The importance of Oamaru Hospital
I write in support of the Oamaru Hospital.
In December last year while visiting family for Christmas my husband had the misfortune to suffer from a heart attack. The support and medical attention from Oamaru Hospital was excellent and the following day he was transported to Christchurch by ambulance.
In June this year we moved to Oamaru to be closer to family and due to ongoing medical problems we have experienced the medical expertise and care from the hospital. We cannot believe the incredible care, courtesy and medical knowledge and support that all the staff have shown us.
This hospital being 90 minutes from Dunedin and three hours from Christchurch, it is an absolute necessity for the population of this area.
The government owes to the people of North Otago this hospital and its medical care.
Students take the cake
I wish to make comment on your report (ODT 25.9.23) whereupon a group of the student community are expressing displeasure at the lack of parties and drinking venues in the North End, particularly Castle St.
These people really take the cake and win first prize for stupidity, irresponsibility and disgraceful attitudes. We, the permanent city dwellers, are heartily fed up with the trashing and vandalism of the streets and properties, all because these sloppy individuals desire a bit of fun.
These very people are totally insulting and disrespectful of the Sophia Charter created two or more years ago in remembrance of Ms Sophia Crestani. Their moronic attitudes can be no longer tolerated.
I unreservedly applaud the sterling efforts of Campus Watch, police and university authorities for addressing this long standing problem.
Running down that hill
I write in response to Lou Scott’s letter (ODT 24.8.23), Running down New Zealand a local specialty. Lou Scott seems to have confused Christopher Luxon’s remarks about the Labour party’s diabolical handling of the New Zealand economy with running down New Zealand. Criticising the Government’s performance does not equate to running down the country.
Despite Lou Scott’s rose tinted assertions Mr Luxon is demonstrably correct. Of the 42 OECD countries New Zealand’s current account balance as a percentage of GDP is stone dead last by a very wide margin and worse than during the Global Financial Crisis. Latvia is second last but still 45% better than New Zealand. In short our economy has been badly mismanaged by this government and we are spending/wasting far more than we are earning.
Not entrapment
I refer to your article (ODT 24.8.23) about Chris Cairns standing for the first time since his 2021 heart attack. In this, the author writes: "The 52-year-old is wheelchair-bound after suffering a spinal stroke ... " In recent years, society has reconsidered its language, quite rightly, around many matters: race, gender and death to name but three, yet it seems that disability is one where work still needs to be done. In an article in which Mr Cairns makes a point of highlighting his positive attitude and his determination to make the most of his life, the term "wheelchair bound" seems contradictory. Requiring the use of a wheelchair is not an entrapment nor a bind; reconsider the terms used when describing those who use a wheelchair and avoid antiquated terms.
Alcohol study article from an interested party
Virginia Nicholls, executive director of the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC), was quick to point out that a Canadian study debunking the health benefits of alcohol was biased against alcohol use (ODT 24.8.23). The NZABC represents breweries, distilleries, wineries and the hospitality industry. All of which make lots of money selling alcohol.
There is mounting evidence against the health benefits of alcohol. The New Zealand Cancer Society states that drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of developing seven types of cancer, most notably bowel and breast cancer in women. The New Zealand Heart Foundation links alcohol with high blood pressure and increased risk of stroke and heart failure. Both organisations recommend that drinking no alcohol is best for your health.
Path praiseworthy
Re the St Leonards to Port Chalmers shared path: three cheers for the foresight of Tony Williams, Liana Machado, Steve Walker and Ross Davies. A brilliant result, thank you.
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