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RNZ News
6 hours ago
- RNZ News
Hysteroscopy outpatient service at North Shore Hospital to speed up diagnosis
North Shore Hospital in Auckland. Photo: rafaelbenari/123RF A new outpatient hysteroscopy service at Auckland's North Shore Hospital will help gynaecological patients get a faster diagnosis. Health Minister Simeon Brown said it combines their first specialist assessment (FSA) and diagnostic procedure into a single visit. "This is a practical, patient-focused pathway that means women can get the answers they need sooner, without the stress and delays of multiple appointments or hospital admission," Brown said. A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to look inside the womb (uterus) and at the lining of the womb. A sample (biopsy) of the lining is usually taken as part of a diagnostic hysteroscopy, to look for abnormalities. Patients with symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, irregular periods and infertility might be referred for a hysteroscopy. "Previously, women needing a hysteroscopy would attend an initial specialist appointment and then wait weeks to undergo the procedure in theatre under general anaesthetic." Brown said the new approach removed that delay for women suitable for the treatment. "Now, women needing an uncomplicated hysteroscopy procedure can choose to have both the specialist assessment and the procedure in a single outpatient appointment. "That means fewer hospital visits, less time off work or away from family, and a much more streamlined experience. "For women with a high suspicion of cancer, this pathway can reduce the diagnostic timeline by two to six weeks compared to traditional models. That time could make all the difference." Health Minister Simeon Brown. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER North Shore Hospital expects to deliver around 60 outpatient hysteroscopy clinics over the next 12 months, with approximately 240 procedures. "Every outpatient procedure frees up valuable theatre space and clinical teams for patients who require more complex surgery. That's better for patients, and better for the whole system," Brown said. The new service meant a significant proportion of uncomplicated hysteroscopies that would have otherwise been performed in theatre under anaesthesia can now be done safely as outpatient procedures. "This is part of a regional effort to improve the quality, timeliness, and experience of care for women undergoing investigation for gynaecological cancers. "It will also play an important role in meeting our faster cancer treatment target by speeding up diagnosis and helping women start treatment sooner." The new service followed similar successful models already operating in Auckland, Counties Manukau, and Waikato. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
6 hours ago
- RNZ News
Government removes barrier in bid to increase counsellors in public mental health workforce
Previously, counsellors were excluded from publicly funded roles due to a lack of formal regulation. Photo: 123rf A barrier preventing hundreds of counsellors from working in publicly funded mental health services has been removed. Health New Zealand, in partnership with the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC), has finalised a strengthened accreditation pathway. Previously, counsellors were excluded from publicly funded roles due to a lack of formal regulation. Health NZ, alongside the largest counselling membership and accredited professional body, NZAC, worked on one recognised and robust accreditation pathway. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey said it is a "common-sense step" that unlocks existing workforce capacity at a time of high demand. "I've been clear from day one, workforce shortages are one of the key barriers to delivering timely mental health support for New Zealanders in their time of need," Doocey said. "This is a practical and common-sense decision that ensures we're making full use of the experienced counsellors already working in our communities." He said there are more than 330 counsellors now eligible through this expanded pathway and the move is expected to bolster primary mental health workforce initiatives. "We are starting to turn the corner with reducing wait times and increasing the workforce. We have more mental health nurses, psychologists, support workers and addiction counsellors working on the ground, and overall vacancy rates are starting to ease," Doocey said. "While many challenges remain, this is yet another step this Government is taking to turn the corner on the longstanding mental health workforce vacancies. "When someone is making the brave step of reaching out to get support, workforce should never be a barrier." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
9 hours ago
- RNZ News
Hi Viz Manaaki: The story of our Maori Wardens
Mātua Peter Walden Photo: SUPPLIED/RNZ Māori Wardens have a long and proud history in Aotearoa providing advice, support and aroha to the communities they don't just serve - but help to build. Documented in a new podcast - Hi Viz Manaaki: Māori Wardens - hosted by Murdoch Ngahau and Dr Amber Hamill, their story is a particularly personal one for Murdoch. A chance meeting with Kirikiriroa Māori Warden, Joyce Williams as an 11-year-old, changed his life. Murdoch and Amber who also co-wrote and produced the series, talk to Mihi about how a chat at a community radio station became a six-part series. Download and follow Hi Viz Manaaki hosted by Murdoch Ngahau and Dr Amber Hamill for free or wherever you get good podcasts. Dr Amber Hamill, Richard Kingi and Murdoch Ngahau Photo: SUPPLIED/RNZ
