ACC has been faulted for trying to limit the scope of independent assessments of an amputee's needs for help with transportation and housing modifications.

The ACC Minister has pledged to look into the independence of doctors paid to provide medical assessments for ACC, amid claims it helps get long-term claimants off the agency's books.

Ambulances will no longer be sent to minor 111 calls as part of sweeping changes to help stem St John's $15 million-a-year loss.

Dean Lonergan lying on Melbourne's Olympic Park turf - concussed and body twitching - is one of NZ sport's indelible images. We continue our Herald special report.