Issue Summary
Here we go again? A new pandemic of the 21st century
As the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened rapidly over the past few weeks, comparisons have been made with the great influenza pandemic of 1918, with people asking “Are we about to see a repeat of that global disaster?”
New Zealand’s elimination strategy for the COVID-19 pandemic and what is required to make it work
In this editorial we summarise the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the justification for the elimination strategy adopted by New Zealand, and some of the actions required to maximise the chances of success.
Admission to ICU “solely for possible organ donation”—audit of current New Zealand practice
The practice of admitting patients with likely fatal acute illness to ICU “solely for possible organ donation” is increasingly being advocated for as a potential source of additional organs for transplantation.
Sleep habits of intermediate-aged students: roles for the students, parents and educators
The foundations for health include proper nutrition, regular exercise and good sleep quality.
On the use of a new monocular-indirect ophthalmoscope for retinal photography in a primary care setting
In 1851, Professor von Helmholtz revolutionised the ophthalmoscope, an instrument which is an indispensable tool for examination of the human retina.
Inherited thrombophilia testing in a large tertiary hospital in New Zealand: implementation of a Choosing Wisely protocol to reduce unnecessary testing and costs
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in New Zealand.
Transition of the medical model of care at Ashburton hospital over 10 years: the perspective of rural generalists
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified lack of rural health workforce as a major barrier to universal and equitable health coverage.
Neoliberalism: what it is, how it affects health and what to do about it
This paper sets out the consequences of neoliberalism for health. Among health workers, including doctors, nurses and managers, there are some with a poor understanding of neoliberalism or who assume that this is the only way to organise our economies and institutions.
DRESS syndrome due to iodinated contrast medium
An 82-year-old woman presented to the emergency department after developing a generalised rash.
Bilateral vertebral artery dissection and cerebellar stroke: a rare complication of massage
In vertebral artery dissection (VAD), a tear occurs in the intimal wall of the vertebral artery. The tear can be either spontaneous or traumatic and allows blood to collect in the wall of the vessel as an intramural haematoma.
Type A aortic dissections: challenges of atypical presentation in remote New Zealand
SM, a 62 year-old male of Māori descent, was seen by ambulance for right hemiparesis with no significant medical history.
Bullying and harassment in ophthalmology: a trainee survey
Bullying, harassment and gender-based discrimination within the medical workforce in New Zealand has received significant media and academic attention in recent years.
