Stories by Rowan Quinn
News
'Completely unacceptable' - Specialist shortage adds to burnout and waiting times
Senior doctors are warning a dwindling workforce is contributing to stress and burnout - and contributing to long waits for patients.
'There are kids in pain' - DHB indicates change for city's child dental care system
More than 2000 children, many in pain, are waiting up to eight months for specialist dental work in the city, while 60 percent were overdue for their regular appointments.
Auckland children waiting months for dental treatment as waiting list grows
Thousands of Auckland children, many in serious pain, are waiting up to eight months for dental treatment and the situation is set to get worse.
Family who caught Covid-19 in August outbreak speak of fear
Few people from Auckland's August cluster have spoken publicly about their ordeal, but one family - of whom five tested positive - have revealed the "chaos" that hit them.
Govt planning under way for rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine
The government has purchased several bulk freezers for storing a coronavirus vaccine after news one could be ready next year.
Man in MIQ 'blown away' seeing staff only wearing surgical masks
Health workers in MIQ hotels are some of the worst protected in the developed world, according to a man who's helped kit out medical staff worldwide. Audio
Covid-infected nurse 'did everything right', report finds
Auckland's DHBs have acknowledged hotels are not ideal healthcare venues in a report into how a nurse caught Covid at the city's quarantine facility.
Report shows Covid-19's long-term impact on Auckland public health
Covid-19 has put a huge dent in the fight against smoking, obesity and alcohol harm in Auckland, a new report says.
Former Blues player tackles rheumatic fever for next generation
Matt Johnson is trying to stop children getting the disease that cut his rugby career drastically short and nearly killed him.
Covid testing: 'There was nowhere available for us to do the right thing'
Auckland's Covid community testing centres have been dramatically scaled back, with just six still operating - and none open on weekends. Audio
Woman with bleeding condition detained in managed isolation
A woman who could suffer extreme bleeding from a Covid-19 nasal swab is being detained in managed isolation for longer because she did not have a day 12 test.
Thousands of Auckland kids going years without dental checkups
About 2,500 Auckland children have not had a dental check-up since 2016.
DHBs still operating under strain and in deficit under Labour
Labour has failed to get DHB deficits under control this term, despite going hard on the issue when in opposition.
Authorities insist on nasal swab despite woman's bleeding risk
A woman who suffers from extreme nose bleeds may be forced to stay an extra week in managed isolation because health officials are refusing to let her have a Covid-19 throat swab.
Experts wanted some restrictions kept for level 1 in Auckland
Aucklanders are being warned not to be caught napping again when it comes to Covid-19.
Covid-19 delays leave hundreds with endometriosis in pain
Hundreds of women and girls in pain and distress say they haven't been able to get treatment for their endometriosis since Covid-19 hit.
Ministry targets hospitality, tourism and transport workers for Covid testing
Workers who will come face to face with Aucklanders in the school holidays are being targeted in the Ministry of Health's latest Covid testing plan.
Measles vaccination too slow during 2019 epidemic - review
The new review paints a picture of a stretched public health system - both regionally and nationally - with inexperienced staff and a lack of leadership
Covid-19: Close contacts not getting into isolation fast enough
Ministry of Health figures show it's still taking too long for the contacts of people with Covid-19 to get into isolation to minimise the risk of spreading the virus.
Contact tracing: Pacific health leaders warn against bringing in police
Pacific health leaders say bringing police in to help with contact tracing is a bad look and may intimidate the community - and say there are better ways to bolster expertise.
CovidCard trials to go ahead despite Morgan pulling out
Two separate trials of the CovidCard will still go ahead, despite one of its original backers pulling out, government ministers Kris Faafoi and Megan Woods say.
Govt falls short of contact tracing targets, but says data was skewed
The government was still falling short on contact tracing targets a week ago - 10 days into the current Covid outbreak.
Covid-19 community testing: 'Let's be a bit more proactive'
As the government races to test 70,000 people in seven days, GPs are warning it must get community testing back on track long-term.
Masks should be required in all crowded public places - epidemiologist
Masks should become compulsory in bars and restaurants at level 2, leading public health professor Nick Wilson says.
Covid-19: Frequent testing of border workers crucial scientific modelling shows
Weekly testing of all border workers would greatly reduce the chance of another Covid outbreak, new scientific modelling shows. Audio