Bouquets and brickbats

I recently spent three-and-a-half-weeks in Waikato Hospital. The service from the doctors and nurses was excellent, along with the food served to patients – a big thank you!

However there are some issues with the administration of this hospital that disturb me. The extended waiting times for all patients result in an inefficient use of resources. The availability of ‘‘fast food’’ in the hospital and nearby food outlets send the wrong signals for the promotion of healthy living. Why is sugar being offered to patients? There were obese patients being visited by obese family members, surely there needs to be more proactive steps taken by central government and district health boards to counter obesity, because this is a drain on health resources at the expense of those who have lived healthy lifestyles but have the misfortune to require medical attention. Perhaps the solution lies with all manufacturers and marketers of processed food?

There is currently a nationwide campaign to make New Zealand ‘‘smoke free’’ by 2025, but every day one could see patients and visitors smoking on hospital grounds beside the footpath near the Selwyn St entrance. I think that the hospital authorities have been extremely remiss at allowing this to happen! There obviously needs to be more co-ordination between the ‘‘Smokefree’’ campaigners, government and district health boards to make New Zealanders lead more healthy lifestyles!

Trevor Brown

Gisborne