The New Zealand medical journal
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To determine the availability and use of urgent ultrasonography to emergency departments in New Zealand. ⋯ Most clinical directors feel that it is difficult to get an urgent ultrasound scan and that emergency physicians should be performing ultrasonography. With the proper training and support most clinical directors had plans to use ultrasonography in the future.
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Biography Historical Article
The long locum: health propaganda in New Zealand.
Health Department folklore since the 1950s has attributed the rise of health education in New Zealand almost entirely to the efforts of one man, 'Radio Doctor' Harold Turbott. The historical evidence reveals, however, a more extensive commitment by the Health Department, dating back to its foundation in 1900. This paper examines the evolution of health education in New Zealand and concludes that Turbott's role in its development has been overstated, largely at his own instigation.
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To assess the level of understanding of pulse oximetry in a hospital setting and identify training needs. ⋯ Medical and nursing staff at Christchurch Hospital have a good understanding of pulse oximetry. A higher proportion of participants were aware of checking vital signs when the oximeter reading was unreliable, than in the original UK study cohort. A need was identified for further education in this core technique. Staff training may increase the clinical value of pulse oximetry.
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This study investigated the role of alcohol in injury cases among patients attending an emergency department in Auckland during December 2000. ⋯ This is the first study of alcohol involvement in injury presenting to an emergency department in New Zealand. Findings indicate that a relatively high proportion of injury cases requiring emergency department treatment were alcohol-related and that the risk of an injury occurring was significantly increased by consumption of alcohol.