BAN ON TRANSFER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21148, 16 July 1943, Page 2

BAN ON TRANSFER

AUCKLAND MASSEUSE

APPEAL AGAINST RULING

GISBORNE POST VACANT (P.A.) AUCKLAND, July 16. A shortage of masseuses in the Auckland Hospital was described at a sitting of the Auckland Man-Power (Industrial) Committee, when evidence was given by the deputy medical superintendent, Dr. C. B. Gil herd. The case was one in which Miss P. A. Simmers, masseuse, appealed against the man-power officer’s decision in refusing to allow her to leave the massage department at the hospital. Representing the man-power officer. Mr. R. Lydford said that Miss Simmers wished to go to Cook Hospital. Gisborne, which supported her appeal. In a letter, the Cook Hospital Board said that Miss Simmers' application was the only repiy to advertisement.throughout Now Zealand. The only masseuse the hospital had was about to retire on account ol ill health, and the institution would be left without a technician. In the Gisborne district there was only one other qualified masseuse. Last year over 8000 massage treatments were carried out. and the return of personnel from overseas was making the position, more serious. Technician Required The appellant said the work she was doing in Auckland could be done by a masseuse who had just finished her training. The Gisborne post re quired a technician with more experience. Dr. Gilberd pointed out that a masseuse was a highly skilled technician who required a course of training. The staffing position in the Auckland Hospital’s massage department was acute. Over 80,000 treatments were given last year in the institution. “Wo should have 32 masseuses," said Dr. Gilberd, "We are 12 short in the civilian section and two short in the military section. Last month a number of patients were unable to get full treatment on account of the shortage of stall'. If the appellant were to go, it would mean that about 10 treatments a week would have to be put off," said Dr. Gilberd. “There: would be no one else to do bet work." When the examinations in Dunedin were completed later in the year, it

was hoped that further staff would be available. He admitted that the Cook Hospital should have a masseuse on its staff. The presence of personnel >f the armed forces made great demands on massage technicians in Auckland and Wellington. Decision was deferred until next week to allow a further investigation into the position at Gisborne.