Editorial: Health service is great

Lakes District Health Board recognises there is still room for improvement. Photo / File

I am lucky enough never to have been a patient at Rotorua Hospital.

I say lucky, not because there's anything wrong with the care provided there - quite the opposite, as we report today - but because I haven't been seriously ill or injured since living in Rotorua. Touch wood.

However you, our readers, consistently give us positive feedback about your experiences there.

Our Saturday "That's Great Service" column was originally intended to recognise shops, cafes and local businesses, yet, Rotorua Hospital comes in for more than its fair share of compliments. We also receive regular letters to the editor from locals and visitors alike praising the level of care they received at our hospital.

So it wasn't surprising to see a recent patient survey found Rotorua and Taupo hospitals performing well. They did particularly well when it came to treating patients with dignity and respect.

When you're in hospital you're vulnerable, and often procedures and circumstances can be inherently undignified. Having staff that alleviate, or lessen, that feeling can make such a difference.

Of course not everyone will have had a great experience, and the Lakes District Health Board recognises there is still room for improvement.

But it's reassuring to know that should my luck end, I will be in good hands. Well done to all hospital staff.

News that the country's ageing population is putting increasing pressure on ambulance services here and around the country is of concern.

It's hard to argue with the logic of New Zealand Ambulance Association chairman Mark Quin when he says the ambulance service should be fully government-funded. Surely it's a fundamental part of our health care system? Or not? We'd love to hear your views.