Latest from Public Healthcare

Dogs and drinks allowed at hairdressers as 1980 rule slashed
Regulations will be revoked by the end of July, empowering business owners: David Seymour.

Heart patients worse off in Northland than Auckland – specialist
Health NZ data show huge variations in wait times between regions.

'My heart is broken': Family mourn 'hero' surgeon at public memorial
Dr Parma Nand rose from 'extreme poverty' to become a top surgeon.

Patients ‘suffering’ after 1500 treated in corridors over 36 days at an Auckland ED
Staff report a significant risk to patients' health – and even their lives.

'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.

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.

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

Inside Health NZ’s million-dollar spend on restructure consultants
The agency said there was a "strong focus" on reducing the use of consultants.

'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.

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.

Why Director-General of Health was hand-picked, not traditionally hired
Ex-Transport Secretary Audrey Sonerson was appointed to the role in April.

Health NZ to cut more than $200m from its contractor and consultant spend
Health New Zealand has been using contractors to fill vacancies.

Opinion: We need action to support 300,000 Kiwis living with a rare disorder
OPINION: Rare disorders continue to be neglected and those affected face barriers to care.

Health Minister Simeon Brown: Getting healthcare patient-centric and back to basics
OPINION: For the first time in years, the focus is back on patients, not bureaucracy.

Opinion: 'Serious financial pressure' – hospices need a financial lifeline
OPINION: Under the current system, hospices won’t be able to meet this demand.