Stories by Stephen Forbes
News
Auckland measles cases should be a warning, expert says
Measles is more contagious than Covid-19, and the two recent cases should serve as a warning to the public and health authorities, an expert says.
'You can't flog a dead horse' - Frontline staff criticise health plan
A doctor from Auckland's Middlemore Hospital said while diverting patients and resources sounded "good in theory", there needed to be staff available to deliver that plan.
Rheumatic heart disease rates in South Auckland comparable to those in Uganda for Pasifika
A new medical study found up to one in 50 young Pasifika in South Auckland may have rheumatic heart disease.
Auckland Council green lights $2.3b Drury plan, despite threat of legal action
Auckland Council has approved a plan to collect $1.1 billion from developers in Drury over the next 30 years in the face of a warning developers may seek a judicial review.
Junior doctor gets green light to practise, but leaving Auckland
A junior doctor's fight to be able to practise in New Zealand has paid off after changes by the Medical Council.
Middlemore Hospital involved in global RSV vaccine trial for pregnant mothers
Middlemore Hospital has been involved in global research into a vaccine for pregnant mothers against the RSV virus.
South Auckland’s poor census turnout could cost it $130m in health funding
South Auckland's poor 2018 census turnout could have cost the region $130m in health funding.
Man with spinal cyst told he'll wait nine months to see a specialist
Bruce Botha will have to wait 37 weeks - almost nine months - for a specialist appointment about his debilitating spinal condition.
Former Labour MP Louisa Wall could stand for Te Pāti Māori
Former Labour MP Louisa Wall is understood to be thinking about running for Te Pāti Māori in Manurewa in this year's general election.
Obesity programme offering youth bariatric surgery to prevent diabetes
A Diabetes Foundation Aotearoa project is targeting adolescent obesity and giving young people the chance to undergo bariatric surgery.
Cost of damage to Watercare's broken network could hit $460m
The estimated cost of Watercare's rebuild after Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary flooding could now hit $460 million.
South Auckland GPs worried sector won’t cope this flu season
South Auckland GPs say they are concerned about their ability to cope as the annual flu season puts added pressure on an already under-strain sector.
National calls for Te Whatu Ora to release nationwide staff survey results
National's Dr Shane Reti is calling on Te Whatu Ora to release a nationwide survey after leaks highlighted serious concerns about resourcing in Counties Manukau.
Middlemore ED lacking in basic resources - survey
Only a fifth said they have the resources needed to perform their jobs.
New agency will offer Pasifika same-day access to mental health services
A new report said Māori and Pacific people with mental health conditions were more likely to miss out on early interventions.
Counties Manukau alone short of 127 GPs
The report also highlighted ongoing shortages of nurses, pharmacists, social workers, physiotherapists and enhanced care paramedics.
Counties Manukau fails to meet cancer treatment target
People suspected of having cancer are facing delays in getting treatment in Counties Manukau, with the area's biggest health provider failing to meet its own targets.
Middlemore Hospital: 36% of ED patients waited more than six hours
New data from Te Whatu Ora shows 36 percent of Middlemore Hospital emergency department patients waited more than six hours to be seen in December.
Street's future hangs in the balance amid plan to demolish homes
Plans to redevelop a Māngere street decimated by floods does not appear to be going down too well with some of the affected residents.
Auckland water agency estimates price tag of flood damage at over $250 million
Watercare has estimated the cost of the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary flooding will come in at over $250 million.
Redundancies won't reduce ED wait times at Middlemore – National Party
Hundreds of redundancies among backroom staff will not reduce waiting times at Middlemore Hospital, National Party's health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti says.
Counties Manukau waiting list jumps 46 percent in a year
Waiting lists for a first specialist appointment have jumped by 46 percent in Counties Manukau.
Kāinga Ora tight-lipped on number of flood-damaged homes to be demolished
Kāinga Ora will demolish a number of homes in Māngere that were damaged in the Auckland Anniversary Weekend flooding.
Middlemore ED targeted as one of eight national ‘hotspots’
Middlemore Hospital has been identified as a 'hotspot' needing extra support before the winter flu season.
Rise in leptospirosis cases could be linked to flooding
Bacterial disease leptospirosis is most commonly transmitted through animals, or contaminated soil and water.