I have enjoyed over the past months the articles provided to your paper by that budding politician Lance O'Sullivan, especially those anecdotal issues whereby he intimates that he holds the answers to our poor health problems. He should be congratulated for promoting ideas and ideals to improvethe physical and mental health of our underprivileged.
I must take exception to the contents of his most recent article wherein, at least by implication, he promotes the idea that his new medical practice will differ from existing practices in not charging enrolment fees for new patients and not charging the caregivers of under 6-year-old patients.
I feel that I am qualified to comment on behalf of at least one surgery, namely the Kaitaia Health Centre, as to the above. In the years since I was one of the founders of that practice never have enrolment fees been charged, and for more years than can be remembered under 6-year-old patients have not been charged to attend.
Lance, I wish you well in your new venture, but remember that the wheel was invented eons ago, and while adaptations have been made the principles remain unchanged.
