It’s common to hear there’s ‘no money’ in healthcare. But sometimes it’s management that’s lacking

‘Funding matters but money doesn’t buy responsive management and good governance. Or culture, communication and integrity.’ Photograph: Con Chronis/AAP

One cancer patient is advised to increase fluids, another sent an electronic script, and a third consoled. All have been saved from an emergency presentation by the timely intervention of a nurse – in just the first hour of the day.

So, imagine my dismay when she warns me that her clinic will close for several weeks when she takes overdue leave. Thinking selfishly of my neediest patients, I ask why there’s no cover.