PLASTIC SURGEON FOR BURWOOD

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25298, 25 September 1947, Page 3

PLASTIC SURGEON FOR BURWOOD

MEDICAL OFFICER AND DENTIST RESIGN

BOARD CONSIDERS APPLICATIONS

Considerable discussion, much of which was taken in committee, on the medical staffing of the plastic surgical unit at Burwood Hospital took place yesterday after the North Canterbury Hospital Board received the resignation of Dr. W. M. Manchester, the present medical officer in charge, and the resignation from October 31 of Mr W. R. Hamilton, dental surgeon at the unit. “There is nothing to do but accept them with very great regret,” said the chairman (Mr L. B. Evans). “We are trying to carry on, and here is the unit breaking up.” “I don’t think that is so,” Dr. L. C. L. Averill said. "There is a very good technician there. I think we should try to make an arrangement with Mr Hamilton on a part-time basis until we can get another dentist.” ✓ Dr. Manchester, in a letter, said he had decided not to ask for leave of absence, but to resign as from December 10 so that he could go overseas for further post-graduate study. Mr Hamilton’s letter said he desired to begin dental practice in Christchurch. “I could, but I won’t, say at lot more.” Mr Evans said after Sir Hugh Acland said he had nothing to say except that he had the highest regard for both officers. “No member of the board is more sorry than I am that this has happened. We have heard some funny things.” Miss M. McLean: I think too much emphasis has been put on the resignation of Dr. Manchester. It is a well thought out decision, and not a sudden one. “He is going home, and rightly so,” said Mrs W. S. Bean. “Why should we expect him to stay? He is going of his own volition to improve his knowledge and position.” The board then went into committee to consider applications for the position of full-time surgeon which closed last Saturday, and after the meeting the following resolution was announced:— “That the four applications received for the position of full-time plastic surgeon, together with Dr. Averill’s views in regard to staffing of the unit, should be discussed with the staff executive and the medical superintendent, and a report made to a special meeting of the board next Wednesday.”