Podcasts about health nz

Wellington's main stop smoking service is quitting because it says it won't promote vaping as an alternative to keep its government funding. Takiri Mai Te Ata Trust says after more than 30 years helping people become smoke free, it's impossible to keep delivering services in a way that aligns with its tikanga, values and responsibilities to its community. Health NZ and the trust have now parted ways. Regional manager for the trust's stop smoking service, Catherine Manning spoke to Lisa Owen. 

Health New Zealand has confirmed Waikato Hospital's Emergency Department was under some strain when a patient died. A man who couldn't be revived after being found unresponsive last week had been waiting for hours. A review's found he had an acute unexpected incident that wouldn't have been prevented by more monitoring. Health NZ Clinical Executive National Director Doctor Richard Sullivan says it was a busy day, with two wards closed to new patients because of a bug. "The third issue on that particular shift was that they were four doctors down from the 12 they had planned to have on that day, and that was because of sickness." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An alcohol industry group says it has a "fundamental right to be consulted" over a review of official health advice on so called "low risk drinking". The Health NZ guidelines are being reviewed as part of a three year cancer action plan, released last week. Executive director of the Alcohol Beverages Council, Virginia Nicholls spoke to Lisa Owen.

How much alcohol is too much, when it comes to health risks like cancer and is Aotearoa's official guide to low risk drinking dangerously out of date? The Health NZ guidelines are being reviewed as part of a three-year cancer action plan, released last week. The cancer society said alcohol is a risk factor in a least seven cancers and is the cause of about five percent of all cancers. Alcohol researcher and Massey University Associate Professor Andy Towers spoke to Lisa Owen.

Health NZ chief executive Dr Dale Bramley spoke to John Campbell.

Weekly interview with Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon; Waitaki District declares state of emergency; Health NZ boss discusses strain on system at winter; Genesis chief discusses growing energy cost concerns; Young Farmer of the Year winner, Tom Slee

Health New Zealand is investigating the death of a man at Waikato Hospital who had been waiting hours to be seen. The man arrived at the emergency department on Monday night, and was later found unconscious, and was unable to be revived. Cath Cronin, Health NZ executive regional director for Midland spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Health NZ regional director discusses death of man in ED; Chloe Swarbrick questions government's actions on homelessness; Porirua College discusses school lunch programme report; Weekly Political Panel: Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni; Henry Onesemo on Michelin success for TALA

A rapid clinical review has been launched to understand how a Waikato Hospital patient died, after ending up unresponsive in an Emergency Department toilet. They were found early this morning - reportedly after waiting nine hours to be seen. The Nurses' Organisation says the ED is dangerously understaffed, and struggling to keep up with patients walking in the door. Health NZ Chief Clinical Officer Dr Richard Sullivan says he doesn't know how long the patient was waiting - but it certainly was longer than it should have been. "This shouldn't've happened - but we don't know the cause, we don't know the details yet, and that is going to be part of our review." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multiple hospitals are dealing with failing infrastructure. Episodes of heavy rain are causing leaks and water damage at Middlemore Hospital's aging maternity block. And conditions at Hutt Hospital are being described as “disgraceful”, with water getting into wards, collapsing ceilings, and potential electrical hazards. Nurses say they're juggling patient care with buckets and mops, while Health NZ insists the issues are contained the hospitals remain safe. Chief Financial Officer Bevan McKenzie told Kerre Woodham those specific issues will be addressed over the next 12 months under the remediation programme. More broadly, he says, they have a weather tightness programme being implemented across the Health NZ estate, and they've earmarked $10 million for improvement in 2026/27 to continue that work. McKenzie says that water-related issues are complex, as it can be difficult to identify where they're stemming from, and wants to acknowledge the work the clinical and facilities teams are doing to improve the situation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palmerston North Hospital is funded for six full time gastroenterologists, but has none following the departure of its last specialist. A public meeting to address concerns about the gradual gutting of the service gets underway shortly. Health NZ says gastro services are continuing at the hospital, but patients are worried about continuity of care. Health NZ chief clinical officer, Doctor Richard Sullivan spoke to Lisa Owen.

Health New Zealand faces a $190 million bill to process holiday pay owed to tens of thousands of current and former workers. Collectively, $1.8 billion is budgeted to repay those affected by the miscalculations. Unions are scathing of the cost of meeting the repayments, and of the process itself, which has been plagued by delays. But Health NZ said the work is complex and time-consuming and requires to comb through years of records on the different payroll systems inherited from district health boards. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

How can we simultaneously have "record investment in health", while feeling like we're falling behind?  Why will anything less than an additional $1.4B in the Health NZ budget move health backward? How can it be that unmet need, population growth, and inflation are not properly accounted for in our official budget numbers?Kaitiaki Hauora is a new organisation made up of many groups with an interest in public health, rallying around the well-proven but oft-ignored idea that healthcare privatisation is an expensive, inefficient, and inequitable alternative to universal public healthcare.The Frontline speaks with former intensive care doctor, Dr David Galler, and economist Dr Bill Rosenberg of Kaitiaki Hauora about the tricky world of healthcare spending and the NZ economy.

