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Latest Health Headlines
COVID-19 sub-variant XEC arrives in New Zealand
Friday, 11 October 2024, 6:47 pm | RNZ
ESR has detected a number of cases of the new strain in clinical samples. More >>
See The Person Not The Sight Loss Every Three Hours, A Kiwi Develops Vision Loss
Friday, 11 October 2024, 12:44 pm | Blind Low Vision NZ
Vision loss affects people in diverse ways. Some, like 15-year-old Marama Moar-Tomoana, are born with visual impairments, while others lose their sight suddenly or experience a gradual decline over time. More >>
Whooping Cough Outbreak Prompts Calls For Urgent Action
Friday, 11 October 2024, 11:27 am | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
Figures from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) show 187 cases reported in September, more than double the previous month’s total of 75. More >>
Fix The Leak, Don’t Just Buy Buckets
Friday, 11 October 2024, 10:16 am | Home and Community Health Association
HCHA CEO Lisa Foster highlights the urgent need to stabilise and strengthen the sector. "Additional funding is vital to close the significant gap and ensure that in-home care providers can support a healthier future for all New Zealanders," says Foster. More >>
GP Closures Regrettable, Get Ready For More
Thursday, 10 October 2024, 8:05 pm | General Practice Owners Association
Recent closures of general practices and calls for unprofitable GPs to run cafes to stay afloat are more evidence that communities are paying the price from years of government underfunding of primary health care. More >>
Super-sized Risk Of Heart Disease
Thursday, 10 October 2024, 4:22 pm | University of Auckland
New Zealand adults are eating, on average, far more salt daily than international recommendations; but, takeaways frequently do not display salt content. More >>
Be Inspired. Be Empowered. Join The Future Of Medicine Leaders LIVE In Wellington
Thursday, 10 October 2024, 2:02 pm | PREKURE
The upcoming Prevention is Cure on Tour event in Wellington this month seeks to address these challenges head-on, advocating for integrative prevention medicine and lifestyle-based treatments to create a more sustainable and proactive healthcare future. More >>
Brain Injury Survivor Told He Would Never Walk Again, Now Running Auckland Marathon
Thursday, 10 October 2024, 1:52 pm | Brain Injury NZ
Jason suffered a near fatal kite-surfing accident in 2007, receiving extreme brain injury from which he was not expected to survive. Jason spent two years in hospital, where he was told he would not recover further. More >>
Health Service Report 2024
Thursday, 10 October 2024, 8:48 am | Ipsos
New Zealanders concerned about resourcing in the healthcare system; mental health remains the number one health issue. More >>
Kaikōura Family Bare All To Support New Patient Accommodation
Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 8:06 pm | Bone Marrow Cancer Trust
Bone Marrow Cancer Trust, which owns and operates Rānui House in Christchurch, will open Rānui Apartments next month, 14 years after land for the development was purchased. More >>
Concerning Accounts Of NZ Medical Council Silencing Dissenting Voices Must Be Investigated
Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 7:16 pm | Free Speech Union
These concerning reports are not about the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine but rather whether medical professionals were able to exercise professional judgement and use their speech rights to perform their duties ethically. More >>
Exercise Benefits Mental Wellbeing At All Ages: Utilise Physical Activity & Exercise This World Mental Health Day
Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 1:04 pm | ExcerciseNZ
In early childhood, activities involving risk—such as climbing, swinging, and jumping—are vital for developing mental resilience and confidence. However, many children face barriers to active play, including limited access to safe environments, parental ... More >>
New Data On Twice-yearly Lenacapavir For HIV Prevention Announced At HIVR4P 2024
Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 6:36 pm | International Aids Society
Advances in PrEP options and HIV vaccine research unveiled at HIVR4P 2024, the 5th HIV Research for Prevention Conference More >>
ELI Takes EPA To Court Over Glyphosate-Based Herbicides Decision
Tuesday, 8 October 2024, 2:36 pm | Environmental Law Initiative
Glyphosate-based herbicides are the most widely used weed killer in NZ. Yet it is alarming that we’ve been using these products for nearly 50 years without a full understanding of their impact on our people, native species, land, water, & ecosystems,” ... More >>
See The Person Not The Sight Loss | Every Three Hours, A New Zealander Develops Vision Loss
Monday, 7 October 2024, 7:49 pm | Blind Low Vision NZ
For every person affected, the emotional, physical, and social toll is different. We want Kiwis to get behind BLVNZ and help us ensure that everyone can live fulfilling lives. This means access to everyday services, experiences and support to meet any ... More >>
Animal Owners Urged To Keep Pets Away From Floodwater
Monday, 7 October 2024, 5:23 pm | New Zealand Veterinary Association
