14 May 2026
5 months ago
1047 views
A new pharmacist role in Dunedin Hospital’s Emergency Department has improved patient flow and safety by taking medication histories, reviewing medicines, and identifying issues early, saving doctors up to 20 minutes per patient. This role enables faster, more accurate clinical decisions and allows doctors to focus more on patient care rather than paperwork, enhancing efficiency across the hospital. Positive feedback from ED doctors highlights the role as a game changer, particularly for patients with complex medication needs, demonstrating the benefits of targeted workforce initiatives.
14 May 2026
5 months ago
1034 views
The New Zealand government is investing $15.5 million over four years to establish nationally consistent specialist paediatric palliative care teams across both islands, improving access to compassionate care for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families closer to home. These teams, including various healthcare specialists, will support and train local providers to deliver care in communities, reducing hospital stays and easing emotional, physical, and financial burdens. The new services will begin rolling out from mid-2027, with interim funding provided to existing services like Rei Kōtuku to maintain support during the transition.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
1294 views
Te Kūiti Hospital has launched a new infusion service providing local cancer treatments, reducing the need for patients to travel to Waikato Hospital. Initially operating one day a week with certified staff and on-site support, the service aims to expand as part of a nationwide effort to increase cancer treatment access in rural communities. Supported by significant government investment, this initiative focuses on patient-centered care, improving timely treatment access, and enhancing the overall experience for patients and their families.
13 May 2026
5 months ago
922 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey launched a free Business Mental Health Toolkit to help small and medium-sized businesses improve workplace productivity by addressing mental health. The toolkit offers confidential support through the Groov app, 24/7 counselling via text or call, and in-person services, aiming to reduce barriers like cost associated with Employee Assistance Programmes. This initiative is part of the Government’s broader mental health plan to enhance access to support, increase frontline workers, and improve crisis response.
12 May 2026
6 months ago
1122 views
International Nurses Day highlights the vital role nurses play across New Zealand’s healthcare system, providing skilled, compassionate care in diverse settings from hospitals to rural communities. The government is investing in expanding the nursing workforce through recruitment incentives and advanced training, including support for nurse practitioners who have become essential in delivering advanced clinical care over the past 25 years. Recent legislative changes empower nurse practitioners with expanded prescribing and diagnostic authority, reflecting their integral role in modern, patient-centered healthcare.
11 May 2026
6 months ago
1099 views
A new transitional lounge at Waitākere Hospital enables patients who are medically ready for discharge to wait in a dedicated space, freeing up hospital beds for those needing urgent care. This lounge improves patient flow by reducing delays caused by patients remaining in wards while awaiting transport or transfer, thereby enhancing access to acute care and supporting transport providers. Building on the success of a similar facility at North Shore Hospital, the lounge aims to ease pressure on the health system during the busier winter period by streamlining discharge processes.
10 May 2026
6 months ago
956 views
A new community-based cancer infusion centre is opening in Henderson, West Auckland, allowing patients to receive treatment closer to home and reducing travel to Auckland City Hospital. This service, operating five days a week with four treatment chairs, complements a recent infusion centre at Waitākere Hospital and is part of a nationwide effort to expand community cancer care. Supported by a $210 million investment from Budget 2024 and increased Pharmac funding, New Zealand plans to open 14 new infusion centres and expand 14 others to meet growing demand and improve patient access.
09 May 2026
6 months ago
974 views
Auckland City Hospital’s new Central Plant Complex, now fully operational, provides essential infrastructure such as power, cooling, water, and medical gases critical for safe and reliable hospital operations. This complex, part of the Facilities Infrastructure Remediation Programme, was transitioned through extensive planning and testing while the hospital remained fully operational, highlighting the project's complexity and importance. Additionally, a purpose-built underground services tunnel connects the complex to the hospital, enhancing resilience and ensuring the long-term reliability of essential services amid Auckland’s growth.
08 May 2026
6 months ago
1103 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey officially opened the South Island Needle Exchange Programme, New Zealand’s first harm reduction initiative aimed at preventing substance-related harm and reducing blood-borne infections like HIV and hepatitis C. The programme, delivered by the Te Waipounamu Collective, provides not only clean equipment but also health information, overdose prevention, and referral services to support people at all stages of addiction. This initiative complements broader government efforts, including increased investment in substance harm prevention, workforce expansion, and community-based support services, resulting in improved health outcomes and reduced addiction-related harms.
08 May 2026
6 months ago
1031 views
Wairarapa Hospital will build a new purpose-built endoscopy suite to increase local capacity, reduce delays, and improve access to diagnostic services, minimizing the need for patients to travel outside the region. The current endoscopy services are limited by inadequate facilities, and the new suite will address rising demand, support faster diagnosis, and free up theatre space for elective surgeries. This development is part of a $34.2 million investment in diagnostic services, including a new MRI scanner, aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure and patient care in the Wairarapa region.
07 May 2026
6 months ago
1022 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the ratification of a new collective agreement for approximately 5,500 senior doctors represented by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS). He emphasized the critical role senior doctors play in the healthcare system and their contribution to achieving government health targets. The agreement follows similar approvals for other health sector groups and reflects constructive engagement between ASMS and Health New Zealand to ensure continued patient care.
07 May 2026
6 months ago
1215 views
The New Zealand Government has launched the Little Matters initiative, a set of 10 everyday actions for parents and caregivers to help prevent sexual harm and build safer environments for children. This evidence-based program aims to shift responsibility from children to adults, integrating its messaging into prevention services and community programs, with effectiveness tracked through independent research. ACC reports over 14,000 new sensitive claims annually, highlighting the urgent need for multi-faceted prevention efforts like Little Matters to foster healthier, safer future relationships.
06 May 2026
6 months ago
1034 views
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced plans to expand healthcare services in Wānaka, Cromwell, Queenstown, and the wider Otago Central Lakes area, focusing on primary care, diagnostics, mental health, maternity, and outpatient services to meet growing demand. Health New Zealand has developed the Central Lakes Clinical Services Plan, backed by $25 million in new operating funding from 2027/28 and $52 million in capital funding, aiming to bring more care closer to home and reduce the need for long-distance travel. The plan also includes modernizing facilities and digital systems, with a key emphasis on creating a new, locally responsive maternity care model in collaboration with health professionals.
06 May 2026
6 months ago
1218 views
Northland is receiving improved youth mental health support with the launch of a dedicated Youth Acute Respite Service and three additional Youth Suicide Prevention Coordination roles, backed by $1.7 million in annual funding. This initiative responds to a coroner’s report on the loss of six young people, aiming to provide earlier crisis intervention and reduce hospital admissions by creating a more connected support system. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible mental health services nationwide and addressing identified regional needs.
05 May 2026
6 months ago
1052 views
Richard Keys, Lindsay Wright, and Michael Playford have been appointed to the ACC Board, starting 11 May 2026, to support the organisation's Turnaround Plan aimed at improving outcomes for injured New Zealanders. Each appointee brings specialized expertise: Keys in health and corporate governance, Wright in financial services and investment management, and Playford in actuarial assessments and financial sustainability. Their combined skills are expected to enhance the Board's leadership and accountability, ensuring ACC delivers better client-focused services and long-term financial stability.