No problem if you follow the advice
I feel that I need to put pen to paper following what seems to be constant moans in readers letters.
I am in the higher age category and prepared to wait my turn. However noting publicity concerning availability, I emailed NDHB as per instructions and had a phone call, from a pleasant lady, asking when I would like to attend. Sunday, May 2 if I could and what time would be suitable. Choose a time was her response.
Sunday, slightly before my 10.30 appointment, I was greeted by a pleasant lady at Semenoff stadium. As it was being done on the second floor a lift option was pointed out. I took the stairs and on reaching the level given a welcome greeting and details as to what to do. Form filled, checked by a pleasant young lady, I was directed to the waiting area. Hardly sat down when a vaccinator came through, another pleasant greeting. My total experience was a comfortable one with at no time feeling nervous. The wait after was timed and I was asked if I felt okay. I did and the smiling attendant pointed me in the right direction.
The point of this letter is that if you
read and absorb the publicity, follow the advice, there are no problems. Only those who think they know better will complain.
E. Manning Regent
Standardised system
Whilst I agree with Shane Reti there needs to be some local voice as regards health in a community, it cannot be at the expense of unnecessary massive administration costs which takes funding away from the coalface where it is the most effective. At present each DHB works as a separate entity and are governed
by a group of unqualified nonmedical elected members.
What is needed is a standardised system controlled by a single entity with maybe “wards” to deal with local concerns and needs. A register of national numbers should be assigned to every NZer, and permanent resident as we have for Winz, IRD, vehicles, dogs and until it was dumped, guns. Migrant workers could be assigned a temporary number whilst in NZ. At present we have a mishmash of 20 DHBs all working different systems at enormous wastage of funding. We only have a small population of five
million. A separate Ma¯ ori authority if administered properly should provide superior primary healthcare, and education according to Ma¯ ori cultural practices. It will be interesting to look forward to data showing vast health improvements in future Ma¯ ori health under their own administration.