Pharmac has recently proposed changing who can receive funded treatment for key diabetes medication, moving it in line with a cabinet directive from 2024 saying public services should be prioritised on the basis of need, not race. There has been an outcry from health professionals, such as the cardiac network, saying data shows that Maori and Pacific people are more at risk of diabetes, regardless of their socio-economic status, and the best way to maximise health benefit for dollars spent is by targeting these groups. Further criticism has been directed at Health NZ, which has banned the cardio network from objecting to the removal of eligibility criteria, saying it would breach the 2024 cabinet directive. Cardiologists will be forced to make submissions as individuals, a move the network has said is silencing scientific evidence in the name of politics  To discuss the eligibility changes and Health NZ silencing cardiologists, host Thomas spoke to Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, host Thomas spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about the party's proposed Nationally Determined contribution towards the Paris Agreement, funding for the Liquified Natural gas import terminal and public transport policy. He also talked to Victoria University Professor of Climate Science & Physical Geography James Renwick about a study which found concerns with costal flooding events in Wellington. And he spoke to Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton about Pharmac changing eligibility criteria for diabetes medication and Health NZ stopping cardiology groups from objecting. Caeden also spoke to Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand Chief Executive Letitia Harding about calls from the World Health Organisation to ban flavoured tobacco products.

Pharmac has recently proposed changing who can receive funded treatment for key diabetes medication, moving it in line with a cabinet directive from 2024 saying public services should be prioritised on the basis of need, not race. There has been an outcry from health professionals, such as the cardiac network, saying data shows that Maori and Pacific people are more at risk of diabetes, regardless of their socio-economic status, and the best way to maximise health benefit for dollars spent is by targeting these groups. Further criticism has been directed at Health NZ, which has banned the cardio network from objecting to the removal of eligibility criteria, saying it would breach the 2024 cabinet directive. Cardiologists will be forced to make submissions as individuals, a move the network has said is silencing scientific evidence in the name of politics  To discuss the eligibility changes and Health NZ silencing cardiologists, host Thomas spoke to Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton.

This week on the Monday Wire... For our weekly catchup with the ACT Party, host Thomas spoke to ACT MP Simon Court about the party's proposed Nationally Determined contribution towards the Paris Agreement, funding for the Liquified Natural gas import terminal and public transport policy. He also talked to Victoria University Professor of Climate Science & Physical Geography James Renwick about a study which found concerns with costal flooding events in Wellington. And he spoke to Association of Salaried Medical Specialists executive director Sarah Dalton about Pharmac changing eligibility criteria for diabetes medication and Health NZ stopping cardiology groups from objecting. Caeden also spoke to Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand Chief Executive Letitia Harding about calls from the World Health Organisation to ban flavoured tobacco products.

GP fees could be frozen for 12 months from July under a proposed Health NZ shake-up of the funding system. Under the proposals, around 60 percent of practices would receive increased funding through capitation re-weighting and annual funding increased. Overall funding for GPs would reportedly increase by six percent, as part of a $120.6 million injection for primary health. Health Minister Simeon Brown joined the Weekend Collective to unpack the overhaul. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Health NZ data, more than a quarter of couples in New Zealand will inexperience infertility ... and one in eight will require medical assistance to achieve pregnancy. But of course, treatments like IVF, or in vitro fertilization, can be costly, and there are no guarantees. That's why two years ago Jaimee Lupton founded Gingernut's Angels to help provide financial support to couples struggling with pregnancy.

AUT Chancellor and former Health NZ chair Rob Campbell joins Emile Donovan.

Emergency doctors are hoping money for digital upgrades will cut admin time for clinicians. Budget 2026 has dedicated more than 150 million dollars for Health NZ to strengthen cyber security, and another 300 million to upgrade its tech. GPs and emergency doctors alike say it could be a game changer. Health correspondent Kate Green reports.

