New research has found an increase in the dispensing of opioids

The Auckland University study looks at records for more than 260-thousand patients who were admitted to any hospital between 2007 and 2019, after having surgery.

It found persistent use to be nine-point-one percent.

There was a significant increase in women, and people over 85-years in particular.

Researcher Hoda Fahmy says not all patients on opioids persistently need them.

She says that's why the therapy needs to be reviewed and monitored all the time - for patients having surgery and those not.