AUCKLAND HOSPITAL.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXI, Issue LXII, 13 May 1912, Page 8

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL.

THE MATRON'S CASE

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION

AUCKLAND, May 12. The trouble in the xAuckland Hospital between the matron and the medical and nursing staffs is to be enquired into by a committee on Monday. The medical staff has formulated complaints to AA'hich the matron has submitted replies. The medical staff allege that the matron does not commence AATork till 10 o'clock. The matron replies that she begins at 6.15 a.m. and finishes at 11 p.m. The next charge is one of insolence and impertinence to superiors, three cases being cited, the first of which is that the matron satirically replied: "It is really very nice of you to take such an interest in nurses." The matron replied fully to each charge, denying any intention of satire or insolence. She adds that there is nothing in the by-laws to indicate that the medical staff are her superiors. A further charge is that a chai'Avoman AA'as left in charge of two cases in the scarlet fever ward. The matron replies that the case AA'as one in which the maid was left in charge of tAA'o children AA'ho had been convalescent a month, while the nurse AA ras out, instructions being given that the sister in the adjoining Avard was to ba summoned if necessary. The placing of probationers in charge of gonorrheal and opthalmic cases is another accusation. The matron replies that when she joined the institution she found juniors in charge of a tetanus case. She was informed by the assistant superintendent that it was customary to place special cases in charge of juniors under the supervision of a ward sister. This was ahvays done under the supervision of a sister. In conclusion, the matron says she did not believe that the Board desired her to be at the beck and call of the honorary staff.