DYSFUNCTIONAL JUGGERNAUT

THE health minister is requesting input to assist with improvements to state health services ( Bruce Levett’s Talking Point, December 31), even though an Urgent Care Centre Feasibility Report was done in 2019 based on interviews with the most senior public health officials. The dysfunctional juggernaut which the state health system has become appears to have lost its way despite employing some of the most intelligent people in this state.

A commonsense approach to preventive health may take time, but someone needs to address the elephant in the room. Tasmania has some of the best natural assets and weather for outdoor activities, to grow healthy food and live a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, we have some of the most unhealthy citizens. Effects of inactivity, unhealthy eating, drugs, smoking, excessive alcohol and gambling should be communicated to all students because psychological and medical health are linked. Once health begins to deteriorate it can be difficult to find a suitable GP. As reported by Health Consumers Tasmania CEO Bruce Levett, people leave things too late because they can’t access or afford medical attention.

Factors include: Welfare payments are insufficient; consultations of 10 minutes are not adequate; Insufficient bulk- billing; Medicare not properly resourced; Nurses and doctors work double shifts ( employ more staff); Overworked people make mistakes; OHS standards should apply to medical staff; More 24/ 7 community health centres; Stringent hospital discharge ( too often medication is not dispensed and follow- ups forgotten).

It is almost incomprehensible that in this day and age our medical services are in such disarray. One does not need a degree in rocket science to see mismanagement will occur if services are repeatedly underfunded, then bandaid solutions attempted to cover up the underlying cause. Prevention is better than a patch- up or false diagnosis.

Monica Antel

Cambridge