Hospital Policy

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 214, 7 September 1934, Page 6

Hospital Policy

Will There Be a Change? P.N. BOARD DISCUSSES FUTURE POSITION Called to dismiss important matters of policy, a special meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital' Board was held yesterday, Mr J. K. Hornblow presiding. In his opening remarks tlio chairman said the meeting was probably the most important held by the board since tho establishment of the hospital. Members seemed to be considerably in the dark as to what matters were at issue, which icd Mr A. E. Mansford to ask the chairman for information. The chairman said he desired a general discussion on the position of the hospital, the opportunity having been provided by the resignation of the medical superintendent (Dr. Frank G. Ward). He wanted a discussion on matters as a whole to see whether the time had arrived for the board to bring the administration of the hospital up to modern standards and bring about closer co-operation in the whole outfit, lie would not say that the board would be able to come to a decision straight away, but members would lie afforded the opportunity to give matters very careful consideration. Mr J. Boyce; Wilt you let in a little daylight on (lie matle'r? The chairman: I have brought you here in order to give you daylight and to discuss closer co-ordination between the various departments and sec if changes are necessary, or the board is prepared to continue as it has since the institution was a cottage hospital. The chairman suggested that Dr. Peach, who was the link between the board and the medical profession, be asked to attend the meeting. Mr Boyce: Hasn’t the administration been satisfactory? The chairman: It, is not that. I want the position of the hospital discussed. Mr J. Hudgens: Is it a matter of change of policy? Is the scheme you have in mind operating elsewhere? The chairman: Yes; in other parts of the world. Mr Ilodgcns: Why the necessity then for a medical man to be present liefore the board knows what is arising? The chairman replied that there would be matters affecting the honorary staff and in a brief chat with Dr. Peach, the latter had stated that tlieproposed changes would meet with the approval of the honorary medical staff. Mr Boyce: What is the change suggested? Mr Ilodgens; If it is a. change of policy we are to discuss, it should be done without, all and sundry present. We should know what the proposed changes are before discussing it with others. At this stage the board decided (o go into committee, and subsequently it was stated that there would be no official announcement as vet.