DISTRICT NURSING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 281, 26 October 1934, Page 4

DISTRICT NURSING.

OPERATIONS AT FEILDING

With a view to discussing matters pertaining to district nurses within the Hospital Board’s district, a special committee which had been set up by the Palmerston North Hospital Board, and consisting of Messrs J. K. Hornblow (chairman), J. Hodgens and A. J. Phillipps (secretary), visited Feilding yesterday. They were met by llev. Canon F. Petrie (chairman of the Feilding District Nurse Association), Messrs V. E. Smith (Feilding representative on the Hospital Board), T. Collins and Mesdames J. Stalker, E. Barltrop, G. J. Fitzpatrick, P. G. Miles, C. Aitken, A. Spence and B. Crabtree.

Mr Hornblow explained that the Health Department had recently decided to develop the district nurse system in the direction of further safeguarding the health of the people. The board appreciated what the Feilding committee had done, but the time had arrived when it should have a greater say in the financing of the nurses. It was felt that a very great deal of the district nurses’ time was taken up in welfare work, and the view now was that the nurses should be relieved to la large extent of that class of work and have their activities confined to the indigent who were sick and to those discharged from hospital who were in poor circumstances. It had been agreed at a conference with the district nurses that there was too much welfare work and not enough nursing undertaken.

Replying to a question by Canon Petrie, Mr Hornblow pointed out that the subject was one concerning the present subsidy and of the board securing closer control over the activities of the nurses. As to the car used in Feilding.

lie understood that it was worn out and that question would require to be considered.

Mr Phillipps remarked that it was apparent from the report of the Feilding district nurse, that there was much less welfare work being done to-day than was the case six months ago. It was the policy of the board that the nurses should concentrate on sick people. In respect to the car, it was his opinion that it was not suitable and that it should be disposed of and a new machine purchased. Another matter of moment was the nurse’s visits to the Maori pas. He assured the committee that the board was not out on an economy campaign in regard to the employment of district nurses, but desired to place the whole position on a more satisfactory basis. The board would like to receive copies of the committee’s income and expenditure accounts, the receipt of which would influence the board’s attitude towards its contributions. Dealing with the new system whereby those persons receiving the attention of trie district nurse were requred to fill in forms disclosing their financial circumstances and, where able, to pay for those services, he said it would be of interest to the committee to know what fees had been recovered under the system. For the year 1932-33 the total amount received was £43. It would be seen that no great penalty had been inflicted upon those in receipt of treatment from thq nurse. Before accounts were rendered they were first referred to Mr Smith.

Canon Petrie explained that owing to the illness of the treasurer, Mr T. C. Goldsmith, he was unable to supply a statement of the committee’s inoome and expenditure. He agreed with the statement anent the nurse’s car, and the committee was quite prepared to meet a fair share of the cost of a new

vehicle. As to the fees recovered since the new system was introduced, he considered that this showed that the work of the nurse was largely confined to those who were unable to pay. He was satisfied that the board had been most liberal, and the only objection he had to the scheme was that it had prevented certain people from asking for the services of the nurse.

Mr Phillipps mentioned that Palmerston North also experienced objections to the form which had to be completed before the nurse oould give her services. Mr Hornblow pointed out that the Health Department had laid it down that the services of the nurse were to be given to people of indigent circumstances, and no really and truly indigent person should be passed over; but the department demanded that the board keep an account of all persons treated. The department contributed its quota towards the cost of the hospital services, and it was necessary to have an official record of all money expended. The forms were for that purpose. Mrs Stalker mentioned that conditions in many homes had altered in consequence of the depression, and appearanoes were not always a true indication of financial circumstances.

A discussion surrounded the question of the nurse’s visits to the Maori pas at Tokorangi, Kakariki and at Onepuhi. Canon Petrie said that the nurse was often called upon to make such visits, which were really outside the duties originally laid down. She had been ordered to Tokorangi by the District Health Officer, and had gone, but her efforts were often nullified by the attitude of the natives.

Mr Phillipps remarked that the only way to overcome that difficulty would be to appoint two nurses —one for the borough and the other for duty In the country district. Canon Petrie considered that it would be better to appoint a qualified nurse to attend to the Maoris pas.

Mr Hornblow maintained that a properly-trained Maori nurse would

be the solution of the problem for site would understand the Native customs.' Reverting to the question of a new car for the nurse, Mr Phillipps gave it as his opinion that a small car would be suitable, but Mr Hornblow stated that if the Health Department was to ask the Feilding committee to do extraordinary work, then it must be provided with proper transport. The committee’s views as to the type of car to be purchased were entitled to consideration.

Mr Phillipps said that he knew that the Department of Health had adopted the attiude that a small ear was all that was necessary, and it would not go beyond the cost of such a vehicle.

Mr Smith held that the Feilding committee knew what was required for the district better than the Health Department. Mr Collins maintained that if the nurse had to visit the Maori pas, something better than a small car would be required. He enquired who was to meet the travelling expenses. Canon Petrie said that the local committee had paid the local running costs—benzine and oil —while the board had paid the repair bill. Following a further general discussion, Mr Hornblow expressed appreciation of the generous offer of the Feilding committee to contribute up to £125 towards the cost of a new motor-car.

It was agreed, as recommendations from the Feilding committee, that the contribution towards the cost of the new car was subject to the car being suitable in the opinion of the Feilding committee; that the Feilding committee would pay running costs except those incurred in visiting the Maori pas; the board to define the local boundary in which the district nurse would work, in order that all outside work would be on a definite basis. Various other matters such as definite daily visiting hours for patients at the rooms of the nurse and sterilising equipment, were discussed. Canon Petrie doubted whether definite visiting hours could be arranged, but Mr Phillipps stated that it had been possible to make such arrangements in the case of nine or ten nurses, and it should be possible in Feilding.

Mr Hornblow remarked that the. committee would make its report and recommendations to the board, but before any further action was taken another meeting with the Feilding committee would be called.