Celebrating 25 Years of Scoop
Latest Health Headlines
Rare Disorder Community Celebrates Aotearoa’s First Rare Disorders Strategy
Thursday, 25 July 2024, 2:26 pm | Rare Disorders NZ
For over 20 years Rare Disorders NZ, along with many other stakeholders in the rare disorder community has been calling for an official Rare Disorders Strategy to direct government entities on how to respond to rare disorder cases. More >>
Rare Disorders Strategy Released Today
Thursday, 25 July 2024, 2:18 pm | Rare Disorders NZ
While the Strategy does not include everything we were hoping, it is an important first step to seeing meaningful change in our health system and other services for the rare community. More >>
Cutting-edge Innovation Powered By The Selwyn Foundation To Benefit Seniors With Great Need
Thursday, 25 July 2024, 1:35 pm | Selwyn Foundation
After a rigorous assessment process, twelve proposals were selected, with total funding of almost $800,000 distributed. More >>
IHC Recognises Strength Of Survivors Following Report Release
Thursday, 25 July 2024, 1:20 pm | IHC New Zealand
IHC's Board Chair Tony Shaw says the courage and strength of the individuals who shared their stories are also acknowledged. More >>
Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease: Are Answers Just A Tear Away?
Thursday, 25 July 2024, 12:42 pm | Neurological Foundation
The Neurological Foundation has funded the $307,444 project, which is being led by a team from the Universities of Canterbury and Otago working alongside researchers from the University of Auckland. More >>
Pharmac Opens Consultation On Oestradiol Gel
Thursday, 25 July 2024, 11:35 am | PHARMAC
Pharmac’s Director of Equity and Engagement Dr Nicola Ngawati says that if approved, more than 18,000 people would benefit in the first year of funding. More >>
Unchecked Rentals Threaten Health Of New Zealanders
Thursday, 25 July 2024, 10:07 am | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, which advocates for the 700,000 Kiwis living with respiratory disease, is urging the Government to implement an assessment requirement so tenants know their homes meet the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) ... More >>
Govt Should Be Increasing Funding, Not Forcing Another Rushed Restructure On Te Whatu Ora
Wednesday, 24 July 2024, 5:58 pm | Public Service Association
The PSA urges the Government to think again and pause this restructure. If it really wants to deliver better health services to New Zealanders, then give the health system the funds it needs to do the job. More >>
Charity Concerned By Slow Screening Rollout For Māori And Pasifika
Wednesday, 24 July 2024, 1:47 pm | Bowel Cancer New Zealand
Bowel Cancer NZ is critical of the Minister of Health’s statement since the government has previously outlined it would trial how best to achieve a high participation rate from May 2022 to July 2023. More >>
A-for-Accountability Is Missing In Responses To HIV, Hepatitis, STIs And TB
Wednesday, 24 July 2024, 4:00 am | CNS
We have the science-based tools to prevent, diagnose, treat and manage all four infections: HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and TB. Despite this, TB has been the biggest infectious disease killer in the world till COVID-19 had hit us. More >>
Open Letter To The Incoming Commissioner Of Health NZ From GP Aoteaora
Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 5:56 pm | General Practitioners Aotearoa
General Practitioners Aotearoa (GPA) outlines hopes for the upcoming reforms and concerns about the state of the healthcare system and primary healthcare in particular. More >>
PSA Urges Government To Come Clean On Real Agenda Behind Slashing Health Further
Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 5:38 pm | Public Service Association
Our experience is the system has been losing people, not adding to the workforce. This is another major health decision that seems to be taking place in a totally different reality to the one health workers are living in. More >>
Proactive Measures To Combat Rise In Whooping Cough Cases
Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 1:27 pm | Te Manu Toroa
Te Manu Toroa’s mission is clear: manaaki tō hauora, tiaki tō whānau – look after your health and protect your whānau. More >>
Covid-19 Inquiry Chair Welcomes Additional Commissioner Appointment
Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 1:20 pm | NZ Royal Commission
