Health

At a time when many hospitals are complaining about staff shortages, Waikato Hospital is admitting it has too many employees.

A leaked draft report has found there is not enough evidence to support allegations Nelson care workers were ordered to help intellectually impaired clients to masturbate.

An increase in nursing numbers has allowed a surgical ward at Greymouth's hospital to reopen.

Oamaru Hospital's radiology service is still being under-used, despite the opportunity to reduce waiting lists at Dunedin Hospital and save North Otago patients travelling to Dunedin.

Migrant workers in the country on temporary work permits should be told they need health insurance before they get here, Venture South settlement support co-ordinator Sue Morrison-Bailey says.

Otago hospitals have the potential to cash in on the lucrative medical tourism trade, with North American patients prepared to fly halfway around the world to undergo surgical procedures for a frac

Concerns about the lack of a Maori health plan in Otago were raised by Otago District Health Board member Peter Barron this week.