Don't EVER get sick

**Paul in NZ** · 26th November 2008, 22:06

Oh god - I've fallen into my old habits again..... put it down to stress but really - is this the right place for a thread like this or should I kill it and retire injured?

**James Deuce** · 26th November 2008, 22:14

Originally Posted by chanceyy

I know that there are horror stories all over NZ ... so how best to change it ??

Staffing levels haven't been great since the '60s, however staffing levels are well below what they were 20 years ago, doctors, nurses, radiographers (them especially) inclusive. Simple answer. Get rid of the DHBs and the 6 figure salary management chain, and actually pay hospital staff what they are worth.

The only people working in hospitals at the moment in front line jobs are the really committed and those with no other choice. Everyone else has fled to other countries, careers, and roles in life. The NZ health system has demonstrated a lack of desire to pay doctors, nurses, and specialist technical staff enough so that they stay here rather than go almost anywhere else, and we're witnessing the end result, in this story and every other story you hear.

**Lucy** · 26th November 2008, 22:16

Yeah, and not all health care 'workers' are saints either. Specialists refusing to travel out to Kenepuru is the reason Wellington Hospital was rebuilt in the same 'too small, badly positioned, fkd in an earthquake' place.

**James Deuce** · 26th November 2008, 22:20

Originally Posted by Lucy

Yeah, and not all health care 'workers' are saints either. Specialists refusing to travel out to Kenepuru is the reason Wellington Hospital was rebuilt in the same 'too small, badly positioned, fkd in an earthquake' place.

I go so far as to say that I've met two consultants in the last 20 years who were truly good, respectful people, who didn't treat all their patients like retarded cadavers. One is now a gardener and the other has recently retired. However, hang around the "system" long enough and you learn how to protect yourself.

**Nasty** · 27th November 2008, 04:54

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Oh god - I've fallen into my old habits again..... put it down to stress but really - is this the right place for a thread like this or should I kill it and retire injured?

This is defiantely the right place for the thread ... its something that all of us feel affected by .. and also lots of us know vicki and want to know how she is doing!!

**chanceyy** · 27th November 2008, 05:54

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Oh god - I've fallen into my old habits again..... put it down to stress but really - is this the right place for a thread like this or should I kill it and retire injured?

Originally Posted by Nasty

This is defiantely the right place for the thread ... its something that all of us feel affected by .. and also lots of us know vicki and want to know how she is doing!!

Echo what Kari says Paul - from the replies it shows that a number of us have been affected by the lack of "good" healthcare with the different DHB's around the country.

and yes we want to know how Vicki is doing

Hopefully now on well on the road to recovery

**vifferman** · 27th November 2008, 09:16

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

it could be your old mum stuck in a corridor with garbage bag man next...

It basically was - she was stuck for three days in what was probably originally intended as a storage cupboard in A&E.

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Staffing levels haven't been great since the '60s,

Apparently they're well up - all bureaucrats, yet the important patient info doesn't get recorded or shared. And all the project managers, tema leaders, etc. don't result in any extra healthcare being done, or any particular efficiency.

I guess some things haven't changed. I have been in hospital only once since I was born, and I noted there were definite differences in the types of healthcare workers. There were those for him it was "just a job", and the patients were an unwelcome but semi-unavoidable part of that job.
Then there those for whom it was a career: efficient(ish), but detached and clinical.
There were those who cared, but who weren't necessarily good at what they did.
The ones that really stood out were those for whom it was a calling: they are the ones who make a real difference to patient well-being, as they are kind, compassionate AND good at looking after the patients.

Anyway, I hope things improve for Vicki, Paul, and that you get some rest.

**Cajun** · 27th November 2008, 09:29

Paul glad ot hear Vicky is doign better.

Interesting insight when i fliping tv last night i caught a bit on tv1 current affairs program it was on hostipiwal waiting lists, and in theory how 3__ something people die each yeah due to not being seen quick enough in a&e, and how some DHB person was rabbiting on how our level from a&e to ward bed is lower than aussie, can't remember the time, but was something like 15 hours for nz, 17 for aussie (seven just rings bells for me)

Emergency deaths
We've all heard the stories of patients left lying on stretchers in the emergency department, out in the corridor if really unlucky. It's termed access block when there just aren't enough beds to put them into a ward so the emergency department becomes a holding pen where patients can lie and wait for hours - eight hours is the trigger for access block. A visiting emergency department specialist is about to tell a conference in the capital that it's costing three hundred lives a year in this country and the whole business is explained away by myths and misconceptions. Dr David Mountain, a senior lecturer and a hands on emergency specialist, joins Mark Sainsbury along with Geraint Martin, CEO of Counties Manukau DHB.

found the video for it here -> http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/465467/2334166

**Swoop** · 27th November 2008, 10:44

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

... it could be your old mum stuck in a corridor with garbage bag man next...

It already has been. 24hrs in a corridor of North Shore A&E.
I totally agree with your comment on the mentality of this Banana Republic's (previous) leaders, of penalising a few km's over and then providing this standard of healthcare.

I hope you have had some rest Paul. You will need to look after your good lady, at home, soon.

**Paul in NZ** · 27th November 2008, 19:02

Vickis home...

Post op care was stellar - really great. Quite a contrast.

Jesus what a mess ED is... Ride carefully folks - you don't wanna end up there..

**chanceyy** · 27th November 2008, 19:15

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

Vickis home...

Post op care was stellar - really great. Quite a contrast.

Jesus what a mess ED is... Ride carefully folks - you don't wanna end up there..

Good news Paul

now she will get the best care there is ...

**mstriumph** · 27th November 2008, 19:34

Originally Posted by Paul in NZ

.................

Contractors (Transfield) filled many of the ED car parks.

.............

i've torn the windscreen wipers off inconsiderately-parked cars before now ... you are to be commended PiNZ for keeping your cool - this whole awful situation would have had many of us [me for one] tearing out throats.

Hope it's all settled now.

**Brett** · 28th November 2008, 09:40

Guys, dont confuse an A&E with an ED. They are vastly different and opperate under different guidelines and standards. AND they are normally privately owned. Going to an A&E is like walking into any business, some will be better than others, but if you don't like it...take business elsewhere. ED's however, are there to serve us, and we have rightsto demand better from them.