ANZCA is monitoring closely a pilot programme in northern New Zealand where two surgical physician assistants - i.e. health professionals without medical degrees who take on tasks normally done by surgeons - have been employed.

A Waikato Hospital nurse who says she is passionate about pain management is now New Zealand's first pain nurse practitioner able to prescribe medication herself.

A Waikato Hospital nurse who says she is passionate about pain management is now New Zealand's first pain nurse practitioner able to prescribe medication herself.