Professor Blakely says a further phase of the COVID-19 Inquiry provides an opportunity to complement the work already undertaken by the Royal Commission, and for Aotearoa New Zealand to be even better prepared for future pandemics. More >>
College Of Public Health Medicine Welcomes Stronger Focus On Prevention And Population Health In GPS On Health
Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 9:17 am | NZ College of Public Health Medicine
The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine (NZCPHM) welcomes the release of the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Health. More >>
Beyond The Shadow Of Stigma: Internal Stigma Is Out Of The Shadows At AIDS 2024
Tuesday, 23 July 2024, 3:59 am | CNS
All forms of HIV-related stigma and discrimination must end so that all people can access full spectrum of health and social services in a rights-based, people-centred and gender transformative manner. More >>
Health NZ Board Sacking Highlights Failure Of Centralisation-at-any-cost Agenda
Monday, 22 July 2024, 6:50 pm | New Zealand Taxpayers' Union
It is clear the board has failed to perform, but ultimately the responsibility must sit with the Government who decided it was a good idea to restructure in the middle of a pandemic. More >>
Health New Zealand Breaches Code Regarding Open Disclosure Of Cervical Smear Results That Had Been Misread 23HDC00079
Monday, 22 July 2024, 2:47 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
Following an investigation into the woman’s complaint, the Health and Disability Commissioner found the woman’s rights under the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights (the Code) were breached by Health New Zealand. More >>
Failures In Care During Labour 21HDC00367
Monday, 22 July 2024, 2:44 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
The woman at the centre of the report was admitted to the Birthing Suite at Christchurch Woman’s Hospital for induction of labour, which started three days after admission. More >>
Care Home Fails To Provide Appropriate Standard Of Respite Care For Palliative Care Resident 20HDC01432
Monday, 22 July 2024, 2:38 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
The man’s family raised concerns in relation to the care he received during his week at the care home, including pressure injury and fluid intake management, as well as a medication error. More >>
Waikato Hospital Laboratory Gets An Upgrade
Monday, 22 July 2024, 11:40 am | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Waikato Hospital has completed a significant upgrade to its laboratory with more space, services co-located, and a new Molecular Biology Laboratory. More >>
Pulse Energy Re-Commits To Respiratory Community
Monday, 22 July 2024, 10:14 am | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
Foundation Chief Executive Ms Letitia Harding says we advocate strongly to ensure the 700,000 Kiwis living with respiratory disease are living in a warm, dry, healthy home. More >>
Children’s Screen Time Study Gains $220,000 Boost
Monday, 22 July 2024, 9:27 am | University of Canterbury
A new research project will explore whether children’s use of digital devices influences their behaviour growing up. More >>
Meningitis Foundation Commends David Seymour On Letter Of Expectations To Pharmac
Monday, 22 July 2024, 9:12 am | Meningitis Foundation
Meningitis Foundation says increased engagement with patient advocates will benefit all New Zealanders More >>
St John Ambos In "Political Limbo" As Shifts Go Unfilled And Strike Actions Intensify
Monday, 22 July 2024, 8:31 am | First Union
FIRST Union ambulance officers are confirming new strike actions and pushing back against incorrect and misleading claims by St John and politicians about recruitment and staffing levels. More >>
Advanced HIV Disease Threatens To Wither Away The Gains Made In Fight Against AIDS
Monday, 22 July 2024, 4:45 am | CNS
No one needs to die of AIDS because, thanks to science, lifesaving antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression can gift all people living with HIV a healthy and fulfilling life. More >>
We Have More Infection-prevention Options Now But Are They Actual Choices For The People?
Monday, 22 July 2024, 4:29 am | CNS
The deadly delays between developing pathbreaking health technologies, and benefitting those for whom these were developed (the most at risk and marginalised and least likely to access care) must end. More >>
Why Are Key Populations On The Blindspot In The Global HIV Response?
