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.

Influenza H1N1 activity is continuing to increase with some areas reporting higher hospitalisation rates than experienced during last year's pandemic.

One third of all patients seeking treatment at hospital emergency departments are smokers -- a much higher rate than the rest of the population.

More access for heart patients to the blood-thinning drug clopidogrel is to be available from next month, following a major price reduction negotiated by the Government's drug-buying agency Pharmac.

The heart drug clopidogrel is to have open access from next month, following a major price reduction negotiated by PHARMAC.

Over 2,200 nurses are now spending more time caring for patients through a Health productivity initiative that uses Toyota-style "lean thinking".