Health inequities to blame for high rheumatic fever rates

Health inequities are largely to blame for the striking ethnic disparities in the rates of rheumatic fever in this country, says the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA), with differential access…

ACC review of elective services a positive move - NZMA

The NZMA is supportive of ACC’s internal review of elective surgery decision-making, released today, to ensure more effective and transparent decisions on surgery claims, says NZMA Deputy Chair Dr Mark…

NZMA welcomes extra maternity care funding

The Government’s announcement that there will be an extra $33 million towards maternity funding, over four years, has been welcomed by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) which says it…

New Chair for New Zealand Medical Association

Auckland Haematologist Dr Paul Ockelford will be the new Chair of the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) from tomorrow. Dr Ockelford has been the Deputy Chair for four years. He…

New CEO for New Zealand Medical Association

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) is very pleased to announce that it has appointed a new Chief Executive Officer. Lesley Clarke, the current Executive General Manager of Medibank Health…

NZMA does not support pharmacy-based bowel screening

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) does not support the pharmacy-based bowel screening programme which is being launched today and has expressed serious misgivings. NZMA Chair Dr Peter Foley says…

Reducing New Zealand’s health inequities requires urgent action

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) is calling for urgent action from the Government and health sector to address health inequities in New Zealand, which continues to perform poorly in…

NZMA makes donation to assist Christchurch Earthquake relief

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) Board met yesterday and received an updated briefing on the effects of the Christchurch earthquake. Following this, the NZMA has today announced that it…

NZMA supports new health leadership centre

The establishment of a New Zealand Centre of Excellence in Health Care Leadership, announced by Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ), is strongly supported by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)…

NZMA CEO retires after 15 years in the role

New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) Chief Executive Officer Cameron McIver will retire from the Association after 15 years in the role. Mr McIver left an army career in 1989 and…

National strategy for after hours care urgently needed - NZMA

The increase in patients attending emergency departments (EDs) for minor ailments, instead of visiting their general practice, highlights the problem of access to after hours primary care which the Government…

Government decision on ACC must not compromise patient care

Today’s announcement by the Government that it will open up the ACC Work Account to private insurers will be looked at closely by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) to…

World class surgeon and researcher recipient of NZMA Chair’s Award

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) today awarded Professor Swee Tan the Chair’s Award – the NZMA’s highest standing award – for his world class research into strawberry birthmarks, which…

Tobacco recommendations require action

The Maori Affairs Select Committee’s tobacco report, which has been tabled in parliament today, will have a dramatic effect on improving public health if its recommendations are implemented into law,…

Online social media and maintaining medical professionalism

Guide to online professionalism for doctors and medical students A resource to assist doctors and medical students to maintain professional standards when using online social media has today been launched…

NZMA welcomes Ministry of Health serious and sentinel events report

Tobacco recommendations will improve health and reduce inequalities

Recommendations made by the Maori Affairs Select Committee’s inquiry into tobacco are strongly endorsed by the New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) which says that adopting the proposals would have a…

Raising alcohol price essential to address binge drinking

Research showing that some alcohol is now cheaper than bottled water, published in today’s New Zealand Medical Journal, is very concerning and backs the view that price rises are an…

Government's alcohol measures welcomed

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) welcomes the Government’s new policies to address the many problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption, but would have liked the Government to implement additional…

NZMA notes the passing of Sir Randal Elliott

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) notes with deep regret the passing of Sir Randal Elliott, KBE, MB ChB (NZ) 1947, RCS&P DO 1949, FRCS (Oph) Eng 1953, FRACS (Oph)…