CONTROL OF SPECIAL AREA DOCTORS: BULLER ATTITUDE

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 September 1949, Page 2

CONTROL OF SPECIAL AREA DOCTORS: BULLER ATTITUDE

Criticism of the policy of the Health Department in controlling special area doctors from Wellington was expressed by members of the Buller Hospital Board at its monthly meeting yesterday morning when the opinion was expressed that an. improved system would result if the board took over the administration of those areas. Mrs O. Tyler said that the people at Denniston were not very satisfied with the position there where 11 doctors had been stationed in the last few years: ’ They considered that such rapid changes were confusing to those who were used to having one doctor to look to over a long period. The secretary (Mr G. A. Brown) said that he could not see what the board was worried about as the Minister of Health (Miss Howard) was adamant that the Health Department should control special areas.

It was decided to refer the matter of Karamea toll accounts to the department and also take up the matter of the board controlling special areas.

An intimation by the Medical Superintendent (Dr D. R. Ryder) that he was hopeful of receiving a position elsewhei’e, and that the acting Lady Superintendent (Miss E. Loasby) and the house surgeon (Dr W. Lawrence) • would be leaving the staff soon, and that no applicants had been received for the position of sister-in-charge of the Kawatiri Maternity Hospital, was viewed with some alarm by members. The chairman (Mr J. Ward) said that it was hoped that the salary adjustments would have been made in time to persuade Dr Ryder to remain at Westport, but the negotiations had been very prolonged.

Mr H. J. Adams said he was certain that the findings of the special committee would result in salaries being increased. It was decided to take further steps to get a matron for Kawatiri Hospital.