Dear Julia - the rebuttal

When I wrote to Julia and Nicola about the super clinics I promised to keep you informed as to any correspondence I received back.  And I got something back.

Although I appreciate the quality of the letter (seeing as though I expected very little in reply) I do not agree with everything in it.  For example, in the fifth paragraph Katherine writes "It is intended".  Well, I am afraid that good intentions pave the road to hell and there is a very large difference between intention and practical application and suitability

However, it is debate like this that uncovers the pros and cons of any argument and no matter how big or small the voice it can only work to the betterment of policy.  The letter is attached below.  For now, I think it is time to rewrite to our beloved prime minister and her trusted health minister.  Until next time, stay well:)

Info for my readers

I don't know if you read my post titled "Dear Julia" or not, but I feel for my readers it deserves a little explanation.

Because of the path I have taken in life as a result of things I cannot control, I have become very passionate about health care for all.  It is what inspired me to write this blog.  I also feel that I can help by weighing in with my two cents about health care for all Australians by writing to the government.

So when I write a post like "Dear Julia" I will also be e-Mailing a copy to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and also to Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon.  If anyone has any comments they would like to make, feel free to reply to my blog post and I will forward them to the relevant politician.  Until next time, Stay well:)

Dear Julia

Dear Julia,

After writing my last blog it became clear to me of some of the mistakes that have been made in your policy. Mainly, I am referring to super clinics. They are a bad idea and here is why:-

1. I am a fan of the family doctor. One GP means that you have continuity of treatment which means quality of treatment. A super clinic would do away with the one doctor and leave many doctors to treat one patient which could lead to a multitude of mistakes.

2. The quality of doctor within these clinics will be greatly diminished.  Super clinics will be a haven for doctors who are not as competent as others and junior doctors who are using the clinic as a stepping stone.  Neither of these scenarios give patients quality or consistency.

3. It will compete with established family practices.  Current practices where the principal doctor (and guardian of their standards) is also the owner will be undermined by the super clinic, and the end result will be diminished patient care.

4. It will be a target for junkies.  With less accountability for the patient it will be easier for drug users to obtain script for addictive pharmaceuticals, which in the long term will not assist patient health and only serve to put greater stress on the system in general.

On a positive note, I do applaud your decision to increase hospital funding.  However, seeing as the federal government is the primary investor in Australian health care isn't it time all public hospitals in Australia came under federal control? I can think of many reasons why this would be a good idea, but that is another topic.

If you or a member of your staff would like to discuss any of the above, please feel free to contact me.  For all my other readers, next time I will talk to you about how to choose a specialist physician.  Until then, stay well:)