-changing study involving the University of Otago.
Technologists plan strike action
Technologists plan strike action
The Southern District Health Board may have to postpone X-rays and scans next Monday, after medical imaging technologists gave notice of strike action.
GPs ‘reluctant’ to refer for colonoscopies
GPs ‘reluctant’ to refer for colonoscopies
Doctors are reluctant to refer potential bowel cancer patients to the trouble-plagued Dunedin Hospital gastroenterology department in fear a colonoscopy request will be declined, a local GP says.
SDHB working to reduce ED waiting times
SDHB working to reduce ED waiting times
The Southern District Health Board is trialling new initiatives to improve waiting times at its crammed emergency departments.
First, the fighting must stop
First, the fighting must stop
The Southern District Health Board is committed to overhauling its management of colorectal cancer but it cannot do that until it sorts out the culture around the gastroenterology department, chief executive Chris Fleming says.
Gastroenterology Society offers help with colonoscopy demand
Gastroenterology Society offers help with colonoscopy demand
The New Zealand Gastroenterology Society has offered to help Southern District Health Board staff cope with any extra demand for colonoscopy resulting from recent changes to the referral process.
Resident doctors' association, DHBs end acrimonious dispute
Resident doctors' association, DHBs end acrimonious dispute
One of the longest-running and most bitter health sector employment disputes ended yesterday after the New Zealand Resident Doctors' Association agreed a new employment contract with district...
14 throw hat in ring for SDHB
14 throw hat in ring for SDHB
Despite deficits and pressures on waiting lists, at least 14 people have put their names forward to be on the Southern District Health Board.
Promise to battle on for maternity services
Promise to battle on for maternity services
The owners of Lumsden Maternity Centre say they will continue to fight for better maternity services in Northern Southland.
Cancer spread study holds hope
Cancer spread study holds hope
A new way of clarifying which tumour cells are most likely to spread could become a key weapon to protect patients, Dunedin scientists say.
Reaccreditation close for radiology service
Reaccreditation close for radiology service
The Southern District Health Board is poised to have its radiology service reaccredited after a successful audit.