Monday, 22 July 2024, 4:13 am | CNS
Christine Stegling, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director said: "We need to empower communities to advocate for prevention at both national and global levels. This is crucial for realizing human rights. More >>
Further Sesame Seed Recalls Due To Salmonella Fears
Friday, 19 July 2024, 6:49 pm | New Zealand Food Safety
People can get seriously ill from salmonellosis, so either return the products to the place of purchase or throw them away. More >>
Inadequate Funding From Health New Zealand Puts Further Pressure On Patients
Friday, 19 July 2024, 6:45 pm | General Practice Owners Association
The General Practice Owners Association of Aotearoa New Zealand (GenPro) has firmly rejected the latest funding offer from Health New Zealand, warning that patients will be the ones who feel the pinch. More >>
Worker Shortage A Key Cause Of Disability Support Complaints
Friday, 19 July 2024, 1:58 pm | NZ Disability Support Network
“Any lapse in standards of support is unacceptable and providers take them seriously. It is positive that the Commissioner’s report shows complaints are relatively rare and providers comply with 96% of recommendations made by HDC. More >>
Phoenix Healthcare Launches New Immigration Medical Service
Friday, 19 July 2024, 12:21 pm | Phoenix Healthcare
Phoenix Healthcare is launching a new immigration medical service at its Christchurch Central health hub, offering a comprehensive solution for visa-related medical appointments. More >>
From Vision To Impact: Celebrating A Decade Of Pasifika Futures' Service To Pacific Families
Friday, 19 July 2024, 12:16 pm | Pasifika Futures Limited
This call to action led to the creation of Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL), dedicated to supporting and empowering Pacific families. PFL’s establishment marked the start of a significant journey toward a brighter future for Pacific communities. More >>
USP Conducts Workshop On Understanding Addiction
Friday, 19 July 2024, 12:12 pm | University Of The South Pacific
The University of the South Pacific (USP) recently conducted the latest in a series of free events on addiction and recovery to contribute to national efforts in the fight against drug abuse. More >>
Large Unmet Need For Effective Migraine Treatment In New Zealand
Friday, 19 July 2024, 11:58 am | Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand
Many people with migraine in New Zealand are not receiving best-practice management, according to research published today in the New Zealand Medical Journal using results from a survey of 530 people with migraine run by Migraine Foundation Aotearoa New ... More >>
Scooterists To Test Brass Monkey Theory In Freezing Central North Island Charity Ride This Weekend
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 6:04 pm | Prostate Cancer Foundation
This year the COLD KAHUNA ride is dedicated to raising funds for Testicular Cancer New Zealand, a charity that raises awareness of the disease and provides support services such as counselling, an information service and welfare grants to those ... More >>
Primary Care Unanimously Reject Government Funding Offer
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 6:01 pm | GPNZ
GPNZ will continue to advocate for the solutions we know will enable practices not just to recover, but to thrive and deliver the care they so desperately want to provide for their communities. More >>
Food Recall: Sesame Seed Kernels White Hulled Retail Packs Due To Salmonella Risk
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 5:41 pm | New Zealand Food Safety Authority
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is supporting Davis Trading Company in its recall of their imported Sesame Seed Kernels White Hulled retail packs due to the possible presence of Salmonella. More >>
Associate Health Minister’s Tobacco Policy Contradicts Official Advice, Aligns With Industry Lobbyists
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 2:58 pm | Public Health Communication Centre
The Government needs to explain why Associate Health Minister Costello has deviated from the coalition agreement and why she is following tobacco industry arguments in preference to her Ministry. More >>
Positive Outcomes For New Primary Care Roles To Support The Community
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 2:51 pm | ProCare Health
ProCare is delighted to be a lead provider in the enablement of this exciting initiative, working with other providers in primary care to help ensure an efficient and co-ordinated implementation. More >>
Pharmac Proposes To Widen Access To Urinary Tract Infection Treatment And Fund A New Epilepsy Treatment
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 1:06 pm | PHARMAC
Pharmac would like to hear from people who have experienced urinary tract infections or epilepsy, their whānau, clinicians and others in the health sector about the proposed eligibility criteria for both of these medicines. More >>
Rural Practices Firmly Reject Government’s Offer Of Funding As Disgraceful
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 9:41 am | Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network
Along with representatives from other General Practices across the country, and their PHO colleagues, Hauora Taiwhenua Rural Health Network attended today’s primary health care funding negotiations with Health NZ and rejected the offer as being disrespectful. More >>
Government's Smokefree Plan Will Accelerate Youth Nicotine Addiction And Boost Tobacco Industry Profits
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 7:37 am | Health Coalition Aotearoa
Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA) strongly condemns these measures and calls on the Government to think about the destructive consequences for youth and the generations to come. More >>
Putting People First Means Following Gandhi's Talisman
Thursday, 18 July 2024, 5:03 am | CNS
