HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 65, 14 September 1943, Page 7

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

P.A. AUCKLAND, September 13. A strong protest against what he termed "interference of politicians in the administration of hospital affairs" was made by the chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board, Mr. Allan J. Moody, when the board was considering a letter from the Department of' Health refusing it permission, to build a temporary 45-bedroom extension to the nurses' home in. the Auckland Hospital grounds.

"The sooner the control of hospitals is divided from the cess-pit of political intrigue the better," said. Mr. Moody. "The Director-General of Health and his Department are keen to help, and I know the Director-General is imbued with the highest medical traditions. If he were given freedom from this constant political interference I know he would see to it that the public were given the best service possible. Unfortunately he is not free.

"I blame the Minister of Health for what is constantly happening. The Minister knows very little about hospital administration, and at the present time is being guided, or misguided, by a lot of cranks. He is not getting proper guidance from the proper and most responsible sources. If he would confine himself to Dr. Watt and his Department it would be much better for everyone, the boards and the public. We have had our disagreements with Dr. Watt, but he is undoubtedly a man who, if given 'the chance, would deliver ++«* goods to New Zealand."