HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 179, 30 July 1936, Page 6

HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION

A second report on hospital administration has been made to the Auckland Hospital Board by its consulting accountant, Mr. Grey The first report, last December, was preliminary and went little further than to outline the problem and suggest a closer co-ordination of the administrative system. The present proposals represent the result of a more detailed investigation spread over six months. It is not surprising that Mr. Campbell puts his finger on the lack of effective business supervision as a main weakness at the hospital. Past Boards have had the opportunity to remedy this, but nothing adequate has been done. When the present medical superintendent was appointed it was suggested by this paper that an administrative post should be created, so that the superintendent might be relieved of responsibilities which require business, not medical, training. The need is still there. In the near future it will increase as the Board puts into operation its building programme. Not only the oversight of large capital expenditures, but the gradual establishment of the hospital in new quarters, will demand planning and constant attention to accommodation and other matters during the change-over period. The work of the hospital must go on uninterrupted by the building activities, and administration will be unusually difficult in the next few years. The Board should consider earnestly the appointment which Mr. Campbell's report suggests.