Doctors Overseas

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32320, 11 June 1970, Page 16

Doctors Overseas

Sir, —1 notice that you re-1 port on May 21 that the Health Department is inform ing medical specialists over seas of the advantages of returning to New Zealand. 1 hope the Health Department is at the same time mentioning that it consistently refuses leave without pay to specialists willing and anxious to keep up to date with advances in their sub iects.—Yours, etc.,

Nelson, May 24, 1970. i [Dr J. P. Kennedy, Director, Division of Hospitals,' Health Department, replies: “The department is not aware of any such refusal of leave to specialist medical staff where requested and supported by the hospital board concerned. Such leave with pay and expenses is readily approved for medical officers for overseas study and for refresher occasions , and courses. Approval of these requests must, of course, be subject to assurances, to the satisfaction of the board, of adequate staffing of its hosj pitals and to the availability of funds to cover the costs involved. With this qualification the department, rather than holding any obstructive attitude, is appreciative of the advantages of such leave or courses to the hospital service.”]