PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL, PICTON.

Marlborough Express, Volume VI, Issue 296, 10 June 1871, Page 6

PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL, PICTON.

Sir, —1 notice in your last issue a list of the Estimates for the ensuing year, and amongst the sums set down, the sums required for the maintenance of the Hospital; and these suggest the question, Is it Wise and politic to entrust to a non-resident surgeon, however good he may be, the uucoutrolable power of a public institution, the appointment and dismissal of servants, and the treatment of patients, when bis visits may bo frequent, or few and far between, as he may be disposed. Ido not complain of individuals, but of the system of management, which to ray mind is faulty in many points, unlike any institution of the sorb m any other part of the country. To explain more fully what may happen, I will instance a recent circumstance. The warden at the Hospital resigns his appointment under aggravating circumstances, and immediately his successor is installed in the person of an indoor patient, who had been years in the Hospital, but instantly finds himself strong enough for the office of warden, with its several duties, and sufficiently convalescent to pocket the salary attached to the appointment. Now all this may be straightforward and honest, but it is also necessary to be above suspicion. Presuming that the right man is in the right place, it is nothing more than reasonable for the Government to ask that an annual refund out of his salary be made till the cost of his past maintenance and medical attendance be recouped. The Picton Gaol has its appointed visitors, and why cannot the Government appoint an honorary board of visitors for the Hospital, and also a couple of honorary surgeons. It may be there are not any residing in the town. What of that ? It is no objection ; for when they visit the town they may be interested sufficiently in the advancement of medical science, and acquiring experience, to visit the Hospital, and attend in difficult and uncommon cases. Without going further into the subject at present, I have submitted these remarks, by your permission, for the consideration of the Government and the members sitting in Council. —I am, &c., Y.