Laymen May Lecture For St John Ambulance Assn

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32265, 7 April 1970, Page 16

Laymen May Lecture For St John Ambulance Assn

Because of the shortage of doctors in some areas the Canterbury and West Coast centre of the St John Ambulance Association is considering the introduction of lectures from outside the medical profession. The president (the Rt Rev. A. K. Warren), says in his message to be presented at the centre’s annual meeting next week that the problem is complex. He says there is a human factor to consider, and what may suit one area may be neither acceptable nor workable in another. “I have much sympathy

with some country areas that have difficulty in retaining the services of a local doctor,” he says. “These situations, apart from personal implications, affect the provision of medical practitioners to' lecture in adult first aid.

“The priory is very conscious of the situation, and has received reports from both the United Kingdom and Canada on the problems and positions in those countries.

“Another report has yet to come from Britain, and this will help the priory when the chapter considers whether lay lecturers should be allowed.” The chairman of the centre (Mr W. A. McAllister), says in his annual report that the centre’s main classes must be on first aid and home nursing. Other subjects such as hygiene and food-handling are available, however, and it would be very pleasing to see sub-centres arrange for classes of that kind, he says. The new brigade commissioner for the Canterbury and West Coast district (Mr R. W. Johnston), says in his first annual report that cadet divisions are being hampered by a shortage of adult members willing and able to administer them.

The strength of the brigade appears to be remaining static, he says. Recruiting efforts must be intensified. One new adult section and two new cadet divisions were registered during the year.