Editor:
I was pleased to read the letters page in this week's Lakes District News.
We, at the medical clinic are very appreciative of the fact that the patients in Burns Lake do appreciate us and the work that we are doing.
As human beings we, like others, welcome praise although often we get the other end of the stick.
I would like to point out, however, that the reason that I was able to fit the gentleman into my afternoon clinic was because so many of the patients who were booked that afternoon had not turned up to keep their appointments.
We would appeal to patients in general, that if people are not able to keep their appointments that they lets us know in advance, if at all possible.
This is important at any time, but especially in the current situation where our medical capabilities are stretched to the limit. This will enable us to call in people who are on the waiting list to be seen.
Our waiting list each day exceed the number of people who do not turn up without telling us. It is a basic courtesy to let us know in these circumstances.
Regarding prescription renewals; because we are operating with fewer doctors, please remember to book an appointment well before you are out of your medications, as we cannot accommodate this on a last minute basis.
We are booking appointments a week to ten days in advance.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Alan Hill, M.B.B.S.