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Latest Health Headlines [Page 2]
Kiwi Prostate Cancer Survivors Wrestling With ED Following Treatment: New Findings
Tuesday, 5 November 2024, 9:48 am | Prostate Cancer Foundation
PCFNZ’s release of the new survey findings today coincides with the first of six, free, PCFNZ public information evenings for prostate cancer survivors, and their families, kicking off in Tauranga this evening. More >>
Blood Cancer Patients Urge The Government Not To Forget Them, In An Open Letter
Tuesday, 5 November 2024, 9:22 am | Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ
The letter expresses a growing frustration over unfulfilled promises to address the disparities in medicine access between New Zealand and Australia, referencing the Understanding Blood Cancer Medicine Availability in Aotearoa report recently released ... More >>
Health NZ Southern And Registrar Breach Man’s Rights For Failures In Care 21HDC02293
Monday, 4 November 2024, 3:47 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
The man was kept under observation and was discharged back to the care home the next day. The man became increasingly ill and was taken back to Southland Hospital where a CT showed he had experienced an intracranial haemorrhage and he later died. More >>
Commissioner Initiated Investigation Finds Breach Of Woman’s Rights In Residential Care Home 24HDC00460
Monday, 4 November 2024, 3:41 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
Deputy HDC Rose Wall said it was clear the support worker had provoked and insulted the woman, which amounted to a serious lack of respect and that he failed to intervene when the woman was self-harming. More >>
Woman’s Rights Breached For Failure To Exclude Pregnancy Before Insertion Of A Jadelle Contraceptive Device 21HDC02688
Monday, 4 November 2024, 3:38 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
Deputy Health & Disability Commissioner Rose Wall found the GP registrar breached the Code for failing to provide services with reasonable care and skill, in particular failing to reliably exclude pregnancy before the Jadelle insertion, either through ... More >>
New Report Shows Current Dental Settings Cost More Than Universal Dental
Monday, 4 November 2024, 3:27 pm | Action Station
The report shows that our current dental policy settings cost $3.1 billion alone in lost life satisfaction. It also calculates that the current system costs society $2.5 billion in lost productivity. More >>
New Consumer Resources About Managing Stress Urinary Incontinence
Monday, 4 November 2024, 2:00 pm | Health Quality and Safety Commission
The 'Understanding and managing urinary incontinence' and 'Surgery for stress urinary incontinence' guides will replace previous SUI resources. More >>
New Diabetes Data Confirms 'Worst Case' Predictions
Monday, 4 November 2024, 10:59 am | Diabetes New Zealand
According to VDR figures released in August by Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, the number of New Zealanders living with diabetes is now 323,700, an increase of 95,700 people in just three years. More >>
Mental Health Workers Fear For Safety Of Patients After Police Withdrawal Of Support - PSA Survey
Monday, 4 November 2024, 8:42 am | PSA
"Mental health workers are saying loud and clear the implementation of the change is profoundly unsafe and that the risks of serious harm to them, the people in their care and the public are very high," said Ashok Shankar, Health Lead for Public Service ... More >>
Te Whatu Ora Nurses Alarmed By Safe Staffing Pause
Sunday, 3 November 2024, 3:11 pm | New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Nurses are also insulted by Te Whatu Ora’s indication they would only be offered a ½% wage increase in the first year and up to a 1% wage increase in the second year, he said. More >>
New Zealanders Can Now Access Funded OPDIVO® (Nivolumab) For Previously Treated Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Saturday, 2 November 2024, 6:33 pm | Bristol Myers Squibb
This OPDIVO funding marks the first kidney cancer medicine decision following the New Zealand Government’s funding boost announced June 2024. More >>
Australia, US Slash Limits On 'Forever Chemicals' In Drinking Water, But NZ Staying Put
Saturday, 2 November 2024, 5:44 pm | RNZ
There are "currently no plans to change" the existing limits, despite warnings the chemicals cause cancer, authorities say. More >>
First Targeted Therapy For Bowel Cancer Funded In New Zealand From Today: ERBITUX® (cetuximab)
Friday, 1 November 2024, 9:32 pm | Merck Healthcare
Managing Director of Merck Healthcare Australia and New Zealand, Josie Downey, says today’s listing of ERBITUX® - a targeted therapy that prevents the growth and further spread of cancer - is due to the hard work of many. More >>
Mike King Alcohol Comments: Are We Funding A Man Or A Kaupapa?
