The Editor, Beagle weekly.
Sir,
I think it appropriate to relate my recent experience with our local public health system.
I recently suffered a complex dual fracture to my lower right leg as a result of an incident at home. The treatment which I received was of the highest possible standard throughout the ensuing process.
The care and professionalism of the attendant ambulance medics set the bar high. That level was matched by the staff and attention received at emergency at Moruya hospital, which became very busy during my stay.
I was transferred to the new SERH facility at Bega which seems most impressively designed, organised and managed, from arrival to discharge and follow up during subsequent review procedures. The surgery which I received was complex entailing the insertion of a titanium 10 mm X 390 mm 'nail' to the tibia and would have incurred considerable expense. The surgeon and anaesthetist were of the highest standard professionally, being from private practise in Sydney. Whilst it could be seen at times that staffing levels incurred certain stress, all staff were courteous, caring and attentive at all times.
As one who has previously undergone surgery at private hospitals several times, the care received in our public system as a public patient was at least comparable, matching the highest standard experienced. The cost to myself? Zero!
I relate these observations as a balance to the often negative press one reads re our public health system.
It may well be that there are areas where improvement is necessary, but this was not my experience. And that applies particularly to the dedication and professionalism of all staff concerned.
Sincerely,
Phil Stanley Tuross Head
