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Latest Health Headlines
Further Sesame Seed Recalls Due To Salmonella Fears
Friday, 19 July 2024, 6:49 pm | New Zealand Food Safety
People can get seriously ill from salmonellosis, so either return the products to the place of purchase or throw them away. More >>
Inadequate Funding From Health New Zealand Puts Further Pressure On Patients
Friday, 19 July 2024, 6:45 pm | General Practice Owners Association
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (GenPro) has firmly rejected the latest funding offer from Health New Zealand, warning that patients will be the ones who feel the pinch. More >>
Worker Shortage A Key Cause Of Disability Support Complaints
Friday, 19 July 2024, 1:58 pm | NZ Disability Support Network
“Any lapse in standards of support is unacceptable and providers take them seriously. It is positive that the Commissioner’s report shows complaints are relatively rare and providers comply with 96% of recommendations made by HDC. More >>
Phoenix Healthcare Launches New Immigration Medical Service
Friday, 19 July 2024, 12:21 pm | Phoenix Healthcare
Phoenix Healthcare is launching a new immigration medical service at its Christchurch Central health hub, offering a comprehensive solution for visa-related medical appointments. More >>
From Vision To Impact: Celebrating A Decade Of Pasifika Futures' Service To Pacific Families
Friday, 19 July 2024, 12:16 pm | Pasifika Futures Limited
This call to action led to the creation of Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL), dedicated to supporting and empowering Pacific families. PFL’s establishment marked the start of a significant journey toward a brighter future for Pacific communities. More >>
USP Conducts Workshop On Understanding Addiction
Friday, 19 July 2024, 12:12 pm | University Of The South Pacific
The University of the South Pacific (USP) recently conducted the latest in a series of free events on addiction and recovery to contribute to national efforts in the fight against drug abuse. More >>
Large Unmet Need For Effective Migraine Treatment In New Zealand
Friday, 19 July 2024, 11:58 am | Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand
Many people with migraine in New Zealand are not receiving best-practice management, according to research published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal using results from a survey of 530 people with migraine run by Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New ... More >>
Scooterists To Test Brass Monkey Theory In Freezing Central North Island Charity Ride This Weekend
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 6:04 pm | Prostate Cancer Foundation
This year the COLD KAHUNA ride is dedicated to raising funds for Testicular Cancer New Zealand, a charity that raises awareness of the disease and provides support services such as counselling, an information service and welfare grants to those ... More >>
Primary Care Unanimously Reject Government Funding Offer
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 6:01 pm | GPNZ
GPNZ will continue to advocate for the solutions we know will enable practices not just to recover, but to thrive and deliver the care they so desperately want to provide for their communities. More >>
Food Recall: Sesame Seed Kernels White Hulled Retail Packs Due To Salmonella Risk
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 5:41 pm | New Zealand Food Safety Authority
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting Davis Trading Company in its recall of their imported Sesame Seed Kernels White Hulled retail packs due to the possible presence of Salmonella. More >>
Associate Health Minister’s Tobacco Policy Contradicts Official Advice, Aligns With Industry Lobbyists
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 2:58 pm | Public Health Communication Centre
The Government needs to explain why Associate Health Minister Costello has deviated from the coalition agreement and why she is following tobacco industry arguments in preference to her Ministry. More >>
Positive Outcomes For New Primary Care Roles To Support The Community
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 2:51 pm | ProCare Health
ProCare is delighted to be a lead provider in the enablement of this exciting initiative, working with other providers in primary care to help ensure an efficient and co-ordinated implementation. More >>
Pharmac Proposes To Widen Access To Urinary Tract Infection Treatment And Fund A New Epilepsy Treatment
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 1:06 pm | PHARMAC
Pharmac would like to hear from people who have experienced urinary tract infections or epilepsy, their whānau, clinicians and others in the health sector about the proposed eligibility criteria for both of these medicines. More >>
Rural Practices Firmly Reject Government’s Offer Of Funding As Disgraceful
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 9:41 am | Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network
Along with representatives from other General Practices across the country, and their PHO colleagues, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network attended today’s primary health care funding negotiations with Health NZ and rejected the offer as being disrespectful. More >>
Government's Smokefree Plan Will Accelerate Youth Nicotine Addiction And Boost Tobacco Industry Profits
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 7:37 am | Health Coalition Aotearoa
Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) strongly condemns these measures and calls on the Government to think about the destructive consequences for youth and the generations to come. More >>
Putting People First Means Following Gandhi's Talisman
