"INCREDIBLE" DECISION

Evening Star, Issue 25113, 1 March 1944, Page 4

"INCREDIBLE" DECISION

TRANSFER OF DOCTOR TO NELSON STAFFING DIFFICULTIES AT MEDICAL SCHOOL " It seems incredible that such a decision should be given without the Medical School beiug accorded'an opportunity of making a statement, for the school is definitely understaffed, and there is this year a large influx of students," said Dr C. E. Jiercus, dean of the medical faculty of the University of Otago, when giving evidence at the continued sitting yesterday afternoon of the industrial Man Power Appeal Committee in an appeal by the (Jtago Hospital Board against the granting of permission to Dr David Uttley Strang to terminate his services at the Hospital. The 'explanation was given the committee that Dr Strang had tbeen released so that he could accept a position in the Nelson Hospital. The committee—Messrs H. W. Grantham (chairman), A. Mcllae, and H. H. Gillard--reserved its decision.

Dr Hercns said that about a year ago the Ministers of Education and Health had said there would be no interference with the staff of the school, and promised every assistance, it seemed incredible, in view of those promises, that anyone could think that the Nelson Hospital had a greater need than the Medical School. The staffing problem was a crushing one, he said, and if this officer was taken the teaching i must be affected. In war time the individual did not count—it was a matter of what was best for the country. Loss of Dr Strang would be a tremendous blow to the Medical School. Dr F. IT. Smirk, professor of medicine at the Hospital, stated that the position was a difficult one. There had been many changes in the staff, and it was difficult to organise the work. The staff was already insufficient; it would be a serious matter /to take Dr Strang, who was also a teacher. Jt was imperative' to maintain the standard of work for the large number of medical students. Mr Grantham (chairman): Do you think a doctor could bo found more easily for the Nelson Hospital ? 1 should think so. We require a person who is qualified to teach as well as carry out administrative work. Dr Smirk said he thought it would perhaps be in Dr Strang's interests to go; llrat in the interests of the profession he felt it would be better for him to remain in his present position. Dr Strang said that his position was unusual in that the University and the Hospital Board combined to pay his salary. If he went to Nelson he agreed that the Hospital would be short staffed, but-lie felt that he would like .to have a wider field of work. OTHER APPEALS.

Alexander H. Walkinshaw (Mr 0. G. Stevens) appealed against a direction that Miss Florence Walkinshaw, at present employed by Moncrieff and Stewart Ltd'., should accept employment with Mackintosh Caley Phoenix Ltd. as a biscuit packer.—Decision was reserved. Herbert James Paterson (Mr C. H. S. Stevens) appealed against refusal of permission' to terminate his employment with the Dominion Lime Company Ltd.—-The appeal was allowed, the appellant to report to the man power officer forthwith for direction into alternative essential industry. Charles Robert Tomkinson, skilled labourer, appealed against refusal of permission to terminate his employment with Kempthorne, Prosser Ltd .—Decision was reserved, the appellant to be medically examined for the committee. Mrs H. Carr appealed against a direction that Miss Joan Amy Carr, at present employed by Mr H. Carr. should accept employment at the Seacliff Mental Hospital as a probationer nurse.— The appeal was allowed. Oscar Newman (Mr B. H. B. fold), confectioner, appealed against the direction that Miss Mavis A. Pratt, at present employed flby the appellant as a shop assistant, should accept employment with the Otago Hospital Board as a. wardsmaid.—The case was adjourned for one month.