Friday, 1 November 2024, 9:24 pm | RNZ
Mental health charity - Hauora Aotearoa's Founder Jase Te Patu is questioning if it is appropriate to have Mike King as the face and the person behind the government's mental health response. More >>
‘Huge Step Forward’ For Kiwi Women As PHARMAC Funds Estrogel® From Today
Friday, 1 November 2024, 7:16 pm | Pharmaco
Clinicians welcome funding of gel option applied to the skin once a day. More >>
Safety Fears Ahead Of Changes To Mental Health 111 Calls
Friday, 1 November 2024, 2:04 pm | New Zealand Nurses Organisation
On Monday 4 November police will begin a phased withdrawal from most mental health emergency call-related work including attending callouts, waiting with patients in Emergency Departments and transporting patients to mental health facilities. More >>
Significant Drug Funding Milestone For Cancer Patients
Friday, 1 November 2024, 11:01 am | Bowel Cancer New Zealand
This development comes after tireless campaigning by Bowel Cancer NZ & patient advocates who had to set up Givealittle pages to finance this life-extending drug in absence of government funding. Many patients courageously fought for its accessibility, even ... More >>
Pharmac Looks To Fund A Medicine To Keep Bones Strong
Thursday, 31 October 2024, 1:54 pm | PHARMAC
Denosumab stops the body breaking down bones and also removes excess calcium in the blood. More >>
General Practices Welcome Fast-Track Approvals Process
Thursday, 31 October 2024, 1:44 pm | General Practice Owners Association
A new fast-track approval process is a good start, but more is needed to fix New Zealand’s chronic GP shortage, says the General Practice Owners Association (GenPro). More >>
Momentous Day For Early Detection As More Women Become Eligible For Free Breast Screening
Thursday, 31 October 2024, 1:39 pm | NZ Breast Cancer Foundation
Breast Cancer Foundation NZ first began calling for the screening age to be lifted in 2016. A woman’s risk of breast cancer is higher at 70 than it is at 50 and research shows mammograms are still life-saving for women in their 70s. More >>
Rural General Practice Survey: A Growing Threat To Access To Appropriate Health Care For Those Living In Country Areas
Thursday, 31 October 2024, 8:53 am | Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network
Hauora Taiwhenua’s Chief Executive, Dr Grant Davidson, states, “Rural general practice is the backbone of health and wellbeing in rural communities, sustained by healthcare professionals who bring expertise, energy, and an unwavering commitment ... More >>
Health System Relies On Doctors Overworking, Says Burnt Out Cardiologist
Wednesday, 30 October 2024, 8:52 pm | RNZ
Dean Boddington finished up on Friday and says the Health Commissioner is "living in La La Land" about the state of hospitals. More >>
Nearly $100,000 Spent On Catering Health NZ Conference
Wednesday, 30 October 2024, 8:44 pm | RNZ
Revelations $100,000 was spent catering a Te Whatu Ora conference have left officials feeling the heat from the minister. More >>
Record Number Of Kiwi’s Learn CPR In Shocktober
Wednesday, 30 October 2024, 10:14 am | Hato Hone St John
The campaign is the most successful ever since its inception three years go and throughout the month of October over 80 HHStJ Educators delivered life-saving sessions in 72 towns and cities across the motu. More >>
Third Age Health Services (NZX: TAH) Releases Unaudited Half Year Results Yielding Significant Growth
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 8:46 pm | Third Age Health
Part of this growth is due to the acquirement of Hub Aged Care in Wellington in April which contributed to their expansion of elder care services in the Lower North Island. The total number of aged residential care facilities TAH services is now 87. More >>
Police Withdrawing From Mental Health Calls - Expert Reaction
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 8:28 pm | Science Media Centre
It's the first stage of their planned withdrawal from mental health 111 callouts. The next phase involves officers leaving sooner after handing over to health staff. More >>
Early Support Key And Most Cost-Effective Way To Manage Dementia
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 2:34 pm | Enliven
In our experience, providing early support and advice to the person living with dementia, their primary carer and whānau can not only reduce the distress around the diagnosis, but preserve the person living with dementia’s quality of life for longer in their ... More >>
OET And Working In Join Forces To Address Healthcare Staffing
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 11:53 am | Working In NZ
This strategic alliance aims to address the critical staffing shortages in New Zealand's healthcare sector, with a particular focus on providing highly qualified healthcare assistants to aged care facilities across the country. More >>
Alimetry Revolutionises Gut Health Diagnosis By Integrating AI Into Its Wearable Device, Raises US $18m
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 9:20 am | Alimetry