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 5:03 am | CNS
Responses to HIV and TB, and for that matter any other health condition, must be built keeping the most vulnerable in mind. Quality health services should be made available to all, and the healthcare delivery systems should keep in mind people’s ... More >>
The Kiwi Medical Pioneer You Haven't Heard Of
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 5:38 pm | RNZ
A surgeon originally from Cromwell - who worked in the Spanish Civil War and World War II - is being credited with influencing the way modern day hospitals run their A and E departments. More >>
Unified Advocacy Groups Amplify Consumer Voices In Disability Support Services Review
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 5:10 pm | ANZMES
This joint submission speaks up about the urgent and critical need for inclusive and equitable disability support across the nation. The review has been prompted by budget concerns at Whaikaha for currently recognised conditions receiving these ... More >>
New Report Highlights Challenges And Opportunities In Residential Disability Services
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 5:05 pm | IHC New Zealand
The HDC report underscores the urgent need for these changes, highlighting the gaps and challenges that can no longer be ignored. More >>
Report On Complaints To HDC About Residential Disability Service Providers Released - HDC
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 10:24 am | Health and Disability Commissioner
The Deputy Commissioner Disability, Rose Wall, is calling for a consistent quality framework to be developed and implemented across the disability support sector, including proactive monitoring and reporting of the experiences of disabled people. More >>
The People Who Take Photographs Of Babies Who Didn't Make It
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 3:29 pm | RNZ
Emma Macdonald has photographed nearly 650 babies and children who have died in New Zealand. "I've had tears rolling down my face behind my camera in some sessions." More >>
Enhancing Oral Health in Auckland: The Critical Role of Dental Hygienists
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 11:14 am | Dental Today
Dental hygienists in Auckland specialise in preventive oral health, focusing on techniques to maintain healthy gums and teeth. More >>
Pharmac’s Letter Of Expectations Meets The Expectations Of Patient Advocates
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 10:03 am | Patient Voice Aotearoa
Today, the Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac), Hon. David Seymour, will release his letter of expectations regarding Pharmac. The letter details 21 action points the Minister expects the Board Chair, Hon. Paula Bennett, to deliver on this year ... More >>
A Call For Strong Leadership To Reduce NZ’s Dangerously High Antibiotic Use
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 8:15 am | Public Health Communication Centre
Public Health Communication Centre, Associate Professor Mark Thomas of the University of Auckland and co-authors highlight that the misuse of antibiotics has positioned NZ among the nations with the highest rates of antibiotic resistance. More >>
Nursing Homes And The Dehydration Problem
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 7:25 am | Hugh Grant
Closing the hydration gap in nursing homes is a tough challenge today, but with the use of advanced technology, we can develop science-backed treatments that can solve the dehydration issue. More >>
Abdominal Vascular Compressions Syndromes Sufferers Left Fund Raising For Their Own Surgery
Monday, 15 July 2024, 5:17 pm | RNZ
There is currently no treatment offered in Aotearoa for Abdominal Vascular Compressions Syndrome, causing sufferers to have to fly to Germany for life-saving surgery. More >>
Frontline Hospital Roles Going Unfilled Amid Hiring Freeze, Despite Health NZ Saying Otherwise
Monday, 15 July 2024, 5:15 pm | RNZ
While Health NZ says the freeze doesn't apply to clinical roles, some staff are reporting jobs going vacant for months at a time. More >>
Uto Bulabula - Healthy Hearts: Innovative Children's Health Project Set To Save Lives In Fiji
Monday, 15 July 2024, 4:58 pm | Pasifika Medical Association Group
It will be the largest mission undertaken in the history of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme, which has been facilitating life-saving care for people in Pacific countries for over 30 years. More >>
Commissioner Initiated Investigation Finds Breaches Of Code In Care Of Woman With Intellectual Disability 23HDC00878
Monday, 15 July 2024, 3:07 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
The woman at the centre of the breaches has a complex social and medical history. The facility she was in was a secure environment, specifically designed for supporting people who have committed an offence, have intellectual disabilities and complex ... More >>
RN At Telehealth Service Breaches The Code For Secondary Triage Following Emergency Call 20HDC00862
Monday, 15 July 2024, 3:04 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
In the report Ms Wall said risk factors were not taken into account when making decisions regarding the urgency of the woman’s need for medical assessment and her face to face assesment. These risk factors included the woman’s age, the length of time ... More >>
Oceania Care Breaches Code In Care Of Vulnerable Resident 20HDC02394
Monday, 15 July 2024, 2:50 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
The Aged Care Commissioner found both Otumarama and Whareama Care Centres breached Right 4 of the Code - tautikanga - the right to an appropriate standard of care. More >>
A Musical Milestone: Music Therapy Celebrates 50 Years In Aotearoa!
