OPERATED ON IN HIS OWN HOSPITAL

Northern Advocate, 14 December 1937, Page 4

OPERATED ON IN HIS OWN HOSPITAL

Presenting the house committee’s report, at yesterday’s meeting of the Whangarei Hospital Board, the chairman, Mr. J. A. S. Mac Kay, stated that he had conferred with Dr. Hall, medical superintendent, concerning' a suggestion that a house surgeon, be appointed. Dr. Hall was most adverse to this. He had told Mr. Mac Kay that the best men were snapped up by the main centres, and it was difficult to obtain the services of a' good house surgeon. Dr. Hall had stated most emphatically that the town had available most competent medical men and that, consequently. the hospital was in a sound and safe position, “The-fact that the medical superintendent has undergone a major operation in his own hospital,” Mr. Mac Kay said, “is adequate testimony to the efficiency of the institution.

“Br. Hall had the choice of surgeons all over the Dominion, yet he elected to be treated here. His operation has been performed and he is making good progress.

“Any member of the public,” Mr. Mac Kay continued, “will receive exactly the same attention. The public need have no fear of being treated in the Whangarei Hospital.” The chairman felt that these facts would allay any fears the public may have that the hospital was understaffed.

Dx*. Hall definitely preferred to call in a local man if he could not do the work himself, Mr. Mac Kay continued. He would not leave the work to a house surgeon.

The board agreed that no house surgeon was required.