For older people and frail people, the long-term benefit of medicines reduces and the potential for harm from adverse effects increases. When the benefit–risk balance changes in this way, medicine review and optimisation are important to simplify the therapeutic regimen, reduce inappropriate medicines and minimise risks. In this article, pharmacist prescriber Linda Bryant uses two case studies to illustrate important considerations during medicine reviews
Te Whatu Ora proactively releases financial reports to explain $934 million loss
Te Whatu Ora proactively releases financial reports to explain $934 million loss

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This article was first published on 8 October.
From Stephen: In October, Te Whatu Ora released the financial details setting out the reason for its year-to-date loss of $934 million. But despite political rhetoric around the agency being top-heavy and bloated, much of the overspend was actually due to increased staffing costs for nurses. Other “one-off” factors include a Holidays Act liability increase of $172 million and $121 million in COVID-19 stock write-offs.
A paper released in October also showed the agency didn’t receive an expected $529 million from the Government to offset pay equity payments for allied health, midwives and nursing staff
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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