Hospital waiting lists must be addressed

HOW long is too long? My wife was told in October that her hip replacement would be done within four months.

At last she has been given a date in August for the operation. But it has been heartbreaking to see her deteriorate from an active outgoing person to a homebound, painwracked ‘‘cripple’’.

I realise the previous Government left the hospital system in a shambolic state but I had hoped that there would be a glimmer of improvement by now with a new Government in office.

But not so.

It is fine to give money to the Island nations and plant trees in Rotorua, money for the America’s Cup and Auckland roads and light rail etc, but for once I agree with Simon Bridges that charity begins at home.

Money should have been put into the hospital system as soon as possible, not waiting for a promise in the Budget which will take time to filter down to where it is most needed.

The medical staff do a wonderful job in all hospitals, once you can get in there.

But I feel so sorry for the people waiting for so long.

Surely there must be ideas for short term improvements out there. Richard G. Corry

Karitane

Dunedin tourism

I READ with interest Jim Sullivan’s Not Too Serious article ‘‘Getting City Tourism on a Roll’’ (ODT, 15.5.18), and his survey of potential replacements.

One serious contender, already a major tourist attraction exists — the iconic, 140yearold Speights Brewery in Rattray St.

Recently refurbished by the Lion Group, tours at Speights combine the history of the brewery and Dunedin, brewing methods, both old and new equipment, and an opportunity to taste the many Speights beers now available.

Good on you mate!