In the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist event, it is surely understandable that those empowered in our hospitals will act with the best intentions, formulating common sense policies that guarantee the least harm or ongoing risk. Changing the name of Rosalia Shikhverg was not malicious (“Minister is sorry for victim’s name change”, DT, 28/1). With mass casualty events, patient labels are often printed as “Unknown Male/Female” with a unique Medical Record Number until identified. Such a process is surely not offensive but a necessary default practice. For the many decisions needing to be made by administrators, I do not believe the Liverpool Hospital has deserved to be chastised by the Health Minister. Instead, I strongly applaud the excellence of all our amazing hospitals across Sydney that responded so well and ensured that the mortality numbers did not go beyond 15, despite the large number of critically ill. My only message to those working hard at all levels across Liverpool Hospital is congratulations! On balance, you have performed magnificently. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 29Jan2026
Name change shame
Is there anyone not shocked after reading about the Jewish woman, Rosalia Shikhverg, having her name changed and her religion falsely recorded on her ward identification instruments by hospital administrators without her permission? (“Minister is sorry for woman’s name change”, DT, 28/1). This woman was injured at the Bondi massacre and found herself admitted to a western Sydney hospital – a hospital located in a very multicultural area with Muslim patients, Muslim medical and catering staff, and Muslim visitors. Unlike the other Jews injured in the Bondi bloodbath, it seems she was the only one admitted to this particular hospital and singled out for this highly questionable treatment.
The only reason offered so far was to protect her from the media, however there seems to have been no such concerns for the other Jews injured in this bloodbath. It can only be a clear indication that our state government knows that Jews are still not safe anywhere, especially in our public hospital system. This is a disgrace. It’s been allowed to get to this stage through inaction by our state and federal governments. Richard Burnett, Wollongong 29Jan2026