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Latest Health Headlines [Page 5]
Report Shows One Million People Are Missing Out On Seeing Their General Practice
Thursday, 21 December 2023, 11:18 am | General Practice NZ
The New Zealand Health Survey published last week shows one in five adults – roughly one million people – can’t get to see their general practice, with ‘time taken to get an appointment too long’ being the most commonly reported barrier, followed ... More >>
Pharmac To Supply Overdose Reversing Medicine Naloxone To Needle Exchange Sites
Thursday, 21 December 2023, 11:14 am | PHARMAC
Te Pātaka Whaioranga – Pharmac is pleased to confirm that naloxone injections will now be supplied to the New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme, to ensure it is available in the community to treat opioid overdoses. “Naloxone quickly reverses ... More >>
Telehealth Is Here To Stay As CareHQ Hits Major Milestones
Wednesday, 20 December 2023, 3:06 pm | CareHQ
At the height of the pandemic, ProCare and Southern Cross Health Society launched CareHQ - a telehealth service to support the healthcare sector and help New Zealanders access the care that they need, when they need it. Three years on, and more than ... More >>
‘Health Sacrificed For Tax Savings’
Wednesday, 20 December 2023, 2:36 pm | NZNO
New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) is disappointed by the lack of priority given to health in Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ mini-Budget announcement this afternoon. Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku said the "self-praised" ... More >>
New Data Shows Disability Providers Under Extreme Pressure To Deliver Contracted Support
Wednesday, 20 December 2023, 1:58 pm | Disability Service Network
New data shows disability service providers are struggling to meet demands for their services, and over a third are operating at a loss, meaning there are no guarantees for disabled New Zealanders seeking support. A December New Zealand Disability Service ... More >>
Future Supply Of New COVID-19 Vaccines Confirmed
Wednesday, 20 December 2023, 1:43 pm | Joint Press Release
A vaccine to combat the newer strains of COVID-19 has been approved and will be available to New Zealanders in time for winter 2024. More >>
Uptake Rate Of Men B Vaccination Highlights Critical Need To Broaden Eligibility For Rangatahi (young Adults)
Wednesday, 20 December 2023, 10:49 am | Meningitis Foundation
The Meningitis Foundation Aotearoa New Zealand says vaccination data it has received from Te Whatu Ora is proof of the success of the funded meningococcal vaccination programme but work still has to be done to simplify access and make the MenB and ... More >>
New Report “From Data To Dignity: Health And Wellbeing Indicators For NZers With Intellectual Disability” Welcomed
Tuesday, 19 December 2023, 12:46 pm | People First
In a new report by Kōtātā insight for IHC using New Zealand's Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI), health and wellbeing indicators were used to see how life is for people with learning (intellectual) disability. Overwhelmingly, all indicators ... More >>
Check The Water For Algal Blooms Before Using Lakes And Rivers
Tuesday, 19 December 2023, 9:23 am | Toi Te Ora Public Health
During the warmer months, there can be potentially toxic blue-green algae present in our lakes and rivers. There is reduced capacity to monitor for algal blooms over the Christmas and New Year period, so it’s important to know the signs of algal ... More >>
139 Orgs Call On New Zealand To Prioritize Human Life Over Tobacco Industry Profit
Tuesday, 19 December 2023, 8:53 am | Agility PR
139 organizations from 53 countries have self-published an op-ed expressing support for New Zealand/Aotearoa’s world-leading smokefree law , The Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment (SERPA) Act and the Smokefree Aotearoa ... More >>
Surgeon Breaches Code For Not Informing Woman Of Results Of Knee Surgery
Monday, 18 December 2023, 2:17 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
A surgeon breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (the Code) after deficiencies in communication during both preoperative and postoperative consultations relating to knee surgery. The woman, who experienced knee pain from ... More >>
Enjoy Your Summer – Be Off Work, Not Off Sick, With Our Five Golden Tips
Monday, 18 December 2023, 11:08 am | NZ Food Safety
New Zealand Food Safety (NZFS) is urging you to keep things golden this festive season and summer so your whānau and friends are safe from foodborne illness. “In the warmer summer months, we tend to eat outside, travel to enjoy picnics and barbecues, ... More >>
Hospice Eastern Bay Of Plenty Bolsters Leadership Team With Appointments
Monday, 18 December 2023, 9:41 am | Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty
Hospice Eastern Bay of Plenty (Hospice EBOP) is proud to announce additions to the leadership and strategic team as the organisation bids farewell to 2023 and prepares for an exciting 2024. Toni Owen who is familiar with the organisation already as ... More >>
New Zealand Celebrates Significant Reduction In Smoking Rates, Leading The World In Tobacco Harm Reduction
Monday, 18 December 2023, 9:07 am | CAPHRA
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) celebrates New Zealand's significant strides in reducing smoking rates, particularly among younger age groups. The latest data reveals that daily smoking is now under 4% for under ... More >>
Soaring Numbers Means No Stopping At The Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge Over Christmas
Friday, 15 December 2023, 3:16 pm | Cancer Society
“Where would people be if they didn’t have this facility?” Christmas is a time of joy but for many, it is also a time made harder by a cancer diagnosis. At the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge in Hamilton, there is no stopping for Christmas ... More >>
Fostering Healthier Lives And Communities For Men In New Zealand - The Men's Health Collective Aotearoa New Zealand
Friday, 15 December 2023, 11:46 am | MHCA
In a bold step toward advancing men’s health and wellbeing, The Men's Health Collective Aotearoa New Zealand (MHCA) announces its establishment as a beacon of innovation in men's community development. By offering its immersive 6-week modules online, ... More >>
Rising Youth Vaping Figures Add To Despair For Families Caught In Epidemic
Friday, 15 December 2023, 11:26 am | Vape Free Kids
Vaping addiction is wreaking havoc in families as daily vaping rates amongst teenagers nearly doubles in one year, increasing from 8.3% to 15.4% for 15-17 year olds, according to new figures just released by the NZ Health Survey. Vape-Free Kids NZ co-founder ... More >>
From ExerciseNZ RE NZ’s Attendance At Important WHO Meeting
Friday, 15 December 2023, 9:57 am | ExerciseNZ
Richard Beddie, CEO of ExerciseNZ, was invited to represent New Zealand at a pivotal World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 6th and 7th of December. Beddie was one of seven individuals to attend its 7th Dialogue on ... More >>
New Zealand Health Survey Findings Reinforce Smokefree Legislation Is Crucial To Reduce Smoking Inequities
Thursday, 14 December 2023, 6:44 pm | Public Health Communication Centre
Newly released New Zealand Health Survey (NZHS) data for 2022/2023 show that smoking prevalence continues to decrease, however very substantial inequities in smoking remain. Māori continue to bear a much heavier burden of harm from smoking than non- ... More >>
NZ Teenage Daily Vaping Rates Almost Double, New Data Reveals
Thursday, 14 December 2023, 12:54 pm | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
The number of teenagers vaping every day has almost doubled in the past year. New data from the New Zealand Health Survey, released today, shows the daily vaping rate of those aged between 15 and 17 years old has increased from 8.3% in 2021/2022 to ... More >>
Thoracic Society Celebrates Win After Long Fight To Ban Engineered Stone
Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 7:18 pm | Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand
TSANZ welcomes the Australian Federal government’s announcement today to ban engineered stone nationwide – a major cause of silicosis in Australian workers. The announcement is a monumental win for public health in Australia, and will be a welcome gift to ... More >>
Academic Explores Protection Of Reproductive Choices
Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 11:47 am | University of Auckland
We can freeze eggs and sperm, undergo in-vitro, or choose sterilisation or contraception, but if something goes wrong, the path to justice is complicated, says Dr Anna Broadmore. What if your partner lied about contraceptive measures to stop you from taking your ... More >>
Older Kiwis Urged To Get COVID-19 Boosters
Wednesday, 13 December 2023, 11:26 am | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
As Kiwis prepare for Christmas, public health officials are recommending that people who are more likely to experience severe COVID-19, such as Māori and Pacific people aged 50 and over, as well as everyone aged 65 and older, get a booster vaccine before ... More >>
Health Warning – Algal Bloom In The South Bank Tributary Of The Waiau/Uwha River Above The Waiau Bridge
Tuesday, 12 December 2023, 6:01 pm | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Te Whatu Ora has issued a health warning for the South Bank Tributary of the Waiau /Uwha River above the Waiau Bridge. The warning follows finding moderate to high cover of potentially toxic algae (benthic cyanobacteria) in a tributary of the Waiau/Uwha ... More >>
Breast Cancer Foundation's Reaction To Latest Pharmac Proposal
Tuesday, 12 December 2023, 3:48 pm | NZ Breast Cancer Foundation