Nearly one in 10 people suffer from chronic gut symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to chronic indigestion, nausea and vomiting. The current diagnostic journey is slow and poor for patients, causing them to suffer through this period with a reduced ... More >>
‘Get Ready For Flying Doctors’ - Fast-track Aussie Approval Increases Urgency For NZ Funding Fix
Tuesday, 29 October 2024, 5:56 am | General Practice Owners Association
The fast-track process means a GP who qualified as a fellow of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners after 2012 is deemed to have a similar qualification to that in Australia, which means they will see patients sooner. More >>
'We Can't Wish It Away': Epidemiologist Warns Summer Wave Of Covid-19 Approaching
Monday, 28 October 2024, 1:07 pm | RNZ
What can we expect from the summer surge and how useful are boosters and antivirals? More >>
Dr Nick Oscroft On Men’s Health Checks: ‘It Doesn’t Mean Pulling Out Tiny Little Violins’
Monday, 28 October 2024, 1:01 pm | RNZ
Dr Nick Oscroft says men are wise to start keeping an eye out for two big yet "preventable" health issues. More >>
Te Whatu Ora Reset Standing In The Way Of People With Rare Disorders Getting The Care They Need
Monday, 28 October 2024, 11:37 am | Rare Disorders NZ
In July, the Ministry of Health released New Zealand’s first Rare Disorders Strategy, setting the direction for health entities to better support people living with a rare disorder. More >>
Open Letter To Minister On Labour Day Urges Investment In WorkSafe, Not Radical Change
Monday, 28 October 2024, 10:23 am | New Zealand Institute of Safety Management
Business NZ, the Council of Trade Unions, the Business Leaders’ Health and Safety Forum, the Health and Safety Association of NZ and NZISM have issued an open letter on Labour Day to Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden as part ... More >>
Why Are People In Their 30s And 40s Experiencing Increased Memory Problems?
Sunday, 27 October 2024, 3:20 pm | RNZ
While the cause has not been pinpointed, Professor Cliff Abraham has told Sunday Morning there is a lot more information and distractions coming in than ever before. More >>
ACA Urges Government Action As Future Of West Coast Palliative Care In Question
Saturday, 26 October 2024, 8:03 am | Aged Care Association
The ACA is urging Te Whatu Ora to engage more meaningfully with residential care providers to address these critical gaps and ensure comprehensive palliative care options are available for families in need. More >>
Dunedin Hospital Oversight A 'Mess' As Costs Blew Out, Reviews Show
Friday, 25 October 2024, 8:51 pm | RNZ
As early as June 2020, Treasury was warning the hospital project was "in doubt with major risks". More >>
Public Submissions Are Now Invited On The Mental Health Bill
Friday, 25 October 2024, 5:19 pm | Health Committee
The bill aims to create a modern legislative framework for compulsory mental health care. More >>
Cancer Control Agency Releases Report Into Availability Of Blood Cancer Medicines In Aotearoa New Zealand
Thursday, 24 October 2024, 8:41 pm | Cancer Control Agency
While this report is technical, it was written with those living with cancer, and their whānau, in mind. It is hoped it contributes to the wider efforts of the health sector to ensure there are fewer cancers, better survival and equity for all. More >>
Help May Be On The Way For Herpes
Thursday, 24 October 2024, 3:24 pm | NZ Clinical Research
“There is a lot of stigma around genital herpes, but essentially it's just cold sores down below. For many people, genital herpes is an occasional nuisance, but for a small number of people it can be a reoccurring problem,” said Bagshaw. More >>
Ryman Thanked For Huge Fundraising Effort By Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand
Thursday, 24 October 2024, 1:17 pm | Ryman Healthcare
As 12 months of fundraising culminates in a fantastic donation, a new charity partner is revealed. More >>
Sir John Kirwan Talks To Guyon Espiner About Mental Health: 'Men Are S***. We Are Still Struggling Now'
Wednesday, 23 October 2024, 8:50 pm | RNZ
The All Black legend and mental health advocate says talking about mental health is only half the battle. More >>
Release Of Valuing Life Medicines Access Summit White Paper: A Good First Step
Wednesday, 23 October 2024, 5:50 pm | Medicines New Zealand
Many of the recommended actions will require the support and leadership of relevant ministers responsible for various portfolios including Health, Pharmac, and Science, Innovation & Technology. More >>
Failure By Health NZ To Approve Staffing Budgets For Second Year Impacting On Maternity Safe Staffing
Tuesday, 22 October 2024, 5:54 pm | MERAS
“It’s the first and second time that staffing (FTE) calculations are undertaken that you see the largest increase in staffing required”, explains Ms Conroy, “and this increase includes addressing historic understaffing on these wards areas.” More >>
Help From Turmeric For Seasonal Allergies
Tuesday, 22 October 2024, 5:45 pm | Golden Turmeric Limited
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties make it a natural, effective remedy for reducing the symptoms of seasonal allergies. From minimising nasal congestion to inhibiting the body’s allergic response, curcumin offers significant relief ... More >>
