THE HOSPITAL TROUBLE

Evening Star, Issue 14531, 6 December 1910, Page 3

THE HOSPITAL TROUBLE

DR. WHETTER, MILDLY CENSURED. THE SWORD OF SUSPENSION KEPT OVER A NTJRISE. The Otago Hospital Board held a. special meeting last night to consider the " to-do " about the conditions existing and alleged to exist at the Dunedin Hospital, and with which readers will be familiar. The ■ members present were Messrs J. 11. Walker (chairman), W. Wilkinson, J. H. F. Hamel, J. Loudon, W. T. Talboys, W. Blackie, C. E. Keast, W. E. S. Knight, D. Larnach, J. J. Clark, and H. M. Ewing. Tho last-mentioned two arrived late. Mr R. Templeton sent an apology for absence. Tho greater part of an hour was spent in tho reading of the official reports and other correspondence. The reports from Dr Valinline and Miss Maclean have been published in tho 'Star.' Dr Falconer (medical superintendent) reported in detail upon tho recommendations made by the Inspector-General and Miss Maclean, la regard to Dr ValinUne's recommendations the superintendent reported :—" (1) Recommended in writing by me, April, 1910. (2) Hospital Committee instituted this system three months ago." In respect of -Miss Maclean's recommendations Dr Falconer reported as follows : —(1) Previously recommended in writing bv myself, house steward, and Dietary Committee. (2) This recommendation requires some consideration before its adoption. The hour suggested, 7.30 a.m., will interfere with the patients' present breakfast hour, which would require altering. Also the night nurses might not care for tho extra half-hour's wait. (3) Agree to recommendation (new). (4) Agree to this recommendation mew). (5) Agree to this recommendation (new). (6) Under consideration of architect, having been previously suggested by the matron. (7) lias ring previously recommended in writing by me. Would recommend in preference to sink in 1 ivatory that washing tubs be erected in connection with tho new store room, as previously suggested by the architect, (oi Approve morning visit recommendation (new). Tho matter of malo visitors has been previously under discussion. The matron pointed out th.-.t tho Homo is structurally unsuitable f» r this. Owing to want of space 1 am unable at present to suggest a suitable room cither at the Nurses' Home or at the hospital to carry out Miss Maclean's suggestion. (9) Previously recommended in writing by me, that one night's leave be granted each week. 1 beg to withdraw this recommendiition in lazjr of Mi.-s Maclean's. (10) Approve (new). (11) As stated by Miss Maclean, unre -essary work hxs been done without the matron's authority. Sisters will be notified to carry out tho matron's previous instructions. Note: A certain amount of washing of dado by nurses, or maids must always take place in every hospital. In addition, a trial could bo given to a weekly washing of the dado by men, as they now wash the rest of tho wall above the dado when necessary. (12) In accordance with the matron's "previous instructions. (13) Had already been partly arranged for by me. The architect should be asked to report on the linen lift as recommended by Miss Maclean. Personally, I recommend the adoption of iron staircases for this purpose, as previously suggested by me. These would be useful for hrorcscape purposes. (14) This matter was under consideration by the architect when the sterilisers wore first introduced. (15) Previously recommended in writing by house steward, and approved by mo. (16) Previously recommended in writing by house steward, and approved by me. (17) Previously recommended by me in writing. (18) Previously recommended in writing by house steward, and approved by me. Mir J. M. Gallaway, a co-optative member of the Hospital Committee, wrote acknowledging an invitation to attend the meeting. In tho course of his letter he expressed his regret that although the BoaTd could have had no opportunity in the interval to communicate eithe- with the Minister or the Inspector-General, they acquiesced in the substitution of a_ private, investigation for a public one. "Knowing Miss Maclean as I do, I had. and have, no doubt, that any report signed by her would be an honest and fearless one," con- ! tinued the writer, "and if tho investiga- | tion had been held for the information and guidance of the governing body, no better plan could have been adopted. It was, of course, open to tho Board, if they felt so inclined, to ignore tho charges made in the 'Otago Daily Times'; but having conceded that an investigation was expedient, I submit that no investigation which is conL ducted in private e;tn possibly be expected to restore that confidence in tho management of a public institution which is essential to its effectiveness. It is quite possible that the Board may yet see the wisdom of insisting upon a public inquiry. Although such a determination now could only be regarded as 'better lato thai; never,' I shall be most happy to assist by even' means in my power. Since the Board substituted a private inquiry for the public one recommended by tho Hospital Committee I have attended none of the meetings of tho Committee, and as the Board have seen fit to couplo their invitation with a condition that I am to take no part in the discussion this evening, f feel that my presence would servo no good purpose." —Dr Whetter's Explanation.— Dr L. H. Whetter wrote to the chairman as follows:—"I should like- to take this opportunity of explaining my position with regard to the admission of a reporter to the hospital. I have considered tho matter, ;md have como to tho conclusion that I committed an error of judgment in holding the matter over till my senior resumed charge, and in not referring the reporter to him. I sincerely regret this error of judgment on my pari, and wish to assure you that there was no thought of disloyalty" in my mind, and that it was done without giving the matter due consideration. I may say that Dr Valiutine's remarks have in no way influenced mo in this matter. I tmst your Board will accept my explanation." Mr Loudon said that as chairman of the Hospital Committee he proposed to move a series of resolutions. He referred to the recent Press criticism, and/ said it might be inferred from it that tlve Hospital Committee consisted of a set of men so blinded by ignorance and conceit as to make it impossible to move them. Ho went on to disprove this by outlining tho progressive policy followed in the matter of hospital control, and mentioned that probably a long list of further improvements would bo submitted by the Committee before twelve months were up. Any trouble could have been rectified without means being adopted which were likely to bring discredit on the institution. Until recently tliere had been a triple control at the hospital—that of the secretary, the resident medical officer, and the matron—quite apart from any power attached to the honorary medical staff. Then, it was decided that the resident medical superintendent should have complete control, so that necessary reforms and small improvements could bel carried out with a minimum of delav. That single control came into force on September 1. Prior to this he had had several conferences with Dr Falconer, and on August 29 all the sisters had been asked to meet Dt Falconer, the matron, and the house steward, after having first got the nurses to state any grievances they had. Fourteen sisters attended the meeting, and there was a frank discussion. What grievances the nurses had were promptly taken fc> hand. The most important matter dis.amad was that of cooking and serving meals. This matter was referred to a Dietary Committee. The recommended alterations were referred back to that Committee for final approval on the very day tliat the articles appeared in the 'Otago Daily limes.' To show the importance attached by the Committee to proper meals for patients and staff, Mr Downes had been appointed as house steward over the heads of old servants simply because he had a reputation for providoring successfully for very large numbers. Separate cooking for the Nurses' Home had been practically decided on, buH had been delayed by the large structural alterations carried out. i i The whok of, Mi£S9 rnatfcejß -ffpaM.toe 1

