Latest from Health and Community Services

‘Worst nightmare’: Mum’s disbelief after 16yo son died within days of flu symptoms

Adored son and brother William Jones was fit and healthy before the sudden illness.

'Nothing better': Top Waikato surgeon on his life-changing work in Samoa

Dr Askar Kukkady is still performing miracles, 20 years on.

Months of pain for former hairdresser leads to colorectal cancer diagnosis

A few years after losing her son to suicide, she noticed fatigue. Then came the diagnosis.

Government cancer drugs promise could cost New Zealand

The Government has fulfilled its pre-election promise to fund new cancer drugs.

A royal compromise: Why Covid inquiry chair is leaving

Government reveals an inelegant solution to an untenable Covid inquiry problem.

Mixed reaction from patients to cancer drugs promise

Specific treatments for bowel, liver, kidney, lung and bladder cancer have been named.

Hiring freeze: Doctor jobs unfilled as Health NZ cost-cutting bites

Doctors had job applications paused at the reference-checking stage, or delayed for weeks.

She lost one daughter. Surgery saved another. Now she fears for her youngest

A mum shares her family's battle with some rare conditions.

Steve Maharey: Why the Government made its own problem with Pharmac

OPINION: The Pharmac model has done irreparable damage.

'It's insane': Patient advocate criticises tax cuts as people fundraise for surgeries, cancer treatments

Budget 2024 did not deliver the much-promised funding for 13 new cancer drugs.

When Covid and the flu collide – is our healthcare system ready?

OPINION: A double-whammy of illnesses may deliver New Zealand its sickest winter yet.

Kiwi mum's shock cancer diagnosis: 'Four tumours in my heart'

This Christchurch mum relies on $5500-a-month drugs to stay alive.

Wine and fine art: Exclusive painting up for grabs at HB Wine Auction

All the money raised is to go to Cranford Hospice.

Letters: PM's integrity on line over cancer drugs U-turn

OPINION: 'Cancer patients need action now, not lame excuses.'

Mental health report shows rate of psychological distress up, system not working for Māori

The five-year report shows there is more to be done to fill gaps in treatment and support.

Cancer patients dubious Govt will deliver on promise to fund new drugs

The promise of 'soon' is 'not good enough for people who are dying', a patient says.