"More patients were assessed by surgical specialists in the past year than ever before, according new official figures released by the Ministry of Health.

More Hutt Valley patients were assessed by surgical specialists in the past year than ever before, according new figures released by the Ministry of Health.

More Bay of Plenty patients were assessed by surgical specialists in the past year than ever before, according new figures released by the Ministry of Health.

More Capital and Coast District Health Board patients were assessed by surgical specialists in the past year than ever before, according new figures released by the Ministry of Health.

"More Lakes patients were assessed by surgical specialists in the past year than ever before, according new figures released by the Ministry of Health.

Wellington, Oct 3 NZPA - The Ministry of Health is expected to lose nearly 400 staff positions over 2-1/2 years, Health Minister Tony Ryall says.

The public health sector was still going through a process to cut administrative positions and move resources into frontline services.

Acknowledging International Day of Older People on 1 October, Health Minister Tony Ryall says older New Zealanders are generally fitter, healthier and more active than their forebears.

On-going financial problems for Capital & Coast DHB didn't prevent the Wellington Regional Hospital being built.

The Government is waiting until after next month's local body election to see whether it can trust voters' choices to run Capital & Coast DHB.

Wellington, NZPA - Two families at a welfare centre in the Christchurch suburb of Linwood are battling gastroenteritis.

All non-urgent elective surgery has been cancelled for tomorrow. This includes all pre-arranged admissions for Christchurch, Christchurch Women's and Burwood Hospitals. Scheduled Caesarean sections and inductions will continue. Affected patients are being contacted.