Computed tomography head scans prior to lumbar punctures in suspected meningitis.

Background: The literature suggests that certain clinical criteria to determine raised intracranial pressure (ICP) should be met if a patient suspected of meningitis is to undergo a computed tomography (CT) head scan prior to having a lumbar puncture (LP).

Aim: To evaluate whether these criteria were being used by the general medicine department of Auckland City Hospital when requesting CT scans prior to LPs in patients with suspected meningitis.

Methods: A total of 37 patients admitted under general medicine with suspected meningitis from 1 January to 31 July 2016 were retrospectively audited based on the clinical evidence justifying the decision to do a CT scan prior to a LP.

Medical service redesign shares the load saving 6000 bed days and improving morale.

Background And Aims: In 2010, demand on the Auckland City Hospital general medical service exceeded capacity. A review by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians was critical of training offered to registered medical officers, and low morale was a problem across the service. Management offered support for an improved model that would solve these problems.

Mortality and morbidity in Cushing's syndrome in New Zealand.

Objective: Untreated Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. However, recent operative series suggest low morbidity and mortality for CS, whereas population-based surveys report elevated mortality rates. We investigated the mortality and morbidity of CS in New Zealand.