DR VALINTINE CRITICISED

Evening Star, Issue 19855, 2 May 1928, Page 6

DR VALINTINE CRITICISED

AN INFECTIOUS DISEASES BLOCK BOARD DETERMINED TO OBTAIN ITS ENDS [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, May 2. Tho Director-General of Health (Dr A. Valintine) was strongly criticised by members of the Auckland Hospital Board for advising the board to modify its plans and curtail expenditure in connection with the erection of an infectious diseases block at an estimated cost of £40,000. The board decided to allow the amount to stand on the estimates, the chairman (Mr Wallace) informing/Dr Valintine that it was prepared to go to the Prime Minister, if necessary, to obtain its ends in a matter of vital importance. Dr Maguire, medical superintendent,' said he had advocated the new infectious diseases block for many years. All available accommodation was now taken, and ho did not know what they were going to do if they had any more cases. The matter required very urgent attention. At present they had to put patients is corners of verandahs and rooms and screen them off. This was a make-shift business, and was very ■dangerous. “I admit that 1 agreed to sanction this expenditure, but after going round the country and seeing the real state of affairs I admit I have made a mistake,” Dr Valintine stated. “We all do that. In view of what I have told other hospital boards I would not be consistent if T sanctioned this expenditure.” After discussion the estimates were approved with £40,000 for the infectious diseases block.