It’s important to keep your animals away from floodwater, as it can harbour water-borne diseases like leptospirosis and gastroenteritis, including salmonella. More >>
New Study Reveals Disparities On Access To OCD Treatment Across Aotearoa
Monday, 7 October 2024, 5:09 pm | Marion Maw - Fixate Admin
The study, which analysed over 5,000 adults with OCD who had utilized secondary health services, suggests that certain demographic groups, including Māori, Asian or Pacific people, migrants and older adults, face substantial barriers in accessing specialist ... More >>
Older Woman's Rights Breached By Care Home Provider 21HDC02752
Monday, 7 October 2024, 4:39 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
"There was no guidance in Ms B’s initial care plan on how to apply, position and remove her compression stockings, nor was there evidence of pain assessment forms and limited documentation of the effects of her pain medication," Aged Care Commissioner ... More >>
Community Support Worker Fails To Maintain Appropriate Professional Boundaries 21HDC00458
Monday, 7 October 2024, 4:35 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
Deputy Commissioner Rose Wall found the support worker breached the Code for failing to provide services in accordance with legal, professional, ethical and other relevant standards |Tū Rangatira Motuhake. More >>
New Zealand Chiropractors Call On Kiwis To Support Your Spine On 16th October 2024 World Spine Day
Monday, 7 October 2024, 12:02 pm | New Zealand Chiropractors' Association
NZCA spokesperson, Dr Jenna Duehr, chiropractor explains: ‘October 16th marks World Spine Day, an annual event recognised as the largest public health initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the global burden of spinal pain and disability. More >>
Dr Ellie Cannon’s Practical Tips To Support Responsible Drinking
Monday, 7 October 2024, 10:41 am | NZABC
“Dr Ellie’s tips for drinking responsibly are aimed at adults who choose to drink, designed to be easily understood, and are applicable for various contexts, including New Zealand”, said NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) executive director Virginia ... More >>
NZ Medical Device Company Chitogel Ltd Secures US$6.58M Investment From US Based Investor To Drive US Sales Expansion
Monday, 7 October 2024, 10:18 am | Chitogel Ltd
The investment is aimed at driving the expansion and growth of Chitogel’s first-to-market hydrogel product for post-operative use following endoscopic sinus surgery. More >>
Growing Evidence Linking Plastics To Serious Health Risk
Monday, 7 October 2024, 9:52 am | Public Health Communication Centre
A Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre examines the latest evidence which experts say, strengthens the case for urgent action to prevent further plastic pollution and minimise our exposure to harmful chemicals. More >>
First Ever Fully Funded Packages Of Menopause Care And Treatment Launched In New Zealand
Sunday, 6 October 2024, 2:56 pm | Menopause and Wellness
Menopause & Wellness in partnership with EAP providers have created the first funded pathway for women to access specialist menopause care and treatment. This supports women to be able to access timely, funded and specialist menopause care and treatment ... More >>
Fears Of Privatisation By Stealth In An Overwhelmed Healthcare System
Saturday, 5 October 2024, 9:55 pm | RNZ
As more and more healthcare becomes private, experts worry. More >>
Māori, Pacific And Asian Psychologists More Likely To Experience Racism - Report
Saturday, 5 October 2024, 9:43 pm | RNZ
The study highlights "psychology's failing to provide a culturally safe environment for its own", researchers say. More >>
Māori Infants Still At Highest Risk Of Contracting Meningitis
Saturday, 5 October 2024, 9:40 pm | RNZ
New research shows tamariki Māori are at highest risk of contracting meningococcal disease. More >>
Aotearoa New Zealand Leads Global “Chain Of Light” To Commemorate World Meningitis Day
Saturday, 5 October 2024, 2:09 pm | Meningitis Foundation
As our national landmarks light up in solidarity with the global World Meningitis Day movement, Gerard Rushton, Chair of The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand has issued a call to action, urging New Zealand to do its part to eliminate meningitis. More >>
$38M Ormiston Hospital Wing Opens, Boosting Local Economy And Healthcare Infrastructure
Friday, 4 October 2024, 4:10 pm | Ormiston Hospital
The 4,500 square metre expansion, designed in collaboration with Vital Healthcare Property Trust was officially opened this afternoon by Prime Minister and local MP, RT Hon. Christopher Luxon. More >>
Prime Minister Needs To Get His Numbers Right In Relation To Vaping
Friday, 4 October 2024, 10:42 am | Vape Free Kids
The number appears to come from the Ministry of Health’s annual health survey, and is a count of the number of people that say they quit smoking over the last 3 years. More >>
Pacific Community Gardening Project Sows Seeds Of Good Health
Friday, 4 October 2024, 10:04 am | University of Canterbury
Led by Dr Suli Vunibola, a lecturer in Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC), and UC PhD scholar Dr Esala Vakamacawai, a former surgeon , the programme aims to drive social and behavioural ... More >>
Spectrum Foundation Distributes Over $260,000 To Empowering Disability Focused Initiatives In Its Latest Open Round