Ah-Leen Rayner, chief executive of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, said: “This is good news for Kiwis with a certain type of incurable (advanced) breast cancer. Ribociclib is the same class of drug as palbociclib (Ibrance), which has been funded in NZ for ... More >>
Be Dementia Friendly In Aotearoa New Zealand This Christmas
Tuesday, 12 December 2023, 3:09 pm | Alzheimers New Zealand
Christmas and kindness always go hand in hand. This holiday season is the perfect time to remember this as we work together to make Aotearaoa New Zealand a Dementia Friendly place. Through Alzheimers NZ’s Dementia Friendly initiatives , a growing ... More >>
Vision Impaired Kiwis Warned To Avoid Unregistered Optometry Staff
Tuesday, 12 December 2023, 2:31 pm | SOVS
Hundreds of thousands of Kiwis who require screening for a range of vision conditions are being warned to ensure their prescription glasses are being dispensed by a registered dispensing optician. The call comes after complaints from patients who have received ... More >>
Disability Service Provider Breaches Code For Physically Restraining A Man 22HDC02152
Monday, 11 December 2023, 7:35 pm | Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner
A charitable organisation that provides support programmes for disabled people, and several of its employees, breached the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (the Code) after a man was physically restrained. The man, aged ... More >>
Youth Regular Vaping Decreases For 2nd Year In A Row In 2023 Annual ASH Year 10 Survey, Daily Smoking Remains Very Low
Monday, 11 December 2023, 7:31 pm | ASH Action For Smokefree 2025
The proportion of Year 10 students (14-15 years of age) vaping regularly has decreased significantly for the second year running in the annual ASH survey of Kiwi youth, dropping by almost 2 percent (18.2% in 2022, 16.4% in 2023). ASH says it’s also ... More >>
Vaping Still Up In The Air
Monday, 11 December 2023, 2:42 pm | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
Daily vaping rates among our youth are still too high, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation says. This follows the publication of the 2023 Topline ASH Year 10 Snapshot Survey results which show no decline in daily vaping or smoking rates. Foundation ... More >>
Stop Sore Throats Hurting Hearts - Get Them Checked
Monday, 11 December 2023, 2:08 pm | Toi Te Ora Public Health
If your child has a sore throat get it checked, says the local Medical Officer of Health, as it can lead to rheumatic fever, a serious preventable disease which can cause permanent heart damage. “Taking sore throats seriously helps to ... More >>
Don’t Be A Fool, Get Your Meds Now So You Can Stay Cool
Monday, 11 December 2023, 10:11 am | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
It’s almost time to pack the bags for the summer roadie, which means you need to get any essential medication and healthcare now, says Health Hawke’s Bay Clinical Director Primary Care Brendan Duck. There are two reasons people must sort any prescription ... More >>
PMA unveils new building in Christchurch, named in honour of Dr Kiki Maoate
Friday, 8 December 2023, 4:15 pm | Pasifika Medical Association
A significant milestone for the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMA) and Etu Pasifika Canterbury (EPC) was unveiled this morning in Christchurch. Staff, stakeholders and partners for PMA and EPC gathered to celebrate the opening of Maoate House, PMA’s ... More >>
National Real-Time Monitoring System And Security Needed If Pseudoephedrine Sales Reintroduced To Community Pharmacies
Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 7:01 pm | Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand
The Government must accompany its decision to reintroduce the sale of pseudoephedrine into community pharmacies with a real-time monitoring system to ensure patient and pharmacy safety, Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) President Rhiannon ... More >>
Young New Zealanders Favour A Tobacco-free Future – New Research
Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 4:51 pm | Public Health Communication Centre
New research shows young people in New Zealand strongly support smokefree measures suggesting the government’s plan to repeal the smokefree laws flies in the face of public opinion. The research released today, shows young people in Aotearoa aged ... More >>
Opinion: As Government Repeals Fair Pay Agreements, The Pressure Is On Pay Equity Claims
Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 4:50 pm | Disability Support Network
By Peter Reynolds, New Zealand Disability Support Network CEO To date, there have been no Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) claims in the disability sector. Their removal was predictable, as it was well-signalled ahead of the election. The repealing of the ... More >>
