CHURCH SERVICES IN HOSPITAL

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25606, 22 September 1948, Page 4

CHURCH SERVICES IN HOSPITAL

HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S OBJECTION

TARANAKI BOARD DECLINES TO WITHDRAW CONSENT (P.A.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 21. Disagreeing with the Health Department that religious services in wards at the New Plymouth Hospital should be discontinued, the Taranaki Hospital Board to-day declined to withdraw its approval of the practice. “A complaint has been made to the Minister of Health that religious services are held in the New Plymouth Hospital although objection has been raised by a patient in a ward where the service was held.” wrote the Director-General of Health (Dr. T. R. Ritchie). The department’s view is that the .board should withdraw approval to conduct religious services in wards if such has been given, particularly owing to the objection referred to.”

The medical superintendent (Dr. H. C. Barrett) said church services were arranged at the hospital by the New Plymouth Ministers’ Association. The service lasted half an hour and usually a ward was selected where noise was not likely to disturb sick patients. “From information supplied to me I understand that these services are appreciated by patients, especially in the female wards,” he added. “I have no knowledge of any complaints being referred either to the matron or to myself on account of these services.”