I am a member of a few retired Police Officer and Detective groups which I read and try to constructively contribute to. Many have had real hard times and there is a lot of bitterness, anger and recriminations and allegations about their times of service.

Just lately, while I have been while reading through the posts and comments, I find that they no longer resonate with how I actually see the world.

The bitterness so often displayed, I do not think, is genuinely and objectively looking how we were lucky enough to be able to be make it to a point were we could join ‘retired groups.’ Lots of my mates didn’t make it.

I recently bastardised this quote:

“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.”

I did this bastardisation when I wrote to a SurgeonSo, Doctor who wanted to charge me a $900.00 gap for a minor medical procedure.  The gap was waives as was that of the anaesthetist.

Please feel free to further bastardise it and be proud of your service and draw its true value to the attention of others in an honourable way…. (Names and a few details changed to be it anonymous – well except for me!

Dear Practice Manager,

Thanks for the email and all the information.

I just had a moment when I received all the information.

I could immediately see that Surgeon XP was a true professional and cared about his patients. I was very impressed by his mentoring of young overseas surgeons, one of whom I met. I am sure all is truely earned by him.

Yes, there is a ‘but’ or I would prefer a ‘however’…..

Professor Bain advised me of the ‘gap’ or ‘out of pocket expenses’ or a new term of prepaying appointments for a year…. I was just interested in my response and feelings when actually seeing it in writing and realising that I would have to call the anaesthetist’s office to find out his/her additional cost?  I’m not going to do that; I’m a little prideful for that.

I think you and most certainly the Professor are aware that I was a retired Police Officer with 38 years experience, 28 as a Detective.

I gave my heart, soul, a marriage and literal blood, sweat and tears in the fulfilment of my oath.  I retired early on invalidity due to stress, anxiety and depression, and moved to my home country town, which I love.  I volunteer, go to Church, was elected to the local Berri Barmera Council, attend a men’s group and run ‘shed squad’ for a few blokes in my own shed on Tuesdays.

I bear no ill will to those I served, for so many years.  An occasional ‘thank you’ was all one could hope for.

I must live with the knowledge that so many slept peacefully in their beds, achieved their aspirations, goals and loves, because I was not with my family, but, one of the men and women who ran towards danger, who became rough in our attitudes and actions, ready to serve violence and take the injuries, so those who slept and rose in the safety we provided,  didn’t have to.  It was our duty, and gift.

So, I am afraid, now, no-one pays my gap. My gap is just carried by me; forever paid for by my family, friends and colleagues.

I did what my Government and community asked of me.

In my career, in those long hours, in the blood and tears, in the lonely recovery and the names I say often, as they didn’t make it…. I have asked no-one to pay my gap.

I’m afraid, that as much as I respect our medical professionals and the difficult job they do, if Surgeon X and the anaesthetist, perhaps on his asking, are not prepared to wave the ‘gap,’ a ‘gap’ incidentally that our Government has decided our medical professionals are not worth. 

Then I must with all good conscience decline the operation and thank the good Surgeon X for his time.

I live in a poor community, but will wait in line for my turn in the public system, that I suspect are finding it as difficult to fulfil their own oaths to serve and I did.

I do not do this request with animosity or judgement on our good Doctors and professional health specialists and health soldiers.

I just feel that it is the principal.  

For me character, integrity and service are always a gift and not a commodity for sale.

With great kindness and respect.

Sincerely,

Ian Schlein

So, I suppose you want to know the result?

Both gaps waived.

I also send a similar letter to Jones and Partners and the ‘scanning’ mobs and have had the gap they make you pay up front refunded.

Its time we pointed out the gap we are ‘required’ to pay is for valuable and often expensive services that the Health Funds and the Government undervalue not us.