Friday, 4 October 2024, 9:54 am | Spectrum Foundation Group
"Disabled people, whānau and organisations across the disability community have had a particularly tough time this year and, like other philanthropic funders, our open funding round saw a dramatic increase in applications," said Mr Stowers. More >>
Casey Costello Releases 'Independent' Advice On Heated Tobacco
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 9:00 pm | RNZ
It's five articles that are either about different products, outdated, or only offer weak support for her view. More >>
Celebrating World Vegetarian Day And Month 2024
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 7:54 pm | NZ Vegetarian Society
“This month provides an excellent opportunity to promote healthy living, sustainability, and kindness to animals,” says Julia Clements, President of the NZVS. More >>
Primary And Community Health Aotearoa Are Calling For An Urgent Review Of The Existing Funding Model
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 5:33 pm | Primary and Community Health Aotearoa
The Board and members are calling for an urgent review of the existing funding model to challenge the status quo, embracing contemporary and collaborative models that focus on improved outcomes rather than simply service delivery and to achieve better ... More >>
Birthing Unit Closure Reduces Women’s Birth Choices
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 5:06 pm | NZ College Of Midwives
Auckland Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwife, Jasmine Russek, says having options when it comes to choosing where to have your baby, is really important for women. More >>
Iwi Māori Partnership Boards Unite In Whakatāne To Lead Regional Health Planning
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 4:31 pm | Te Taura Ora a Waiariki
“The purpose of our collective is to mahi tahi - to work together- to achieve the health and wellness aspirations of our whānau,” said Kataraina Hodge, Co-Chair of Te Tiratū IMPB. More >>
Evolution Healthcare Scholarship Invests In Nurses
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 4:15 pm | Evolution Healthcare
Evolution Healthcare Group CEO, Simon Keating, says their scholarships are focussed on supporting nursing and perioperative technician students to achieve their educational goals and become vital contributors to the future of New Zealand healthcare. More >>
Just Cuts And Melanoma NZ’s Free Skin-Cancer Spot Checks Highlight Prevalence Of Skin Cancer
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 1:55 pm | Just Cuts
Of the 68 people who were examined in six hours, 13 suspicious lesions were picked up, including four suspected melanomas. More >>
New Zealand Legacy: +IMPAC’s 25 Years Keeping Kiwis Safe
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 12:00 pm | plusIMPAC
Having spearheaded the advancement of workplace health and safety standards in New Zealand, +IMPAC’s extensive institutional knowledge and experience have positioned it as a trailblazer and innovator of health and safety principles that are widely ... More >>
Hon Dr Shane Reti Challenged To Do What Is Right
Thursday, 3 October 2024, 9:06 am | Te Kahui Hauora Maori
Te Kāhui Hauora Māori, a collective of primary health care providers, is laying down a challenge to the Minister of Health to issue a counter directive informing the health sector it must consider ethnicity, as a variable, in equitable healthcare. More >>
Grand Opening Of Te Hau Āwhiowhio Hauora Whānau Centre: A Leading Clinic In Whangārei CBD
Wednesday, 2 October 2024, 6:28 pm | Te Hau Awhiowhio
The Hauora Whānau Centre is an experienced nurse-led, practice developed by Te Hau Āwhiowhio o Otangarei Trust. It brings together Māori values and modern healthcare practices to offer a unique service that focuses on comprehensive wellbeing. More >>
Free Skin Cancer Spot Checks And Education For Melanoma Awareness Month
Wednesday, 2 October 2024, 10:37 am | Melanoma New Zealand
Chief Executive Andrea Newland says skin cancer is by far the most common cancer in this country with 8 out of every 10 cancers being diagnosed as skin cancer. More >>
New Organisation To Address Broken Heart Healthcare System
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 6:49 pm | Kia Manawanui Trust The Heart of Aotearoa NZ
Trust Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says New Zealand’s heart health system is in crisis and we need to take urgent action. More >>
Hato Hone St John's Shocktober Is Here
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 6:47 pm | Hato Hone St John
Jacci Tatnell, HHStJ National Manager – Community Education, says Aotearoa has some of the worst cardiac arrest survival rates in the world and HHStJ wants to turn that around by enabling New Zealanders to learn its 3 Steps for Life skills to save ... More >>
Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes – Learn The Truth About Diabetes This November
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 5:55 pm | Diabetes New Zealand
This Diabetes Action Month, Diabetes New Zealand is encouraging Kiwis to learn the truth about diabetes. The theme is Don’t Sugar Coat Diabetes and it’s all about busting the myths that surround diabetes, so everyone has greater awareness and understanding ... More >>
