PHO looks to priorities
PHO looks to priorities
Tai Chi classes could be out, and improving links between general practice and specialty services in, under the new Southern Primary Health Organisation, says chairman Dr Conway Powell.
Eileen Goodwin
City clinic 'keeping flame alive'
City clinic 'keeping flame alive'
Psychotherapy was squeezed out of mental health by a management-run "business model", Ministry of Health mental health director Dr David Chaplow told a conference in Dunedin yesterday.
Concerns over mental health deficit
Concerns over mental health deficit
The Southern District Health Board says a looming mental health care deficit means some services may be reduced as the board seeks to balance its books.
Southland discontent over merger
Southland discontent over merger
The loss of senior health positions in Invercargill had fed a perception Southland was being marginalised as a consequence of this year's district health board merger, committee member Neville Cook said at yesterday's disability support and community and public health advisory meeting in Invercargill.
SDHB video link unsound
SDHB video link unsound
Southern District Health Board members have complained about the poor sound quality of the video-conference link connecting Dunedin and Invercargill, chief executive Brian Rousseau has confirmed.
Future of Ashburn Clinic more secure
Future of Ashburn Clinic more secure
Dunedin's Ashburn Clinic is on track to save $1 million this year, shoring up its future as a private mental health provider, says business manager Lindsay Smith.
Housework help cut for 90-year-old
Housework help cut for 90-year-old
A 90-year-old Balclutha arthritis sufferer says he was caught unaware by "cunning" questions over the telephone in an interview to establish whether he should keep his home help.
SDHB staff cut saves $333,000
SDHB staff cut saves $333,000
The Southern District Health Board says it will save about $333,000 a year by cutting administration staff involved with planning, funding and finance.
Nurses help give Christchurch a `group hug'
Nurses help give Christchurch a `group hug'
The atmosphere in Christchurch at times was like a "group hug", as the community rallied to help those affected by this month's earthquake, says Dunedin nurse Nick Wooliscroft.
Seafood festival to start in 2011
Seafood festival to start in 2011
Organisers of a seafood festival showcasing Port Chalmers and Otago fishing say next year's Rugby World Cup is the perfect time to launch what may become an annual event.
Spending on elderly still high
Spending on elderly still high
The Southern District Health Board says despite cutting housework assistance, it spends 16% more on elderly people than the national average.
Doctor 'frazzled' by long hours
Doctor 'frazzled' by long hours
By her 12th consecutive day working as a resident doctor at Southland Hospital, Dr Priya Shanmuganathan is "frazzled" and admits her work probably suffers.
Staff cuts as health board rationalises
Staff cuts as health board rationalises
The Southern District Health Board is reducing its planning and funding department and centralising it in Dunedin.
Curly questions for health board candidates
Curly questions for health board candidates
Prospective Southern District Health Board candidates were thrown a few curly questions yesterday by the audience at the only public meeting for Otago hopefuls.
Could it happen to Dunedin stadium?
Could it happen to Dunedin stadium?
Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium is being built to withstand a one-in-500-year snowfall, says Dunedin Venues operations director Darren Burden.
Paracetamol misuse prompts health board warning
Paracetamol misuse prompts health board warning
The Southern District Health Board has warned GPs about paracetamol after two young children were admitted to Dunedin Hospital's emergency department.
Study links maternal illness to schizophrenia risk
Study links maternal illness to schizophrenia risk
Health authorities have another reason to extol the benefits of flu jabs - they might prevent your child from developing schizophrenia.
Third medical school looks unlikely: profs
Third medical school looks unlikely: profs
A review looking at whether New Zealand needs a third medical school looks set to recommend keeping two schools, says Prof Des Gorman, executive chairman of a high-powered health committee.
Breakdown in centralised distribution of alcohol
Breakdown in centralised distribution of alcohol
Alcohol supply shortages affecting some Dunedin restaurants and bars illustrate the problem of centralising goods distribution, says Table Seven owner Steve Richardson.
DCC building inspectors find Christchurch quake work exhausting
DCC building inspectors find Christchurch quake work exhausting
The Dunedin City Council's top building inspector spent an "absolutely frantic" few days in Christchurch helping make decisions "on the fly" as the city slowly hauled itself back to its feet.