Health
Ardern, Hipkins won't show up to Covid-19 inquiry public hearings
The Covid-19 inquiry will not proceed with its second week of public hearings, with its chair saying it is no longer justified.
Senior doctors' union worried national health plan lacks detail
"It seems like the Government is saying, 'We didn't like this level of independent scrutiny. Let's get rid of that legislation'."
Warning that Bay of Plenty shellfish may be toxic
The public are advised not to collect or consume shellfish on the east coast from Whakatane to Mount Maunganui.
Auckland mental health patient told to move to Dunedin
There are no other similar programmes in the North Island. Audio
Nurses to strike for two days
An estimated 4300 planned procedures and specialist appointments had to be deferred during the last strike.
Samoan women seek life-changing weight loss surgery in Turkey
Sarah Bennett and Lemau Timu's journeys highlight the rise of medical tourism and challenges in Pacific healthcare access.
Faster healthcare not the same as 'equitable care' - Auditor-General's report
Health NZ needs to explain how the sickest patients will not be left behind in the push to outsource more surgeries to private hospitals, says the government watchdog.
Expert warns GP funding changes will worsen outcomes for Māori
GP clinics will soon receive funding based on factors such as age, sex, rurality, socioeconomic deprivation and morbidity, but not ethnicity.
Vape brands bypass marketing regulations to target young people
Globally, one of the main drivers in increasing numbers of young people vaping is the promotion of vapes on social media.
Food and rent costs mean families going without dental care
Dozens of people have told of the desperate efforts they've taken trying to treat rotting teeth. Audio
Dental For All campaigns for free dental care
Advocacy group "Dental for All" is campaigning for free, universal dental care with a roadshow around the country this week. Dental For All's Hana Pilkinton-Ching spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
Hayden Wilde's doctor on his amazing recovery to win race
Hayden Wilde bounced back from an horrific accident to win a major race in London this week - his doctor Sam Mayhew talked with Nathan Rarere Audio
Intravenous drug users demand say in needle exchange services
The group was increasingly apprehensive about the change of providers in seven weeks' time. Audio
Schools hit hard by winter illnesses
One Canterbury school says it could have 300-400 students away on a day and up to 30 staff off sick.
Critical shortages in Canterbury's mental health services
Critical staff shortages, an unsafe work environment and failures of leadership are among the findings of a review into Canterbury's mental health service. Director of Mental Health, Doctor John… Audio
Failings found in Canterbury's mental health service after two women killed
Critical staff shortages, an unsafe work environment and failures of leadership are among the findings of a review into Canterbury's mental health service. Mental health director, Dr John Crawshaw… Audio
IV drug users demanding say in needle exchange services
Intravenous drug users are demanding a say in the future of the South Island's needle exchange services, warning health leaders are gambling with their lives. In seven weeks, needle exchange programme… Audio
Over 100,000 people on radiology wait list
Over 100,000 people around the country are on the radiology wait list, in the queue in the public health system for MRIs, X-rays, CT scans and other diagnostic tests. APEX, the union representing… Audio
Months-long wait for cardio test, days if done private
A cardio test that heart patients in some regions can wait up to six months for can be delivered in days, according to a private provider. Half of all heart attack patients are not being treated… Audio
Many radiology staff using broken, outdated or unsafe equipment survey shows
A new report has slammed the state of the country's hospital radiology services saying inadequate staff numbers and a lack of investment is 'unravelling' the sector.
