Yesterday, Nelson Marlborough District Health Board considered feedback from Disability Support Services (DSS) consultation and passed recommendations that a trust be formed as a new governance model for the service.

It's time for New Zealand to become a leader in reducing health inequities, according to health organisations, but we must start with the here and now.

"During the tournament, St John events staff and volunteers completed more than 1,000 rostered shifts at 12 game venues and at numerous fan zones," said Gary Salmon, St John Project Manager for the Rugby World Cup.

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) is calling for the Government to endorse the political declaration of the World Health Organisation (WHO) which is pressing for a global commitment to reduce health inequities by focusing on the social determinants of health.

The Mental Health Foundation is pleased to be hosting an event with Grand Design's Kevin McCloud in Christchurch today.

"The Prime Minister needs to come clean on the influence of international drug companies in the secretive trade negotiations over the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement," said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists today.

There are concerns that the Whooping Cough outbreak in Nelson Marlborough, with similar outbreaks in West Coast and Hawke's Bay, may develop into a nation-wide epidemic similar to 2004 - 2005.

Red Cross aid worker Andrew Cameron will be presented with the world's highest nursing honour, the Florence Nightingale medal by his Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae at Government House in Wellington today.

Primary Health Organisation (PHO)-level population data shows the number of people enrolled at a general practice has fallen less than two percent - or 8312 people since February 2011.

Canterbury District Health Board has backed a recommendation to work towards a partnership with one hospital laboratory and one community laboratory.