For years we have been hearing and reading about, the mistakes, the turning away of seriously ill patients, the lack of beds, the inefficient use of ambulances to stack patients in hallways etc, insufficient nursing numbers and second grade security protection for personnel dealing with idiots affected by illegal drugs or alcohol.

The government has taken a 'head in the sand' attitude hoping it will all go away.

We have outgrown the current public hospital and it needs to be either expanded or a new hospital built.

This NSW Government has the worst record when it comes to public health.

This is 2019 yet in the '60s, 70s and 80s when the population was smaller we had Port Kembla, Kiama, Bulli hospitals which served the needs of the Illawarra and now are downgraded to "gods waiting rooms".

Bulli Hospital belongs, looks and feels like the early 1900's.

The editorial opinion piece (Illawarra Mercury, September 2, 2019)is an indictment on the NSW Liberal Party, the Premier and the Minister for Health.

When one reads about the atrocious treatment of a stroke patient who could not feed himself because of the lack of proper nursing numbers.

The nurses do a fantastic job but are not supported by their employers, the very people we put there to do a good job on our behalf.

John Ernst, Kanahooka

The level of cruel indifference shown by our government toward Tamil couple Nadesaligam and his wife Priya is absolutely appalling.

Since arriving in our country, both have demonstrated a willingness to become exactly what this nation has for so long been seeking, newcomers to our shores willing to become effective members of communities such as Biloela in Central Queensland.

Their value to Biloela can be seen by the support given them by the people of that community.

Support which has continued since the family was taken away in the middle of the night from Biloela by Border Force officers and a private contractor almost two years ago.

In recent days Australians have again witnessed the shameful and, highly questionable actions of Peter Dutton in having Nadesaligam, Priya and their two Australian born children hurriedly placed on-board a private charter aircraft, paid for by Australian taxpayers, to be flown back to Colombo.

A flight forced to terminate in Darwin due to an Australian Court Order.

The Morrison government then used an RAAF flight overnight to move the family to Christmas Island.

Raising the question, has Australia degraded to a level where in our name, we accept an Australian government can deport innocent Australian children from their country of birth?

Barry Swan, Balgownie

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