For all the abuse and criticism it receives on occasion we have in Australia and in this region a world-class health system. Health care comes at a substantial cost and it is essential that these costs be managed to assure the community that the correct standard of health care is available.
It is time our community had an adult conversation about our health system.
Bonalbo, which has a population of 300-odd with others scattered in outlying areas, is 68 kilometres and less than 60 minutes’ drive from Casino. How on Earth it has sustained an eight-bed hospital with 24/7 emergency facilities beggars belief. Coraki, a population of 1180 and 25 kilometres and less than 25 minutes’ drive to Lismore, 14 beds and yet again with 24/7 emergency facilities.
Mullumbimby, a population of 3,100, 19 kilometres and 21 minutes to Byron Bay Hospital, 48 kilometres and less than 60 minutes’ drive to Lismore, 28 beds with 24/7 emergency facilities.
In our immediate area we have hospitals in:
Byron Bay – 26 beds and 24/7 emergency facilities
Lismore – 197 beds and 24/7 emergency facilities
Ballina – 37 beds and 24/7 emergency facilities
Tweed – 220 beds and 24/7 emergency facilities.
Not to mention the plentiful and extensive resources available in Brisbane
Throwing our hands in the air, running around organising and attending protests and the like is not an adult contribution to managing our healthcare facilities. By any stretch of the imagination Bonalbo, Coraki and Mullumbimby should be either closed down or their function substantially modified.
Colin Clarke
Ocean Shores
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