Smokefree Law Repeal ‘immoral’ - 105 Organisations Sign Open Letter To Luxon, Peters, Seymour, Reti And Willis
Wednesday, 6 December 2023, 4:48 pm | Health Coalition Aotearoa
Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA), with 104 allies in health, education, social services organisations and unions, say the Government’s plan to abolish the Smokefree law is immoral and undemocratic in an open letter published in the New Zealand Herald ... More >>
Opportunities Abound For New Health Minister
Tuesday, 5 December 2023, 3:40 pm | Council Of Medical Colleges
Incoming Minister of Health Dr Shane Reti has the opportunity to resolve long standing issues in New Zealand’s health system, from workforce challenges to persistent health inequalities, to banning harmful Direct To Consumer Advertising of Prescription ... More >>
Call For Nominations Medical Council Of New Zealand Elections
Tuesday, 5 December 2023, 2:32 pm | Medical Council of New Zealand
Nominations have now opened for the next election of medical members onto the Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa |Medical Council of New Zealand (Council). “The Council has an important role in protecting public safety by setting standards for the medical ... More >>
Open Letter: Disestablishment Of Te Aka Whai Ora
Tuesday, 5 December 2023, 1:11 pm | NZ College of Public Health Medicine
The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine has released an Open Letter to Minister Sean Reti regarding the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora. A copy of the Open Letter is attached. The New Zealand College of Public Health Medicine is the ... More >>
RCPA Calls On New Zealand Government To Rethink Decision On Smoking Ban
Monday, 4 December 2023, 4:22 pm | Royal College of Pathologists
The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) calls on the New Zealand Government to rethink its plans to repeal a law that would have gradually banned all cigarette sales in the country. The RCPA had welcomed the new legislation which, ... More >>
The Economic Argument For Our World-leading Smokefree Legislation – New Research
Monday, 4 December 2023, 11:31 am | Public Health Communication Centre
Retaining the world leading smokefree legislation would generate considerable growth in income for New Zealanders with a total gain of NZ$46 billion by 2050 according to new modelling just published in an international journal. The study published ... More >>
Dental Association Dismayed At Plans To Repeal Smokefree Amendments Act
Monday, 4 December 2023, 11:15 am | New Zealand Dental Association
The New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) is dismayed at the government’s intentions to repeal the Smokefree Amendments Act and end plans to protect future generations from harmful tobacco addiction. In 2023, around 8% of adults continue to be daily ... More >>
NZMSA Stands Against The Proposed Changes To SERPA Legislation
Monday, 4 December 2023, 10:06 am | New Zealand Medical Students' Association - NZMSA
Repeal of the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Act and the Smokefree Aotearoa 2025 Action Plan poses a serious threat to the future of all New Zealanders. The New Zealand Medical Students' Association (NZMSA) calls ... More >>
New Zealand smokers finally have access to the international stop smoking program SMOKENDERS
Saturday, 2 December 2023, 6:31 pm | SMOKENDERS AUSTRALASIA
The program runs in the USA as well as many other countries like Australia, Canada, Norway, Sweden, South Africa and UAE (Dubai). It has now opened throughout New Zealand . As shown on our website (www.smokenders.com.au) participants keep smoking for the ... More >>
Government’s Defence Of Smokefree Repeal - Weak, Deceptive And Embarrassing
Saturday, 2 December 2023, 3:54 pm | Health Coalition Aotearoa
The Government’s strategy to justify its roll-back of New Zealand’s world-leading Smokefree law amounts to a campaign of misinformation, Health Coalition Aotearoa co-chair Professor Boyd Swinburn says. The coalition Government agreed to axe the ... More >>
Repeal Of Smoke-Free Laws: A Gross Inequity. Urgent Call For National Leadership To Drive Meaningful Health Change
Saturday, 2 December 2023, 1:15 am | Cancer Society New Zealand
Christchurch, 29 November 2023 The Aukati Tupeka Aotearoa (ATA) national network of agencies expresses deep concern and disappointment over the incoming coalition government’s plan to repeal globally acclaimed smoke-free laws, signalling an alarming ... More >>
New After Hours Pharmacy Service In Timaru
Friday, 1 December 2023, 10:01 am | Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Anyone in Timaru requiring medication or other health related information such as treatments for common complaints such as colds and minor illnesses on weekends will continue to be supported through a new after hours pharmacy service available at ... More >>
