FIRST ON THE LIST

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 76, 26 September 1942, Page 6

FIRST ON THE LIST

At a time when extra burdens are being placed on the community as a result of emergency conditions the public health is a first consideration. There is good reason for concern, therefore, over the position revealed at the meeting of the Wellington Hospital Board. Practically no civilian waiting-list patients have been admitted to the hospital since the beginning of the year, and the medical superintendent sees no prospect of any being admitted for some time yet. The demand for accommodation for members of the Armed Forces, according to Dr. Cairney, is such that only urgent medical or surgical cases can be accepted. Included in those waiting for attention are many suffering from minor complaints, but the danger is that neglect may lead to serious deterioration in health. Attendances at out-patient clinics have also shown a marked increase this year, and while there may be special reasons for this, it is clear that the provision made for this important branch of hospital service urgently needs expansion. There is a strong case for placing the Wellington Hospital Board's programme on the list of priority construction work. In these times civilian building must naturally give way to defence construction, but.where the health of the people is at stake, and where the shortage of accommodation is caused partly by the demands ,of the Armed Forces^

hospitals must rank high in building priorities. It would be futile now to argue why the present conditions have arisen and who is to blame. All parties should rather unite in an effort to achieve the earliest possible improvement.