Letters to the Editor

Are two lanes easier to cross than one?

I admit visibility is better but during holiday periods it is going to be difficult to get two lanes clear in order to turn right or turn into the new road.

It appears we have just moved a dangerous intersection 100 metres south.  

It is indeed disturbing (MUT 14/12) that a group of "anonymous" VMOs, from the local Hospital, would want to withdraw their services, from the Hospital, because of the appointment of Nurse Practitioner/s in the Emergency Department.

Nurse Practitioners have worked in the complete range of clinical services, across the country, for at least 10 years.

It is a particularly baffling action given that the local Community, Hospital and Medical staff have embraced the Nurse Practitioner model, for approximately 5 years, within the Cancer Care Center-- I don't recall any threats of a walkout in relation to that service--maybe there is another agenda with this recent threat--who knows --its anonymous.

I say--let's move forward and not embrace yesterday's rhetoric as we welcome the new staff to a great Hospital.

We are keen to correct articles over the past week stating that a “civil war” has developed between the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District and local doctors.

Hospital management, staff and the GP VMOs work very closely and will continue to do so.

In any organisation, there will always be matters that require robust discussion and often differences of opinion; this is vital to ensuring that we are collectively identifying issues or concerns that can be worked through, with the ultimate goal of providing the highest quality care and services to the local community.

The Hospital’s General Manager and doctors have regular scheduled meetings where these discussions, and other collaborations, occur.

With regard to the temporary inclusion of Nurse Practitioners in the ED over the summer holiday period; GP VMOs and the District have worked together on the initiative since October.

Identifying and ironing out practicalities are standard practice and have occurred with a series of meetings, particularly in recent weeks.

For the most part, the Doctors have welcomed the Nurse Practitioners and are optimistic they will make a positive contribution to the team of professionals looking after the community during this time.

We want to assure the community that as issues arise, they will always be dealt with in a respectful and timely manner.

We also want to reiterate that all of us working in the delivery of health care to the Milton Ulladulla community share a common goal – that is to provide safe and high quality services.

The recent articles unfortunately and unfairly, undermine community confidence in our local services.

Never go boating, kayaking, or canoeing alone, always check the conditions before heading out onto the water and learn how to save a life.