Latest news with #APEX
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Over 100,000 people on radiology wait list
Over 100,000 people around the country are on the radiology wait list, in the queue in the public health system for MRIs, X-rays, CT scans and other diagnostic tests. APEX, the union representing medical imaging technologists and sonographers, said radiology services are unravelling. Meanwhile, 45% of the health workers who answered the APEX survey said they are working with broken, outdated or unsafe equipment. APEX Advocate, Omar Hamed spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
102,446 people on radiology wait list
102,446. That's the number of people around the country on the radiology wait list in the queue in the public health system for M-R-I's, X-rays, C-T scans and other diagnostic tests. That's according to a report by the union representing medical imaging technologists and sonographers. APEX says radiology services are unravelling, with 50 % of the patients waiting concentrated in just five districts according to data from March this year. It also says Te Whatu ora Health New Zealand has spent more than a hundred million dollars in the past year outsourcing radiology services to private providers. Meanwhile 45 percent of the health workers who answered the APEX survey say they are working with broken, outdated or unsafe equipment. Omar Hamed is an APEX Advocate based in Auckland. He joined Lisa Owen Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Hospital radiology services suffering surging demand, lack of investment report shows
The report was produced by APEX which is the union representing over 1500 Medical Imaging Technologists and 350 sonographers. Photo: 123RF A new report has slammed the state of the country's hospital radiology services saying inadequate staff numbers and a lack of investment is 'unravelling' the sector. The report from APEX - the union representing over 1500 Medical Imaging Technologists (MIT) and 350 sonographers - showed 102,446 patients on radiology waiting lists nationwide (as of March 2026) with over half of the country's departments reporting inadequate staffing levels. The report based on a national survey of APEX members and data obtained through Official Information Act requests said more than 44 percent of MIT staff surveyed said they were working with broken, outdated, or unsafe equipment. APEX national secretary Dr Deborah Powell told RNZ the report outlined how deeply the sector "had fallen into disarray". "Understaffed and exhausted teams, working with broken equipment are finding it impossible to provide safe and timely services as demand for medical imaging surges," Powell said. She said waiting lists were growing "across the board" - even for people with conditions requiring urgent attention. "In Auckland... acute or urgent scans people are on the waiting list - which is pretty much unheard of really. If you're acute or urgent you get straight in but we're now seeing a waiting list growing for those sorts of patients," Powell said. She said the revelation the health system had spent over $100 million outsourcing radiology services to private providers in the last year was at the core of the problem. "It seems to be easier to pay the cost of outsourcing than get our staffing and machinery fixed in-house. If that money had been reinvested in sufficient staff and sufficient equipment then we believe we would've achieved far more than that and in a far more cost effective way," Powell said. Five hospitals - Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Capital & Coast and Hutt - reported MIT staffing level as approaching crisis point. "Our people are exhausted, they're burnt out. Patients are not getting the service they want. They're getting frustrated [and] sometimes they take it out on staff. So we are seeing our people leaving the public sector and going and working for the private sector. That's a double whammy. "We are getting to the point where our guys are just so tired they can't keep doing this - the risk of mistakes goes up - and the only option is to outsource which in actual fact exacerbates our problem," Powell said. She said Te Whatu Ora needed to lift the current hiring freeze, implement a national plan for the replacement of technology and redirect funding diverted to outsourcing back into the public system. Te Whatu Ora has been approached for comment. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
09-08-2025
- NZ Herald
Teen boy housed in Tauranga motel by Oranga Tamariki for more than a year
During that year, Oranga Tamariki sent *Cody on a state-funded trip to a Pacific Island, with his now-estranged mother, to see if he could connect with family. The boy told the court this had 'not gone well', and after the trip last August, it was back to the motel. Cody was in Youth Court in Tauranga, facing relatively low-level charges, and Judge Paul Geoghegan asked him how he spent his days, and what education he was receiving while living in the Tauranga motel. 