Whanganui letters: Whanganui District Health Board staff earn high praise

A reader has high praise for Whanganui Hospital staff. Photo / Lewis Gardner

A recent visit to a city hospital for a specialist scan reminded me I should publish my heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at our local hospital.

While I could not fault the professionalism shown during my visit south, it left me in no doubt that caring and sharing are an enormous part of any medical procedure. These were not in evidence during the lengthy process of my scan, and I was left confused and bewildered. Totally different to the local visit where every step was explained clearly in advance, and I was reassured every step of the way and given timeframes; quite a vital thing when I'd never had a scan until a month ago. Since then I've had four in three different hospitals and, believe me, our hospital is the best of all.

From my first day surgery through to an overnight stay following a second more invasive surgery, I've never had cause for complaint about the treatment I've received. The staff has been caring, compassionate and thoroughly professional and I'm sure the theatre staff must go home totally exhausted. Not that it could be much better for those in the wards; they were on the move the entire day. In my opinion, without exception, they deserve double the pay. Mr Bonnet explained clearly all that would happen during surgery and I'm definitely a fan; any words of praise are absolutely deserved. The efficient and friendly delivery of the equipment I currently require was a further benefit.

Another branch of our health professionals, our amazing district nurses, genuinely proved lifesavers for me. From the first visit they have eased my journey, and I'm often amazed at the depth of their knowledge and their ability.

Thank you all, we are very lucky to have such dedicated and exceptional people.

SHIRLEY FORWARD
Gonville

Protect under-12s

Congratulations (Louise Rostron – Letters, November 20) on having the sense to get vaccinated.

Yes, the vaccination will protect you but what about your unvaccinated children under 12 that are unable to get this great protection.

When you visit with your unvaccinated friends do you then stay at home in quarantine for two weeks unable to see your grandchildren, your neighbourhood children, do you stay out of the supermarket so you don't inadvertently pass on your unvaccinated friends' gift to any unsuspecting shopper.

I am sorry that your friends are having a tough time but vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate for the lives of the under-12s.

JENNIFER GRAMMATICOGIANNIS
Westmere

Future for pilots

Some Whanganui folk (and the odd councillor) seem to love to doomsay about the New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy.

Out in the big wide world, NZICPA's biggest pilot training programme partner/customer Indigo just bought 255 new A321 aircraft.

Widebody jets have on average 16 pilots employed full-time per jet. That's over 4000 pilots for these new planes and Indigo prefers pilots trained through their programme.

I'll vote with facts over fears every time!

COUNCILLOR JAMES BARRON
Castlecliff