PRAISE FOR SCUH
Dear editor,
On Monday 13th at roughly 10.30am I had an accident at home, knocked about quite a bit!! My wife called 000 and the paramedics were soon there to patch me up. I had a severely lacerated lower right arm and wrist plus quite a few bumps and bruises to say the least. On arrival at the SCU Hospital, I jumped the queue and was greeted by a team of doctors, nurses and support staff.
The paramedic briefed the emergency staff on my condition and then they set to work treating my injuries. No stone was left unturned in assessing the extent of these injuries. The bleeding in my forearm was the biggest problem, but the severed artery was located and stitched, stemming the blood flow.
I had CT scans, ultrasound and x-rays, a head injury assessment and who knows what else. When my condition was stabilised, I was moved from casualty to a ward, where once again the care was first class. I was told that I would be going into theatre that night, to have my wrist injury repaired. This eventually happened at 10pm and I was back in the ward just after midnight.
The treatment and care I received for the remainder of that night and for the next two days was nothing but first class. I would like to thank all of the staff members involved for their efforts. I am now recuperating at home and will return to the hospital this week for an assessment of my wrist injury and hopefully a skin graft the next day.
Once again, my thanks to those doctors, nurses and other support staff who cared for me, I had heard so many stories of the poor level of care provided at some hospitals. My experience is the complete opposite. I am just so grateful for the kindness, care and professionalism showed by all of the hospital staff involved in my care. Thank you to all!
Don Knopke,
Coolum Beach.
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BLI BLI BUS
Dear editor,
According to Translink, the hourly 622 bus which originally travelled along David Low Way from Maroochydore through Bli Bli to the Airport and onto Tewantin, was redirected in 2013, straight over the Maroochy Bridge to the Airport. It will remain no longer in service through Bli Bli, leaving residents without an alternate bus to the 612, or direct access to the Airport.
The 612 bus is also an hourly bus, with no connection to the River Markets shopping centre. It travels straight past the Castle, to Willis Road and, from 11 July, further into the Park Lakes developments. It provides an hourly bus service for areas along David Low Way, Nambour-Connection Road from Willis Road, to Nambour or Maroochydore.
This still doesn’t provide a local bus service to River Markets from communities along David Low Way. The elderly have been forgotten. There is no pathway access from the Castle across, or the bus stop opposite the new tavern site, to River Markets. There is no crossing from the Castle bus stop to safely access River Markets. The busy and dangerous roundabout exacerbates the danger to cross.
The construction of the new Bli Bli tavern has closed any access from the shops to the one bus stop along Nambour-Connection Road heading south on the 612. This approved tavern, on a very precarious corner site, will attract even more cars on a road already highly congested.
Council’s approval of residential development, without considering traffic congestion on the very limited Bli Bli road network, is unconscionable and an accident waiting to happen. A second bus, such as the 622 service prior to 2013, is the solution. Translink and council are not in the real world.
E. Rowe,
Marcoola.
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RED SHIELD APPEAL
Dear editor,
The Salvation Army is again very humbled by the generous support of the Australian public for our Red Shield Appeal this year. As we approach the end of financial year, The Salvos are still appealing to the community as we aim to raise $36 million by 30 June.
For more than 50 years Aussies have continued to support The Salvation Army, allowing us the privilege to be on the front line, walking alongside individuals doing it tough around the country, all with the mission of bringing hope and support to those who need it most.
For me, the Red Shield Appeal isn’t just about raising much-needed funds for our 2000+ services – it’s about coming together to support one another, to remind our neighbours and local community that no matter how tough times are, we’re here for each other, ready to give a helping hand when needed.
After the past couple of years which have seen devastating social isolation, natural and health disasters, and the current shocking rise in the cost of living, it has filled The Salvation Army with overwhelming gratitude to see so many people generously give their money and time as we work together to provide vital support services for people doing it tough in local communities around the nation.
When there’s work to be done, Aussies roll up their sleeves and get stuck into it. And Australians should know that thanks to their generosity and support, The Salvation Army is once again ready to roll up its sleeves and ensure we continue to serve communities across the country.
To your readers, from all of us here at The Salvos: thank you – we couldn’t do it without you.
Major Bruce Harmer,
The Salvation Army Australia.
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