18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1269 views
Minister Karen Chhour emphasizes the collective responsibility of individuals and communities to prevent and respond to family violence by recognizing signs, offering support, and encouraging those affected to seek help. While the government leads legal actions, community education and intervention are crucial for ensuring safety and healing. She highlights that help is available nationwide, urging people to overcome shame and access support services regardless of the abuse's severity or duration.
18 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1236 views
Health New Zealand has approved $16.25 million to establish an advanced hybrid operating theatre at Wellington Regional Hospital, enabling faster, safer, and more advanced surgical care by combining imaging technology and surgical capabilities in one location. This new facility will eliminate the need to transfer patients between separate theatres and imaging suites, reducing delays, improving recovery times, and increasing surgical output. The investment aims to enhance healthcare efficiency, reduce system pressure, and provide world-class surgical care closer to home for New Zealanders.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1149 views
The Ministry for Social Development, in partnership with the Carers Alliance and advisory groups, has launched a consultation on a draft action plan to support unpaid or informal carers in New Zealand. The plan focuses on three key areas: recognition and appreciation, health and wellbeing, and financial security. Feedback from carers is being sought through workshops, surveys, and submissions until 12 February 2026 to help shape the final strategy.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1294 views
New Zealand’s Medicines Amendment Bill now allows nurse practitioners to prescribe a wider range of medicines, improving patient access and continuity of care. This change removes previous restrictions, enabling nurse practitioners to provide timely treatment directly within their scope of practice, especially benefiting communities with limited doctor access. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that this update recognizes nurse practitioners' advanced skills and enhances healthcare efficiency and outcomes.
15 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1141 views
Wellington Regional Hospital has implemented a new stroke pathway that accelerates rehabilitation and improves patient outcomes by providing coordinated assessments within 72 hours to determine the best recovery setting. This approach has reduced hospital stays, shortened waiting times for specialist rehabilitation, and increased access to care, including more home-based rehabilitation. The pathway enhances communication, expands capacity, and supports stroke patients in regaining independence and living healthier lives.
14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1279 views
A major on-grade car parking extension has been initiated at Whangārei Hospital to support the construction of a new acute services building, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's redevelopment. The new Car Park 14 will provide 583 additional parking spaces by May 2026, ensuring continued access to hospital services during construction. The project, supported by Health Minister Simeon Brown and Whangārei MP Dr. Shane Reti, aims to enhance hospital infrastructure and increase parking capacity to improve the overall healthcare experience for the community.
13 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1291 views
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey announced increased funding for community organizations in New Zealand to provide faster access to mental health support for young people and families. Initiatives include strengthening helplines for children, creating digital harm response networks, expanding youth programs, running peer support groups for young mothers, and launching online maternal mental health services. The focus is on early intervention and expanding maternal mental health support to set children up for success, addressing the challenge of mental health among youth and reducing wait times through partnerships with various organizations.
12 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1273 views
Starting from February 1, 2026, New Zealanders will have the option to receive 12-month prescriptions for their medications, aiming to save costs and enhance convenience for those on long-term treatments. This change, introduced in Budget 2025, allows stable patients to obtain longer prescriptions, reducing the need for frequent doctor visits and potentially saving up to $105 annually in GP fees. Additionally, the government is removing ownership restrictions for pharmacists to become prescribers, enabling more accessible care and innovation in the healthcare system.
12 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1301 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac's decision to fund access to five treatments, including for breast and lung cancer, starting from December 1, 2025. Pharmac's decisions include funding new subcutaneous options for existing IV medicines, two new medicines, and ongoing access to certain treatments. The move aims to make patients' lives easier, reduce strain on the health system, and provide better and faster access to cancer care in New Zealand, aligning with the government's focus on improving cancer management and ensuring better access to cancer medicines.
12 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1214 views
The Medicines Amendment Bill in New Zealand has lifted the prohibition on advertising medicines at medical conferences and trade shows, signaling the country's readiness for business, according to Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown. This change is expected to inject cash into local economies through the Red Tape Tipline and provide Kiwis with increased access to needed medicines. The move is projected to generate $90 million in revenue over the next few years, attracting major medical conferences to New Zealand and fostering economic activity.
12 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1196 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill, which introduces the 'Rule of Two' for faster approval of medicines with recognition from two overseas jurisdictions. The streamlined verification pathway aims to increase access to medicines for New Zealanders, starting with countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The government prioritizes improving patient outcomes by enhancing access to medicines through initiatives like increased Pharmac funding, patient input in funding decisions, and efficient regulatory processes.
11 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1195 views
Stage 1 of the radiology upgrade at Hawke’s Bay Fallen Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital will provide over 10,000 additional MRI and CT scans annually, improving diagnostic speed. The refurbishment doubles MRI and CT imaging capacity, ensuring quicker and more reliable services for patients. The upgrades support government health targets, including reducing wait times, enhancing emergency care, and increasing diagnostic efficiency to meet growing demand in Hawke’s Bay.
10 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1265 views
Expressions of interest are now open for graduate doctors in New Zealand to gain hands-on experience in general practice and community-based settings, aiming to address the shortage of family doctors and increase GP numbers. The Primary Care Tactical Action Plan, funded by the Government, will allocate $23.3 million over four years to support up to 50 graduate doctors annually, with a focus on primary care placements to provide valuable community-based experience. This initiative aims to encourage early-career doctors to consider primary care as a long-term career, ultimately strengthening the health workforce and improving access to quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.
10 Nov 2025
12 months ago
1193 views
A new digital X-ray system has been installed at the Stratford Health Centre in Taranaki, improving access to diagnostic services for the community and eliminating the need for patients to travel to Taranaki Base Hospital. The system offers faster image processing, greater accuracy, and advanced automatic positioning technology, enhancing the quality and efficiency of radiology services for patients in Stratford. This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to strengthen local health services in Taranaki, with further expansion of radiology capabilities planned for the New East Wing Building at Taranaki Base Hospital in 2026.
08 Nov 2025
1 year ago
1293 views
Auckland City Hospital has upgraded to eight new heart and lung bypass machines, benefiting cardiothoracic patients across New Zealand, according to Health Minister Simeon Brown. The $3.2 million investment aims to enhance safety and outcomes for over 1000 cardiac surgeries and 50 heart and lung transplants performed annually at the hospital. The new machines offer advanced technology for tailored therapy and monitoring during complex procedures, ensuring the highest standard of care and supporting frontline health teams in delivering lifesaving interventions.