New Zealand Should Heed UK Concerns With Physician Associates, Invest In Growing Workforce
Tuesday, 22 October 2024, 4:30 pm | Genpro
New Zealand should heed British concerns with physician associates and invest in growing the number of GPs, rather than spending time and money writing regulations to create a lesser role. More >>
The First Health Insurance Company In New Zealand To Offer Cochlear Implant Coverage
Tuesday, 22 October 2024, 1:27 pm | Pindrop Foundation
Pindrop Foundation CEO Lee Schoushkoff welcomed the change, calling it a major advancement for those experiencing significant hearing loss in New Zealand. More >>
Health NZ Managers Ate $9000 Of Canapés As Financial Crisis Loomed
Monday, 21 October 2024, 7:26 pm | RNZ
Health NZ told the minister it was facing a half billion-dollar deficit and two days later spent $60,000 on catering at a conference. More >>
Opposition To Physician Associate Regulation Ill-informed Patch Protection
Monday, 21 October 2024, 4:13 pm | NZPAS
NZPAS President Shelly Collins said by resisting the integration of PAs, these groups effectively limited options that could improve healthcare access, reduce wait times, and deliver equitable care to all New Zealanders. More >>
Rights Of Man Were Breached By Social Workers Says Deputy Commissioner 19HDC01187
Monday, 21 October 2024, 4:09 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
A risk assessment form was completed but important information was missed such as his suicidal ideation and previous suicide attempts. The social workers also did not give appropriate weight to the fact of the man’s suicide attempt on that day, ... More >>
Pharmac Asks For Applications For Medicines For Rare Disorders
Monday, 21 October 2024, 4:08 pm | PHARMAC
“We know that access to effective medicines is an important part of health care for people with rare disorders,” says Dr David Hughes, Pharmac’s Director Advice and Assessment / Chief Medical Officer. More >>
Post Birth Care Of Baby Boy Breaches The Code 22HDC00236
Monday, 21 October 2024, 4:05 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
In this case, the initial Baby Newborn Record, which includes neurological testing, was only partially completed and there was no documentation of neurological assessment in the admission note to the NICU. More >>
Tooth Decay Is In The Air! Easy Dental Calls Out Air New Zealand’s Sweet Landing Tradition
Monday, 21 October 2024, 12:19 pm | Easy Dental
“As a company that’s 51% owned by the New Zealand government, Air New Zealand has a responsibility to promote healthier choices,” says Dias. “Instead of glorifying sugar, the airline could seize the opportunity to educate passengers and offer healthier ... More >>
New Fast-Track Registration For Specialist International Medical Graduates To Start In November
Monday, 21 October 2024, 11:34 am | Medical Council of New Zealand
Eligible doctors with approved specialist qualications from the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia can now have their applications processed very quickly (within 20 working days), allowing them to start work in Aotearoa New Zealand much sooner. More >>
Greenpeace Raises Alarm Over Looming Public Health Crisis In Canterbury
Monday, 21 October 2024, 9:23 am | Greenpeace
Greenpeace freshwater spokesperson Will Appelbe says, "Everyone should be able to safely drink the water coming out of their kitchen tap, without fear of getting sick. More >>
HIV Response Under Lens Of Indigenous Rights
Monday, 21 October 2024, 6:45 am | CNS
This article is based on insights shared by indigenous peoples leaders on how they are on the blind-spot when it comes to HIV and other health responses despite HIV rates being manifold compared to general population – and access barriers manifold More >>
Warnings Of Wild West Of Medicinal Cannabis
Sunday, 20 October 2024, 2:09 pm | Family First New Zealand
Family First has always supported the expansion of further quality research into the components of the marijuana plant for delivery via non-smoked forms (‘medicinal cannabinoids’ products). More >>
450 Health Jobs To Go Even Where Managers Can’t Afford To Lose Staff
Sunday, 20 October 2024, 1:55 pm | PSA
Redundancies impact frontline staff in hospitals and specialist services, and essential support staff in planning and funding, and national public health. More >>
Christchurch Embraces The Benefits Of Specialised Sports Physiotherapy Services
Sunday, 20 October 2024, 12:57 pm | Fixed Physio
Fixed Physio, known for its personalised approach, is among the trusted providers in the region. Their team of experienced physiotherapists works closely with each patient to develop tailored rehabilitation strategies that align with their specific ... More >>
Preventing Falls: Google Street View Offers A Quick Way To Assess Risks For Older New Zealanders
Saturday, 19 October 2024, 8:24 pm | The Conversation
Going for a walk can be beneficial for older people but there are risks. A new tool uses Google Street View to identify footpath hazards that could cause falls. More >>