been dealt with without the intervention, of articles in the Press or interference from outside. It might bo that those responsible for publicity might console themselves with the belief that it had been productive! of good notwithstanding that it had caused considerable pain to a number of individuals. He regretted that the trouble had arisen, and an overwhelming number of the nurses regretted that any grievances they might have had should have been magnified to something of the nature of aecandal. Hod there been any grounds for euch serious condemnation as had been passed he would have resigned his seat on the Board next diiy. As to Dr Whetter, that gentleman had sent,in to the Hospital Committee a letter admitting that he had committed an error of judgment, and he (Mr London) had been very pleased to get that acknowledgment. He moved—" That the Board, in accepting l)r Whetter's letter of explanation, express the hope that in future he will recognise the responsibility attaohed to his position."

Mr Myers seconded the motion. Mr Keast expressed his opinion that the ease of Nurse Woodward should have been, taken first. Messrs Lamach, Talboys, and Wilkinson each gave it as his opinion that the motion was not stringent enough. Mr Hamel referred in general terms to the weaknesses discovered in the hospital. 11 was true that there had been irregularities, and it was probable that Dr Whetter, the attempts at remedy having failed, had •taken the heroic course, and had gone "tho whole hog." Mr Blackie, in supporting the motion, asked : If the report in tho newspaper had been a gushing report, would Dr Whetter have beon called in question for his action? Did Dr Whetter know that the newspaper report was to be unfavorable :

These questions were not answered. Mr Knight said that if Dr Whetter knew the object of the- reporter's visit ho certainly acted in a most indiscreet manner.—(Hear, hear.) Mr Keast gave it as his opinion that Dr Whetter was rasponsible to a large extent for the whole trouble, beoaueo when he was asked questions by the reporter, whom he had allowed within the walls of the Dunedin Hospital, he knew they were in respect to'tho management of the hospital.

