Newsletters & General

Issue 343 - 28 May 2026 Welcome to the fortnightly Health Improvement and Innovation Digest. The Digest has links to key evidence of interest, with access to new content arranged by topic. You can forward this newsletter to others who may be interested in receiving it. They can register and subscribe here. You can also access other recent issues of the digest here. If you have any queries, please email us at library@health.govt.nz. Article Access For articles that aren't ope

Evidence from randomised trials on optimal LDL cholesterol targets for secondary prevention in known atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is limited. In an open trial, 3048 patients with known CVD disease were randomised to an LDL target of below 1.4 mmol/L or below 1.8 mmol/L.1 The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke, revascularisation, or hospitalisation for unstable angina over 3 years. The median achieved LDL

Continuing Professional Development Podcasts | Webinars | Gems | eLearning | MedCases Our latest selection of CPD options for you: Lipids, BP, and the metabolic syndrome puzzle WEBINAR 26 May: Consultant Cardiologist Gerry Wilkins on taming the trio: Lipids, BP, and the Metabolic Syndrome. Register here Management of Diabetes and CHF WEBINAR 2 June: Ryan Paul overviews a practical approach to best practice of heart failure in people with diabetes, including the rol

Please find attached a memo outlining the rationale and clinical use of the above combination in adult patients. This has been developed by the Health NZ Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group in partnership with the Te Whata Kura Development Team. We encourage you to share this information widely across your networks. Ngā mihi nui, Sharon Gardiner(on behalf of the Health NZ Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group and the Te Whata Kura Development Team) Sharon Gardiner FPS,

Macrolides were evaluated using individual patient-level data on asthma control, as well as on severe exacerbations and harms1. Evidence certainty followed GRADE. Across 19 trials (1825 patients), macrolides improved asthma control 40.6% vs placebo (21.6%); achieved a ≥ 0.5-point improvement (high certainty); likely reduced severe exacerbations (incidence rate ratio 0.75; moderate certainty); and modestly improved quality of life. Serious adverse events and mortality showed

Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May. Join leading New Zealand dermatology specialists in this 4-hour webinar designed to help you navigate complex cases with confidence. All registrants will enjoy continued access to the full video recording, so you won’t miss a moment - even if you can’t attend live on Saturday. Enhance your Dermatology Expertise: Join Our Online Session this Saturday, 16 May.Join leading New Zealand dermatolo

Our latest selection of CPD options for you: High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) WEBINAR 12 May: Rajan Patel discusses the importance of early detection and timely management of high-risk cSCC. Register here Lipids, BP, and the metabolic syndrome puzzle WEBINAR 26 May: Consultant Cardiologist Gerry Wilkins on taming the trio: Lipids, BP, and the Metabolic Syndrome. Register here Management of Diabetes and CHF WEBINAR 2 June: Ryan Paul overviews a practical

Accurately diagnosing and treating impetigo and intertrigo in infants is important because their skin barrier is immature, infections spread faster, and complications can escalate before anyone realises what’s happening. In her talk at the Practical Update day, Specialist Dermatologist Lisa Connelly will focus on the diagnosis and management of impetigo and intertrigo (cradle cap) in children while also distinguishing these conditions from atopic eczema. She will also discuss

Early identification of AAS in younger Māori This study examined ethnic disparities in acute aortic syndrome (AAS) in Midland region patients1. Researchers conducted a 10-year retrospective review (2010–2020) of 250 consecutive AAS cases, in which Māori made up 23.3% of the population. Outcomes were compared between Māori and non-Māori. Māori patients accounted for 36.8% of cases and had a significantly higher age-standardised incidence of AAS (6.9 vs 2.0 per 100,000 person

It's important to distinguish rosacea from the malar rash of lupus. Rosacea treatments are effective but should be started early, as late-stage rosacea (telangiectasias and rhinophyma) is expensive to treat cosmetically. Additionally, confusing the two risks undertreating lupus or overtreating rosacea. In his session at our Dermatology Update on Saturday May 16, Consultant Dermatologist Aaron Secrest offers a practical, pattern-based approach to determing which rash you are

Please see attached HNZ Cyber-Panui April 2026

Our latest selection of CPD options for you: Roadside testing, and Advance Care Planning WEBINAR 28 April: Join Anna Skinner on how the newly introduced roadside drug testing process works, and Jane Goodwin on how ACP supports meaningful conversations about values and preferences. Register here High-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) WEBINAR 12 May: Rajan Patel discusses the importance of early detection and timely management of high-risk cSCC. Register here

Kia ora koutou Thanks for your ongoing engagement on the Ministry’s targeted review of the Cremation Regulations 1973. I am getting in touch to let you know that the Cremation Amendment Regulations 2026 have been finalised and will take effect from 7 May 2026 . You can find information on our website here: https://www.health.govt.nz/news/updated-cremation-rules-to-reduce-delays-for-families https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/burial-and-cremation Furthe

Alopecia isn’t just cosmetic - it can be a marker of underlying disease and has meaningful emotional and quality-of-life consequences. In her session at our Dermatology Update on Saturday May 16, Consultant Dermatologist Cristina Mello, offers a practical, pattern-based approach to identifying common alopecia types, recognising red flags, initiating management, and knowing when to refer, with guidance on prognosis and patient counselling. Register now to secure your spot!

Prior studies have suggested aspirin lowers long-term cancer risk, especially colorectal cancer, but the ASPREE trial (Australia & US-based) in older adults found no reduction in cancer incidence and an unexpected rise in late-stage cancers and cancer mortality 1 . This study examined 10-year outcomes in more than 19,000 adults aged 70 and older from ASPREE and its observational extension. Participants received either low-dose aspirin (100mg) or a placebo. Over a median o

Please see attached: Recent amendments to the Guidance for registered nurse prescribers

I hope you were all able to take a moment to rest and recharge over the long weekend. The start of the year has been a busy one, and I want to acknowledge the work you do every day to support people, families, whānau and communities, and the impact it can have on your own wellbeing.  Today marks an important milestone. We have launched public consultation on the draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy – a ten-year plan to guide our collective efforts to improve mental hea

Our latest webinars and podcast for you: Whole of life protection: A focus on adult vaccination WEBINAR 14 April: Nikki Turner on the importance of adult immunisation as part of comprehensive preventive care in primary practice. Register here Redefining insomnia management WEBINAR 21 April: David Cunnington, a specialist sleep physician, will review contemporary insomnia management, including CBT-I, and discuss the role of medications, including lemborexant, a newer agent