More Research Activity Urged

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31190, 14 October 1966, Page 16

More Research Activity Urged

The “utmost activity” in research, teaching and clinical investigation is necessary if Christchurch is to retain its position as one of the leading medical centres in New’ Zealand, according to the president of the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation, Dr. L. C. L. Averill.

The impending opening of the Auckland Medical School in 1968 made this necessary within the North Canterbury group of hospitals, he told the annual meeting of the foundation last night. In the new buildings planned for Christchurch Hospital, the erection of which would be started in 1967, provision was being made for a separate floor for the re-sited medical unit and clinical investigations department on tie top floor of the clinical services block.

panding population, it was important for the staff of the hospitals to have an active, progressive organisation, such as the Research Foundation to stand beside them and support forward moves.

The chairman of the foundation’s executive, Mr R. C. Neville, said membership was 600. It was intended to increase this in the next year

“The development will stimulate among the staff a desire to further their knowledge in their chosen specialties and give the opportunity to prove or disprove an idea which they have formulated in the course of their hospital work," Dr. Averill said. The executive had made a number of grants for research projects during the last year —all well worth-while and capable of great benefit to the human race.

“The only disturbing feature.” Dr. Averill said, “is that for the second successive year, the grants made have exceeded annual income. This must not be allowed to continue without a determined effort to increase our membership. and also our income from other sources.” With improved facilities in Christchurch for the care and treatment of the rapidly ex-