Two DHBs propose to offer public hospital patients the option of paying for treatment that is not funded by the public health system.

A former television stuntwoman, whom rescuers spent 25 minutes reviving after a near-drowning on New Year's Day, has died after she was sent home from hospital.

Building consent stats released this morning show a 3.1 per cent jump in the number of new homes authorised for construction in November - the highest level since May 2008.

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

The husband of a woman who died in childbirth has been bound to silence after accepting a financial settlement from health authorities.

Just hours after surgery, 6-year-old Tabitha Monk rushed to put on her Sunday best for a chat with Santa from his North Pole grotto.

A doctor who severed an artery in a boy's penis during circumcision may face disciplinary action.

Hospital falls caused more than a quarter of the major "adverse events" listed by DHBs in their latest report on potentially preventable healthcare harm.

Nearly 100 patients died after "serious" incidents in public hospitals during the year to June 30, according to a report out today.

More than 2700 hospital service workers around the country will strike this Friday over stalled wage negotiations.

Hospital emergency departments in much of Auckland are performing below par on newly issued national rankings of DHBs.