INDICTMENT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 279, 25 November 1941, Page 9

INDICTMENT

HOSPITAL BURDEN

FULL TIME STAFF SHORTAGE

Strong criticism was made in a letter which was received at a meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board last evening from the DirectorGeneral of Health, Dr. M. H. Watt, as the result of recent inspection of the board's institutions by Departmental officers.

Dr. Watt submitted a number of points for consideration, and stated that the acting-medical superintendent, Dr. W. Gilmour, and the assistant medical superintendent. Dr. C. B. Gilberd, were carrying a heavy burden in the administration and control of the board's institutions. The Department had previously indicated the necessity of strengthening the full-time medical staff of the Auckland Hospital by the appointment of at least one senior physician. Among other cases, which indicated the necessity of supervision of the house surgeons, were some cases of bone tuberculosis which had not had a chest X-ray examination. Infectious cases of tuberculosis were in contact with other patients without sufficient safeguards. The medical staff and accommodation, both for in-patients and out-patients, were inadequate for dealing with tuberculosis cases. There were 29 cases of tuberculosis housed in the Auckland Hospital, some in wards with other patients. The tuberculosis clinic at the Infirmary was quite inadequate.

Overcrowdinc Evident

Continuing, Dr. Watt drew attention to the need of more facilities in certain wards, and said that in the children's wards, far too many cross infections had occurred in recent years. Overcrowding was evident in several of the wards. It was considered that the Training College was only moderately satisfactory for a very temporary use in an emergency. Attention was drawn also to the fire hazard of the building. There were no ramps nor lifts to the upper floor, on which were housed helpless, bed-ridden patients . At night there was only the house surgeon and a porter who could remove patients in the case of a fire before outside help could arrive. Dr. Watt recommended that the superintendent of the Fire Board should report on any measure that could be taken to minimise the risk.

In connection with the Alexandra Home the report, recommended that a contour-site plan of the grounds should be forwarded to the Department, in order that an opinion might be expressed about adding further buildings to the institution.

Dr. Watt congratulated the board on the loyalty and efficiency shown in spite of many difficulties, by the sisters, nurses and other officials in its employ. He added that the dietary department at the Auckland Hospital continued to be a satisfactary feature, and the attendance of the visiting staff appeared to be satisfactory. Members' Reaction Mr. G. T. Parvin remarked that the communication was a severe indictment. Mr. J. Sayegh said the board should consider a chest hospital, and a children's hospital. It was regrettable to have to be told things that were "staring the board in the face." The board could provide more accommodation at the Alexandra Home. Mr. J. V. Mack.v said the Department knew the difficulties of getting anything done at the present time. He did not think they should worry much about the letter. The chairman. Mr. Allan J. Moody, said the board had made an honest attempt to make the hospital an efficient institution. They were on the right track now In getting the block at the Infirmary completed. There was difficulty in getting equipment and material. They were more concerned about getting the job done, than worrying about reports from Wellington. Dr. H. Northcroft said they did not always get co-operation " from the Department. The board decided to inform Dr. Watt that many of the matters mentioned had been under consideration, also that the board felt, that it should have been advised of the officers' visits, and that it. would have been helpful if the matters referred to had been discussed with officers of the board before the reports were made.