HEALTH OF NURSES

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 145, 22 June 1938, Page 20

HEALTH OF NURSES

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

(By Telegraph—Press Associate

AUCKLAND, June 2

Immediate effect is to be given by the Auckland Hospital Board to certain recommendations made by the medical superintendent, Dr. Craven, for the purpose of preventing cases of tuberculosis among nurses and other employees.

Dr. Craven's report, which was re-

ceived at an earlier meeting of the board, surveyed preventive measures which he considered should prove effective in reducing the possibility of the disease being contracted by members of the staff.

All employees joining any branch of the hospital will undergo strict medical examination, which is to include the use of X-ray, and it is proposed to exercise adequate supervision to ensure that every employee is encouraged to report even the most minor sickness. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for adequate diet, exercise, relaxation, and rest, and on the teaching of precautions against contracting any disease, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.

The board also approved other recommendations advanced by Dr. Craven and agreed that they should be put into effect as opportunity offered. One advocated a supply of proper overalls for nurses in wards so that they would not have to go to the Nurses' Home for meals in the same uniforms in which they had been [attending cases. Dr. Craven considered the latter step to be a most important factor in preventing the spread, of infection among nurses. Immunisation of the nursing staff against diphtheria was a work commenced during the year by the pathological department of the hospital, according to the annual report, which was also submitted to the board today by the director, Dr. Gilmour. He said that in consultation with Dr Craven it was decided that favourable results reported in the medical Press made it desirable to provide this protection to nurses who were naturally very exposed lo infection. It was felt that the work would be best carried out in the laboratory in the meantime.