Responses to HIV and TB, and for that matter any other health condition, must be built keeping the most vulnerable in mind. Quality health services should be made available to all, and the healthcare delivery systems should keep in mind people’s ... More >>
The Kiwi Medical Pioneer You Haven't Heard Of
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 5:38 pm | RNZ
A surgeon originally from Cromwell - who worked in the Spanish Civil War and World War II - is being credited with influencing the way modern day hospitals run their A and E departments. More >>
Unified Advocacy Groups Amplify Consumer Voices In Disability Support Services Review
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 5:10 pm | ANZMES
This joint submission speaks up about the urgent and critical need for inclusive and equitable disability support across the nation. The review has been prompted by budget concerns at Whaikaha for currently recognised conditions receiving these ... More >>
New Report Highlights Challenges And Opportunities In Residential Disability Services
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 5:05 pm | IHC New Zealand
The HDC report underscores the urgent need for these changes, highlighting the gaps and challenges that can no longer be ignored. More >>
Report On Complaints To HDC About Residential Disability Service Providers Released - HDC
Wednesday, 17 July 2024, 10:24 am | Health and Disability Commissioner
The Deputy Commissioner Disability, Rose Wall, is calling for a consistent quality framework to be developed and implemented across the disability support sector, including proactive monitoring and reporting of the experiences of disabled people. More >>
The People Who Take Photographs Of Babies Who Didn't Make It
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 3:29 pm | RNZ
Emma Macdonald has photographed nearly 650 babies and children who have died in New Zealand. "I've had tears rolling down my face behind my camera in some sessions." More >>
Enhancing Oral Health in Auckland: The Critical Role of Dental Hygienists
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 11:14 am | Dental Today
Dental hygienists in Auckland specialise in preventive oral health, focusing on techniques to maintain healthy gums and teeth. More >>
Pharmac’s Letter Of Expectations Meets The Expectations Of Patient Advocates
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 10:03 am | Patient Voice Aotearoa
Today, the Associate Minister of Health (Pharmac), Hon. David Seymour, will release his letter of expectations regarding Pharmac. The letter details 21 action points the Minister expects the Board Chair, Hon. Paula Bennett, to deliver on this year ... More >>
A Call For Strong Leadership To Reduce NZ’s Dangerously High Antibiotic Use
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 8:15 am | Public Health Communication Centre
Public Health Communication Centre, Associate Professor Mark Thomas of the University of Auckland and co-authors highlight that the misuse of antibiotics has positioned NZ among the nations with the highest rates of antibiotic resistance. More >>
Nursing Homes And The Dehydration Problem
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 7:25 am | Hugh Grant
Closing the hydration gap in nursing homes is a tough challenge today, but with the use of advanced technology, we can develop science-backed treatments that can solve the dehydration issue. More >>
Abdominal Vascular Compressions Syndromes Sufferers Left Fund Raising For Their Own Surgery
Monday, 15 July 2024, 5:17 pm | RNZ
There is currently no treatment offered in Aotearoa for Abdominal Vascular Compressions Syndrome, causing sufferers to have to fly to Germany for life-saving surgery. More >>
Frontline Hospital Roles Going Unfilled Amid Hiring Freeze, Despite Health NZ Saying Otherwise
Monday, 15 July 2024, 5:15 pm | RNZ
While Health NZ says the freeze doesn't apply to clinical roles, some staff are reporting jobs going vacant for months at a time. More >>
Uto Bulabula - Healthy Hearts: Innovative Children's Health Project Set To Save Lives In Fiji
Monday, 15 July 2024, 4:58 pm | Pasifika Medical Association Group
It will be the largest mission undertaken in the history of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme, which has been facilitating life-saving care for people in Pacific countries for over 30 years. More >>
Commissioner Initiated Investigation Finds Breaches Of Code In Care Of Woman With Intellectual Disability 23HDC00878
Monday, 15 July 2024, 3:07 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
The woman at the centre of the breaches has a complex social and medical history. The facility she was in was a secure environment, specifically designed for supporting people who have committed an offence, have intellectual disabilities and complex ... More >>
RN At Telehealth Service Breaches The Code For Secondary Triage Following Emergency Call 20HDC00862
Monday, 15 July 2024, 3:04 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
In the report Ms Wall said risk factors were not taken into account when making decisions regarding the urgency of the woman’s need for medical assessment and her face to face assesment. These risk factors included the woman’s age, the length of time ... More >>
Oceania Care Breaches Code In Care Of Vulnerable Resident 20HDC02394
Monday, 15 July 2024, 2:50 pm | Health and Disability Commissioner
The Aged Care Commissioner found both Otumarama and Whareama Care Centres breached Right 4 of the Code - tautikanga - the right to an appropriate standard of care. More >>
A Musical Milestone: Music Therapy Celebrates 50 Years In Aotearoa!
Monday, 15 July 2024, 1:19 pm | Elephant Publicity
The roots of music therapy in New Zealand date back to the mid-1970s. The very first public meeting was held at The Rothman’s Cultural Centre in Wellington in 1974, marking the first year of music therapy in Aotearoa. More >>
