A newborn died in a waterbirth and another mother died from blood loss after the delivery of her baby, according to a new report on 'serious' events in NZ hospitals.

It's amazing to think that after all the years of talking, reporting and issuing of statements, New Zealand stands completely unprepared for its own 'retirement'.

The Medical Council of New Zealand has issued an edict to the country's district health boards reminding doctors of their obligation to treat any Ebola patients.

Elderly people with minor ailments are being "conveniently" left at hospital over Labour Weekend by "granny-dumping" families heading away on holiday, a doctor says.

Despite being born only two minutes apart, Axel is considerably smaller than his twin brother, and has a raft of significant health problems to boot.

All Black Keven Mealamu is not only a star on the rugby field - he has also made his mark in the realm of children's books, helping to illustrate a story that will help raise funds for Starship children's hospital.

When Sarah Morrell had operations to place screws, rods and plates into her bones at Starship, there was no way of treating the rare underlying genetic cause of her troubled skeleton.

Riley Ross was born with heart defects that would have killed him had they not been detected in a pregnancy scan and later corrected at Starship, his mother says.

Internet Party leader Laila Harre is standing by her policy to decriminalise cannabis following the publication of a study highlighting the damaging effects of regular use on young people.

Young Aucklander Sally Xu will die soon unless she can raise $150,000 for a new cancer medicine.

A doctor could face legal action after he "completely forgot" to tell a patient, who later died, that it was likely she had breast cancer.

A cure for diabetes is a step closer after scientists found what they believe is the root cause of the disease.

ASpanish priest became the first European to die of the Ebola virus yesterday, as the World Health Organisation authorised the use of experimental drugs to fight it.

Installing alcohol-based hand sanitiser dispensers in classrooms may not mean fewer sick days for kids, a New Zealand study has suggested.

When policymakers in the modern world worry about the cost to future taxpayers of ageing populations, pensions are only part of it - healthcare also contributes to the bill.

A mother whose botched delivery of her baby daughter led to a midwife being criticised says she has finally seen justice served for the little girl.

Fear of Ebola and global instability have helped boost interest in corporate jet travel.

The healthcare sector was in the headlines this week with Abano Healthcare's profit announcement, a takeover offer for Acurity Health and Green Cross Health's annual meeting.

What does it take to save a baby's life? Suzanne McFadden traces the incredible story of a baby's will to live.

New Zealand health experts are making contingency plans to manage the ebola virus in case the deadly disease arrives from West Africa.

A flu vaccine expert is calling for new vaccines and strategies to combat influenza after her research group found New Zealand's current vaccine was poor protection.

Readers shared their experiences with Hospital food across the country after the Weekend Herald reported on planned cost-cutting measures.

An Auckland hospital has started putting off elective surgery after it was swamped with acutely unwell patients causing a shortage of beds.

The Government is falling short of key targets it set itself for reducing child abuse and rheumatic fever.

A nurse who punched a patient failed to provide care and skill, a Health Commissioner has found.

A St John Ambulance trial in which nurses call people back to assess their condition before sending an ambulance is being criticised by patients.

A US government laboratory mistakenly mixed a common flu strain with a dangerous and deadly type of bird flu and shipped it to another lab.

We take a look at 10 illnesses most people have probably never come across, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).

A fertility support group is calling for a change in government in vitro fertilisation funding so couples can get a third cycle free.