As a junior doctor working in Tayside, it was a pleasure to see an article in the Tele about regional opinions and aims with regards to junior doctors’ hours as well as future plans for health care delivery in Tayside.
It has been revealed three quarters of all junior doctors in Tayside are now compliant with the European Union’s 48 working hours a week doctrine.
Clearly there has been progress since the days when junior doctors were “on call” for days on end. It is equally important to be cautious of the potential impact on medical training that strict adherence to a 48 hour working week could have.
From my own experience, working “out of hours” and at times for well in excess of 48 hours per week, has been an invaluable learning process which I feel may be curtailed by limiting both the amount and times at which young doctors work.
It is a tricky balance to achieve, and I understand the job is very demanding, but it takes a lot of effort and commitment to become a doctor and sometimes going that extra mile is worth it.
If we are to become the medical experts and team leaders of the changing health service, then perhaps a few years of hard work might be a worthwhile sacrifice to make. — Dundee Junior Doc.
Bin not big enough for four houses
I write concerning the new bins which are to be issued in my street. ,
I am a resident of Barnes Avenue, Dundee, and received a letter from the council stating that my address is unsuitable for wheeled bins due to the number of stairs at the property.
We are to be issued with a Euro bin which is to be chained to the fence on the street outside my house.
The bin is to serve the four houses in the close. My concern is that the bin will not be large enough for four houses, causing bags full of rubbish to be left strewn about the pavement.
There are numerous addresses in Dundee with far more than the three steps at my address that have wheeled bins.
I have been in touch with the council and have had no response to my e-mail regarding my concerns. — Bin The Idea.
Parking tickets spoil celebration
My sister and her partner had my nephew’s christening, and their surprise wedding, at Williamson Memorial Church, Dudhope Street, Dundee, on Sunday, October 5.
After the service the family were very angry and disappointed to see that five of the guests’ cars (including my own, which was being used for the bride and groom) were given a ticket for parking on yellow lines.
There is only a limited number of parking bays on this street and for the number of guests attending this church service, this was not enough.
The cars were not obstructing any entrances and were parked directly outside the church.
I have checked with Dundee City Council website and it advises that charges for parking on this street are only in effect between the hours of 1 pm and 6 pm on a Sunday, so why were tickets issued between 12 and 12.10 pm. I believe we should be exempt from these parking charges and the tickets made null and void. — D. Moran, Gruinard Terrace, Dundee.
[A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said, “Double yellow line restrictions apply 24 hours (Monday to Sunday) 365 days a year.
“These vehicles were parked illegally and issued with Penalty Charge Notices.
“There is an appeal process for the complainant to pursue by writing to the council (the address given at the rear of the PCN) within 14 days, stating the grounds on which the PCNs should be rescinded.
“There is also a system of dispensation that may authorise parking at restricted areas for such special events. This should be applied for and approved prior to the event.”]
Shops not for babies
Dundee Mum states “babies cry, that is how babies communicate”. I have seen various other letters in the Evening Telegraph regarding dogs barking and that this was deemed as an annoyance to others even though “that’s the way dogs communicate”.
After attempting a rare shopping trip into Dundee city centre last week, I have resigned myself to Christmas shopping online this year after a constant game of avoid the buggy, which for some reason always seem incapable of moving off course leaving us poor shoppers to weave in and out whilst getting nowhere fast.
Maybe Dundee Mum’s walking with baby “wards off post-natal depression” for her, but adds more misery to an already tedious experience for other shoppers.
Please leave the buggies at home or have a friend take care of your bundle of joy for an hour or two. Shopping centres are for shoppers. — Dundee Shopper.
No day release for prisoners
Fifteen prisoners have gone missing from Castle Huntly, near Dundee, in the last six months.
How many more convicts have to go missing before the justice system recognises that these people shouldn’t be allowed day release?
If someone has committed a crime, no matter how small, he or she should be in prison for the whole of the sentence, and not be given day release.
Maybe the prisoners have only committed petty crimes, but he or she still did it, and should serve their time for it.
The justice system in this country disgusts me.
It’s like when a judge says someone is to be put in prison for life, what he or she really means is 15 years, and the prisoner may get parole before then. The Government seriously needs to take a look at the justice system.
A prisoner should have no human rights. Prisoners have committed a crime, and should be serving time for that in prison, not be given day release, where he or she can go and meet up with their family for a coffee and a chat. — Ashamed Of This Country.
Housing problems
I have sympathy for Ardler Tenant who has gone through misery with Ardler Housing Office in Dundee regarding problems with a neighbour.
I went through a similar situation and just like the previous correspondent I was almost at breaking point trying to have the problem resolved.
I have had to fight almost two years to get something done and at times it did get on top of me.
It is a horrible feeling to be insecure in your own home and to feel that you have no one to turn to to help.
I have received a letter from the housing association promising me the matter has been resolved, but only time will tell. — Here’s Hoping.
Missing cat
Our cat is missing. She was last seen in the vicinity of North Erskine Street, Stobswell. Sasha, is white with ginger and black markings.
Please contact my mobile number 07906958104. — Mr Murray, Stobswell, Dundee.
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