NAPIER HOSPITAL INQUIRY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 23 June 1937, Page 2

NAPIER HOSPITAL INQUIRY

MISSING X-RAY FILMS HOURS AND CONDITIONS OF NURSING STAFF [By Telegraph—Prpßß Association] NAPIER, This Day. The absence of certain X-Ray films from the Napier Public Hospital was investigated by the Royal Commission. The enquiry was commenced following the conclusion of the investigation into the outbreak of disease in the Shrimpton ward. The evidence leading up to the discovery that the films were missing was outlined by Dr. H. F. Bernan and Sister Genet, who were in charge of the X-Ray room. Strong repudiation of the suggestion that he knew something of the disappearance was voiced by Dr. William Douglas Fitzgerald, of Napier. He said that when he visited the hospital to see the films they could not be found. He had never had occasion to take the films away from the hospital. Dr. James Allan Berry gave evidence that he knew nothing about the disappearance of the films, nor had he gained entrance to the X-Ray room while no one was about. He had never had the key of the room. The Commission also heard evidence as to hours and conditions of the nursing staff. Dr. Foley, Medical Superintendent, said that the nurses were not so well off as elsewhere. They had a seven-day week, and there was no 40hour Week. Although the hours were long the nurses were not worked hard. A serious effort had been made to provide better conditions. The Matron, Miss L. M. Croft, said that the nurses worked 58 hours one week and 50J the next week. There was insufficient staff to grant all that the nurses required. Some nurses went six weeks with only one day off, but the best was done with the available staff.