MISSING INSTRUMENTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 62, 14 March 1944, Page 3

MISSING INSTRUMENTS

HOSPITAL BOARD'S ALARM

Surprise ancl alarm at the consistent and persistent loss of surgical instruments at the Auckland Hospital was expressed by the chairman of the board, Mr. Allan J. Moody, at last night's meeting. The deputy medical superintendent, Dr. C. B. Gilberd, reported that many instruments, particularly scissors and a wide variety of forceps, and an opthalmoscope battery and fitting were missing from wards and departments between February 10 and February 29. He asked whether, for the convenience of checking each month, a list showing the various wards and theatres could be duplicated and copies sent to his office. Mr. Moody said the matter was becoming serious. In addition, much laundry was missing. "If they would only steal Wards 11 and 12 we would not make a fuss," he added. In answer to the suggestion by members that perhaps the instruments may have been borrowed, the chairman said all borrowings were recorded in a book. There was a ready sale for instruments such as had been reported missing. The report was adopted.