Mangonui Favours Specialist Scheme

Northern Advocate, 18 December 1942, Page 6

Mangonui Favours Specialist Scheme

(Special) KAITAIA, This Day. Along with other boards in Northland, the Mangonui Hospital Board at •its December meeting received a letter from the Medical Officer of Health on the subject of specialist treatment for Northland patients. “Something in the nature of this scheme was brought in many years ago, but it was turned down because we did not consider the need for specialist treatment great enough to warrant the expenbe,” said Mr. T. Housten. “Opinion has altered today and I, personally, consider that it is particularly desirable in a district like ours. Other districts with full-time train or air service may not have the same need but, in the Far North, we know there is a great want.” “The old idea that the patient may go to the specialist is often dangerous. Today the need is for the specialist to go to the patient and for his treatment to be available within a few hours. I have had personal experience of that need myself recently. “I consider that plans should be in train before the bulk of our boys return, and this board, along with other northern boards, would be wise to arrange a conference and discuss the matter fully.” Mr. Housten said that he had talked of the scheme with a specialist in Auckland, who greatly favoured it. “Any form of transport gives a patient too much handling.” continued Mr. Housten. “There is least risk under the proposed plan.” Incalculable Help Other board members agreed that it (was definitely a step in the right direction. They realised that under present conditions planning ahead was all that could be done, but agreed that as full arrangements as possible should be made. “The knowledge that a specialist is available and will be in attendance within a short time, will often give that extra bit of confidence to a patient that means the difference between life and death,” commented the chairman. “The suggested scheme would be of incalculable help to the whole district." As a first step the board nominated the chairman (Mr. W. Hoskin) and Messrs. Barribal. Steed and Housten and the secretary to attend any conference that was called to go further into the scheme.