The Chairman said he thought that tho Board were acting rightly in lotting Dr Whetter off very easily. Ho certainly agreed that he had committed an error of judgment in making remarks about the ;idm"inistration of the hospital. It might be said by the papers that they Wero gagging the Press, but ho quite disagreed with that. If the Press wero to be admitted to public institutions to crossexamine any ono they cam© across, then he did not think they woidd get any man able to control this institution, in Dunedin at any rate. Those who hod the opportunity of hearing Dr Whetter under crossexamination would know that he stated then that ho did not enter tho namo of the visitor in the book kept for tho purpose. If this thing were allowed, then discipline would bo impossible, and it would bo a very bad step for Dunedin and the institution. Dr Whetter had committed an indiscretion,-but he had admitted that, and he thought tho Board would be well advised in letting him down ;is lightly as they could. He was a young man. who was just entering on his profession, and possibly this would be a lesson to him which would bo of value to him in after life.

The motion was carried, Mr Larnach dissenting. —Nurse Woodward's Case.—

Mr Loudon moved —"That Nurse Woodward's suspension be removed ; but, having regard to the circumstances leading to the giving oh' hospital information to the-Press and her connection with the institution, it is undesirable that she should remain under the service of tho Board, and she should be given an opportunity of resigning." Mr Larnach seconded this. Thero seemed a consensus of opinion that, if possible, debate on this should bo avoided.

Mr llamel, however, proposed hg an amendment that Nurse Wood ward's suspension should bo removed. Ho admitted that she had committed a breach of the regulations in giving information to tho Press. Dr Falconer had quito legally suspended her on learning of her breach, and the Board had upheld him. But ho wished to point-out, first, that Dr Whetter had been responsible for the reporter interviewing her; and, second, that thero was no evidence to sltow that she ever had a copy of the regulations in her possession. The Beard shoidd remove the suspension, and then say what was to be done with her. There were other institutions under the Board's control. If she had not the qualifications for a sister, it was for Dr Falconer to adviso her what to do. If asked to tend in her resignation, she would probably do nothing of tho kind, and she would then have to be dismissed. Tho punishment was out of all proportion to the breach of discipline. In Dr Whetter's case tho Board had accepted an apology, and itwas proposed to make the nurse bear the brunt of the whole business. Mr Larnach asked how Mr Hamel knew that Nurse Woodward would not resign when asked to do so. Mr Hamel admitted that he did not know. Ho was onlv argiung the probalilitv.

.Mr Clark said that when Mr Hamel's amendment was disposed of ho would move to refer tho matter of tho suspension to the Hospital Committee. Mr Keast supported Mr Ilamel's views. Mr Wilkinson pointed out the difference —that whereas Dr Whetter had admitted having done wrong, the Board had heard nothing from Nurse Woodward. The Chairman said it was only fair to state that Nurse Woodward's reply to his second inquiry as to whether she wished to bring anything before Dr Vnlintino might be construed as implying that sha felt herself precluded from speaking lons as she was under suspension.

Mr Myers supported Mr London's motion, s-.iying that he felt forced to do so in the interests of the hospital and of order and discipline. Miss Woodward was a, good nurse, but she had been flouting Miss Fraser for some time, and there wero marks against her in tho book. Had she not been a good nurse, thero was no doubt that she would not have bem in the |cfiition of nurse up till tho present. For the good management of tho hospital and for the sake of order and discipline the Board should certainly ask her to hand in her resignation. The Chairman said that the Board had properly suspended the nurse for a breach of tho" regulations. The question of her past record he did not take into consideration. It may have been that she felt she had authority to give information when Dr Whetter sent tho reporter to her. But whatever the Press or tho outside public thought, the Board had to look to the discipline of tho institution. If this matter had been overlooked, it would have meant chaos amonest the hospital officials. Possibly Miss Woodward might speak if her suspension wero Temoved. He did not want her to be dealt with without her being given tho opportunity of replying. Under tho circumstances, it would bo wise to agree to tho amendment. Mr Loudon 6aid that he had moved the resolution from a sense of duty. In the face of what had been going on and of the strongly adverse reports from the resident superintendent and the matron, he did not seo that the Board could do otherwise than what was proposed in his motion. He believed that the girl had not been loyal to the matron. It was not a good thing to have a disappointed employee, and this nurse had been told that she would not be appointed a sister—for which there must bo" some reason. He had not wished to 6peak about the matter at aU, and would not have done so but for Mr Hamel's special pleading. Mr Hamel had tried to put his fellow-members in a wrong position, especially those members who had been Irving to do their duty in spite of outside attacks. Mr Hamel's amendment was lost by 7 votes to 5, tho minority comjnisiug Messrs Hamel, Keast, Ewing, Blackie, and the chairman. Mr Clark moved as a furthor amendment that Nurse Woodward's suspension be referred to the Hospital Committee. He argued that the Committee lud suspended jbetr.

