Provision and outcomes of publicly funded bariatric surgery in a metropolitan versus a provincial population of New Zealand.

Background: Obesity is an important health problem worldwide. The prevalence of obesity in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) is the third highest amongst OECD countries. Previous studies have demonstrated inequity in the provision of bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) across AoNZ, but detailed data regarding patients and surgical outcomes is lacking.

Barriers for bariatric surgery in provincial New Zealand: a qualitative analysis.

Background: Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for people with obesity. It has been shown that there's is a complex psychosocial overlay in the pathophysiology and treatment, which requires specific consideration when delivering care. There is a significant drop out rate for patients accepted on to bariatric programmes in New Zealand, resulting in failure to progress to surgical intervention.

Rate and cost of representation in patients suffering from major trauma in Northland, New Zealand.

Introduction: The published rate of readmission in major trauma patients in New Zealand has been recorded at 11%. The rate of re-attendances to emergency departments (ED) is currently not reported, but potentially adds significant burden to the healthcare system. The rate, costs and resource implications of these representations have not previously been described in New Zealand.

Paediatric appendicitis: increased disease severity and complication rates in rural children.

Background: Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency affecting children. Rurality has been shown to be a predictor of worse surgical outcomes in patients with acute appendicitis compared to urban residents. There are no previously published studies investigating this in Australasia.