Call for voluntary error reporting
Patient deaths or ‘‘near misses'' caused by serious mistakes by health professionals should not just be reported in hospitals but in the primary health sector as well, Balclutha doctor Branko Sij
Health
75% against lab test charges
Zero tolerance for hospital fraud
The Otago District Health Board will be asked to approve a new and more comprehensive fraud policy when it meets today.
Funding a problem for mental health changes
While pressure continues on the Otago District Health Board's short-staffed existing mental health system, planned new services are still dogged by funding uncertainty.
Balancing act: Drugs or surgery
An impending ‘‘tsunami of new drugs'' could financially cripple the Otago District Health Board if it does not develop processes to deal with requests for expensive new medications, chief medical
Bullying charges spark hospital change
City sees ophthalmologist drain
The shortage of specialists in Dunedin has reduced the number of ophthalmology trainees this year.
Dunedin Hospital says beds a ‘balancing act'
Dunedin Hospital managed to avert a bed shortage crisis during the weekend when staff were expected to admit more patients than they had beds available.
Depression therapy likely
There is a ‘‘huge chance'' therapy for sufferers of mild to moderate depression will be free nation-wide within two years, the Ministry of Health has revealed .
Accusations fly as health board fired
Health Minister David Cunliffe has sacked the Hawkes Bay District Health Board and appointed a commissioner in its place - sparking allegations of ‘‘cronyism'' and abuse of power.