Category: MIL-OSI

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health

Source: New Zealand Government

Every emergency department in the country now has access to an artificial intelligence scribe tool, marking a major milestone in reducing administrative burden and freeing up frontline clinicians to focus more on patient care, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“AI scribe technology is now live in all emergency departments across New Zealand, with the rapid rollout to 1250 ED doctors and frontline staff complete – 250 more than originally announced following a successful pilot last year,” Mr Brown says.

“This places New Zealand among the fastest health systems in the world to move from pilot to nationwide frontline AI use in emergency departments, helping clinicians spend more time with patients and less time on paperwork.”

Results from the initial pilot highlighted the practical impact of the technology. Doctors using the AI tool were able to see, on average, one additional patient per shift as a result of time saved on documentation.

“That means faster care for patients and shorter waiting times in our emergency departments, while also reducing pressure and cognitive load on busy clinicians.”

Early feedback from the nationwide rollout has also been encouraging.

“After one month of use at Middlemore Emergency Department, 80 per cent of surveyed staff said the AI scribe improved productivity or efficiency, and 84 per cent said it had a positive impact on their overall experience and wellbeing during a shift.”

Following strong interest from clinicians, Health New Zealand is now progressing approval of more than 1000 additional licences, predominantly for use by mental health teams.

Mr Brown says delivering modern digital tools that make a real difference for patients and staff is a priority for the Government. 

“AI will never replace clinical skill or judgement, but it will play an increasingly important role in supporting frontline healthcare staff and helping patients access care faster and more efficiently, now and into the future.

“We will continue investing in digital technology that puts patients at the centre of the healthcare system, improving access to care, and delivering better health outcomes for New Zealanders,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

Health Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed the successful ratification of two new collective agreements for members of the Public Service Association (PSA), covering Public Health Nurses and Mental Health Nurses in Auckland and the Rest of New Zealand.

“I am pleased for the approximately 3500 nurses employed by Health New Zealand who will benefit from these agreements. These nurses play a critical role in delivering public health services and supporting people with mental health needs in communities across the country,” Mr Brown says.

The 24-month agreements provide around 3500 nurses with a 2.5 per cent salary increase in year one and a 2 per cent increase in year two. Nurses will also receive a one-off lump sum payment of $800, and Enrolled Nurses will receive a $2,000 flat-rate increase on the top step of their pay scale.

The agreements include an increase to the professional development allowance for Nurse Practitioners, supporting ongoing training and career progression. There is also a commitment to recruit more than 550 additional nursing positions in this financial year to strengthen frontline services.

“Nurses are at the heart of our health system. They make a real difference for patients and families every day, often in complex and challenging environments. I want to thank them for the dedication and professionalism they bring to their work, and for always putting patients at the centre of what they do.”

This ratification follows the recent approval of collective agreements for APEX pharmacy members, APEX psychologists, PSA Allied Public Health, Scientific and Technical members, and APEX dietitians.

“I want to acknowledge Health New Zealand and the unions for their constructive engagement in reaching these agreements, which provide certainty for staff and help ensure New Zealanders can continue to receive the care they need.”

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are in attendance at a serious crash in Whakapara, Whangārei this morning.

The two vehicle crash, on State Highway 1, was reported to Police at about 6.50am.

Early indications suggest two people have been seriously injured.

State Highway 1 is blocked in both directions and diversions are in place at Jordan Valley Road and Hukerenui Road.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and avoid the area if possible.

The Serious Crash Unit has been notified.

ENDS.

Holly McKay/NZ Police

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died after a three-vehicle crash on SH4, Erua, Ruapehu, late last night.

Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.10pm.

One person died at the scene.

Another person sustained critical injuries, and four others received minor injuries.

The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

One person has died in a crash on State Highway 1, Taihape, to the north of Spooners Hill yesterday morning.

Police were advised at 7.25am that a car had gone off the road and into Hautapu River.

On arrival, the car was located submerged in the river, with significant damage from the crash.

The car was able to be removed from the river yesterday afternoon and Police have since confirmed the deceased driver was the sole occupant.

Our thoughts are with their family and loved ones.

Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are under way.

ENDS 

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Dunedin on 18 February.

Emergency services were called to a two vehicle crash on State Highway 87 at around 2.15pm.

One person was transported to hospital in a critical condition, however they have now passed away from their injuries.

Police continue to make enquiries into the circumstances of the crash.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Source: New Zealand Police

Canterbury Police arrested drivers, impounded vehicles and issued infringement notices over the weekend as they moved to detect, deter and disrupt anti‑social road user activity.

With several large events drawing crowds to Christchurch, including Electric Avenue and a popular motorsport Chrome Expression Session for car enthusiasts, Police were prepared for the influx of visitors and acted early to keep roads and people safe.

Sergeant Ben Rutherford said the Operation Chrome team included bailiffs and was deliberately proactive. Broadly speaking his team was pleased with the weekend.

“We know unroadworthy vehicles and risky behaviour often go hand in hand with potential disruption and harm,” he said. “By taking illegally modified vehicles and dangerous behaviour off the road early we reduced the chance of trouble.” 

He said the significant number of people leaving Hagley Park after the music festival added to the road policing workload. 

“With more than forty thousand people spilling onto the streets, we worked hard to keep the city safe. 

“One example from Friday night was a guy who did a wheelie off a red light past a crowd of people. 

“Stunts can go badly wrong with disastrous consequences, especially right in the middle of a crowd. 

“That motorbike was taken off the road immediately.” 

Over the weekend Police monitored traffic circulating throughout Christchurch and ran multiple checkpoints targeting unsafe vehicles, licence breaches and alcohol‑related offending. 

On Saturday night, more than 300 cars gathered in Northwood for a pre‑planned ‘cruise’ planned by Chrome Event organisers. 

“Despite slowing traffic flow the drivers were generally well behaved and it was great to see the vehicles on display,” Sergeant Rutherford said. 

The convoy travelled to Halswell with a brief stop in Ferrymead. 

“The organisers were excellent. Their communication helped ensure everything stayed lawful and disruption was kept to a minimum.” 

However, Sergeant Rutherford said Police still had to step in at times. 

“As the weekend wore on, there were groups who needed reminding that dangerous vehicles and behaviour won’t be tolerated. We broke up gatherings, removed unsafe vehicles, issued infringements and intervened early. 

“Police frequently see how tragedies can play out so we’re equipped and trained to manage safety risks, and we try to prevent something terrible happening. 

“We don’t tolerate excessive noise, disruption, intimidation, street racing or unnecessary speed on our roads. 

“It’s simple, we just want a fun and safe weekend for Christchurch visitors and residents.”

Provisional summary from the operation: 

• Twelve vehicles taken off our roads.
• Six drivers gave excess breath‑alcohol readings. 
• Vehicle compliance: eight vehicles were green‑stickered as unsafe.
• Issued over 200 infringement notices.

Police thank all those who reported concerns and encourage anyone with information on illegal or unsafe activity to make a report through the 105 service.

If you have information you’d like to share anonymously, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Note for media:

Additional B-roll footage is available below.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Team

Source: New Zealand Police

A search and rescue operation is underway after a man was swept off the rocks at Union Bay, Karekare, earlier today.

Emergency services were alerted about 10.15am to the incident where a man fishing on the rocks had been swept out to sea.

Police immediately deployed along with Coastguard and Surf Lifesaving New Zealand.

The man has not been located.

Further searches will be carried out at low tide this afternoon.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre