NURSE FOR THE MAORIS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 53, 14 February 1928, Page 3

NURSE FOR THE MAORIS

APPOINTMENT URGED. The need of some relief being afforded natives in the country when urgent cases of sickness arise, was urged upon the Hawke's Bay Hospital Board yesterday by Mr. G. Priest, Mr. Priest referred to a recent case which had come under his notice. "When the woman became so ill,” he said, “four or five doctors were rung up, but none would go and attend the patient unless guaranteed payment. That, of course, is business, but it does not give much consideration to the pains and torture of the unfortunate woman. In desperation the family at last rang me and I had to guarantee payment to the doctor I got in touch with. When he arrived. he found the patient in such a condition that he ordered her to the hospital. Her condition was such, however, that she died at the institution. If I had been rung up in time the unfortunate woman may have beeu alive to-day. As a Hospital and Charitable Aid Board we should take steps to see that that does not happen again.” Mr. J. B. Andrew: We once had a nurse for the natives, but she was recalled by the Department and never replaced. Mr. Priest: And she did a great deal of good. Dr. J. Allen Berry, medical superintendent: I am strongly in favour of a nurse being appointed in the district for the Maoris, but she must be a qualified midwife, and on her recommendation patients could enter the hospital. Mr. Priest moved that the Department’s attention be drawn to the matter, and it be urged to give immediate relief by the appointment of a nurse. Mr. G. A. Maddison: This appears to have been almost a tragedy and could have been avoided. The woman could have been brought into the McHardy Home, but she preferred to remain in her own home. Mr. Priest’s motion was carried unanimously.