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Latest FromEmma Russell

An x-ray of Gaelle Stanfield's spine in November last year. Her mum thinks it has got worse by now. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Mum: 'It's awful watching her in so much pain'

22 Jan, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

"She can't walk or stand up longer than two minutes," mum tells.

A pulse oximeter is a small, band-aid like device which is strapped around a baby's foot and indicates the oxygen level in their blood. Photo / 123RF

NEW ZEALAND

How a 'quick, cheap and safe' test can save babies' lives

17 Jan, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

"We know this programme will save lives," baby expert says.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (Sudep) is the leading cause of death in people with uncontrolled seizures. Photo / 123RF

NEW ZEALAND

166 Kiwis died from sudden unexpected deaths in epilepsy in 10 years

17 Jan, 2020 5:00am
2 minutes to read

Sudep is the leading cause of death in people with uncontrolled seizures.

Toni Rielly before the surgery, which was performed in December 2018, to now - 80kg lighter. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Mum sheds 80kg: 'Surgery was my only way out'

15 Jan, 2020 2:00pm
5 minutes to read

"Food was my way of cheering myself up and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't stop"..

New research has discovered that the star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes play a critical role in controlling blood flow in the brain. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Kiwi discovery holds clue to dementia, hypertension, migraines

14 Jan, 2020 4:09pm
3 minutes to read

Disturbances to brain blood flow are a known cause in many diseases - such as dementia.

Thanks to a kidney donor Lower Hutt couple Anthony, 36, and Toni Rielly, 33, are no longer scared they won't get to grow old together. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Grateful wife: 'I want you to know part of your loved one is very much alive'

14 Jan, 2020 5:00am
5 minutes to read

"I am now not scared I won't grow old with my husband" says transplant recipient's wife.

Hannah Cadwallader has been diagnosed with Cushing disease after seven years of being told her illness is in her head. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Deadly tumour: 'After 8 years, one doctor listened - and saved my life'

14 Jan, 2020 5:00am
4 minutes to read

"For 8 months I went to bed every night thinking I'd be dead in the morning," mum tells.

Auckland District Court Judge Robert Ronayne. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'A lovely guy who will be deeply missed': Auckland judge mourned

9 Jan, 2020 8:13am
5 minutes to read

'Ronayne will be remembered as a very kind, balanced and fair judge'.

Cathy Verry could have avoided years of pain if she'd been told of her options before surgical mesh was inserted into her body unnecessarily. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

ACC forks out $1 billion for decade of medical errors

4 Jan, 2020 4:09pm
6 minutes to read

"It felt like a grater moving around inside of me," surgical mesh injury victim says.

Angelic Murray first thought Portia, 7, had just fallen from her bicycle only to discover the brake lever had pierced her daughter's groin, missing a major artery by 1mm. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

'1mm more and she'd be dead': Auckland girl's terrifying accident

3 Jan, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

'I never expected it to be that bad, I thought she'd just fallen off her bike'.

Beachgoers gawk at 2.7 metre female great white shark that washed up dead on Orewa Beach. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Great white shark washes up on Auckland beach

2 Jan, 2020 5:53pm
4 minutes to read

It comes after Orewa beach was closed on Monday following a sighting of two large sharks.

Auckland orthopedic surgeon Mike Hanlon showing his patient Trevor Strong (76) an x-ray of his steel leg. Photo/ Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

Extraordinary surgery: Man facing amputation ends up with a leg of steel

2 Jan, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The procedure is so complex one wrong move and it could all fail.

Baby Ziona Zhu has been dubbed New Zealand's first baby of the decade. Photo / Emma Russell

LIFESTYLE

'A merciful heart and peaceful mind': NZ's first baby of the decade

2 Jan, 2020 5:00am
2 minutes to read

The precious bundle of joy has been dubbed New Zealand's first bub of the decade.

Peter Carter with his dismantled thumb which he keeps on his windowsill. Photo/ Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Man wakes up with thumb sewn to his groin

1 Jan, 2020 5:00am
3 minutes to read

"It's one of those things your brain just can't comprehend," patient tells.

Tessa after surgery to release her fused skull bones with sister Zoe, 2, brother Alex, 5, mother Jo and father Eddie. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Extraordinary surgery: Baby's skull cut open to allow her brain to grow

31 Dec, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The operation involved peeling back Tessa's scalp and making several cuts in the bones.

