Homelessness Isn’t an Excuse to Hate
There are many reasons why a person might be homeless. Often it is a result of long term complex mental health issues, or a very sudden change in personal finances. Whatever the cause, in some instances the long-term result is some people will build their own networks on the streets, feel safer there, and not want to be living inside of a building or under a fixed roof.
No matter what the cause of a person’s homelessness, I do hope that we can all agree that living a life like that cannot be easy or comfortable.
I urge everyone in our community to extend care and compassion to our homeless – not hatred. Beating down on those doing it tough does nothing to help. Division and judgement towards out homeless does not build our society, it weakens it.
Taking to the keyboard and having your rant on whatever social media platform you think wants to hear about your put-downs, directed toward the homeless, might do more to reflect your own insecurities and shortcomings, than those of others.
Meanwhile, I am constantly inspired by those that seek to help our homeless by providing food, perhaps a blanket or a sleeping bag, maybe some clean clothes or a shower, and many other small acts of kindness. No keyboard is required for these good folks.
A Way to Avoid A Long Wait At An Emergency Department
One of the more frequent complaints that I receive comes from those that have had to wait incredibly long hours in an Emergency Department (ED). Those long waits are painful, distressing and exhausting for all involved.
Unfortunately, our EDs are becoming busier, not less. This is caused by a range of factors including, but not limited to, difficulties in getting access to a GP in a timely manner, a GP that bulk bills and a changing sense of what an emergency is, versus what is urgent or immediately important to the patient.
To help avoid the long wait at an ED the Government is trying a range of options including the brilliant Urgent Care clinics (one located in Cessnock) and the HealthDirect phone line (1800 022 222) that allows the patient to be first reviewed by a Registered Nurse and when required referred on to other services.
HealthDirect (1800 022 222) could be a very useful and important call to put your mind at ease over less urgent matters. Having a qualified medical person consider your symptoms and tell you that your ailment is not life threatening might be the very thing that you need at that moment, to help you sleep better that night.
So please, if your medical concern is not life threatening, do consider these other options.