“The patient died, but it’s okay, we saved a toenail” is something you’re unlikely to hear pronounced in a triumphant tone of voice anywhere outside the marginal seat of Braddon, site of Dr John Howard’s new national hospital policy. Sure, good toenail health is important, but sometimes a more wholistic approach may be in order.
Hospitals in Australia are pretty confusing places at the moment. Anyone sitting in an emergency ward for six hours would have plenty time to wonder if the preponderance of doctors to whom English is not a first language explains an incomplete grasp of the word “emergency”, while those on a waiting list for elective surgery would be in no doubt about the medical profession’s profound understanding of the word “waiting”.
Luckily, we’ve got consultants who can immediately and conclusively diagnose exactly the cause of the ailment, that being the arm of government not currently being consulted. It’s a bit complicated, but trust them, they’re politicians.
Comments 2
I actually grew up in the Braddon electorate… it’s pretty sad that the petty squabbling of politics extends even to our hospital system, in which peoples’ lives are at stake.
It’s particularly despicable that in election time, people in marginal seats get special treatment when our health system as a whole needs help, not just in the places in which it’s politically convenient to do something.
Look out, I’m sure there’ll be plans for a new hospital in Bennelong soon!
Posted 30 Aug 2007 at 11:56 am ¶They say if the boot fits wear it.
John Howard inspecting the ‘toe-jam’ caused by an over sized jackboot worn by Tony Abbott.
Posted 10 Oct 2007 at 12:33 pm ¶Post a Comment