Nurses have resorted to wearing human flea collars on their ankles to protect against an infestation of the biting insects at Auckland hospitals, brought in by patients who own pets.

A man will have to go without red meat for at least five weeks after his dentures were accidentally thrown in the bin at Middlemore Hospital.

Epidemic is expected to return, although only five cases have been confirmed so far.

Broadcaster Willie Jackson is making a last-ditch attempt to save a Mangere rest home slated for closure by the Counties Manukau DHB.

A rest home and hospital for the aged in South Auckland will close next month after it failed to meet standards imposed by health authorities.

A south Auckland hospital has reacted to recent swine flu related deaths with strict new measures to curb the virus's spread