PUBLIC HOSPITALS
Solve the disaster together
OPPOSITION health spokeswoman Sarah Lovell called for the sacking of Health Minister Michael Ferguson, citing a list of faults in the management of his portfolio ( Mercury, September 3). She has a point, but it is a shame she did not go further than simply cataloguing Mr Ferguson’s missteps. I assume that, were she given the opportunity to be minister, she would know how to solve the disaster that is Tasmania’s health system. So here is the perfect opportunity for a bipartisan approach. With Ms Lovell guiding Mr Ferguson, together they would be able to achieve far more than each working alone. It would mean, of course, giving up the silly political sniping and pathetic attempted point-scoring, focusing instead on working together to achieve an outcome beneficial to the state and the people who elected them. Or is this too much to ask?
After-hours services
I BELIEVE much of the congestion in the Royal Hobart Hospital’s emergency department could be simply and inexpensively fixed. This would require the State Government to provide a small subsidy to one of more of the after-hours doctor services, so that home visits were bulk billed — no charge to the patient. Such a scheme would reduce pressure on the emergency ward by reducing the number of patients presenting or using ambulances to present for minor emergencies. Typically there are cases were the patients are unable or unwilling to pay the gap for after-hours doctor services. Any patients that present at the Emergency Department could be tri- aged, with those not sufficiently serious to require hospital treatment advised to return home for more comfortable and prompt after-hours treatment. Such a plan would free up Emergency for injuries (eg broken bones) and medical emergencies such as strokes, heart attacks and accidents. It would also be a big win for those requiring minor medical assistance after hours, particularly while the RHH is having its big makeover.
Step into the real world
THIS year I had an operation at Calvary Hospital. There were two other woman there who were in for hysterectomies. They had no private insurance and negotiated a payment plan with the specialist and borrowed money for one night at Calvary. One of the women had a temperature and the doctor wanted to keep her in another day but she couldn’t borrow the money. They were told it could be up to four years and perhaps longer for treatment at the Royal. Mr Ferguson needs to step into the real world, we are bloody sick.
Top health minister
AS a cancer survivor, with no private health cover, I’m forever grateful for having had, at the Royal Hobart Hospital, the best surgeon, best doctors, best nurses and staff there, over almost four years, I could ever have wished for. To see, hear and read the constant barrage from individuals and particularly the “Opposition” and their cohorts, snapping at the heels of the A new way to have your say themercury.com.au readers have a new way to have their say. It’s free to use, just register and have your say. For more details and to register, visit the website. Health Minister Michael Ferguson, trying to remove him from the extremely difficult job he’s doing, absolutely disgusts me. He responds, and is interested to address the problems, where others would walk away. We are so more fortunate than many other countries, to have access to a wonderful health system. No, not perfect, but instead of constant back-stabbing on one of the best health ministers we could possibly have, try building up and thanking instead of whingeing and tearing down.
Tough job
LACKING imagination, Labor will be complaining about Michael Ferguson and the Royal Hobart until at least the federal election because health, once again, will be its main platform. Bill Shorten has said so and has Labor stirring up the public in every state in readiness. Remember the fake Medicare cards and threat of privatisation? Are the public really that gullible? If Hobartians look at hospitals across Australia they will see a variety of problems. Public hospitals are always busy, often past capacity, due to the very fact they are in the public health system. Medical personnel do their best to cope. Being the health minister, especially during a hospital upheaval, must be incredibly difficult. Once the Royal reconstruction is completed people will wonder why it wasn’t done years ago, when Labor sat on their hands. Give Mr Ferguson a break. He’s doing a difficult job under difficult conditions and much unwarranted criticism.
Waiting room without the mags
HOBART Airport CEO Sarah Renner talks of “enhancing passenger experience” when using the to-be-refurbished departure hall. I personally don’t require “seating options”. I simply need a seat. Let’s be honest, it’s just a waiting room without all the out-of-date magazines.
Stable monarchy
WHILE the political future of Australia is obscured by such dark storm clouds as have gathered in Canberra lately, there are some of us ex-Brits who reflect again on the relative stability of the monarchical system of government still to be found in Britain. God save our gracious Queen!
Start with the rubbish
INSTEAD of continual failure trying to “fix” health and education, our pollies should focus on issues more suited to their capabilities. Perhaps cleaning up roadside rubbish. Easy to see, easy to see results. Once successful, move onto something a little more complex.
Let the dead bury the dead
READERS oppose the sale of under-utilised churches because of their strong historic ties with a specific church where they wish to be buried (Letters, August 21). Perhaps they could bear in mind the admonition, “let the dead bury the dead” and focus on the needs of the living.