Health Minister Tony Ryall has announced the appointment of Ms Theo Baker, as new Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner.

She replaces Ms Rae Lamb.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists have honoured Ngaruawahia-born psychiatrist Graham Mellsop in part for his ongoing dedication to quality improvement for patients.

Weight-gain and diabetes-like symptoms are common side effects of antipsychotic medications, and New Zealand research into the chemical changes involved is raising hope that these effects may be better managed or eliminated.

Drinking by one or both partners increases levels of severity, anger and fear reported by victims of intimate partner aggression, according to a new study by University of Otago researchers.

A unique collaboration between the Canterbury health sector and tertiary education institutions has been given the seal of approval.

The Guild is actively seeking DHBs to partner in reaching people suffering from gout after the successful outcome of its gout project in Counties Manukau.

Unless it's an emergency the GP should always be the first choice is the message from Hawke's Bay Hospitals' chief medical officer John Gommans as the number of presentations to ED increases with winter setting in.

The synthetic cannabis industry's "poacher turned game-keeper" offer today to suddenly self-regulate is welcome, but the Government will go ahead with law changes in the next few weeks to restrict the sale and marketing of their products, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne said today

Eight of the largest participants in the synthetic cannabinoid industry met today to discuss how to clean up the synthetic cannabinoid industry. The following industry particpants attended the meeting:

Cosmic (retailers of Juicy Puff);

Enjoi;

Erox;

Herbal Exports;

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) strongly supports the Ministry of Health's ban of a second synthetic cannabis product and is calling for significantly tougher legislation on these products.