2 March 2022

Pondering the vagaries of access to rapid antigen tests and N95 masks, and the steadily rising number of daily COVID cases, I asked myself “what’s new?”

As Omicron cases escalated around the country under phase 2, GPs spoke of their frustration as well as pragmatism in dealing with constant change and frequent confusion

A review of capitation funding for general practice appears to be under way behind closed doors – without input from practices

A “red letter” warning sent last week by the NZMA to general practices, over their participation in COVID-19 services, was drawing wide reaction from the sector as New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa went to press

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians in Australia wants children’s health and wellbeing to be a top priority in a COVID-19 pandemic recovery

GP registrars are distressed after the option of an aegrotat grade has been removed for failed candidates planning to resit February’s clinical exam

One in 10 doctors in an Australian study had thoughts of suicide or self-harm during the second wave of COVID-19 outbreaks in Australia, a large study has found

Tunumafono Fa’amoetauloa Avaula (Ava) Fa’amoe is praising the Government’s “gutsy political decision” to set up a new Ministry for Disabled People, but the start date of 1 July has him nervous

A proposal to turn unregulated COVID-19 vaccinators into a wider vaccination workforce is given the thumbs down by NZMA, but a thumbs up from the National Hauora Coalition

A clinical hub providing virtual home isolation care in North- land is aimed at increasing GPs’ confidence to clinically support COVID-positive patients