Health service caution
The biggest challenge in developing clinical services across Otago and Southland is getting the "non-clinical stuff" right, Southern District Health Board chief medical officer (Otago) Richard Bun
Health
Board calls tenders for newborn post-screening service
Southern babies who need extra hearing testing after initial screening are being seen by an audiologist from the Northland District Health Board, but tenders are being called for this service.
Call to find ways to cut prescribing to elderly
Ways must be found to reduce the amount of medication prescribed to the elderly because it was costly and might not be doing any good, a Southern District Health Board committee was told in Dunedin
Southern health board poll turnout 51.25%
The turnout by Otago voters in the recent Southern District Health Board elections was the fourth highest in the country, but the Southland percentage was below the national average.
Funding sought for health careers plan
Outside funding of $40,000 is needed to support an ongoing Southern District Health Board programme designed to attract Southland secondary school pupils to health careers.
What we get instead
Action curbs breast scans 'severely'
Ongoing industrial action by radiographers is described in a report to the Southern District Health Board's hospitals' advisory committee as "severely impacting" on breast screening numbers.
One-off funding to speed radiation treatment
Southern cancer patients should have a shorter wait for radiation treatment because of a $1.8 million funding boost announced by Health Minister Tony Ryall yesterday.
Support and training for DHB members
District health board members will receive increased support and training, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.
Review of theatre use
Southland Hospital is one of seven sites selected to participate in a new programme to improve the productivity of operating theatres.