Bryan Betty

The Panel speaks to Medical director of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners Dr Bryan Betty. Audio

Medication shortages because of Covid-19 are affecting tens of thousands of patients, with no clear timeline for a return to normal. Drugs in short supply include four commonly used contraceptive… Audio

A doctor in Tokoroa was among the two positive Covid-19 cases confirmed on Sunday, with health officials unable to pin down exactly how the transmission happened.

The Royal New Zealand College of GPs… Audio

Some doctors are charging for Covid-19 tests despite health officials saying they should be free. There's also confusion about who should be swabbed.

The Ministry of Health changed the testing… Audio

Sweeping changes to New Zealand's health system were announced today, spearheaded by health economist Heather Simpson formerly in the office of Helen Clark. Audio

There's been a dramatic spike in the number of Wellington children in hospital with the dangerous disease rheumatic fever.

A public health alert has been issued, with Covid-19 testing centres ordered… Audio

There's been a sudden increase the number of Wellington children who've been hospitalised with acute rheumatic fever this year. The region's public health service has issued an alert, telling covid-19… Audio

Despite sourcing an extra 400,000 flu vaccines this year, New Zealand still might not have enough to cover all its vulnerable groups.

The Ministry of Health has admitted it's working to source… Audio

GPs are worried that patients are mistakenly deleting text messages about upcoming appointments. Many health services use texts to remind people about scheduled procedures.

But some patients are… Audio

The first full working week of the new normal is almost over, most New Zealanders are holed up at home, and relying on essential workers to keep the country running.

So how's that going?

Bryan… Audio

Stocks of influenza-vaccine are being shifted to centres in short supply in a bid to get the most at-risk people vaccinated.

There are roughly 800,000 vaccines in the country, but due to the ordering… Audio

GPs are calling for urgent financial assistance as they make the quantum shift to virtual consulting due to Covid-19. They warn already doctors are subsidising their practices and some may be forced… Audio

GPs have been told to immediately switch to talking to patients by phone or online before granting a face-to-face appointment.

The College of General Practitioners says from today, all GPs should do… Audio

Health officials are looking at options to bolster the workforce in the face of Covid-19, including bringing in recently retired doctors and nurses.

The Nursing Council supports the idea, but the… Audio

Dr Bryan Betty joins The Panel to talk about what to do if you're worried you've got Covid-19 symptoms. This as medical centres fear they'll be over-run with patients worried about their flu-like… Audio