Mike Houlahan

Gastroenterology services have been overwhelmed by the response in the South to the national bowel cancer screening programme.

Junior doctors returned to work this morning after their second 48 hour nationwide strike in the past two weeks, while a third strike is set for next month and a plans for a fourth are in the works.

Work on downgrading the status of Lumsden Maternity Centre is set to continue, with the meeting of people who may find themselves acting as impromptu midwives.

Work needed to get stage one of Dunedin Hospital's new critical care unit fit for purpose includes altering walls and sealing lighting and electrical sockets, a report to be considered by SDHB commissioners says.