Ashburton Hospital

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30631, 23 December 1964, Page 12

Ashburton Hospital

Two months ago some inquiry into the dissatisfaction of medical staff at the Ashburton Hospital seemed desirable; but the Minister of Health (Mr McKay) then declined to interfere and gave the Ashburton Hospital Board an opportunity to repair the situation. This week the board, with no solution of its problem in sight, has wisely asked Mr McKay for a full and urgent inquiry into complaints made by visiting medical staff. The tenor of their complaints may have been indicated publicly in August, when the senior visiting physician, Dr. W. Ross Lane, sought an inquiry into his relations with the medical superintendent and into what he alleged to be the lack of interest of the board in the welfare of its staff. Other visiting staff asked for a better understanding by the board of staff and medical problems.

Now that the board wants the whole matter investigated there should be no delay by Mr McKay or his department. The hospital cannot continue to rely on assistance from other boards to maintain work that is important not only to the borough of Ashburton but also to its extensive hinterland. The hospital treats patients close to their homes and provides emergency services to thousands who would otherwise have to travel long distances to the nearest city hospital. It cannot continue to serve these purposes until it has a contented and adequate medical staff.