DHB acknowledged a tea and coffee station on a neurology ward hadn't been set up for

NEW ZEALAND

Doctor slams bosses after patients' families go without tea or coffee

30 Dec, 2019 4:51pm
3 minutes to read

It's the one thing we can offer family members at a time of crisis, doctor says.

Mike Brewer gives his surgeon Zac Moaveni the thumbs up for salvaging his hand. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Man texts with his toe after a kitesurfing accident

30 Dec, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

A man facing amputation, ended up with a toe for a thumb.

Larissa Stowers with baby Lennox (14 months) excited to spend Christmas at home together for the first time. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

Home for Christmas: Plucky Lennox survives fight for life

24 Dec, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

"It's the best feeling ever to have him home with us," mum tells.

Rebecca and Dan Picard with three of their four children. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

'Devastated doesn't even scratch the surface': Family home destroyed a week before Christmas

17 Dec, 2019 1:55pm
3 minutes to read

An engagement ring, favourite teddy bears and precious family photos all turned to ash.

NEW ZEALAND

Burns expert: White Island victims facing months of fighting for their lives

16 Dec, 2019 2:40pm
4 minutes to read

"Some of these injuries are more akin to blast explosion injuries," expert says.

Blair Vining, who died of bowel cancer at the age of 39, has been announced Our Hero 2019. Photo / Layton Findlater

NEW ZEALAND

Our Hero of 2019: Cancer battler Blair Vining

14 Dec, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

"It's really lovely people still have him in their thoughts," says Blair's wife, Melissa.

Surgeon breastfeeds her newborn between operations treating those injured in the White Island Eruption. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Heroic response, hospital's clinical lead for burns called in from maternity leave

13 Dec, 2019 3:25pm
3 minutes to read

"When Ruadhán was hungry I'd just scrub out and feed him, then go back in," surgeon tells.

Tributes of flowers grow on the waterfront in Whakatane today as the town continues to come to terms with the reality of Monday's eruption of White Island. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

Whakatāne Hospital staff 'overwhelmed' with love and support since eruption

13 Dec, 2019 9:43am
3 minutes to read

Whakatāne Hospital staff had been deeply affected by what they saw.

NEW ZEALAND

Doctors order 1.2 million sq cm of skin to save White Island volcano survivors

12 Dec, 2019 6:47am
5 minutes to read

The amount of skin needed for burn victims equates to about 60 donors.

Steam, volcanic ash, toxic gases and sediment streams from the site of the eruption at Whakaari / White Island. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

NEW ZEALAND

White Island toxic gas: 'A single breath and your heart will stop'

10 Dec, 2019 2:26pm
2 minutes to read

Expert describes potentially deadly impact of chemical which erupted out of White Island.

Harry Randall (14) is the star lead in a theatre production called Secret Garden walking in front of hundreds of people on stage. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

'They saw me walk and cried': Auckland teen's amazing recovery

8 Dec, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Harry plays a lead role of a boy who was led to believe he was cripple his whole life.

Tu'ivale Luamanuvae beside the graves of his three children who died of measles. Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

NEW ZEALAND

Samoan measles outbreak: 70 deaths projected and 6500 infected

29 Nov, 2019 3:56pm
6 minutes to read

'We're seeing children deteriorating in a matter of hours,' doctor says.

Abby (now 7) after a tap dancing lesson with her mum Kym Clough. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

'Dump this cruel tool': The test that labels pre-schoolers fat

29 Nov, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

"She'll finish a 2 hour tap class and say 'do you think I've lost weight?'," mum tells.

Damien Rule-Neal is one of the first three donors to give sperm to the online clinic, called Sperm Positive. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Removing the stigma: Living with HIV - and donating sperm

27 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

People living with HIV cannot infect their offspring if on medication, doctor tells.

During the investigation, the man said he felt manipulated and pressured into selling his house. Photo / 123RF

NEW ZEALAND

Psychiatrist in breach for buying house from vulnerable patient

25 Nov, 2019 2:00pm
3 minutes to read

Commissioner slams psychiatrist and nurse for crossing professional boundaries.

Island hoping around the tiny Southern Gilis is more secluded and just as beautiful as the legendary trio further north. Photo / Emma Russell

TRAVEL

Lombok: 'It's like Bali 30 years ago'

24 Nov, 2019 7:00am
6 minutes to read

Not far from Bali's crowds, there's an alternative not yet on the tourist radar.

