Conference Passes Remit On Blood Transfusions

Press, Volume C, Issue 29487, 13 April 1961, Page 5

Conference Passes Remit On Blood Transfusions

(New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN. April 12. Emergency blood transfusions to minors should be given without the consent of parents or guardians. Mr A. H Carman (Wellington) said at the conference of the Hospital Boards’ Association of New Zealand today.

He moved that the Government be asked to introduce urgently legislation to enable the medical superintendent of a public hospital to authorise such transfusions. t “This remit is directed primarily towards saving the life of babies,” he said. “It is the right of an adult to decide what his attitude should be.” Mr Carmans remit was adopted. Second Medical School

Auckland delegates argued warmly in support of a remit regarding the shortage of junior medical staff in public hospitals, and the establishment of a second medical school, in New Zealand. The remit said: “Having regard to the present acute shortage of junior medical staff i*. public hospitals in New Zealand, this association

asks the Minister of Health to represent to the Government that the earliest possible establishment of a second medical school is a matter of extreme urgency and of supreme importance to public hospital services and to public health generally.” It was adopted. “Grave Position”

Mr T. H. Caughey. chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, said that the supply of house surgeons in the country was in a “grave position.” which the “terrific” explosive increase of population, especially in his boards district, had aggravated.

About 250 more house surgeons were needed to staff New Zealand hospitals. An average of about 98 final-year medical students qualified each year, a number inadequate for the present and future needs of New Zealand. Not all the 98 graduates went on as second-year house surgeons. “We want at least 40 more potential house surgeons (and they in turn may on to provide 30 second-year house

surgeons) qualifying in a year," said Mr Caughey. Salaries For Norses Tlie conference agreed that the executive should investigate an increase in salaries of all nursing staff, since remuneration was “a vital factor" in recruitment, and that its report should be sent to all hospital boards. Loan Interest Representations will be made to the Minister of Finance to restore the Interest rate on hospital board loans to 5 per cent, per annum for terms of six years or more, the interest rate having been reduced by one-eighth per cent