With the election drawing closer, and no clear primary care plan from any party released at the time of print, we asked the parties’ health spokespeople three questions on key issues facing the primary care sector – covering funding, equity and workforce. The answers, gathered by deputy editor Patrice Dougan and reporter Stephen Forbes, are collated below
Whatever the outcome of polling day next month, public servants will be kept busy polishing their copy for the traditional briefings to the incoming minister, writes Gabrielle Baker
Making oral healthcare free and improving clinical quality are essential but, by themselves, will not address unjust and unfair differences in outcomes for Māori, writes Gabrielle Baker
Shifting scarce mental health resources into the community to treat people with mild psychological distress is “short-sighted and unjust”, says Christchurch psychiatrist Roger Mulder
The Government has today announced its commitment to roll out a national multi-agency approach to better respond to 111 calls for people experiencing mental distress
Specialist GP Nikki Vadgama provides some tips to make your next paediatric eczema consult easier. She includes a review of new guidelines, resources, websites and medications for paediatric eczema management