Letters 19 August 2011
Golden Bay integrated health facility
How disappointing it was to open last Friday’s GB Weekly and find the half-page attack on our Interim Management Group (IMG) by a vocal minority.
The IMG is a dedicated group of mainly volunteers who have worked hard on this project for the past ten years. The people of Golden Bay have been kept informed at all stages, there have been open days, public meetings, questionnaire, and most recently we have had the opportunity to see the plans and to make suggestions for improvements, some of which have been noted and acted on.
It is unfortunate that the rest home rooms have had to be reduced somewhat, but I understand they are still up to, if not exceeding, minimum standards. This and other adjustments have had to be made due to ever-increasing costs incurred largely because of the constant delays in coming to a final decision. What does this group with its delaying tactics hope to achieve? Do they not understand that the Joan Whiting Rest Home is so heavily in debt that it cannot be saved yet again at the eleventh hour, and without the proposed new facility there will be no rest home in the Bay?
Rather than heap accusations against the “unelected” IMG, I think the people of the Bay owe these dedicated volunteers a vote of thanks for all the effort they have put into this wonderful amenity.
Tonie Watts
I wish to strongly disassociate myself from the group that placed a half page advertisement in last week’s The GB Weekly. I am not and never have been part of this group as may have been assumed by a letter I wrote last week.
I abhor the divisive actions of this group, which are not only sadly very upsetting but are counterproductive and costly to the whole project.
I totally support the IMG and thank them sincerely for the up to 10 years of selfless voluntary effort they have put in on our behalf. Keep up the good work and let’s look forward to the opening next year.
Anne Gentleman
I want to say on reading the negative article submitted by Liza Eastman, Harry Holmwood and Victoria Davis (GB Weekly 12/8), how can they assume that there is a silent majority?
They certainly do not speak for me. Knowing the people in the IMG and DHB who have worked tirelessly and in a spirit of community for the benefit of our community, I applaud them for their achievements against this continual barrage of negativity. I wholeheartedly trust them and their integrity to want what is feasible and affordable for this community.
We cannot expect to always have everything our own way. Face it: times are a-changing and it’s time for everyone to pull together in the best interests of us all in providing health facilities in the Bay. The alternative does not bear thinking about.
Pamela M Pruden
A huge thank you to Golden Bay medical staff
Because of several medical emergencies over the last two months Des and I have had occasion to use almost every medical service and personnel in Golden Bay except perhaps midwifery! All doctors, all hospital staff, ambulance services and surgery staff. We certainly could not have managed the last two months with out them all.
Without exception we are extremely grateful for the superb care, understanding, kindness and expertise that we received. We are extremely lucky to have the services we do have in a rural area and we thank them sincerely for being here.
Des and Anne Gentleman
Thanks to the Medical Centre and to the IMG
I would like to thank the staff at the GB Medical Centre for their commitment to the health needs of Golden Bay and especially to our family doctor who has, on two occasions in our family’s case, given care above and beyond the call of duty with generosity and compassion.
I would also like to thank the members of the IMG for all the voluntary work they’ve done over the past 10 years to plan for the future health care of Golden Bay. They have my unqualified support. It takes great generosity to undertake such a huge task for the community welfare.
Moira Tilling
Medical centre daytime phone message
I would like to congratulate the surgery management on the installation of the [daytime] answerphone message system.
Although it means a slight delay initially, you quickly get to a much less hassled receptionist when you need to make an appointment, or speak to the doctor or practice nurse. It also means the right person can take repeat details and give out test results.
I think it was long overdue and would like to acknowledge the receptionists who worked under very non-ideal conditions previously.
Paul Marcussen
SPCA National Cupcake Day
The SPCA is running a national fundraiser throughout New Zealand. Golden Bay SPCA will be selling cupcakes outside Take Note in Commercial St on Monday 29 August. Please come by and buy a cupcake to support our local SPCA. If you would like to donate cupcakes please ph Carol Wells 525 9494. We appreciate your support.
Golden Bay SPCA
Price Of Milk variety concert
Well the national press is certainly giving this year’s Price Of Milk lots of free advertising.
Tickets will be available from Wednesday 24 August at Paradise Entertainment. There will be new performers to the stage, original musical groups, Lip Sync and GB short film. Amongst them will be Australasian and national award winners plus four Bay Song winners. Don’t miss this range of immense Golden Bay talent all on the same stage.
Dave Myall, GB Recreation and Way2Go co-ordinator