The White Cross clinic on Lincoln Rd, Henderson, where the alleged attack occurred. Image / Google Maps

NEW ZEALAND

'Doctors punched, nurses attacked' at White Cross medical clinic in Auckland

23 Nov, 2019 8:24am
2 minutes to read

"I have never seen anything like it, I was honestly so scared for my life," mum says.

Family of Grace Millane start handbag project in memory of their loved one. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Family 'continue legacy of' Grace with handbag charity

15 Nov, 2019 7:03am
2 minutes to read

"[Grace] was a loving, family orientated free spirit with a beautiful caring nature."

Yulia and Konstantin Emanov, with baby Eva, have been saddled with $460,000 of medical bills. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

$460k bill: Migrants' medical fees mount after baby born with rare illness

15 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Minutes after welcoming their baby into the world, everything began to crumble.

NEW ZEALAND

Cancer shame: Concerns raised about funding shortfalls

12 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Funding shortfalls could prevent New Zealand's new cancer agency from lift off.

Diane Sarfati says abolishing postcode cancer care is

NEW ZEALAND

Abolishing postcode cancer care 'absolutely achievable', new boss tells

11 Nov, 2019 5:00am
7 minutes to read

Diana Sarfati has possibly the toughest job in New Zealand.

Health Minister David Clark said having those regional disparities out on show for the public may be difficult for some DHBs. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Holes in quality cancer care are 'embarrassing', health minister says

9 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Terminally ill woman reveals her chance to fight was taken away from her.

Kim Girbin is dying of bowel cancer after being let down by the public health system. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

Every hour at least one New Zealander dies from cancer

9 Nov, 2019 5:00am
8 minutes to read

"Literally, they couldn't even get the camera into my bowel, the tumour was that big."

Health and Disability Commissioner slams DHB for

NEW ZEALAND

'Missed opportunity' leads to tragic lung cancer death

4 Nov, 2019 6:08pm
4 minutes to read

HDC find South Canterbury DHB and Pacific Radiology in breach for failing patient.

Patient's leg on fire after surgeon applies an electric therapy before letting an alcohol disinfectant dry. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Horror surgery: Man's leg catches fire

4 Nov, 2019 3:41pm
3 minutes to read

As a result, he underwent the removal of damaged tissue, and skin grafting.

Auckland woman Rosemary Blackbourn, pictured with grandson Noah Makea, says the drug venetoclax brought

NEW ZEALAND

Hundreds of Kiwis battling leukaemia given hope with funding of new drug

4 Nov, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

Auckland woman credits precious years with her grandchildren to newly funded drug.

Angela was 21 when she died after being viciously assaulted at her home in Wainoni on 17 August 1995.

NEW ZEALAND

Cold case breakthrough: 'I can't wait to look them in the eye'

26 Oct, 2019 6:07am
3 minutes to read

Blackmoore's partner at the time Laurie Anderson speaks to the Herald about the arrest.

Teresa Peters, 31, says the health system is failing her. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Suffering mum: 'I could die and they are making me wait'

21 Oct, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Kiwi mum Teresa Peters has been suffering in chronic pain for more than a year.

Chicken, leek and bacon sausage from the Westmere Butcher has won the Supreme Winner in the Devro New Zealand Great Sausage competition 2019. Photo / Supplied

LIFESTYLE

Revealed: NZ's best sausage

17 Oct, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

A grill master decided to risk it with their choice of sausage ingredients this year.

The man who died on Monday was father-of-two Sean Smyth, who had recently moved to Otorohanga from the Waitomo district. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Crushed by 300kg ramp: Family mourn 'great dad, nicest guy'

16 Oct, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

The man who died had recently moved to Otorohanga with family.

Paul Hancock's heart stopped beating for 21 minutes, he's alive thanks to his son Nik, 21. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

Auckland dad dead for 21 minutes, son saves his life

12 Oct, 2019 5:00am
6 minutes to read

"If you have the opportunity to do [first aid training] then take it," son advises.

A legend lost, Blair Vining. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Blair Vining fought tirelessly to fix cancer care in NZ. He just lost his own battle

11 Oct, 2019 12:53pm
5 minutes to read

His death comes after a fight like no other.