Monday, 15 July 2024, 1:19 pm | Elephant Publicity
The roots of music therapy in New Zealand date back to the mid-1970s. The very first public meeting was held at The Rothman’s Cultural Centre in Wellington in 1974, marking the first year of music therapy in Aotearoa. More >>
Boost Your Immunity This Winter: Move Your Body & Stay Social
Monday, 15 July 2024, 1:09 pm | Exercise New Zealand
Exercise New Zealand encourages everyone to stay active and socially engaged this winter. By incorporating regular physical activity and social interactions into your routine, you can boost your immune system and enhance your overall health. More >>
50 Things For 50 Mums This Birth Trauma Awareness Week
Monday, 15 July 2024, 11:01 am | Birth Trauma Aotearoa
This international Birth Trauma Awareness Week (July 14-20), Birth Trauma Aotearoa invites Mums, parents and whānau to do “50 things” in recognition of Aotearoa’s birth trauma community. More >>
More Action Required To Achieve Equity In Health Outcomes For Māori Experiencing Gambling Harm
Monday, 15 July 2024, 8:54 am | Hapai Te Hauora
Newly established Māori Gambling Harm Minimisation Collective - Te Kāhui Mokoroa says more needs to be done to achieve equity in health outcomes for Māori experiencing gambling harm. More >>
Home Support Nurses Strike
Monday, 15 July 2024, 8:16 am | New Zealand Nurses Organisation
About 150 New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) workers employed at Access Home Health will strike next Monday following a breakdown in talks with their employer. More >>
Goa To Munich: Growing Call For 100-100-100 To End TB And End AIDS Before 2030
Monday, 15 July 2024, 4:35 am | CNS
Over 1500 people from 73 countries are unequivocally demanding that all people with HIV or TB must have access to full cascade of standard health services and social support in people-centred, rights-based and gender transformative ways. More >>
Busting The Myths Around Depression With Professor Ian Hickie
Sunday, 14 July 2024, 8:14 pm | RNZ
A top psychiatrist delves into the myths around antidepressants, agency and the controversial and emerging area of psychedelics. More >>
Leptospirosis Project Launched To Raise Awareness And Funds To Better Control Disease
Sunday, 14 July 2024, 12:41 pm | Rural Women New Zealand
Any funds raised as part of the national project will help further their research with the aim of better understanding leptospirosis in humans, animals and the environment to reduce the burden of the disease. More >>
Fall In Primary Care Enrolments Highlights Pressures On General Practice
Sunday, 14 July 2024, 12:38 pm | General Practice Owners Association
The current general practice funding model is broken, and the four percent uplift nowhere near adequate. More >>
Will #PutPeopleFirst Mantra Drive HIV Responses?
