We were all able to witness first-hand the members of the fire brigade in action during a genuine call-out .The fire alarm wailed, waiters' uniforms were shed in an instant and action garb donned. The doors were opened and the elements of wind and rain invaded as tables of diners dispersed and the engines flew out.
Trees had blown down across SH1 near Pamapuria, and needed clearing - done in a flash, and a return to their previous more relaxed hospitality roles. Fortunately, no casualties.
One could see how the brigade always manages to be at the scene of accidents and emergencies before all others. Great guys, and a fortunate, grateful community.
In the 10 years following my retirement from the position of senior surgeon/ clinical advisor at Kaitaia Hospital I have worked all over rural New Zealand and Australia. My experiences have reinforced my opinion that the culture of Kaitaia Hospital and its staff is special and unique. There is an unsurpassed commitment to delivering the best service possible to our community.
Many patients travelling from outside of the 'true Far North' to our day surgical unit for their surgery have also expressed this, and their gratitude, in spite of the distances involved in travelling.
It has therefore been a great pleasure for me to have been able to spend much of my last two years working again at our hospital, and experiencing again this commitment and team work.
Standards remain high, and Kaitaia Hospital continues to attract high-calibre medical and nursing staff. We are very fortunate too in having had long-serving staff led so ably by the hospital's operations manager, Neta Smith, whose entire nursing career has been devoted to the hospital. Neta has provided the continuity through the tough times that is so necessary for good outcomes.
The reconnection with our patients has been very special.
This community has enriched the lives of Dinny and our family in many ways, and many people were generous in the giving of their time, knowledge and friendship in helping us to adapt to the rich culture and life of the Far North, and for this and many other things we are truly grateful.
One hot, humid February day I was busy in the outpatient department. I was sweating and uncomfortable, and dressed, as was the custom in the early 80s, like a professional, wearing a tie. All my male patients appeared relaxed and comfortable, mostly dressed in shorts, and all were tie-less.
This, and the somewhat ridiculous addiction to the tie, as colourful as many were, suddenly struck me. I resolved at that moment to abandon the tie.
Attending professional meetings thereafter dressed in a suit and an open-necked shirt made me stand out as different from all my colleagues, and I must confess at times made me feel a little uncomfortable. Nevertheless, my resolve remained unshaken and - probably because of changes in the world of fashion - being tie-less at meetings is now the norm. My change was however the result of observing the sanity and practicality of my patients. To them I give thanks.
I have a box of ties in my cupboard, and they bring back memories ...
As I mentioned on Saturday night, our roots are firmly embedded in the Far North, and we shall not be moving anywhere. We are indeed fortunate to live in this great, diverse part of New Zealand.PETER DRYBURGHAhipara
