Latest from Ministry of Health

Changes to boost organ donations

Intensive care doctors could be told if a dying person is an organ donor under proposed changes aimed at lifting donation rates in New Zealand.

Doctor's trick for how to quit cigs

Dr Murray Winiata has gone out on a limb to promote a controversial quit-smoking technique to his patients.

Portals a plus for health

Patrick Wilson, aged 86, changed his GP - because the previous one didn't have a patient portal.

Medicinal cannabis gains support from experts

Medical experts are supporting of the Government's approach to prescribing cannabis-based products.

How to go to the doctor...electronically

Patient portals are a secure, online way to help people manage and keep track of their health 24/7.

DHB funds short for nurses' pay rise

Documents released to the Labour Party showed the funding gap at these DHBs ranged between $500,000 and nearly $2 million.

Crown refusing to back down in pay fight

A mother is still battling the Government in court over pay for the care of her disabled son, despite repeated decisions in her favour.

Editorial: Health savings good idea but brave politics

To demand "savings" from the country's district health boards is good economics but brave politics.

Betting on internet as pokies lose appeal

As world gambling experts gather in Auckland this week, the biggest threat on their minds is now online betting.

Accused doctor may have practice restricted

Dr Judith Heather Gill, 58, appeared in Auckland District Court this week facing 157 charges of obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception.

Head lice cream could cause cancer

An active ingredient in a cream used to treat head lice and scabies has been linked to causing cancer and will be withdrawn from sale in New Zealand.

Call 111, speak to a nurse

Nurses will now be stationed at 111 emergency call centres to answer "non-urgent" calls as part of a wide-ranging shakeup which may also give nurses operating national helplines access to patient records.

Changes to victim notification after killer's release

Minister sacks District Health Board

The Health Minister has dismissed all members of the Southern District Health Board and replaced them with a commissioner.

Telenurses sanctioned after callers cut off

Four nurses have been caught cutting off callers inappropriately at Healthline, the Ministry of Health-funded national telephone service for health advice.

Hospital data reveals death rates

Death rates from general anaesthesia and some of the most common surgeries have been revealed.

Surgeon caused 'catastrophic bleed'

A mistake by a surgeon during a brain operation caused a "catastrophic bleed", which led to a woman's death, a coroner has ruled.

Cold brings spike in pneumonia cases

Year-on-year figures show the number of people hospitalised with pneumonia has consistently increased each year since 2005.