[ Mr Loudon: They did not. It was the 'medical superintendent. Mr Clark: Well, the Committee eonfinned it. It was not the Board. It is very painful that this affair was discussed in open board. Mr Hamel has made some very dogmatic statements, which have been contradicted by the chairman. Mr Hainel: I did not. I was reasoning by inference. I said it was reasonable to suppose Nurse Woodward would not put in her resignation. Mr Clark continued that Mr Hamel had at least made some extraordinary statements regarding the alleged facte. Mr Talboys seconded Mr Clank's amendment, saying that the Board knew nothing about Nurse Woodward's past record or conduct. That would come before Hie Hospital Committee. Mr Keast strongly criticised Mr Myers for having spoken as ho had, but was stopped on a point of order, and withdrew the expression objected to. Mr Ewing contended that the nurse 'should bo dealt with more leniently than Dr Whetter.

'Mr Myers: I think Miss Woodward might well say "Cod keep me from my friends." It is far from my wish to do any harm to her. If I have, I woidd ask the reporters to keep it out. Mr Lamach opposed the amendment, doing so particularly in view of the special pleading the Board had heard on her behalf that night. There must bo discipline. If the Board were true to themselves they would deal with the matter straight away, and be done with it. Mr Knight said Miss Woodward had had an opportunity of giving evidence liefore Miss Maclean, but refused to do so. Mr Loudon remarked that if the matter were to bo sent back to tho Hospital Committee it might be better to remove the suspension. Mr Clark obtained leave to alter his motion to read: "That the question of tho suspension of Nurse Woodward be referred to tho Hospital Committee to report to tho next meeting of the Board." This was carried by 7 votes to 5, the voting being:—Ayes: Messrs Keast, Knight, Ewing, Talboys, Hamel, Clark, and the chairman. Noes : Messrs Loudon, Wilkinson, Larnach, Blackie, and Trtyers. Mr Loudon: That means that she should be kept in anxiety for the next fortnight. Well, it is a great shame. Mr Larnach: As Mr Myers said, " Save me from my friends." —lnspectors' Reports.—

Mr Loudon then moved—" That the reports of tho Inspector-General and Miss Maclean, outside matters dealt with by tho meeting, be referred to the Hospital Committee, to report to the Board within ono month from date, setting out specifically how each clause should be dealt with." Ho considered that the hospital staff should have some say in t>ese recommendations. The matter should not be hurried. i Mr Hamel seconded the motion. .lie remarked that it would lie news to the public to know theio had never been a cool store room at the hospital. Mr Myers reminded members that the main object of the hospital was the treatment of the sick poor, and pointed out that the carrying out of all the recommendations would involve a heavy expenditure. Mr Wilkinson said, inter alia, the publiccould rest assured that careful consideration would be given to the recommendations.

Tho Chairman, referring to Miss Maclean's report, said he felt' that those who had foretold that her report would be valueless would now find that I hey were incorrect. The report was a most valuable , ono in every way, and perfectly unbiasul. I Ho -thought the public might rest assured | that tho report was a fair one, and most > of the matters in it had been under con- ! sideration by the Hospital Committee, and also the Board. If was very_ unfair that any board should bo attacked in the news-papers-by those not willing to sign their names, and that these matters should have been-'given undue prominence. If they looked at tho opening letter that had brought forth tho wholo of this correspondence, they would see that tho charges wero made in connection with the matters in the report, and they would note that the paper, in publishing tlte letter, had added a footnote that the charges had been investigated and found to be correct, lie ventured to say that was not so. No formal complaint had ever been made about the food, and tho public would at least give the Board credit for this: that in the wholo administration of the hospital the members of the new Board had given every matter their whole consideration, and had been most intent upon making any reforms necessary. They had asked the nurses to meet and formulate any complaint, and it, would be found the food had never been touched upon. The majority of the matters had been rectified, showing that- the Hospital Committee and the Board had not been negligent of their duties. Let those, who criticised pill, their names to letters and come forward, ;nul h<; for one would be pleased to let them have his position on the Hoard. While he acknowledged the right of the newspaper to criticise, lie said a letter of the desrriplinii published should not have been publishid without full investigation of the circumstances. The result had been that the Dunedin Hospital had lost the lrest matron it ever had, and martyrs had been made of one or two others in the public Press for neglecting their duty. The whole tiling could have been saved, instead of publishing it broadcast, by inquiiy from Ihe Committee or the Hoard, and if the result was not satisfactory it could then have been published. Tho motion was carried unanimously.