"In the past year the Bay of Plenty District Health Board increased frontline health services, and implemented a number of improvements in the way those services were delivered," says Health Minister Tony Ryall.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) believes the government's package of liquor law reforms focuses too much on young people, while ignoring the impact of alcohol abuse on those aged over 20.

Considerable progress has been made in achieving fairer health outcomes for cervical cancer for Maori and non-Maori, though disparities remain for many other cancers.

Wellington, Aug 25 NZPA - Over 40,000 people have signed a petition seeking to retain neurosurgery services in Dunedin and Christchurch.

A new Urology Unit at the Christchurch Hospital campus was officially opened today. The unit is one of the solutions in addressing a shortage of General Medicine beds at Christchurch Hospital.

Health Minister, Tony Ryall says "A total of 375 people have put their names forward for places on the 20 District Health Boards in the upcoming elections.

Wellington, Aug 24 NZPA - An Auckland GP has been suspended and fined by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal after admitting lying about his qualifications.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says the Lakes District Health Board has posted big improvements in key services over the past year.

The Flawed Guru

A total of 21 Northlanders have put their names forward for the Northland District Health Board elections.