The privacy commissioner has recommended a central vetting process for GP apps, following the Manage My Health data breach. It found Health NZ and Manage My Health "failed in their responsibilities" to have adequate security controls when hundreds of thousands of medical files were stolen in a cyber attack. The Commissioner says GP practices need to review their security settings and third party providers. Luke Bradford, President and Chair of the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Both Manage My Health and Health NZ are vowing they've made big changes following last year's cyber-attack on 100 thousand patients. The Privacy Commissioner has found both failed to protect patient data. Phase Two of his review will ask whether people actually knew their data was being held in the health portal. Michael Webster told Mike Hosking we can't afford to be lax when it comes to private data. He says health information is highly sensitive, and there needs to be a greater commitment to protecting it on such platforms. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast Wednesday the 27th of May 2026, Co-operative Bank CEO Mark Wilkshire tells Ryan what we can expect from the OCR ahead of Thursday's Budget. Remand numbers dropped in 2025 as prisoner numbers reached record high and no one knows why, criminal lawyer Steve Cullen shares his thoughts. The Privacy Commissioner says Health NZ and Manage My Health failed to protect out data, Health NZ Chief Financial Officer Bevan McKenzie tells Ryan what Health NZ will do moving forward. Plus UK/Europe Correspondent Gavin Grey has the latest on four people killed in a collision between a train and a school minibus in Belgium and two aid workers have brought suspected cases of Ebola to Europe. Get the Early Edition Full Show Podcast every weekday on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health NZ is apologising for the Manage My Health cyber-attack. The Privacy Commissioner has found both failed to protect sensitive patient information. Over 90% of the 100 thousand patients affected late last year were Northlanders. Health NZ says it's working on a response plan after commissioning its own report from Deloitte. Chief Financial Officer Bevan McKenzie told Ryan Bridge cyber risks are something to be highly aware of, and people themselves need to be vigilant as well. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Half of all renal services nationally are operating above capacity, with Auckland services operating at 150 percent. According to the Australian and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry survey for 2025, there's a shortage of units, meaning more people are missing out on essential care. Kidney Health NZ general manager Madi Keay says hospitals are turning to 'band-aid' solutions, including offering shifts at off-peak time slots. "We're seeing a range of other solutions being proposed, but really, we want to be providing better resourcing so people can dialyse within the adequate service times." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A long-term patient of Palmerston North Hospital's gastroenterology department is concerned about the care he'll receive when the last permanent doctor leaves next month. Over recent years the service, which focuses on patients suffering from problems with their digestive systems, has struggled to attract specialists to work there. One left on Friday, and the other finishes in June. Temporary and locum doctors will fill the gaps, although Health NZ says it's sent out offers of employment to new recruits. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Health New Zealand spent just over $216 million on locum doctors last year, up from the nearly $209 million spent in 2024, and just over $186 million in 2023. Health NZ clinical national director Dr Richard Sullivan says they are aiming to hire more permanent staff. But, Sullivan told Mike Hosking, locums will likely always be necessary, "getting people in certain parts of the country is a problem, always has been a problem, probably always will be a problem." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's cautious support being shown for a crack down on black market tobacco, but also warnings the tobacco industry itself could be stoking fears. A report into the illicit tobacco trade, released by Retail NZ, pushed for the formation of a unified response from Customs, Police, Health NZ and Inland Revenue. It's chief executive said we need to act quickly, but the Prime Minister isn't convinced. Finn Blackwell reports.

The post code lottery is still alive in New Zealand's heath system. That warning comes from doctors at Palmerston Hospital, where recruitment problems have driven one department to the brink. Of the two doctors still at the hospital's gastroenterology service one is about to finish and the other says he's going to leave too due to the workload and conditions. However, Health NZ said it has the ability to cover gaps in the service while it recruits replacements. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

New advice from Health New Zealand says many people don't need regular Covid boosters. Immunisation Advisory Centre medical director Nikki Turner spoke to Corin Dann.

Weekly interview with opposition leader, Chris Hipkins; Shane Jones discusses the current fuel situation in New Zealand; Whakatane's mayor discusses rate-capping plans; An update on the Middle East conflict from a US foreign policy expert; New advice from Health NZ over Covid boosters

There are concerns poor planning has contributed to the tsunami of demand on kidney disease treatment. Hospitals across New Zealand are struggling to keep up with life-saving dialysis treatment. Health New Zealand told 1News there's been a lack of funding in some parts of the country. General Practice NZ Chair Bryan Betty told Mike Hosking this problem was predicted 15 years ago, but no one planned ahead. He says it's driven primarily by a surge in diabetes, and if it's not addressed it will undermine the health system going forward. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A literal life saver for those admitted there, but a North Canterbury eating disorder residential facility can't attract government funding, leading to concerns about who can access care. Recovered Living NZ offers a different experience from the public system - catering for only nine people at a time - patients live in and stay for months at a time. But it comes at a cost of just over $1000 a night. The not-for-profit facility has a contract with ACC for sensitive claims patients but has been passed over for Health NZ funding to open the service to more people. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

