Latest news with #PeterRussell


Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Breeders descend on town to show off avian wonders
A burst of tropical colour and a cacophony of birdsong greeted New Zealand's best bird-breeders as they celebrated success at the national bird show in Oamaru yesterday. Hosted by the North Otago Bird Club, exhibitors "benched" their birds at the Oamaru Drill Hall on Thursday before judging took place yesterday. A total of 1463 entries from around New Zealand were on display for judges to mark the winners of a host of categories, including lovebirds, canaries and cockatiels. Peter Russell, of Palmerston North, won the zebra finch top award. "We came over on the ferry. We got off at 1am and then we were here at 9.30 in the morning [on Thursday]. "The bird was in good condition and just looking right on the day," he said. Fellow Palmerston North competitor Gary Southee won the hybrid-mule category with a crossbreed canary/goldfinch. It was the second time Oamaru has hosted the national show. Show secretary Diane Tonkin was delighted with the turnout. "It's been a fantastic show. It's really positive to see so many birds on the bench." This year, the show included a best bird in show title, the winner being awarded the inaugural Ray Gibb Memorial trophy, named after a North Otago Bird Club founding member who died last year. Head judge Coleen Wright adjudged Hamilton's Stephen Wroe the trophy winner for his plum-headed finch. Mr Wroe said he was feeling excellent after the win. "A lot of work goes into it, a lot of work goes into all shows." The birds will remain on display at the Oamaru Drill Hall from 9am-5pm today and 9am-11am tomorrow. Entry is $5 for those over 16. Home


Business Wire
18-06-2025
- Health
- Business Wire
Work-Life Balance Matters More Than Pay for Many UK Doctors, Medscape Survey Reveals
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New research from Medscape UK into doctors' mental and physical well-being, and their lives outside work, highlights growing concerns around the welfare of doctors. The Medscape UK Wellness and Life Outside of Work Report 2025, released today, found a concerning 14% of doctors reported feeling burned out and depressed. Those under 45 were more likely to report feeling both. Three out of four doctors polled attributed the cause of these mental health problems to their professional life. Some 14% of all respondents admitted to using alcohol as a coping strategy, and 10% mentioned using prescription drugs. Almost half (48%) of doctors said they would consider exchanging some of their pay for a better work-life balance. Most doctors said they valued mental health, with just over half (53%) actively prioritising it. General Practitioners were more likely to do so than hospital specialists. 'These findings highlight how common mental health challenges are among doctors – and we know that long hours and heavy workloads are major contributing factors,' said Peter Russell, Managing editor, Medscape UK. 'No one should have to accept burnout as part of their job, especially not in healthcare, where the consequences can go beyond the individual doctor and affect patients and the wider healthcare system.' Outside of work, two-thirds of doctors said they are happy with their life. Many cited hobbies such as reading, gardening, music, cooking, and sport as important for their mental well-being. However, 53% said a lack of time was the biggest challenge in maintaining close friendships outside of work. Holidays are seen as important to happiness and good mental health by 54% of doctors. Despite this, younger doctors tend to take the least time off. Among those under 45, 28% reported taking only one to two weeks of annual leave a year, and 13% took less than one week. 'Doctors face considerable stress and emotional demands in their profession. These findings suggest that while doctors are aware of the importance of good mental health, they can sometimes fail to prioritise their own wellbeing. Protecting and maintaining the mental and emotional well-being of doctors should be a top priority – it's crucial for both doctors and the patients they serve.' The Medscape UK Wellness and Life Outside of Work Report 2025 is available here: About Medscape Medscape is the leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for health care professionals. Medscape offers specialists, primary care physicians, and other health professionals the most robust and integrated medical information and educational tools. Medscape Education ( is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free CME and CE courses and other educational programs for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals. Both Medscape and Medscape Education are part of WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company. About Medscape 2050 In 2025, Medscape marks its 30th anniversary, a milestone that highlights three decades of commitment to providing healthcare professionals with the latest medical news, clinical information, and educational resources. To commemorate this milestone, Medscape has launched Medscape 2050: The Future of Medicine, a dedicated hub on its platform that explores the future of medicine. This hub will be continually updated with a range of insights, videos and resources focused on the advancements shaping the medical landscape. About WebMD Health Corp. WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company, is at the heart of the digital health revolution that is transforming the healthcare experience for consumers, patients, healthcare professionals, employers, health plans and health systems. Through public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications, WebMD delivers leading-edge content and digital services that enable and improve decision-making, support and motivate health actions, streamline and simplify the healthcare journey, and improve patient care. The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, WebMD Ignite (encompassing Krames, The Wellness Network and Mercury Healthcare), Jobson Healthcare Information, MediQuality, Frontline, Vitals Consumer Services, Aptus Health, PulsePoint, The Wellness Network, SanovaWorks, MNG Health, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, OnHealth, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites. WebMD ®, Medscape ®, CME Circle ®, Medpulse ®, eMedicine ®, MedicineNet ®, ® and RxList ® are among the trademarks of WebMD Health Corp. or its subsidiaries.


BBC News
07-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Throat cancer patient praises new Salisbury District Hospital kit
A throat cancer patient has praised new equipment at Salisbury District Hospital for making an uncomfortable procedure more bearable for Russell, 67, from Maiden Bradley, was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in November 2019 after discovering a lump in his throat. Since then, he has undergone monthly check-ups using videoscopes to monitor his condition - a procedure he once described as feeling like going "a couple of rounds with Mike Tyson".With funding from the Stars Appeal, the hospital's charity, six new videoscopes which cut appointment times have been purchased at a cost of £115,000. These devices allow for quicker and more comfortable diagnoses for patients with suspected head and neck their introduction in September, more than 1,600 patients referred with suspected head and neck cancers have benefitted from their use. 'Felt like a punch' Mr Russell said: "I am well used to this unpleasant procedure, but the new cameras make it so much more comfortable. For new patients, they will significantly reduce the fear of having it done."He added: "The new cameras made the procedure so much easier to manage. Sometimes it used to feel like being punched in the nose."The upgraded scopes also offer doctors much clearer images, helping them to detect changes in patients over time. This is particularly important for people like Mr Russell, whose cancer has been persistent and unpredictable. "The unique nature of my cancer meant it kept coming and going. This equipment is really important because doctors can now see subtle changes that may signal something's happening," he scopes are part of a new 'one-stop' diagnostic service led by the hospital's Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Maxillofacial can now receive assessments in a single visit, instead of attending multiple departments. ENT consultant Mr Kostas Marinakis said the new equipment has had a major impact. "The superior image quality gives us the best chance of detecting early cancers and significantly improves the comfort of the procedure. "We're extremely grateful to the Stars Appeal supporters for making this possible."