Readers may be interested to know that the natural level of fluoride in seawater is on average, higher than that in our fluoridated drinking water at around 1.1 milligrams per litre. That's 1.1 parts per million (ppm).

Fluoride is also found in foods, particularly ocean fish (e.g tinned salmon and sardines) and tea, at much higher concentrations than in our drinking water – typically 3ppm.

High concentrations of fluoride are naturally found in krill, the marine creatures at the base of Antarctic food chains. Krill are the dietary mainstay of some whale species who swallow tons of them without any damage to their health.

Scientific studies in areas with natural fluoride levels of up to 8 mg/litre have found no clinical evidence of harm to humans.

The facts are that for over 60 years water fluoridation has contributed strongly to the dental health of many communities, here and overseas, with no scientific evidence of the harmful health effects being claimed by the anti-fluoridation lobby groups.

I have a friend (ex-local) now living in Queensland, with whom I correspond regularly. In her last letter she mentioned the “deplorable” state of affairs with our hospital and doctors, and praised, as she does regularly, the “brilliant” health system they have in Queensland.

I found it extremely sad that her information, gleaned from recent media reports, has all been so negative and that this is the message being sent out to others who may not have had personal and very positive experiences – which so many of us have had.

While I have not been an in-patient at our new hospital, I am there twice a week for physio and have visited friends following their surgeries and have felt nothing but good vibes.

This beautiful building is clean and calm, and the staff at all levels have been organised, cooperative and, most of all, happy.

Perhaps media reports could emphasise the really positive feedback being expressed in letters to the editor, while we all patiently await the outcome of the inquiry into the disagreement between administration and medical staff.

Incidentally, I have suggested to the reception staff that they have a donations box in reception so that all contribute to the purchase of a super long extension cobweb broom and a bottle of lemon oil. The only thing detracting from our enjoyment of those glorious views through the extremely high internal windows is the spiderwebs.

I was told it has been sprayed once and it was very costly. A few drops of lemon oil on a broom works well at keeping them away and, of course, it’s more environmentally friendly.

A most interesting development for our Bega volunteer Boomerang Bag sewing ladies, getting into business reducing plastic pollution.

I passed on a request for dance dresses for an Irish dance group to one of them. That resulted in more work for her in the form of two huge speaker covers of 4.2metre circumference from recycled black, stretchy material.

Another lady took on an order of kite bags/rucksacks, made from discarded surf kites for the Merimbula kite surfing group, fully lined with inside pocket, velcro closure and all recycled straps and drawstring – a real social enterprise!

The only problem – I need more volunteers now to help with the Boomerang Bag sewing. Offers of help and donations most appreciated. Visit www.Boomerangbags.org.