When we look at the cost of COVID-19 and ask “how did it catch us out?” the unpalatable answer is – it shouldn’t have, says World Nano Foundation co-founder Paul Sheedy With the human and economic costs of COVID still rising, all nations surely know they must invest in technology and innovation against ongoing pandemic threats, especially after ignoring previous warning signs. Continue →

Since July 2020, New Zealand has had at least 10 border control failures and at least five “internal MIQ facility failures” involving the spread of COVID-19 between returnees Prof Nick Wilson, Dr Leah Grout, Prof Michael Baker – University of Otago There have been ongoing system improvements to address these failures, but hotel-based facilities have inherent problems with shared spaces and inadequate ventilation, as recognised in WHO guidance. Continue →

The Simpson Review highlights the dysfunctionality of the current secular DHBs, but there is doubt that Health Minister David Clark can deliver on the report’s promises Two years ago, Heather Simpson, former PM Helen Clark’s chief-of-staff, was tasked with leading a massive review into the New Zealand health and disability sector, with pretty much every aspect of it on the table. Continue →

Today’s national assessment of our health assets shows that our health infrastructure is on life support and points to systemic weaknesses in the ways we plan, fund, and deliver our social infrastructure,” says Infrastructure New Zealand CEO Paul Blair Today, the Ministry of Health released its report of the National Asset Management Programme for district health boards (DHBs). Continue →