Warmer Kiwi Homes Renews Commitment To Charity Supporting Healthier Homes
Friday, 1 December 2023, 9:50 am | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
An initiative dedicated to helping homeowners create warmer, healthier environments remains committed to supporting the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. Warmer Kiwi Homes, a Government-funded programme, has re-signed as a Silver partner of the ... More >>
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes New Zealand
Friday, 1 December 2023, 9:20 am | Kelly McQuinlan
Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (and hypermobility spectrum disorders) are 13+ types of a rare connective tissue disorder. Hypermobile type, our most prevalent type, is currently noted as 1:3100 1, but is thought to be more prevalent as described; the ... More >>
Caphra Supports New Zealand Government’s Decision To Repeal Elements Of The Smokefree Environments Act
Thursday, 30 November 2023, 1:53 pm | CAPHRA
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today expressed its support for the New Zealand Government's decision to repeal elements of the Smokefree Environments Act. “The decision, part of the NZ First 2023 Coalition Agreement, ... More >>
World AIDS Day 2023
Thursday, 30 November 2023, 12:47 pm | Body Positive Inc NZ
December 1st is World AIDS Day , a day to honour and remember those we have lost to HIV, acknowledge those living with HIV and celebrate the progress we have made while recognizing the challenges that remain. This year’s marks the 35th anniversary ... More >>
Community-Led Initiative Brings Free Dental Care To Porirua
Thursday, 30 November 2023, 10:24 am | Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira
This weekend, we celebrate a significant milestone in community health and well-being, as Porirua locals join hands to address a pressing concern - oral health. Te Wāhi Tiaki Tātou, the Porirua locality, is thrilled to announce the launch of free dental ... More >>
More Babies At Risk Of Serious Illness Next Winter Due To Underfunding Of Pharmac
Thursday, 30 November 2023, 10:09 am | Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand
More children are at risk of serious infection from RSV following a decision to cut funding for a medicine that prevents serious infection, reduces hospitalisations and can save lives. The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ is supporting calls ... More >>
Seasonal Equilibrium: A Fresh Feast For Well-Balanced Celebrations
Thursday, 30 November 2023, 10:02 am | Five plus a day
Avoid over-indulging and bring some balance to your Christmas celebrations this year by including colourful fresh fruit and vegetables to brighten up – and lighten up – your festive dishes. 5+ A Day Charitable Trust is encouraging Kiwis to keep ... More >>
$6 Million Boost From Government To I Am Hope: Enhancing Youth Mental Health Care In New Zealand
Wednesday, 29 November 2023, 2:27 pm | I am Hope
In a significant development, the New Zealand government has pledged $6 million to New Zealand’s leading youth mental health charity I Am Hope. This investment is a major step in reinforcing the coalition government’s commitment to improving ... More >>
Advance Build Prefab Homes Collaborates With Starship Foundation And Northland Rescue Helicopters To Bolster Support
Wednesday, 29 November 2023, 10:36 am | Advance Build
In a significant move towards community well-being, Advance Build Prefab Homes is pleased to announce its partnership with the Starship Foundation, a staunch supporter of the renowned Starship Children's Hospital, and its silver sponsorship of Northland ... More >>
Stefan Crooks - A Visionary Leader Combating Diabetes And Nurturing Health In Our Communities
Tuesday, 28 November 2023, 3:07 pm | Diabetes New Zealand
In a transformative partnership aimed at raising awareness about the critical importance of reducing sugar consumption, VIBE and Diabetes New Zealand have forged a collaboration. As a key partner to Diabetes NZ, VIBE, under the leadership of Managing Director ... More >>
Tobacco And Vaping Law Changes Show Shocking Lack Of Commitment To Health Of New Zealanders
Tuesday, 28 November 2023, 2:26 pm | Royal NZ College of General Practitioners
Smoking is the largest cause of preventable death and disease in Aotearoa and kills around 5,000 people every year. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners has joined its health sector colleagues to express disbelief over the announced changes ... More >>
Smokefree Taskforce Challenge Incoming Government's Move To Repeal Key Smokefree Reforms
Tuesday, 28 November 2023, 11:13 am | Hapai Te Hauora
The Smokefree Taskforce, established by the Ministry of Health to guide Aotearoa towards a smokefree future by 2025, is expressing deep concern over the incoming Government's plans to repeal crucial amendments to the Smokefree Environments and ... More >>
