Optimism about Queen Mary Hospital

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32885, 7 April 1972, Page 8

Optimism about Queen Mary Hospital

The Minister of Health (Mr Adams-Schneider) struck an optimistic note during his visit to Queen Mary Hospital yesterday. His positive, enthusiastic approach to the question of the hospital’s future is refreshing. Years of uncertainty and a despondent—almost defeatist—official attitude towards the future of the hospital did little to encourage people who were not only satisfied with what the hospital and its staff have been achieving but who had confidence in the value of continuing its work. When the former Minister of Health (Mr McKay) last spoke definitively about the Government’s policy on the hospital he said that if sufficient medical staff could be found the Queen Mary Hospital would be maintained. The acting superintendent. (Dr T. C. Mating) yesterday added a significant commentary on this question: problems of obtaining staff, he said, had been largely caused by the long uncertainty about the future of the hospital. Of course, more medical staff may have to be found if the North Canterbury Hospital Board and the Department of Health can arrange the transfer of the hospital to the board’s control; but it is most encouraging that Dr Maling himself, who might otherwise retire, is prepared to continue his valuable work. The hopeful attitude adopted by the board and the positive statement by Mr Adams-Schneider will be good news for the many people who have been concerned over the threat to the future of Queen Mary Hospital