Nine To Noon

 

 

09:05 Shortage of pulse oximeters demonstrates wider issues: GPs

The College of GPs says a nationwide shortage of pulseoximeters is an example of the need for a clear pathway on how community covid cases should be managed. Pulseoximeters measure the amount of oxygen in the blood and, while inexpensive, are an important piece of equipment for doctors managing covid patients who are isolating at home. Some pharmacies and online retailers are running low on the devices. College of GP's Medical director, Dr Bryan Betty, says the Ministry of Health and some GP practices around the country have been stockpiling pulseoximeters, although it is not know how many have been accumulated.He says GPs are very concerned that the country is reaching a tipping point where covid will become endemic in the community, but there are no guidelines yet on how those patients should be cared for.

09:20 How 'nudges' can change GPs' antibiotic over-prescribing

A new study has found selective "nudges" can help reduce the number of scripts for antibiotics being written by New Zealand GPs. Antibiotic resistance is a major threat to human health and on the rise around the world. Without action, the WHO says a post-antibiotic era could see common infections and minor injuries able to kill once again. New Zealand's Health Quality and Safety Commission and Pharmac teamed up with behavioural scientists to see whether targeting the top 30 percent of antibiotic-prescribing GPs would encourage change. To talk about the results, and the value of simple interventions to deal with issues around prescribing, Lynn Freeman is joined by Dr Alex Gyani, Director of Research and Methodology at Behavioural Insights Team, APAC.

09:30 Ōtautahi Christchurch Red Zone foraging 

Urban forager and food writer, Liv Sisson finds all sorts of tasty treats in the Ōtautahi city centre.With some of the housing and buildings destroyed in the earthquakes, a rewilding has taken place providing a range of edible plants. Liv Sisson gathers produce thriving on berms and near the Avon River.

 

09:45 Pacific correspondent Susana Leiataua

The PACIFICA women's organisation in Aotearoa has been granted a special consultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). And The Pacific Aftershock Report World Vision warns that development gains across the Pacific region over the past 10 years could be undone due to the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

 Susana Leiataua is RNZ Pacific news editor.

10:05 Live - Government announcement on way forward to manage Covid 19 

The Prime Minister reveals the new 'Covid-19 protection framework'  for when the country is at a higher vaccination rate. 

 

 10:30 Business, health and Covid modelling analysis of new Covid traffic-light system

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Michael Barnett has cast his eyes over the plan, what's in it for business, particularly struggling smaller to medium enterprises?.  Also with reaction, Covid-19 modeller, Professor Michael Plank from the University of Canterbury and University of Otago Professor of Public Health, epidemiologist, Michael Baker.

11:05 Book review: See/Saw: Looking at Photographs by Geoff Dyer

John Duke of Unity Books Wellington reviews See/Saw: Looking at Photographs by Geoff Dyer, published by Canongate

11:15 Music reviewer Grant Smithies​

In this week's musical pick'n'mix, we'll hear a Northern Soul cover by Wellington's Jamie and The Numbers, some dubbed out cumbia from Egyptian-American multi-instrumentalist Mitchum Yacoub,  a slab of dreamy exotica from Point Chev hip hop producer Cristophe El Truento and some sound advice about avoiding dodgy people from Jamaican duo The Pearls.
 

11:30 Sports commentator Sam Ackerman

It's been a sad week for New Zealand Rugby with the death of Sean Wainui, Sam Cane returns to the All Blacks after injury ahead of the USA test and the Black Caps are up against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup.

11:45 The week that was

Comedians Te Radar and Gemma Gracewood with a few laughs.