Dismay at ‘ridiculous’ plan for oncology transfers

I GUESS I am one of the lucky ones. I have just completed radiation treatment in the oncology department at Dunedin Hospital. I was not physically sick, did not need chemotherapy, and due to incredible planning and compassionate care, flew through this sixweek treatment with virtually no side effects.

Lucky, indeed. Pity those less fortunate, fragile and very sick, whom I saw during my treatment.

It is planned to ‘‘ship’’ these patients daily from the planned new hospital to the existing oncology facilities by ambulance.

This plan is cruel, unnecessary and ridiculous.

We have Pete Hodgson, chairman of the Southern Partnership Group, who ‘‘had been told there would be about two or three patient transfers a week’’, and Dr Lyndell Kelly, who said ‘‘there were actually two to five transfers to and from oncology per day’’.

Who is Pete Hodgson listening to and why is he not listening to his own clinician who is working right at the coalface? How can you plan for a new hospital without properly researched figures?

Tony Lawrence

Cromwell

I WAS appalled to read that the oncology department will stay in its present position (ODT, 8.10.19).

How inconvenient for all involved. Why is the chairman of the SPG listening to advisers and not the people working at the coalface? These are the ones who need to be consulted.

I also disagree with the position of the new build. In between two major highways is madness.

Why can we not retain our existing building and alter it the way the dental school is being rebuilt? One half was built while the services were retained, albeit at reduced services. Now they have shifted over to allow the rest of the build to be completed.

The oncology building is already in place — problem solved.

Pauline Watts

Forbury ..................................

BIBLE READING: Let us not become weary in doing good. — Galatians 6.9.