There are hopes faster emergency care will ease pressure across the health system. In the three months to October, about 74% of ED patients were admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours. That's up from about 72% a year earlier. Health New Zealand Chief Clinical Officer Richard Sullivan told Mike Hosking teams are working hard to manage patient flow, as EDs are handling up to 7% more patients than last year. He says they're working to strengthen primary care, but the pressure is coming from illness in an ageing population and outbreaks. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A return towards decentralisation is being painted as Health New Zealand's next chapter. The Government's reverting to giving hospitals more control - letting them decide staffing, budgets, and service delivery from July. It's adamant it's not a return to District Health Boards, with planning still done nationally. Acting chief executive Andrew Brant says Health NZ's finances are looking good and it's delivering more, but this ensures improvement continues. He explained the key change is bringing the operating model much more into the frontline - and communities into decisions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public health experts have noticed this latest Covid wave is worsening as fewer Kiwis are getting vaccination boosters and tests, and it's renewed debate about sick leave. Wastewater analysis from PHF Science shows that the number of cases is at the highest rate it's been for over six months, and Health NZ says there's been 50 hospitalisations and 19 deaths from the virus this week. Otago University associate professor Paula O'Kane says it's important to let sick leave accrue every year - and stay consistent as Kiwis move jobs. "It would give people access to better sick leave, it might discourage misuse of sick leave, and when people are actually sick for a longer period of time, they're better covered. So it would really help to deal with issues around people's long-term illness, for example." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hospitals and public health services across the country are now looking for more than half-a-billion dollars in "efficiencies" they've been told to find, to re-invest in patient care. But from where?

Elana Cohen is an occupational therapist who has two decades experience working with children of all ages and abilities - and their families. She's Nelson based - working for Health NZ's Child Development Service, as well as in private practice. Elana says parents and caregivers need lots of support to help neurodivergent children flourish.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Latest on information for patients, ransom and possible release of details on darkweb, government action - Health NZ, police, GCSB.

A retired Waikato couple who worked for Hamilton's hospital for over six decades between them are facing a lengthy wait for tens of thousands of dollars of holiday pay. Errors in calculating holiday pay date back over 15 years and will cost Health NZ about $1.8 billion in payouts. Most current employees have been repaid, but Health NZ has only recently started paying former staff, and many won't see a cent for another year. It says the process is a complex, requiring constant checks and accessing different payroll systems. Jimmy Ellingham reports.

Frustrated health workers are questioning why hospitals and health services are being asked to find another five hundred million dollars in "efficiency savings" out of this year's budget, while half a billion dollars earmarked for salaries went unspent last year. The "underspend" was due to unfilled vacancies, unpaid Holidays Act remediation - and the fact Health NZ has yet to settle its collective contract disputes with senior doctors and nurses. Ruth Hill reports.

Health NZ management is accusing nurses of failing to honour their commitment to provide so-called "life preserving services" during a partial strike. Ruth Hill reports.

Red tape continues to tie up New Zealand's agriculture and horticultural sectors. Animal and Plant Health NZ's annual survey finds nearly half its members feel regulatory performance has worsened, despite recommendations put forward by the Ministry for Regulation earlier this year. Chief executive Liz Shackleton told Mike Hosking despite reassurance from regulators, the day-to-day process is not getting easier. She says farmers and growers face a raft of challenges and don't have the right tools for the job. She says it's a real handbrake on economic growth, and we're missing out on better environmental outcomes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Police attended 7,370 fewer mental health-related requests in the year to June - the result of a plan to wind back on responding to calls for help. 

Health New Zealand has stepped up precautions after two confirmed separate outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant super bugs at Christchurch Hospital. It says there are fewer than 10 patients with the infection known as VRE but many are asymptomatic carriers. The bacteria is difficult to treat due to its resistance and in some case can be potentially life threatening. Associate Professor Mark Thomas, an infectious diseases researcher at the University of Auckland, spoke to Lisa Owen.

Wellington's Depression Recovery Centre is now almost certain to close after it received news this afternoon that Health NZ won't save it. ACC recently stopped funding clients to use Whakamatutu's services and the centre hoped Health NZ could cover the shortfall. But in an email this afternoon Health NZ told the centre it didn't have any discretionary funds available. Depression Recovery Trust's Wellington Board chair Dame Diana Crossan spoke to Lisa Owen.

The number of known measles cases in the country has climbed to 17, with new cases confirmed in Wellington and Auckland over the weekend. Health NZ's executive national director Dr Nick Chamberlain spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Experts says New Zealand is in the danger zone for a measles outbreak, but it could be prevented if more people get vaccinated. It comes after Health NZ identified a possible super spreader event on board a Cook Strait ferry during the school holidays. Felix Walton reports.

Health NZ is releasing a new information campaign to encourage parents to immunise their children after the outbreak of measles in Northland.