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
Funding key to success of mental health bill: Shaun Robinson
Funding key to success of mental health bill: Shaun Robinson

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This article was first published on 24 October.
From Stephen: After so many bad stories about the state of the health system in 2024, a recent story on the Government’s mental health bill offers some hope. Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson welcomed the new bill, which passed its first reading in October and is expected to replace the Mental Health (Compulsory Assessment and Treatment) Act 1992. It builds on the 2018 He Ara Oranga: Report of the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction. The new bill, if passed, will reduce the use of electro-shock treatment and solitary confinement and give patients a greater say in their treatment, Mr Robinson says. But it will require extra funding to make it work
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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