Health & Wellbeing

A new, state-of-the-art CT scanner is now operational at Southland Hospital, delivering a significant step forward for diagnostic services in the region, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This new CT scanner is a game-changer for Invercargill and surrounding areas. It will provide faster, more accurate diagnosis for a wide range

* Enliven Southland to trial AI-driven pain detection app for 12 months from July * App allows staff to assess non-verbal signs of pain in dementia patients more accurately * Funding support enables improved care and smarter tech use in aged care settings The introduction of a new smartphone app is set to

* invercargill and Southland to receive new urgent and after-hours healthcare services expansion * Rural areas including Stewart Island and Tuatapere will get 24/7 clinical support and urgent medicines * Invercargill to get new daytime urgent care service available seven days each week Access to urgent and after-hours healthcare is set to

* Emergency department at Southland Hospital is undersized and cannot meet patient demand safely * Over 1,000 patients have waited more than four months for surgical treatment since December * $8 million upgrade budget for ED and theatres is considered too low without compromise Southland Hospital’s emergency department is too small

* Southland mother Lynne Laverty encourages locals to host Pink Ribbon events this May. * Her personal journey highlights the life-saving importance of early breast cancer detection. * Pink Ribbon Breakfasts raise funds for research, education and support for breast cancer patients. A Southland mum is urging locals to take part in this

Gary Brecka is a human biologist, biohacker, longevity expert, and host of the "Ultimate Human" podcast theultimatehuman.com * Gary Brecka presents nine health tips combining science and biohacking on Rogan’s podcast * Topics include mental health, recovery, ageing, and the power of nature and community * Episode inspired strong

* Government reveals first national long-term plan to upgrade New Zealand’s public health facilities * More than $20 billion to be invested in new hospitals and infrastructure over several stages * Dunedin Hospital’s next construction phase confirmed, with tendering underway for mid-year restart New Zealand has released its first-ever long-term Health

* MENZSHED members gathered in Invercargill for a three-day national conference celebrating connection * Health expo brought vital services and support directly to members in an informal setting * Local attractions and Southland hospitality helped round out a successful and well-supported event MENZSHED NEW ZEALAND members from around the country came together in