HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 September 1934, Page 2

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

[to the editob.l . Sir. —Your correspondent “Fair Play” has re-opened the hospital controversy, and I consider his remarks fully justify this. That an inquiry is needed is perfectly obvious, and I think that the public men occupying positions on all public bodies should demand an inquiry at once. It is apparent that something is radically wrong at the hospital and resignation and sackings appear to be still the order of the d<iy. I was vei> peituibed to hear that Dr. Greenslade had tendered his resignation, and I only hope that it is not the Hospital Board’s fault that Dr. Greenslade has tendered his notice. This young doctor made his mark in quick time in Greymouth, and he is spoken of in the hospital as being extremely competent, and liable to make big strides in his profession. Personally I am greatly indebted to Drs. Moore and Greenslade for the tremendous efforts they made to save a member of my family. That their efforts were successful was probably sufficient reward to both these skilful practitioners. I am of the opinion that the Board should make efforts to get Dr. Greenslade to reconsider his decision. The latest rumour is that 11 members of the staff have resigned. If that is so there must be grievances somewhere and the sooner they are cleared up the better for the successful running of the hospital To ask a question that the “Star” has already asked, “What is the M.P. for this district doing about the hospital affairs?” Umpteen telegrams can be received from him regarding the Cobden merger, which is after all not very urgent, but never a word regarding the rumpus that has occurred at the hospital. I am etc. EX-PATIENT. We have deleted the portion of this letter outlining the writer’s personal opinion of some Board members he names. —Ed. “Star.”

[TO THE EDITOR.] Sir, —If I am not imposing too much on your generosity, 1 would like to add'my protest to that of “Fair Play” and others against the treatment dealt out to the nurses, and, directly as well as indirectly to the patients, in our hitherto, very creditable institution. The facts as stated by .J. S. Williams in last evening’s "Star,” can readily be vouched for by more than one other patient in the ward at the time that incident occurred. Now, Sir, when patients are subjected to such treatment, I wonder what must the overworked nurses, who have no redress, but “get out” have to put up with. Such a condition as a 48-hour week, -with regular day off, is something to be thought about, but as yet not realised. It is commonly reported that something between 30 and 40 resignations have been handed in, since last December or January, and it is safe to say that not more than ton per cent, of that number have been “sacked” for a breach of discipline or inefficiency. A better class of nurses could not be found anywhere. With such a state of affairs as this, it will be obvious to the public and especially ratepayers, that some serious administrative blunders have been committed, and if not speedily remedied will prove more costly to ratepayers, than will any enquiry.-. Someone may ask. Why do not the staff make their grievances more fully known? Well, I believe they are in the unfortunate position of having no one to air their grievances to, and receive just consideration. It seems a. commonly accepted fact among the staff, that if anyone opens their mouth about the unfair treatment, the sack is inevitable, or treatment made so much harder, that a resignation is the result. The public are losing confidence in the Board, and it is only natural to expect that the staff have already done so. It is up to the public again to demand that the Minister of nealth appoint some independent persons outside the Health Department to conduct a full enquiry, first of all giving assurance to the staff that victimisation will not be the result of any evidence given. If this is done, I feel confident that a “clean-up” will result, and that ratepayers will be saved considerably from an increasing burden. I think, and it is obvious to many, that an enquiry costing £5OO or even more would be a cneap remedy. Thanking you, Sir, for your tolerance and generosity, and I trust these remarks will act as a stimulus to some more able pen than mine.— Yours etc., JUSTICE AND SOUND ECONOMY.