PROTECTION OF NURSES

Evening Star, Issue 22990, 22 June 1938, Page 3

PROTECTION OF NURSES

HEALTH MEASURES AT AUCKLAND [Peb United Press Association.) AUCKLAND. June 21. Immediate effect is to be given by the Auckland Hospital Board to certain recommendations made by the medical superintendent (Dr Craven) for the purpose of preventing cases of tuberculosis amongst nurses and other employees. Dr Craven’s report, which was received at an earlier meeting of the board, surveyed preventive measures which he considered should prove effective in reducing the possibility or the disease being contracted by members of the staff. All employees joining any branch of the hospital will undergo a strict medical examination which is to include the use of X-ray, and it is proposed to exercise an adequate supervision to ensure that every employee is encouraged to report even the most minor sickness. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for an adequate diet, exercise, relaxation and rest, and on the teaching of precautions against contracting any disease, especially pulmonary tuberculosis.

The board also approved of two other recommendations advanced by Dr Craven and agreed that they should be put into effect as opportunity offered. One related to the provision by'the board of proper wards, offices and departments in which employees were to work, and the other advocated \ne supply of proper overalls for nurses in wards so that they would not have to go to the nurses’ home for meals in the same uniforms as those in which they had been attending cases. Dr Craven considered the latter step to be a most important factor in preventing the spread of infection amongst nurses. The immunisation of the nursing staff against diphtheria was a work commenced during the year by the pathological department of the hospital, according to the annual report, which was also submitted to the board to-day by the director (Dr Gilmore). He said that in consultation with Dr Craven it was decided that the favourable results reported in the medical press made it desirable to provide this protection to nurses who were naturally very exposed to infection. It was felt that the work could best be carried out in the laboratory in the meantime.