Seaweed Products Recalled Due To Elevated Arsenic Levels
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 3:44 pm | NZ Food Safety
High exposure to inorganic arsenic can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea within an hour of ingestion. More >>
Untreated ADHD Leading To Addiction And Drug Harm
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 2:07 pm | NZ Drug Foundation
Evidence also shows that people with ADHD and SUD are more likely to die early, especially if their ADHD is untreated or unmanaged. More >>
Breakthrough Cancer Detection Success Of K9 Medical Detection Dogs
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 1:19 pm | K9 Medical Detection NZ
The Dunedin-based Charitable Trust uses specially trained dogs in a controlled clinical environment to assist in the detection of cancer as an additional valuable diagnostic tool in the growing battle against cancer and other diseases. More >>
Celebrating Three Years Of Innovation And Empowerment At Shape Studio In Tauranga
Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 10:39 am | Shape Studio
Fast forward three years later, and Jorgi and her team can say they have stayed true to their ethos. Over that time they have helped hundreds of women and men feel more confident in their own skin, and it’s not just physical beauty but treatments to ... More >>
Braemar Hospital Achieves Top Level Of Accreditation
Monday, 30 September 2024, 11:50 pm | Braemar Hospital
This accreditation demonstrates we're not just doing what we need to do to keep everyone safe, we are going above and beyond. Ongoing improvements in our medicine management systems and infection prevention programme earned “continuous improvement” ratings. More >>
Central Plateau And Lakes Region Welcomes State-of-the-Art H145 Rescue Helicopter
Monday, 30 September 2024, 9:22 pm | Philips Search and Rescue Trust
This top-of-the-line aircraft will make it easier for your Greenlea Rescue Helicopter crew to serve the Central Plateau and Lakes region, given the challenging geography of the area. More >>
Harley-Davidson Assembles Riders For Breast Cancer Awareness At 2024 Pink Ribbon Ride
Monday, 30 September 2024, 9:17 pm | NZ Breast Cancer Foundation
The Women’s’ International Motorcycle Association established the Pink Ribbon Ride for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 2004 & has since raised more than $130,000 for the charity. As with every year, Harley-Davidson encourages everyone across Auckland More >>
Radiologist Breaches Code In Failure To Detect And Report Abnormal Lymph Nodes 23HDC00211
Monday, 30 September 2024, 3:02 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
Dr Vanessa Caldwell made a range of recommendations including that both radiologists formally apologise to the woman. She recommended the radiologist who breached the woman's rights arrange for a clinical peer review of the accuracy of 10% of his reporting ... More >>
Woman's Rights Breached When Ectopic Pregnancy Diagnosis Excluded 22HDC01701
Monday, 30 September 2024, 3:00 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
Rose Wall recommended that the registrar, and Health NZ Auckland, formally apologise to the woman. She also recommended Health NZ Auckland report back on the progress of changes it has committed to make as a result of the incident. More >>
Optometrist Fails To Provide Services Of An Appropriate Standard 21HDC01773
Monday, 30 September 2024, 2:57 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
Ms James was critical that the optometrist did not provide a dilated pupil examination, as the accepted standard of care for someone in the woman’s clinical circumstances. Accordingly, she found the optometrist breached the Code for failing to provide services ... More >>
Whakarongorau Aotearoa Joins Microsoft New Zealand Hyperscale Cloud Region
Monday, 30 September 2024, 2:30 pm | Telehealth Services
The shift to Microsoft’s New Zealand cloud region will also enhance the organisation’s ability to deliver essential health services and innovative digital care at a greater scale. More >>
Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts: A Regional Solution To A Regional Problem
Monday, 30 September 2024, 1:50 pm | Pasifika Medical Association Group
Funded bythe New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)through theNew Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) and coordinated by the PMA, the initiativemarks a significant milestone in regional healthcare collaboration and ... More >>
Revolutionary ADHD Clinic Opens In Bay Of Plenty: Bay Paediatrics Offers Lifeline For Struggling Kiwi Families
Monday, 30 September 2024, 12:06 pm | Bay Paediatrics
Bay Paediatrics’ groundbreaking service is a game-changer for families who face a two-year wait in the public system for ADHD diagnosis and treatment. It can offer both diagnosis and medication (if appropriate) within just seven days, a first for ... More >>
Pioneering Research Into NZ Sustainable Diets
Monday, 30 September 2024, 10:49 am | University of Canterbury
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) Business School PhD candidate Jan Hales is part of a UC research team who explored how food policies support the transition to diets that are healthy and have a low environmental impact. More >>
