Pharmacies could be bulk-funded to cut drugs bill
A potentially controversial proposal which would involve bulk-funding of pharmacies as part of a plan to reduce the burgeoning drugs bill in Otago and Southland will be considered by an advisory
Health
Health workers should lose right to strike: Bunton
Agencies slam mental health shame website
Agencies in the mental health sector have slammed a website set up to name and shame providers and staff who breach codes of practice.
Staff woes hit breast-screening
More using urgent doctors service
While Dunedin Hospital's emergency department struggles to cope with patient numbers, the nearby Dunedin Urgent Doctors and Accident Centre is dealing with thousands more patients annually.
Ambulance sector welcomes inquiry, says patients still at risk
The ambulance sector has welcomed a parliamentary inquiry into the service it provides but says patients will be at risk until changes are implemented.
Doctor's competence found lacking
The Health and Disability Commissioner has decided against proposing legal action against a doctor, despite finding serious questions raised by his professional competence.
Reduced hospital prescription cost welcomed
Reduced payments for drugs prescribed in public hospitals will be welcomed by pharmacists who have been getting flak from customers annoyed at having to pay extra for such drugs, Pharmacy Guild of
Ministry move threatens pay talks, says junior doctors' union
A Health Ministry independent commission into the pay and employment of junior doctors further threatens pay negotiations, the doctors' union says.