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
A number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed and linked to Eltham case
A number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed and linked to Eltham case

TDHB can confirm a number of positive COVID-19 infections associated with the Eltham case announced on the weekend.
The new cases are currently isolating at home.
Case investigation work is underway to identify any close contacts and locations of interest.
Locations considered high risk to the public will be shared on the Ministry of Health’s website as soon as they’re available. Please visit COVID-19: Contact tracing locations of interest | Ministry of Health NZ.
Testing details for today (Wednesday 15 December):
- Eltham: Eltham Kohanga Reo, 24 York Street, 10am – 1pm (run by Ngaruahine)
- New Plymouth: Taranaki Base Hospital, 9am-3pm
- Hāwera: Hāwera Hospital, 10am-2pm
Anyone not experiencing symptoms, but who wishes to be tested, should have a surveillance saliva test. These are available at:
Hāwera TSB Hub car park, Waihi Rd, 9.30am – 4pm (run by Ngāti Ruanui)
Further testing locations and times across Taranaki can be found here https://www.tdhb.org.nz/covid19/public.shtml