Australia's does have some problems, but what enterprise run by human beings, especially those that are polititions or government bureaucrats doesn't. I have had the misfortune of having to make use of the system many times over the past 30 years. The first time about 30 years ago, as a young and stupid man I had too much to drink and drove my car into an electric light pole. I sustained extensive injuries to my left leg and pelvis and for a while there were doubts about my walking again. Today I walk with a slight limp, but otherwise no problems thanks to a total hip replacement and a brilliant surgeon. I was I suppose a little fortunate that the surgeon on call that night, was one who had received a medal from the German Orthopedic Society for his contribution to orthopedic surgery and joint replacement. 20 Years ago my wife was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, the cancer destroyed her hip. She was admitted to an oncology unit as a public patient, but except for the admission process she was treated as if she was private, now she couldn't choose her doctor, but those that are working in the public health system are also those that are leading the world in research. A cousin of mine needed a heart replacement, as a public patient his surgeon was the late Dr Victor Chang, a pioneer of modern heart replacement. 10 days ago I underwent surgery at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. This was pretty major surgery and although I have had two hernias, a hip replacement and numerous operations after a serious motor vehicle accident, this one concerned me for some reason. I was admitted as a public patient and placed on the waiting list, my condition was serious and urgent. I was lying in pre-op 3 weeks after my first consultation with my specialist. In that three weeks I had scans, tests and a pre-op clinic. I met with both the specialist, and the two residents that would be working on me. The specialist was an extremely caring and intelligent man, he immediately put me at ease, his senior resident, a young Arabic guy in his thirties was brilliant, from the first meeting right through to the operating room. I couldn't have had a better team or care. The third member, a young Asian girl was the junior resident, she did some of the more menial jobs, smiled a lot, checked up on me throughout the day, and gave a little TLC. I am now nearly 100% and feel better then I have in over ten years. So the care is of outstanding level, the only fault is in the management and political point scoring that goes on.