Sunday, 14 July 2024, 5:01 am | CNS
Science has gifted us proven tools to stop the spread of HIV infection, as well as to ensure that all people living with HIV live healthy and fulfilling lives. But we failed to save 630,000 people with HIV who died in 2022. More >>
Power Of Data: Leaving No One Uncounted Or Unaccounted
Saturday, 13 July 2024, 5:00 am | UNFPA Asia and the Pacific
By breaking down data by age, geography, and socio-economic status, we can pinpoint barriers and address them through community engagements, awareness campaigns, improved supply chains, and policy changes to push forward those left behind. More >>
Pharmac Proposal To Increase Access To Five Medicines For Cancer And Other Health Conditions
Friday, 12 July 2024, 11:16 am | PHARMAC
Pharmac – Te Pātaka Whaioranga is looking to increase access to five medicines for a number of cancers, including kidney and lung cancers, and other health conditions. More >>
Public Health Warning Removed For Marine Biotoxin In Shellfish
Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 5:32 pm | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has removed the public health warning against collecting shellfish harvested from Waimairi Beach to the southern head of Lyttelton Harbour (Adderley Head). The affected area included Lyttelton Harbour and ... More >>
Relief As New Bowel Cancer Drugs Announced
Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 12:04 pm | Bowel Cancer New Zealand
Years of advocacy from Bowel Cancer New Zealand (NZ) and other groups calling for new bowel cancer drugs has led to a funding announcement from Pharmac for two new medicines, cetuximab (Erbitux) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda). More >>
UQ Research Reveals Exercise Brain Boost Can Last For Years
Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 11:53 am | University of Queensland
A longitudinal study by University of Queensland researchers has found high-intensity interval exercise improves brain function in older adults for up to 5 years. More >>
Advances In Dental Cosmetics Enhance Patient Confidence And Oral Health
Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 11:47 am | Customs St Dentist
Dental cosmetics, which encompass a variety of procedures designed to improve the appearance of teeth, are increasingly embraced by patients seeking not only health benefits but also aesthetic improvements. More >>
Over 6,000 People Will Benefit From Pharmac Funding Proposal If Approved
Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 11:40 am | PHARMAC
Pharmac – Te Pātaka Whaioranga plans to widen access to seven medicines benefitting over 6,000 people within the first 12 months of funding. More >>
Terms Of Reference Agreed To For Aged Care Inquiry
Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 9:42 am | Health Committee
The Health Select Committee has agreed to the terms of reference for its inquiry into aged care provision, Committee chair Sam Uffindell says. More >>
Tukutuku Early Years And Maternity Care Services Launch
Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 9:07 am | E Tipu e Rea Whanau
E Tipu e Rea Whānau Services supports young hapū māmā, mātua taiohi (young parents) and their tamariki with a range of health and social services tailored to their needs. More >>
The Role Of Sports Physiotherapy In Christchurch's Athletic Community
Tuesday, 9 July 2024, 7:39 pm | Fixed Physio
Among the established providers, Fixed Physio has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of sports physiotherapy services in Christchurch. More >>
Empower Patients To Reset Their Health Habits This August
Tuesday, 9 July 2024, 4:38 pm | PREKURE
$200,000 in Free Healthy Habits Challenges Gifted by PREKURE More >>
Streamlining Aged Care: New Integration Boosts Clinician Efficiency
Tuesday, 9 July 2024, 2:29 pm | Medtech
A new integration between the largest providers of primary care and aged care software in New Zealand is releasing clinical time to care for the country’s growing elderly population. More >>
Have Your Say On The Inquiry Into The Aged Care Sector Relating To People Experiencing Neurological Cognitive Disorders
Monday, 8 July 2024, 3:43 pm | Health Committee
Make a submission on the inquiry by 11.59pm on Monday, 19 August 2024. More >>
Covid-19 Outbreak At Summerset Retirement Village Infects 23 Residents
Monday, 8 July 2024, 2:41 pm | RNZ
Summerset says recent events and activities contributed to the spike in cases. More >>
Appropriate Standard Of Care Not Provided By Rheumatology Clinic And Consultant Physician
Monday, 8 July 2024, 2:22 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
Since the events, Health New Zealand and the consultant physician have made changes, outlined in the report. Ms James acknowledged that after these events, the DHB received additional funding which has been used for locum cover and increased additional nurse ... More >>
Multiple Rights Breached In Use Of Surgical Mesh
Monday, 8 July 2024, 2:19 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
The woman said she did not receive the brochure, nor any other notes, and that she explicitly stated that she did not want surgical mesh used. She said the only information she was given about the procedure, was a hand drawn explanation. More >>
Health NZ Breached Code When Surgical Swab Retained Inside Woman After Surgery
Monday, 8 July 2024, 2:17 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
During an examination at the hospital, a gynaecologist found and removed a surgical swab that had been retained inside the woman’s vagina. The woman was re-admitted to hospital for observation, given antibiotics and had an abdominal X-ray to exclude ... More >>
New Zealand’s Intellectual Disability Crisis: Urgent Health Policy Reforms Needed
Monday, 8 July 2024, 1:58 pm | IHC New Zealand
IHC New Zealand says specific, targeted health policies are necessary to bridge the life expectancy gap between people with intellectual disability and the rest of New Zealand. More >>
Medical Council Of New Zealand Appointments And Reappointments
Monday, 8 July 2024, 12:35 pm | Medical Council of New Zealand
The new appointments see Dr Curtis Walker and Dr Pamela Hale stepping down from Council, effective from 30 June 2024. More >>
