HOSPITAL BOARD OFFICERS

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26121, 25 May 1950, Page 3

HOSPITAL BOARD OFFICERS

RETIREMENT NOTICE REQUIRED

THREE MONTHS THOUGHT INSUFFICIENT An objection was made by Mr J J Brownlee yesterday to the North Canterbury Hospital Board that when he had asked for information about the age of the present medical superintendent. the chairman of the hospital committee (Mr P. Stanley Foster) had ruled the question out of order. Mr Brownlee, who did not disclose the subject of the question until Mr Foster had mentioned it in replying, said that the information was of importance to the administration of the hospital and to future planning. It was not facetious and not covered by any privilege. “It is a matter of officials retiring,” said Mr Foster, after he had mentioned the subject of the question. “I think there is a certain delicacy in these matters and I consider that the officers are entitled to protection.” When any man applied for a position on the hospital staff he had to give his age. Mr Brownlee said. At present there was a by-law which provided that a man should give three months’ notice of termination or completion of duties. Such short notice had led the board into trouble in the past. If there was only three months’ notice there was insufficient time in which to advertise a position overseas. “I want to know the actual age of our present medical superintendent because I think we should plan for his successor, and if necessary the extra training of his successor, long before he leaves.” Mr Brownlee said. “We can have the information from what is already in the secretary’s office.” If the by-laws provided for six months’ notice, the difficulty would be met. the chairman (Mr V. C. Lawn) said. Revision of the by-laws had been suggested some time ago. and he thought that when the revision was complete there would be no difficulty. At present_ the retiring age was laid down at 65. but there was provision for the board to retain a man’s services after he was due for retirement.