Nurses Run Risk Of T.B. Infection

Northern Advocate, 14 December 1943, Page 4

Nurses Run Risk Of T.B. Infection

(Special) AUCKLAND, This Day. Concern at the number of nurses who were contracting tuberculosis, was expressed by Mr. J. Sayegh, at a meeting of the Auckland Hospital. Board last night. He was commenting upon cases inferred to in a report of the Finance and Purchasing Committee, and he urged the need for more up-to-date facilities. In reoorting a new case, the director of the Pathological Department (Dr. W. Gilmour) said that this nurse seemed to have become affected about the same time as another nurse who had been employed in the Pathological Department. Although he was not fully informed of the living conditions and family history of the two girls, it was probable that they had been affected in the course of laboratory duties. Risk of infection undoubtedly had been increased bv the larger number of examinations being made ior tubercle bacilli, and the cramped and unsuitable conditions under which the work nas to be carried out. Dr. Gilmour added that the latest patient would be off duty for about six months. Mr. Sayegh said that on every recent order paper, there had been reference to. two or three nurses, who had contracted a disease of some type through contact with patients. The board should therefore provide better working conditions.