I don't know about anyone else, but I get fed up hearing about stupid, irresponsible, brain dead morons who use party drugs and alcohol to excess, then expect the health service to pick up the pieces.

All the resources it takes to treat them – paramedics, doctors, nurses, medications, hours spent monitoring them until they can go home, not to mention using resources that may be needed for a ‘real emergency' all have to be paid for somehow. The health system budgets are constantly being cut and that money can go only so far.

I was refused appointments three times in the past because my case wasn't deemed ‘urgent', until I paid for my own MRI and the orthopaedic department received a copy. Then and only then was I seen by the appropriate person.

I was angry because my ailment is physical, debilitating and extremely painful. But because budgets are being used to treat these unnecessary incidents, those of us who really need medical help can't get it.

If people want to use drugs/alcohol to excess, they should be prepared to suffer the consequences or be charged for all the services they require. Maybe then they'd think twice before using them.

S Gussey, Tauranga