DUNEDIN HOSPITAL

Evening Star, Issue 19126, 18 December 1925, Page 9

DUNEDIN HOSPITAL

EFFECT OF ROBERTSON INQUIRY MRS MACDONALD INSISTS ON WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS -A A A suggestion that tho Robertson inquiry of tho Otago Hospital Board, much in tho public eye some months ago, would “fizzle out” if a certain stipulation was not made in connection with the duties of a newiy-ap-nointed medical officer, was made by Mrs Macdonald at a meeting of the board last night. Some discussion took place on the subject of a report by the medical superintendent on the duties of Dr Burns, who had been appointed a senior medical resident, in connection with this appointment the board has to provide board and residence, and the University Council has to pay the salary, D; Burns being a medical tutor. Mrs Macdonald asked if there was any guarantee that Dr Burns knew he was to bo on duty if other senior members were off duty. The Medical Superintendent (Dr Fal concr) said that Dr Burns knew of the arrangements. Airs Macdonald was of tho opinion that tho board should send Dr Burns written instructions, so that he should know exactly where he stood. Mr M’Len'nan (a new member of the board) ; “ [ understand that we have an assurance the University people know the conditions of the appointment.” Mrs Macdonald: ‘ ‘ AVo need everything in black and white. 7 ’ Mr Quclch : “What Mrs Macdonald Wauls is a stipulation that Dr Burns must he in the hospital when Dr Clark and Dr Falconer arc away.” Mrs Macdonald: “Yes; otherwise the Bobertson inquiry fizzles out, and wo arc exactly as we were.” After further discussion it was decided to add Mrs Macdonald’s suggestion to the medical superintendent’s report on the duties of Dr Burns.