CHATHAM ISLAND NURSES

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25737, 24 February 1949, Page 4

CHATHAM ISLAND NURSES

RADICAL CHANGE IN SERVICE BOARD “ SHOULD BE GRATEFUL” “A radical change” in the provision of nursing staff for the Chatham Islands Hospital, was‘unanimously approved for recommendation to the Minister of Health (Miss M. B. Howard) by the North Canterbury Hospital Board yesterday morning. When the chairman (Mr V. C. Lawn) proposed that the matter be taken in committee, Mr J. J. Brownlee asked if members supporting the proposal did not want their names published. Mr Lawn replied that “a radical change” was proposed, which should not be made public until the details were settled and finally approved. After half an hour in committee, it was reported that a unanimous recommendation would be made to the Minister. “I think this a splendid solution, for which we should be grateful,” said Mrs M. A. Ellen. “It will give us continuity in our islands nursing service. As the Health Department won’t accept responsibility, it must accept this offer.” - “It seems the only solution,” said Mrs J. N. Clarke. The Health Department will be asked to supply a trained dental nurse for the Chatham Islands, as the Hospital Board has no member of its staff available for this work.