While New Zealand primary school students are benefiting from improved sun protection efforts over recent years, our schools still lag behind those of Australia in the 'sun smart' stakes, according to latest University of Otago research.

Family First raises an important issue when it discusses whether "daycare" is detrimental to children, and the debate is welcomed. But New Zealand research should also be drawn upon for the answers, the Families Commission says.

The school holidays are over, and it's time for children and their parents to brush up on dental health routines.

A method of care that reduces the need for restraint and seclusion for mental health clients is being introduced to Greymouth Hospital's Manaakitanga Acute Admissions Unit.

Health Minister Tony Ryall has joined the Healthline team celebrating the 2.5 millionth call to the free 24-hour health advice phone line.

"The hospital specialist workforce crisis is behind the retrenchment of specialist maternity services in Whanganui," said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

A liquor licence application to run a new Foodstuff's branded Henry's bottle store in Ilam/Avonhead was met with unprecedented numbers of objectors at a Liquor Licensing Hearing in Christchurch today.

Waikato Hospital wants feedback from people who have attended an outpatient appointment at the hospital in the last 12 months.

It's been quite an experience for outpatients because the hospital is one of the largest construction sites in New Zealand.

A six month old girl in Whangarei has been confirmed by Medical Officer of Health, Dr

Jonathan Jarman with Measles.

This is the second notified case in Northland this year, last month a 17 year old Bay of Islands woman was diagnosed with the disease.

School is back, and there is plenty for Waikato youngsters to be smiling about with the release of new dental statistics for the region.