Reports of public hospital errors that caused or could have caused major harm to patients has increased.

Ill health costs the economy at least $5bn a year - with even bigger potential costs from those who drag themselves to work.

United Future are calling for the outright ban of 1080 in the fight against possums and for the introduction of universal health insurance.

A panel of experts has recommended retaining neurosurgery services at both Dunedin and Christchurch hospitals - a verdict met by cheering crowds.

Public hospital patients face disruption to services again this week as radiographers at 19 district health boards stage a full strike for 48 hours.

A 57-year-old woman is believed to have become Australia's oldest mother after giving birth to twins last week.

Labour leader Phil Goff says proposed changes to ACC levies are the Government's way of moving to a user-pays, privatised system by "stealth".

Aged care experts want a nationwide review of rest home meals after revelations large numbers of elderly people are malnourished.

Physiotherapy claims paid for by ACC have slumped by nearly a quarter, reflecting the social insurer's sharp cut backs in health treatment - at a time when New Zealand's rate of injuries is continuing to climb.

North Shore Hospital has apologised for leaving an elderly heart patient in the emergency department for five hours between doctor consultations.

The Auckland District Health Board will apologise to a mother whose unborn baby did not survive a publicly funded procedure at Auckland Hospital and was sent a $2200 bill for the treatment.

CYF would "almost certainly" have got involved with the Kahui family had it known of the hostile environment the twins were living in.

A hospital emergency department is being investigated after a doctor filled out a "do not resuscitate" order, allegedly without consent.

New Zealand sleep services are poorly resourced to deal with the current burden of sleep apnoea, a sleep specialist says.