OPERATIONS IN HOSPITAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 26 March 1926, Page 7

OPERATIONS IN HOSPITAL.

4* " PATIENTS’ RIGHTS DEFINED. WELLINGTON BOARD’S POLICY. (,ISY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION AVELLINGTON, March 25. Has a hospital patient the right to demand the services of a certain practitioner Avhen undergoing an operation Y this question was put to- members of the XVellington Hospital Board to-day, when it was made quite- clear that an operation could proceed without the consent of the patient or the patient’s parents. After a short discussion, the following recommendation of the Hospital Committee was adopted:—“That with reference -to a letter received from Mr W. S. Cederholm in connection Avith recent special report dealing Avith the death of his little son, the medical superintendent reports that in most cases the patients obtain the services of any honorary surgeon they wish, but it would not be a wise policy to make a ru'e to that effect. The board undertakes to provide competent- service and everyone admitted to the hospital has the benefit of this service.”

TOO MANY OPERATIONS. A DOCTOR’S STATEMENT DISCUSSED. A statement made at the Medical Conference by Dr. Linde Ferguson, Dunedin, that too many operations were performed at public hospitals, Avas discussed by the board, when a question was asked from the chairman, who at the time was representing the board at the Hospital Conference, if there we're any grounds for the- assertion. It had also been .stated that it had perhaps been a good thing foi New Zealand if some hospital boards went out o-f existence. The chairman explained that Dr. Unwin was responsible for the r statement. He had referred to country hospitals, -where young surgeons are apt to .perform operations with instruments not the last word in efficiency. Dr. Fergusson’s statement Avas not taken seriously and there was no- discussion or motion.