The Health and Disability Commissioner has suggested that access to publicly-funded health services depends on where patients live.

A nurse has been struck off the register for punching a "vulnerable" elderly man in the mouth while she was working at a resthome.

Higher tobacco taxes are a first step to reducing numbers of smokers. Martin Johnston looks at what else could be on the cards.

A toddler who died in her Australian home a day after having a flu vaccine is a part-Maori girl whose father grew up in Tokoroa.

The maker of the flu vaccine now implicated in a rash of child sickness across Australia has ruled out a "bad batch" is involved.

Results from the pig-cell trial so far indicate improved control of blood-sugar levels and reduced need for insulin injections.

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