SUPERINTENDENT OF ST. HELENS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29716, 9 January 1962, Page 13

SUPERINTENDENT OF ST. HELENS

Dr. L. C. L. Averill

Resigns

Dr. L. C. L Averill has resigned as medical superintendent of the St. Helens Hospital. Christchurch. after nearly 33 years in the position. His resignation will become effective on March 31. He will continue with his private practice, however, and as chairman of the North Canterbury Hospital Board. When Dr. Averill took over responsibility for the hospital in May, 1939, it was in the building now known as Langford House. an old people’s home in Durham street. Sydenham. It contained 16 beds, but the staff also gave care to patients attended at home by their own doctors or by registered midwives. The pre'»nt hospital, opened in 1952. has 50 beds, and there will be another 60 in the new wing now being built.

“I feel that the time has come when, because of pressure of other work, I should hand on the responsibility for this hospital to others,” said Dr. Averill yesterday “I am grateful for the loyalty and pleasant co-operation of the staff throughout the veers. This team spirit has, I am sure, benefited the nearly 20,000 mothers delivered at the old and new St. Helens during my association with the hospital. I am grateful too. for the courtesy and consideration received from successive Ministers and directors-general of health. “The practice of obstetrics has changed considerably over these years. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. established in London about 30 years ago. has ensured through its membership examination that Commonwealth countries, including New Zealand, have a sufficient supply of doctors well trained in this specialty" Dr. Averill, whose predecessor as medical superintendent of St. Helens was Dr. A. B. Lindsay, has held the post much longer than any previous superintendent. He is one of the three Christchurch specialists elected to fellowship of the college.