Sir, - Please allow me space in your paper to voice my concerns over the current state of Tumut Hospital.

My concerns are that the existing building is in a state of decay. Never mind the 'rabbit warren' scenario, it needs some major work, like yesterday!

I am a volunteer worker on various committees who have shown long term commitment to improving all aspects of health care within the district. This includes the replacement of the existing hospital building.

By striving within the structures in place, I am still convinced that Tumut is making progress towards obtaining a new hospital. The process followed by the Tumut Health Service Plan was a necessary first step towards this realisation.

I am not an advocate of the 'No Bandaids Approach' as it would not be possible to have a new structure up and running quickly enough, even should money miraculously become available tomorrow.

Some short-term solutions must be put into place to make it relatively comfortable for both patients and staff. They should not be further disadvantaged or sacrificed for the convenience of a quicker solution.

If you have been to Tumut Hospital lately you will, no doubt, know exactly what I am talking about. A section of the hospital at the back of the Solarium has been blocked off with builder's reinforcement wire. The floorboards, which quite obviously show signs of having rotted away, now expose a gaping hole.

It would be difficult to believe that the problem is confined to this small area of the floor. I was left wondering if someone actually went right through it before it was discovered.

Incidentally, nice touch by the staff who have placed Christmas decorations on the wire, adding a little festive cheer to a very dismal eyesore.

I have no idea how we can prompt any immediate action from the Greater Southern Area Health Service who appear to be currently stretched to this dismal, pathetic building and I for one would welcome some 'Bandaid' fixing at the moment.

Surely, this would be an improvement to what is currently a very sad facility. Even 'rabbit warrens' have stable floors.

Yours etc.,

Rhonda Blunt,

Lambie Street, Tumut