Latest from Public Healthcare

Kiwis sign up to help fight Ebola

More than 80 New Zealanders have registered their interest in joining the international fight against Ebola, Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says.

Synthetic biology offers hope with incurables

A new way of treating incurable illnesses such as cancer and Ebola could be possible after a scientific breakthrough that also sheds light on the origin of life.

Why hospital is bursting at the seams

Norovirus, surgery for burns and trauma and the onset of "asthma weather" have combined to push one of Auckland's major hospitals beyond capacity.

Hospital spends $73k - on a fish tank

A fish tank at cash-strapped Dunedin Hospital cost $73,000 to install and more than $1000 a week to run in its first year.

Cost-cutting organisation getting the flick

The Government has revealed plans to wind down the controversial cost-cutting organisation Health Benefits Limited and make DHBs responsible for finding $600m of savings.

High praise for staff's combined effort

At 13, Celine Ceraudo started suffering disturbing symptoms which eventually put her in Starship.

Flu outbreak hits babies, tots hardest

Hospital admissions for the flu and respiratory illness more than doubled this year compared with last year - with babies and toddlers among the worst affected, a new study says.

Not welcome at controversial seminar

A man who tried to attend a $646 seminar held by a church offering a controversial cure for Ebola says he was turned away for offering a smaller donation.

Mystery over twin's growth

Despite being born only two minutes apart, Axel is considerably smaller than his twin brother, and has a raft of significant health problems to boot.

All Black shows off artistic side for Starship

All Black Keven Mealamu is not only a star on the rugby field - he has also made his mark in the realm of children's books, helping to illustrate a story that will help raise funds for Starship children's hospital.

Starship help... then hope

When Sarah Morrell had operations to place screws, rods and plates into her bones at Starship, there was no way of treating the rare underlying genetic cause of her troubled skeleton.

Hospital policies improved after fatal falls

Rippa rugby lover had a rocky start

Riley Ross was born with heart defects that would have killed him had they not been detected in a pregnancy scan and later corrected at Starship, his mother says.

Northland rolls out free GP visits

Northland has become the first region to roll out free healthcare for kids aged between 6 and 12 years old - a move that's delighted families.

20 million hacking tries

Police are investigating after attempts were allegedly made to hack a nationwide patient database.

Harre defends 'legalise' call

Internet Party leader Laila Harre is standing by her policy to decriminalise cannabis following the publication of a study highlighting the damaging effects of regular use on young people.