Northland Health has recorded 298 cases of norovirus, with several patients still being kept in isolation.

United Future are calling for the outright ban of 1080 in the fight against possums and for the introduction of universal health insurance.

The Govt has allocated just under $500 million annually to health - $250m less a year than the increase in last year's budget.

Southern Cross Medical Society has highlighted the rising cost of health services in a report which reveals claims increasing faster than premiums.

A Commonwealth Games medallist claims to have been maimed after being infected in hospital during a routine operation.