''The rumblings from a volcano'', ''a lot of unhappiness'', a ''standoff'', a ''toxic atmosphere'', an environment that ''generates conflict'', a ''withdrawal of engagement'', a situation ''at a critical stage''.
The comments are an alarming indictment on the state of affairs at the Southern District Health Board.
The claims and counterclaims made by those in all areas - management, board, clinical staff and unions - have filled this newspaper's pages in recent weeks and months.
The infighting appears, in the simplest analysis, to boil down to frustration and disagreement over finances, expectations and communication.
The anger and the pain is evident.
It is hard not to be affected by the stories from hard-working clinicians devoted to quality care who are removing themselves from frontline roles or from the health board altogether because of what they say is the overwhelming pressure to cut costs, claims they are ''inefficient'' and a gag on speaking out.
It is hard to hear the message from the board and management, who say the harsh reality is their backs are well and truly against the wall in terms of funding constraints.
Without in-depth knowledge of all the goings-on, it seems at least important to remember these are all people who appear to be trying to do what they believe is best in what must feel like a no-win situation, working with a limited health dollar in the face of mounting costs which will only get worse as demand for services spirals with an ageing population.
Nonetheless, it is highly concerning to bear public witness to the dysfunction and to see the increasing rift within the areas of the organisation tasked with providing healthcare to the populations of Otago and Southland.
That the institution is clearly in such a parlous state of health itself is disconcerting to service users, the community and the Government alike.
It cannot continue and work must be done to unite all involved.
There are beliefs a commissioner could be appointed to replace the board - although there are those who say that scenario is unlikely.
Whatever the case, the thought is certainly unpalatable as it is an extreme solution.
This community has joined together to fight to retain its health services.
Its elected and appointed representatives need to do the same.
Better communication, co-operation, respect and understanding between factions are surely not insurmountable if the will is there, and are vital so the fundamental issues can be addressed.
Money is the heart of the problem: the efficacy and fairness of the population-based funding formula, the health board's multimillion-dollar deficits, and a possible $200 million price tag to replace the ageing Dunedin Hospital.
A dispute between the board and South Link Health regarding allegations of multimillion-dollar fraud is fomenting on the sidelines, the legacy of the multimillion-dollar Swann fraud lingers, and the spectre of an ageing population and the obesity epidemic looms.
Action is needed and if it is not taken and controlled from within it seems inevitable there will be outside intervention and such a result might not be satisfactory.
Newly-appointed Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman, a former clinician, visits Dunedin and meets the health board tomorrow.
Staff, board and management will be aware how important it is to show willingness to work together to address the issues facing them if the Government is to view the DHB with confidence.
As it is, and given the financial situation, it seems unlikely there can be a cure-all.
What compromises might need to be made, and what services sacrificed, may be the elephant in the room.
Whatever the discussions, there must be some non-negotiables.
We must retain the hospital's teaching status and retain and enhance the links with the medical school - the jewel in the University of Otago's crown.
The show of unity over retaining neurosurgery services, and the outrage over the loss of jobs and services as a result of a push towards centralisation has left the Government wary of further upsetting the South.
But we must remain vigilant and speak with one voice if we wish to be clearly heard.
