Surgeon says system failing patients
Surgeon says system failing patients
Many people are spending thousands of dollars on private surgery in Otago because the public system is failing them, Dunedin ear, nose and throat surgeon Martyn Fields says.
Health
Set for healthy head start at school
Set for healthy head start at school
More than 3000 Otago and Southland 4-year-olds are to be given thorough and free health checks before they start school.
Board's lab move to save $1m
Board's lab move to save $1m
In a move expected to save about $1 million, the Otago District Health Board in a split vote yesterday decided it should stop paying for laboratory tests ordered by specialists for private patients.
HRC funding: Unit to extend development study
HRC funding: Unit to extend development study
Health Research Council funding gained by Prof Bob Hancox will significantly extend the University of Otago's "highly successful" Dunedin multidisciplinary health and development study.
Health system is over its growing pains
Health system is over its growing pains
Most New Zealanders have enrolled in a primary health organisation (PHO) since they were introduced six years ago, but how much has health care in the community changed and are patients benefiting from the new system?
Dangers of concussion focus of week
Dangers of concussion focus of week
Many people wrongly believe people have to lose consciousness to be concussed, Brain Injury Association Otago liaison officer Cathy Matthews says.
$4m wage blowout looms
$4m wage blowout looms
Staff wage settlements may cost the Otago District Health Board about $4 million more than expected by the end of the financial year in June.
Awareness of disability still 'tag-on'
Awareness of disability still 'tag-on'
The national disability strategy is receiving attention from the Otago District Health Board, although there is a need to improve disability awareness, chief executive Brian Rousseau says.
Many not coping well with asthma
Many not coping well with asthma
A survey of New Zealand asthma sufferers has found more than half are not keeping on top of their condition.
Public-funded operations at Mercy Hospital
Public-funded operations at Mercy Hospital
Public-funded Otago District Health Board (ODHB) operations are being done at Mercy Hospital for the first time and the private hospital could easily do more - as Otago health bosses say they will struggle to spend an extra $1.8 million on elective surgery.
Day programme still in place as evaluation looms
Day programme still in place as evaluation looms
Dunedin Hospital's community day programme for mental health patients has continued despite reductions to non-acute mental health services made in April.
Pharmacy Council considering report
Pharmacy Council considering report
The Pharmacy Council is reviewing a report in which deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rae Lamb found the former Campus Pharmacy in Dunedin and its owner Peter Barron breached a man's rights to have services provided with reasonable care and skill.
Deterioration of patient angers husband
Deterioration of patient angers husband
An 80-year-old cardiac patient whose surgery was delayed twice, once due to the junior doctors' strike, had to be admitted through Dunedin Hospital's emergency department after her condition deteriorated last week, her husband says.
Longer wait for dental care
Longer wait for dental care
Although Otago school dental clinics are now fully staffed, some pupils are waiting longer than usual for standard treatment as new graduate therapists are mentored.
Challenge to spend surgery allocation
Challenge to spend surgery allocation
The short-staffed Otago District Health Board could face "some challenges" trying to spend an extra $1.8 million for elective surgery in the coming year, chief executive Brian Rousseau said this week.
Child poverty a stark reality
Child poverty a stark reality
A South Dunedin primary school principal believes a report suggesting one in five New Zealand children is living in poverty may understate the extent of the problem.
Plunket visits delayed
Plunket visits delayed
Plunket visits in Otago are being delayed for 2-year-olds as the service is stretched trying to cater for an increasing number of new babies.
Parents call for national protocol before further tragedy
Parents call for national protocol before further tragedy
Christopher Wilson's family wants a national protocol for identifying methadone patients using photographs put in place in pharmacies before present systems fail someone else.
Pharmacy censured over man's death
Pharmacy censured over man's death
Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rae Lamb has found the former Campus Pharmacy in Dunedin and its then owner, Peter Barron, breached a man's rights to have services provided with reasonable care and skill after he was dispensed somebody else's methadone and later died.
70 vaccinated for hepatitis A
70 vaccinated for hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccinations have been given to about 70 people who were in close contact with a Korean waitress who had the disease while working in Queenstown.