Mike Houlahan

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.

The number of South Islanders with dementia is set to double within 20 years, but for those estimated 31,000 people it need not be an unpleasant experience.