Health News & Articles
New board members appointed to the Health Quality & Safety Commission
2 weeks ago | 227 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has today announced three new board appointments to the Health Quality & Safety Commission. The Health Quality & Safety Commission (HQSC) is a Crown entity responsible for improving quality and safety across the health and disability systems within New Zealand. “I am very pleased to welcome Dr Peter Watson, Taima Campbell, and Clare Perry to the HQSC board,” Mr Brown says.
Tags: Andrew connolly Aotearoa clinical trials trust Brownsc Campbell Cancer research trust new zealand Clare perry Clinical governance committee for Forte health ltd Hauraki health consulting ltd Health new zealand Health practitioners disciplinary tribunal Health quality & safety commission Jennifer parr Ministry of health New zealand Peter watson Simeon brown Taima campbellGovernment expands access to Melatonin and Psilocybin
2 weeks ago | 152 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour says the Government is delivering on its promise to cut red tape and give Kiwis greater access to more treatments, starting with melatonin and medicinal psilocybin. “Many New Zealanders have asked me why people can buy melatonin overseas but they can’t buy it from their local pharmacy. Medsafe has assessed this and decided there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be available on pharmacy shelves right here at home,” says Mr Seymour.
Tags: Australia David seymour Medsafe Melaton New zealand SeymourDelivering better orthopaedic care for Northland
2 weeks ago | 152 viewsThe Government is delivering on its commitment to improve healthcare access across the country, with expanded orthopaedic services now reaching more patients in Northland, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “New Zealanders deserve timely, high-quality healthcare no matter where they live – and that’s exactly what we’re delivering for both urban and rural Northlanders,” Mr Brown says. In a major boost to orthopaedic services, Health New Zealand has welcomed three new orthopaedic surgeons to the Northland region.
Tags: Far north Health new zealand Kaitaia Kaitaia hospital New zealand Northland Northlander Simeon brown WhangāreData shows mental health access improving
2 weeks ago | 149 viewsMinister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has welcomed the latest quarterly results for the Government’s mental health and addiction targets, saying the access targets reflect real progress in delivering faster, more accessible support to New Zealanders. "I'm pleased to see that at a national level, 84. 3 per cent of people are accessing primary mental health and addiction services within one week, well above the 80 per cent target and well above the quarter one result of 80.
Tags: Health nz Matt doocey Mental health New zealand ZealandTargets continue to get health back on track
2 weeks ago | 140 viewsThe Government’s focus on restoring performance and accountability in the health system is delivering real outcomes for patients, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “The latest quarterly results show clear progress in putting patients first and delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says. In the latest quarter, from January to March, key improvements include: Shorter emergency department stays: 74.
Tags: Health new zealand New zealand Simeon brownNew Pharmac Chief Executive welcomed
2 weeks ago | 173 viewsAssociate Health Minister with responsibility for Pharmac David Seymour has welcomed Natalie McMurtry as Pharmac’s Chief Executive. Natalie McMurtry will start as Pharmac’s Chief Executive on Monday 15 September, taking over from the Acting Chief Executive, Brendan Boyle. “For the first time, Pharmac has its own Minister.
Tags: Alberta Brendan boyle David seymour Natalie Natalie mcmurtry National coalition agreement New zealand Pharmac Seymour ZealandVapes stores go dark, disposable vapes banned
2 weeks ago | 152 viewsVaping law changes that take effect today ban disposable vapes and will make a noticeable difference to shop fronts and the marketing of vaping products, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello says. “This coalition Government committed to tackling youth vaping, and we’ve made practical changes to reduce the appeal of vaping to young people and to target retailers who sell vapes and tobacco products to our youth,” Ms Costello says. “Today’s changes implement the final parts of legislation passed in December.
Tags: Casey costello Costello New zealandfree environments and regulated products amendment bill ZealandCrown manager appointed to drive delivery of New Dunedin Hospital
2 weeks ago | 182 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown has today announced the appointment of a Crown manager to oversee the delivery of the New Dunedin Hospital Inpatient Building, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to ensuring the project is delivered successfully. “In late January, I confirmed the Government’s commitment to building the New Dunedin Hospital on the former Cadbury site – providing certainty to the people of Dunedin and the wider Otago and Southland regions,” Mr Brown says. “As part of that commitment, we are putting strong leadership in place to drive the next stage of this project.
Tags: Cadbury Dunedin Evan davies Government Health new zealand New dunedin hospital New dunedin hospital inpatient building New zealand Simeon brown SouthlandNew CT scanner to improve cancer services in Invercargill
2 weeks ago | 131 viewsA new, state-of-the-art CT scanner is now operational at Southland Hospital, delivering a significant step forward for diagnostic services in the region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This new CT scanner is a game-changer for Invercargill and surrounding areas. It will provide faster, more accurate diagnosis for a wide range of conditions, including cancer and heart disease – meaning patients can start treatment sooner and with greater confidence.
Tags: Invercargill Simeon brown Southland hospitalCelebrating health volunteers during National Volunteer Week
2 weeks ago | 125 viewsHealth Minister Simeon Brown and Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey are marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the extraordinary contribution of volunteers to New Zealand’s health system, including this year’s recipients of the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards. This year’s theme – Volunteering weaves us together – highlights the power of volunteering to strengthen the fabric of our communities, helping build a stronger, more inclusive New Zealand. “Since 2013, the Minister of Health Volunteer Awards have been an excellent way for us to celebrate the wonderful health volunteers we have across the country.
Tags: Aloese lefo Better breathing programme Canterbury Cashmere high school Gabrielle Hato hone st john Health care provider Health shuttle Hohepa student volunteers Long service award Māori health service award Matt doocey Minister National New zealand Of health Pacific Pacific health service award Parkinson RotoruaPharmac funding u-turn for patients
2 weeks ago | 137 viewsAssociate Health Minister David Seymour says the oestradiol patch funding decision is an example of Pharmac’s new patient-centric approach. From December 2025 Pharmac will fund two brands of oestradiol patches, Estradot and Estradiol TDP Mylan. “Pharmac received significant feedback at the end of last year about a decision to move to Estradiol TDP Mylan as the only funded brand of oestradiol patch.
Tags: Coalition agreement David seymour Estradot National Pharmac Seymour