Health
Mental health minister briefed on death of baby found in bin
A 32-year-old woman has been charged with interfering with human remains.
Work resumes on new Dunedin Hospital inpatient building after delays
The building will be the largest single health facility in New Zealand and largest health investment in the South Island.
MSD staff walk off the job due to 'unsafe' office
More than a dozen Ministry of Social Development staff have walked off the job, refusing to return to what they say is an unsafe office with ''strong mould and sewerage smell'. Staff in the ministry's… Audio
Locum doctors cost to plug staff shortages could reach $200 million
The amount of money Health NZ is spending on locum doctors to plug staff shortages is increasing and could reach $200 million this year. Checkpoint has obtained figures that show the spend on fill-ins… Audio
Single MRI scan could be used to estimate dementia risk
New Zealand scientists have helped develop an internationally groundbreaking tool that estimates a person's risk of getting dementia and other age-related diseases. Audio
Otago scientists develop new way to read MRI scans
Scientists from the University of Otago have helped to develop a new way of reading MRI scans. It was trained using data from more than a thousand people in Dunedin in the 1970s. Dunedin Study… Audio
'Not worth the risk' - neuroscientist on Run It
While the 'Run It straight' craze has captured the interests of many Pacific people, a neuroscientist says it's not worth the risk. Audio
HIV crisis in Fiji claims over hundred lives
126 people died of HIV-related illnesses, such as Aids, in Fiji last year. Audio
Why better ADHD treatment needs more than just meds
Analysis: The government is expanding access to ADHD diagnosis, but experts warn medication alone won't fix NZ's systemic shortfalls.
Prescription confusion may have contributed to woman's death - coroner
A coroner wants medicine dispensing records centralised after he found a mistake with a morphine prescription may have contributed to a Levin woman's death.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 2 July 2025
In today's episode, Civil Defence officials are meeting flood-hit residents in the Tasman region, as more bad weather heads toward the region. The meeting, in Wakefield, is the first of two to be held… Audio
Health Minister announces Elective Boost programme
The Health Minister, Simeon Brown, said the Elective Boost programme would cut surgery waiting times as 21,000 more elective procedures are funded over the next year. He spoke to Charlotte Cook. Audio
21,000 more operations to be carried out, government announces
The initiative will cover operations for hip and knee replacements and cataract surgeries, the Health Minister says.
Dementia-friendly book club brings memories flooding back
On this particular day, members found humour in discussing the merits of the Kennedy family. Audio
Older dementia patients putting healthcare staff at risk, senior doctors warn
Senior doctors say staff on general wards are being put in life-threatening situations because hospitals are pressuring them to admit physically and sexually aggressive older psychiatric patients.
The Panel with Steve McCabe and Wendyl Nissen Part 2
This half hour the panel talk about weight loss drug Wegovy which is now available in New Zealand and they hear about the chicken tree of Waianakarua and how it's in the running for tree of the year.
…Free clinic opens at Auckland City Mission to tackle dental crisis
Nearly half of Kiwi adults are skipping going to the dentist because they can not afford it.
Wānaka residents grill ministers over healthcare shortfalls
About 300 people attended the meeting for answers on why they are paying for blood tests, travelling to Dunedin for basic scans and waiting months for children to see psychiatrists. Audio
Wanaka's health struggles raised at fiery public meeting
Wanaka's health woes have taken centre stage today at a fiery public meeting with government ministers. At the third stop on a rural roadshow, Matt Doocey, Mark Patterson and health chiefs were… Audio
Auckland City Mission delivers free dental care
Nearly half of Kiwi adults say they're skipping going to the dentist because they can't afford it. Research has shown that's costing the country billions of dollars a year in lost productivity and… Audio
