Karen Brown
Pharmac accuses Roche of acting unfairly over diabetes
The drug-buying agency Pharmac is accusing a drug firm of unfair tactics as tensions mount over plans to change diabetes equipment. Audio
Physician assistant trial extended
The introduction of a new kind of health worker has passed the first hurdle with a glowing report card but faces further evaluation. Audio
NZ women receive banned breast implants
It's been revealed at least 12-women have received breast implants banned overseas because some contained a substandard silicone. Audio
Family doctor failed to tell patient about key test result
The public's health watchdog says a failure by a family doctor delayed a diagnosis of bone marrow cancer for an elderly man. Audio
Government says evidence will continue to underpin health
Health officials say healthcare standards will remain high and even improve despite the loss of a key independent advisory group. Audio
Inquiry clears Otago Southland breastscreening service
An investigation has found there was no failure by breastscreening services in Otago and Southland over the detection of cancers in 28 women. Audio
Second recall on metal hip replacement parts announced
Orthopaedic surgeons are working to contact a second group of patients whose hip replacement parts may be faulty after the medical safety regulator Medsafe announced a recall of the MITCH THR… Audio
Flu low last year but experts warn against complacency
Forty one thousand New Zealanders got the flu last year, during a relatively quiet flu season when overall vaccine usage was also down. Audio
Disorders groups begins liquidation
A national group responsible for advising doctors on the best way to treat common disorders is to begin to wind up its activities. Audio
3 DHBs tell MPs how they will cut costs
Three deficit-laden district health boards in the lower North Island have told MPs today how they intend to cut costs. Audio
Minister rules out inquiry into recall of hip implant
The Health Minister says more could have been done by officials to alert New Zealanders to problems with a faulty hip replacement device. Audio
Funding cuts to nutrition and physical activity programmes
The Government is pulling money out of nutrition and physical activity programmes to put into others targeting mothers and babies. Audio
Health best-practice guideline group faces axe
A group that advises doctors on the best way to treat all common disorders is set to be closed as early as next month. Audio
Outgoing DHB head says DHB have to adapt to tight finances
The outgoing chief executive of the Auckland District Health Board says DHBs have to learn to live within their means. Audio
Money shortage forces Auckland DHB to stop hiring for 48 hours
The Auckland District Health Board says it froze all new appointments for two days this week, but is now recruiting again. Audio
Breast cancer screening under investigation
An urgent investigation has begun into how breast screening may have missed the cancer in 28 women in Otago and Southland. Audio
Annual immunisation campaign against flu gets under way
Winter is on the way and health authorities say it's now time to get vaccinated against the flu. Audio
One-off supply of shingles vaccine to reach New Zealand
Older New Zealanders worried about getting shingles are being offered a rare chance to be vaccinated against the often-painful disease. Audio
Cost-savings agency trims millions in expenses from DHBs
A little-known organisation responsible for finding savings at district health boards has saved a total of 55 million dollars last year. Audio
Baby's death blamed on inadequate care
The Health and Disability Commissioner, has found an obstetrician and the Waikato District Health Board failed to properly care for a mother and her baby who died soon after birth in 2009. Audio
