Page 800 - Week 02 - Thursday, 10 March 2011
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Canberra Hospital—radiation oncology unit
MS GALLAGHER (Molonglo—Deputy Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Health and Minister for Industrial Relations) (5.20): I would just like to put on record my thanks to a gentleman who wrote to me and gave me his permission to use a letter he wrote to the radiation oncology team at Canberra Hospital passing on his thoughts about the service he received and his thanks for the care and treatment he received.
We often hear about people who have been unhappy with their treatment in the hospital. It is also important to put on the record comments that are provided that are very positive for the staff. It makes a huge difference, I know, in morale for staff who work in the health system when they get this sort of feedback. The letter says:
Over many years I have dealt with many government departments both in my professional life and in my involvement in the community. I can say without fear of contradiction that your department is the best, most efficient department I have ever dealt with over those years. You may ask what I mean by the best, and sometimes this is hard to define, but in the case of your department the following must be included.
People that you may wish to talk to are usually easily accessible. All staff are friendly and make you feel you are the focus. There is a team approach within the unit. The whole unit is coordinated and when one staff member does not have an answer, they direct you to a staff member who can help. Most times appointments are kept on or before time, unless there has been a problem, and this is then explained. You are not left sitting for any length of time without knowing why.
These attitudes spread to the patients who will talk to you about their illness. I would personally hope that not only other hospital departments but other public service areas would use radiation oncology and the team as an exemplar for running other departments. I will actually miss seeing all of you and wish each and every one of you the best. May the smallest of your hopes and dreams come to pass.
So I just want to thank the radiation oncology team for the treatment and care they provided to that gentleman and I pass on our thanks and appreciation for the services they provide to the community.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
The Assembly adjourned at 5.23 pm until Tuesday, 29 March 2011, at 10 am.
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