Karen Brown
Auckland DHBs take control of key aspects of lab tests
Starting today Auckland district health boards are to take control of key aspects of lab testing. The decision, announced last night, follows rapidly rising concerns over shortcomings in the new… Audio
GPs win concession over concerns about Lab Tests
Family doctors say the new firm handling all medical testing in Auckland is struggling to cope and it's time to consider paying general practitioners to take blood from patients if they wish to. Audio
New push to vaccinate against measles
From today, health authorities will begin urging all those between the ages of 13 and 20 who haven't either had measles or been immunised against it to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Audio
Breakthrough study to change heart failure treatment
A New Zealand-led study has shown that one in four heart-failure patients aren't getting the right the treatment because of a misdiagnosis. Audio
Specialists say new research will improve heart treatments
Heart specialists say new research out of Auckland University is ground-breaking and will improve treatments for heart failure. Audio
Many PHO's 'working to capacity'
That's just one of the conclusions of research released today on the performance of primary health organisations, or PHOs. Audio
Fears swine flu protocol delayed ambulance despatch
The St John Ambulance Service is investigating whether the handling of 111 calls over swine flu led to potentally deadly delays in ambulances being dispatched. Audio
Surgery checklist preventing mistakes
Hospital specialists say the use of a simple checklist before surgery is already preventing mistakes. Audio
Four months till swine flu jabs to be offered in New Zealand
It's likely to be early in the New Year before frontline health and other workers are offered a vaccination against swine flu. Audio
Govt reports dramatic increase in elective surgery
The Government says there's been a dramatic increase in the amount of non-urgent surgery being done in public hospitals under its watch. Audio
Health watchdog backs thrust of contentious re-jig proposals
The public's health watchdog, the Health and Disability Commissioner, says contentious proposals to re-jig the health system deserve careful consideration. Audio
New firm finally begins taking over Auckland lab testing
After a long and bitter legal row, a new firm today begins taking over all community medical testing in Auckland. Audio
Insight, Sunday 2 August: Swine Flu
Karen Brown investigates how the country is coping with the swine flu pandemic and what lessons are being learnt. Audio
MFAT essential advice after NZers quarantined abroad
A Massey University student had to plead with a nurse to get him a phone after he was locked in quarantine in China recently for suspected swine flu. Audio
Latest Ministry data on swine flu
New information out today indicates pressure on health services from swine and seasonal flu is easing - but the number of people seeing their doctor for flu is at epidemic levels in two areas. Audio
Swine flu more infectious than first thought
New research shows swine flu is more easily spread than first thought. Audio
Swine flu death toll rises
The number of deaths in New Zealand with swine flu as a factor has risen by two today to nine. Audio
Government buys Swine Flu vaccine Q and A
In a world first, the Government has bought 300,000 doses of a new unlicensed vaccine to protect frontline health and other emergency workers against swine flu. Audio
Hospital emergency wards swamped as flu tightens grip
A second woman is critically ill in intensive care in Wellington with swine flu. Health Minister, Tony Ryall has pledged all to the swine flu fight. Audio
Officials say swine flu yet to peak, more deaths inevitable
The Ministry of Health says the swine-flu pandemic is yet to reach its peak, and more deaths are inevitable if the current rate of community transfer continues. Audio
