Latest from Healthcare NZ

'Fragmentation': 140,000-patient GP network to leave regional funders
'We think that is the best way to be able to rapidly increase funding for the front line.'

The Conversation: Less than a 5% increase in health amounts to standing still
OPINION: A 5% rise in New Zealand health funding may only sustain current service levels.

Hospital EDs are sending up to 25 patients a day to private care with vouchers
Some patients said they had used the voucher system to get a free check-up.

Luxon backtracks after 'unhelpful' claim of 100 Uber-driving doctors
Health NZ is seeking interest from overseas doctors in an effort to boost GP numbers.

Luxon announces $164m for new 24/7 urgent care services
The Prime Minister made the pre-Budget health announcement in Botany this afternoon.

Surgeons protest ‘harsh’ assessment process, accuse advocates of intimidation
A mesh harm advocate said she was stunned by the accusations.

High-risk cancer patients affected by halt on some colonoscopies
MidCentral has outsourced up to 200 colonoscopies to the private sector to clear backlog.

Hundreds of blood tests lost in transit between Wellington and Auckland
It comes as Awanui considers processing Auckland tests in Wellington permanently.

Beyond the Budget: Brutal truths
OPINION: Treasury forecasts permanent Budget deficits, starting in 2030.

'Tax on healthcare': Whangārei man paying $25k in GST on cancer treatment
Merv Williams must pay more than $25,000 in GST for his cancer treatment.

Watch: Health minister to speak amid nationwide healthcare strike
Thousands of surgeries and appointments across NZ will be cancelled by today's action.

'Deep cuts': Hundreds of health IT jobs to be axed
IT workers in healthcare are being told this week if their jobs are being disestablished.

'Stretched' health system 'getting quietly worse' - striking anaesthetist
He says he works 'well in excess' of his contract and the hospital faces staff shortages.

Letters: High praise for hospital staff; should Super be means-tested?
OPINION: Super must be means-tested and strictly based on assessed need.

'Every life matters': Covid inquiry urges last-minute public input
Chairman Grant Illingworth urges sharing experiences to get a fuller pandemic picture.

Shane Te Pou: Pay the doctors what they're worth
OPINION: One in eight senior doctor positions are currently vacant in New Zealand.

Health NZ paid for Margie Apa to do governance course as she was leaving the role
The Health NZ Te Whatu Ora chief executive announced her resignation in February.

Letters: Health system announcement may be piecemeal repairs
OPINION: It sounds really good – until you look at the details.

'Nonsense' blood service being offered at string of clinics around New Zealand
'There is zero science to it,' says one health leader.

Letters: The case for acknowledging our emergency service volunteers
Volunteers make up 80% of Fire and Emergency staff in New Zealand.

Doctor and nurse strike could delay 4300 surgeries and appointments
The union said it was the first 24-hour strike in its 35-year history.