'None,' he replied, describing waking up late, eating, gaming, and seeing his girlfriend. He also had an Oranga Tamariki-appointed mentor he would meet with on occasion. Cody was supervised by Oranga Tamariki-contracted APEX minders, who, in pairs, were on 48-hour shifts at the motel. It's understood there were a limited number of carers on rotation. Youth Court judge Christina Cook commented at a later hearing that the 'cost to the taxpayer must be horrendous', and remarked that it was 'not a way to live'. One of the reported constants the teen appreciated was a weekly meeting with a psychologist from Auckland. However, an Oranga Tamariki social worker told Judge Geoghegan, at the hearing in March, that a 'leadership-led' decision was made to stop that. Judge Geoghegan issued a minute, in which he said the teen was 'simply treading water' and 'there may be psychological needs which are not being met'. Judge Paul Geoghegan. Photo / Andrew Warner After being granted permission to report on proceedings by three separate Youth Court judges, NZME sent questions to Oranga Tamariki about Cody, primarily focused on why he was at the motel for so long, what led the organisation to place him there, and how much it cost to keep him there. Oranga Tamariki was also asked about what provisions were made for his food and education, and how much the trip to the Pacific Islands cost. However, Oranga Tamariki declined to provide responses saying: 'the leave that has been granted to [NZME] does not authorise Oranga Tamariki to provide you with information about the young person and matters addressed in the Youth Court'. Tamariki and whānau services national commissioner North Alison Cronin provided a general statement that said typically young people only spent one night in a motel, and most children and young people will stay for three nights or fewer. She said 'occasionally' young people may need to stay longer. 'These young people may have high and complex needs which can make it difficult to find appropriate placements for them,' she said. 'Some may have behaviours which are extremely challenging to safely manage, and which pose a risk to themselves or others in a group setting.' She said sometimes they might stay longer because of proximity to whānau, continuation of education, or access to support services while a longer-term placement is found. Data released by Oranga Tamariki under the Official Information Act said that as at July 1, 2025, 18 tamariki and rangatahi in the care of Oranga Tamariki were staying in motels. Oranga Tamariki had more than 4100 young people in its care at that time. Oranga Tamariki didn't keep specific data on the number of children sent overseas, while in its care. 'Information on tamariki and rangatahi travelling overseas for any purpose, including to connect with whānau, is not recorded in fields that can be extracted from our case management system as structured data,' it said. 'This information would be stored in the narrative case notes for the tamaiti or rangatahi in question... Oranga Tamariki would need to review individual case notes for all tamariki and rangatahi, which would require substantial manual collation.' Charges due to boy's 'frustration', says Judge Cody, who turned 15 in February, was charged with wilful damage, speaking threateningly, threatening to kill, and unlawfully interfering with a motor vehicle. Judge Geoghegan felt the charges were to a 'considerable degree', because of the boy's 'frustration' with his current circumstances. The judge couldn't move ahead with the Youth Court charges without a plan for more appropriate housing and education, and without a psychological report, which had been cancelled. 'The reasons for that are unclear given the quite dire situation which I believe exists in [Cody's] particular circumstances,' the judge said. It's understood Cody had a long history with Oranga Tamariki's Care and Protection arm, and Oranga Tamariki's typical care arrangements had been tried without success. The judge acknowledged the teen's mother had 'washed her hands of him', his father's whereabouts were unknown, and efforts to connect the teen to whānau in New Zealand had fallen on 'barren ground'. The teen's lawyer, Peter Attwood, told the court the teen's charges weren't serious enough for him to be remanded in a youth justice residence, and he, the social workers, and police all agreed the National High Needs Hub needed to find a place for him. 'The hub' is a centralised Oranga Tamariki unit, that receives referrals to care and protection residences with specific wrap-around supports. But no one could tell the judge why 'the hub' hadn't accepted the referrals and found a placement. Cody was first referred there in mid-December last year, and nothing had been progressed. Been at the motel 'a hell of a long time', says judge At a crossover court appearance a month later, where both Care and Protection and Youth Justice social workers were in attendance, little had changed. At that hearing, Judge Christina Cook reiterated Judge Geoghegan's concern, noting the teen was still living in a motel, albeit absconding in breach of his bail conditions to spend time with his transient girlfriend. The teen's youth justice social worker said this worried her. 'I don't know where he is, who he is with, and if he's safe', she said. 'We [social workers] stay awake at night worrying about the likes of [Cody] and if he's okay.' Judge Cook was particularly concerned about the abrupt end to Cody's meetings with the psychologist, and was baffled by the delay in response from 'the hub'. 