Doctor misread CT scan, now the patient is dying. Photo /File

NEW ZEALAND

Doctor in breach after 67-year-old's terminal cancer missed

7 Oct, 2019 2:40pm
4 minutes to read

This man had a family history of bowel cancer and decided to get tested as a precaution.

Menzies Hallett appears in the High Court at Rotorua for sentencing in 2013.

NEW ZEALAND

Cold-case killer's confession to flatmate on fishing trip

4 Oct, 2019 9:33pm
3 minutes to read

The cold-case killer knew he'd never come out of prison alive.

Each publicly-funded surgery cost about $20,000. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

On our knees: The surging surgery costs blamed on obesity crisis

4 Oct, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

Each publicly-funded surgery costs about $20,000.

For expectant mum Amy Marshall, 40, these findings were no surprise because the link between sleeping on your back and stillbirths was already well-known. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

Sleeping on your back while pregnant 'same as smoking 10 cigarettes a day'

3 Oct, 2019 12:16pm
4 minutes to read

It's equivalent to the effect of smoking 10 cigarettes a day, research shows.

Irene Direnko-Smith is scared to leave the house with her one-week-old son Lieve Direnko-Smith, pictured with her husband Jolyon Direnko-Smith. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Mum's fear of measles: 'We've been on home arrest'

3 Oct, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

Expert: Avoid confined spaces, instead opt for places with open air like the park.

John Nicolas, 47, can no longer walk after a complication from surgery. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Unable to walk after surgery blunder: Dad's battle with ACC

2 Oct, 2019 6:00am
5 minutes to read

"The stress to fight ACC has been soul destroying," Kiwi dad unable to walk tells.

Diana was diagnosed with breast cancer just over 25 years ago, at age 36. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

Stories of hope: 25 years of fighting breast cancer

2 Oct, 2019 5:00am
8 minutes to read

Back then, there were no tests to see if the cancer had spread, "they hoped for the best".

The body of a male student was discovered at the University of Canterbury's Sonoda Christchurch Campus accommodation on Monday evening. Photo / Kurt Bayer

NEW ZEALAND

Student dead for weeks: 'How did we miss him?'

26 Sep, 2019 4:10pm
6 minutes to read

Student named as 19-year-old Mason Pendrous.

Kasthuri Dhamodharan and baby Mithun Aarish Dhamodharan at home in Napier after a traumatic complication during childbirth. Photo /Warren Buckland

NEW ZEALAND

C-section complication horror: 'I don't know if I'm going to live'

21 Sep, 2019 12:38pm
3 minutes to read

"I started fearing that my wife would not be coming back," traumatised husband tells.

Espresso brewed with Supreme Coffee and hazelnut milk ($5), Ploughman's sammy ($17) and raspberry jam doughnut ($5).

LIFESTYLE

Bread lovers' jaws will drop

21 Sep, 2019 9:57am
2 minutes to read

A whiff of freshly baked bread hits you as soon as the doors swing open...

A CT scan later showed the woman had suffered two strokes. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Strokes missed: Commissioner finds hospital failed sick woman

16 Sep, 2019 2:00pm
2 minutes to read

"This case demonstrates the significance of the patient's voice," commissioner tells.

Baby spends nine days in neonatal unit after doctor misses abnormalities in second-trimester scan. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

Pregnant woman put at risk after doctor misses scan

16 Sep, 2019 1:54pm
2 minutes to read

Woman forced to have an emergency c-section after a doctor missed abnormalities.

Charlie Kiefte, 10, grinning after having his second cochlear implant switched on. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

The sound of happiness: Big grin as Charlie hears for first time

1 Sep, 2019 7:00pm
4 minutes to read

"It's awesome. Now, I'll be able to hear my family's voices," says Charlie with a grin.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, with Minister of Health David Clark and Diana Sarfati, announces Cancer Control agency. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

NEW ZEALAND

Cancer agency 'will go down in history'

1 Sep, 2019 6:40pm
5 minutes to read

Tens of thousands of New Zealanders have been given hope.

Blair Vining's dying wish was for a national cancer agency. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

'Cancer hero' gives Government plan a 6/10

1 Sep, 2019 4:03pm
3 minutes to read

Blair Vining's dying wish: A national cancer agency so other Kiwis don't have to suffer.