“COMPLETE CONFIDENCE IN OFFICERS”

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 1, 8 January 1930, Page 4

“COMPLETE CONFIDENCE IN OFFICERS”

HOSPITAL BOARD S DECISION REPORT FROM DR. CAMERON. MATRON ACCUSED OF NEGLIGENCE. The recent internal friction in the administration of the Kaitaia Memorial Hospital again assumed prominent proportions at a meeting of the Mangonui Hospital Board held at Kaitaia on December 16, when, subsequent to the reading (first in committee and then in open meeting) of a letter from Dr. Cameron (medical superintendent) the board passed a resolution expressing its complete confidence in the medical superintendent and in the medical officer at the Kaitaia Memorial Hospital. Charges of negligence were made against the former matron, Miss Edwards, by Dr. Cameron. Written on October 22 last, bis report referred to an enquiry he had made on August 30, nearly two months before.

It transpired that Dr. Cameron’s report had been considered in open meeting at t-be meeting held in Mangonui on Novej&be#* ,26,__TiK: ooarfi Had considered certain matters in committee, the press leaving the room, Dr. Cameron’s letter was read on the resumption of open meeting but by an oversight the press was not advised that the sitting in committee had concluded, and onlv board members and Dr Cameron were present when the letter was read. “Undeniable Negligence Established”. Following is the report submitted by Dr. Cameron “Dear Sir, I have to report that the medical officer of the Kaitaia Hospital has reported to me certain cases in which there is alleged negligence on the part ot the matron, Miss Edwards.

“This report was made on 28/8 29, and on 30/8/29 I visited the Kaitaia Hospital and interviewed the matron and later Dr. Rix and the matron together. “As a result of my enquiries I established the tact that in one particular case there was undeniable negligence on the part of the matron. This case was a serious one.

“As regards the other cases, \ was unable to find negligence and did not complete my enquiry.

“Miss Edwards resolved to tender her her resignation, and in view of this circumstance I have not reported the matter to the board.”

Reading Of Letter Requested. “At last meeting Dr. Cameron’s letter was read in open meeting when no one was there but members of the board,” stated Mr. E Evans in introducing the matter, “I am asking now that that letter be read again in open board. I am asking it on principle, and I want to know jour ruling, MrChairman.”

“It is for the board to say,” returned the chairman (Mr. T. S. Houston). The sub-committee appointed to go into certain matters with Mr. Logan had had a conference, he said, and its report would be before the board that day. The board eould then decide whether Dr. Cameron’s letter should be read in open meeting. It had been read in open meeting at Mangonui. “I am asking for it to be read again,” interjected Mr. Evans. “If I remember rightly I think .we said we did not think it was

advisable to read the letter again,” said Mr. Houston.

“I think we said we would please ourselves,” retorted Mr. Evans. “Well, we will please then.” He asked the chairman to put the matter to the board and test the opinion of members. Mr. Matthews said he thought it had been decided earlier in the day to take the report of the sub-committee in committee and then decide whether Dr. Cameron’s report should be read again. A further reference by Mr. Evans to the fact that the letter had been read in open board at the Mangonui meeting when the press was not present drew from the chairman a remark which could not be heard distinctly at the press table. “Oh, give the press a fair chance, Mr. Chairman,” urged Cr. Matthews vigorously. “Be fair to the press. The press retired when we went into committeeand when we went back into open meeting the press did not know.” “But that was not intentional,” protested the chairman. Members agreed ...that, the overfill in not retailing the press:, had been unin kntional. the .u .fiioß" ol Mr. L. A. Hfclntosb, secoijde<3 by the board therryyeftl intoiepfrirnittee. On the resumption of'open meeting Dr. Cameron’s report was re-read. The following motion was then moved by Mr. Mclntosh “That this board, after consideration of Dr. Shore’s report on his enquiry, and also Dr. Cameron’s letter, expresses its complete confidence in the medical superintendent and in the medical officer in charge of the Kaitaia Memorial Hospital.” Seconded by Mr. Berghan, the motion was carried without dissent.