'Which is immensely frustrating and it is easy for me to say that, but I am not the one who has to live day-to-day in a motel supported by carers.' Despite the less-than-ideal circumstances of being housed at a motel, Judge Cook was told the teen's key social worker on the ground had done an 'incredible amount of work'. NZME attempted to speak with that social worker, who arguably understood the nuances and challenges of Cody's situation better than anybody, but she said she'd been told by Oranga Tamariki management not to speak to NZME about the case. Judge Cook spoke directly to the teen, acknowledging he'd been at the motel for 'a hell of a long time', but it was 'nothing to do with the people in this room, it's somewhere up the chain'. Both Judge Cook and Judge Geoghegan directed minutes to Oranga Tamariki, raising their concerns about Cody's circumstances. At an appearance on May 26, it was advised that a placement had been found, supported by an iwi provider. He would be the sole occupant of a home, with specialist support and carers. NZME was granted provisional permission to report on Cody's circumstances, but only once the teen had been advised of the new arrangement, and safely relocated to the new residence. The teen was transferred in late June, and questions were then put to Oranga Tamariki on June 30, but a media adviser indicated they needed more time. In the meantime, Cody's matter was called in the Tauranga District Court for the final time. At a hearing on July 7, his offences were discharged under section 282 of the Oranga Tamariki Act, meaning he will not have a criminal record. His lawyer, the police, social workers and the judge all agreed the teen needed a fresh start in his new residence, out of Tauranga. There had been concerns he would refuse to leave Tauranga, but the transfer had gone smoothly and Attwood told the court he was 'finally' getting the therapeutic intervention he needed. Youth advocate Peter Attwood. Attwood said there was little need for punitive action, as his core needs had always been care and protection, with youth justice 'has been used as an arm to crank' that side of things. Judge Louis Bidois agreed with a social worker that to transfer the charges to a different location would just be another 'weight on his shoulders'. NZME understands that his new placement hasn't been without incident, but his iwi are sticking by him. It's also understood his particular care arrangement falls under a relatively new care provider. *The teen's identity is subject to statutory suppression, as is the case in all Youth Court proceedings. A pseudonym has been used. Hannah Bartlett is a Tauranga-based Open Justice reporter at NZME. She previously covered court and local government for the Nelson Mail, and before that was a radio reporter at Newstalk ZB.
The Sun
06-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Simba Hybrid Essential mattress review: essential by name, not by nature
I' VE BEEN on a bit of a journey with Simba over the last decade. It all started with the original Simba Hybrid mattress. It was the mattress that made me realise how good a night's sleep could be. Since then, I've tried the Simba Hybrid Luxe and the APEX, and now I'm back with the Hybrid Essential. It's the most budget-friendly option in the range, and while it doesn't have all the premium extras of its pricier siblings, it still holds its own. BUY HERE Pros: Supportive Value for money Comfortable Hypoallergenic Removable, washable cover Cons: Thinner than other Simba mattresses May not be suitable for heavier side sleepers Rating: 8/10 Comfort: 8/10 Support: 8/10 Cooling technology: 8/10 Design: 7/10 Value: 9/10 How I tested the mattress Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 at Simba I slept on this mattress for a week to see how it compares to my Simba APEX, which I wrote about for my Simba APEX mattress review. I'd be testing Simba's cheapest mattress against its most expensive, so I was eager to see how many extra features you get for the £1,250 price difference (for a double). The Hybrid Essential was tested across a mix of conditions, including warm nights, a few cooler ones and with a partner in bed to get a sense of motion isolation. I paid close attention to support, heat build-up, pressure points, and how it felt first thing in the morning (which is when the best mattresses really show their worth). I also rotated the mattress midweek, just to see how manageable it is without handles (spoiler: it's not super fun, but doable.) Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress: Quickfire Q&A How much is it? As you may have garnered from the name, it's the cheapest model in Simba's Hybrid Mattress lineup. A single costs £499, and the price tops out at £749 for a king. Who's it best for? It's ideal for back sleepers, couples and hot sleepers who want hybrid support and cooling tech without dropping top-tier cash. It's also great for a guest room, if you ask me. Is it a firm mattress? It's rated as "medium-firm"; you won't feel like you're sleeping on the floor of a cave, but it might be too hard for those who like to really sink into their mattress. What we loved: As a side sleeper, I found the medium-firmness provided the perfect amount of support and comfort. For something marketed as the 'entry-level' option, it didn't feel like a compromise. It felt familiar in all the best ways. What we didn't: It's thinner than other Simba Hybrids and contains fewer springs, reducing some of that luxurious bounce and deeper support. If you're on the heavier side or prefer extra cushioning (especially as a side sleeper), this could leave you wanting more. Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 at Simba - buy here Simba Hybrid Essential mattress: the nitty gritty First impressions Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 at Simba Despite its humble price point, the Hybrid Essential still gets you the convenience of Simba's delivery. Your mattress will be delivered the day after you order, free of charge (as long as you purchase by 1 pm), and there's old mattress removal available for an extra fee. You also get Simba's suite of other assurances: a 10-year warranty against manufacturer faults and a 200-night trial. However, there are a few minor annoyances. There are no side handles, meaning that carrying and rotating the mattress (which you should do every month or so) can be a bit of a wrestling match. Lastly, that "new mattress smell" (which is not as pleasant as a new car smell) is noticeable for some when unboxing. It's pretty common with bed-in-a-box foam models and typically fades in a few days, but it's worth noting if you're particularly sensitive. Leave the windows open and let it air out for a few hours before making your bed. I prefer a thick mattress, and at 20cm depth, this had quite a slim profile (for comparison, the rest of Simba's Hybrids are between 25cm and 28cm). This didn't affect the sleep or quality in my eyes, but it did mean that when dressing the bed, it didn't have the same pizazz or plush look. Does it de l iver? The Hybrid Essential performed impressively well during a week of real-life testing, delivering solid support throughout the night without awkward dips or hot spots. It excelled at temperature regulation; it's nice and breathable, keeping me consistently cool even on warmer nights. Thanks to Simba's Simbatex foam, infused with graphite and featuring an open-cell design, combined with Aerocoil pocket springs that aid airflow, the mattress dissipates heat effectively — ideal for sleepers who tend to overheat. Comfort-wise, the Hybrid Essential strikes a good balance between softness and support. It's marketed as medium-firm, which feels accurate; you won't sink into it, but it's far from rigid. Marshmallow mattress lovers might be slightly put-off. I found it helped ease morning stiffness and back pain, making it a strong choice for back sleepers. However, it has just over half the number of springs as the Original Hybrid mattress, so you might notice a lack of that hotel-bed bounce and deep support. Side sleepers or those on the heavier side may also find it a bit too firm or thin, especially if they require extra cushioning for hips and shoulders. However, at 5ft 8ins and weighing 68kg, it suited me perfectly. Motion isolation is another highlight; I barely noticed my partner moving around, which is a big win if you share a bed with a fidgeter — or, in my case, an on-call firefighter. While it might lack the plush cushioning of Simba's higher-end models, it delivers on the essentials for everyday sleep. As Simba's most affordable hybrid mattress, the Hybrid Essential surprised me with how much of the brand's signature comfort and cool-sleeping feel it retained, despite being the thinnest and most budget-friendly option in the range. Although slimmer and less layered than the Luxe or APEX, it still provides balanced support and pressure relief, making it a reliable choice for back sleepers, guest rooms, or anyone seeking a dependable mattress that won't break the bank. It's not perfect — side sleepers might miss deeper pressure relief, and it doesn't offer the plush luxury of the APEX mattress or Hybrid Luxe — but it holds its own, especially for everyday use. For those not chasing deep, cloud-like softness, it's a perfectly decent option. The Simba Hybrid Essential vs. Simba Hybrid: What's the difference between the two mattresses? In short, the Hybrid Essential delivers Simba's signature cool foam and spring combination in a leaner, slightly firmer format and at a lower price point. The Original Hybrid builds on that with an extra foam layer, more springs, better edge support and a slightly softer feel overall — great if you're after that classic hybrid comfort with a touch more luxury. How much is the Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress? Prices fluctuate depending on size and sales, but generally you're looking at £499–£749. It's the most affordable in the Simba lineup and often goes on sale, so if you're patient, you can snag a solid deal or, at the very least, some freebies like pillows or duvets. Here is the full cost breakdown of all sizes in the range: Where to buy the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress You can buy the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress directly from Simba, but also from several other retailers. Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress review: the verdict The Simba Hybrid Essential is a well-rounded, good-value mattress for anyone who wants comfort, support and cooling tech without splurging. It's especially well-suited to back sleepers and couples who value motion isolation. Just be aware of its limitations in depth, bounce, and pressure relief. If you're looking for a solid hybrid without the premium price tag, this one punches above its weight. But if you're after maximum plushness or tailored support for side sleeping, you might want to look further up the Simba range. Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress, from £499 - buy here
