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
Reaching out into uncharted territory - ex-cop devotes his life to improving lives of gang members
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Reaching out into uncharted territory - ex-cop devotes his life to improving lives of gang members
Friday 9 May 2025, 10:30 AM

Waiariki tumuaki ahurei Waata Heathcote (left) with Te Whatu Ora pandemic readiness senior adviser Jason Sayers at a 2023 event that delivered 64 health checks and more than 100 engagements by a mental health and addiction team [Image: Supplied]
Reporter Alan Perrott talks to an ex-cop who is devoting his life to delivering healthcare and change into the heart of Bay of Plenty’s gang culture
Waata Heathcote knocks on the door, steps back and readies himself.
Mr Heathcote’s got no idea what’s going on inside or how he will be received, b
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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