Wellington, Sept 16 NZPA - Six patients who would normally need open heart surgery for chronically blocked arteries were operated on using methods pioneered by the Japanese to open up their arteries in Hamilton this week.

UN estimates reveal fewer women dying from pregnancy-related causes, but 1000 still die a day and more needs to be done to achieve set targets

A new medical consumable distributor has launched into a sector of the healthcare market which traditionally has had a limited number of players. PHL Medical is the medical division of Packaging House, which has formed the new operation in response to customer demand.

Wellington, Sept 15 NZPA - A 77-year-old former nurse's contribution to Maori health has been recognised by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO).

The Flawed Guru

A new study of the brain mechanisms behind schizophrenia has found the illness could be triggered by an infection during the early stages of pregnancy.

A public meeting is to be held tonight at the Whangaparoa College Auditorium to discuss how and why New Zealand's binge drinking culture needs to change.

Auckland, Sept 14 NZPA - The angry family of a 37-year-old man who had a fatal heart attack after appendix surgery wants answers from Auckland's North Shore Hospital.

The death of Brendon Parrish has been referred to the coroner.

Data collected from New Zealand women identify 14 new fatty acids that can predict a first-time pregnant woman's risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

The possibility that New Zealand doctors often medicalise normal feelings such as sadness and over-prescribe anti-depressants will be put under the spotlight at a symposium at the University of Otago later this month.