HOSPITAL INSPECTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22864, 20 October 1937, Page 22

HOSPITAL INSPECTION

MEMBER'S OBJECTION I . '' «A FORM OF TYRANNY" PROTEST NOT SUPPORTED '"This intention seems founded on a vtery dictatorial Act, and I do not think a gang -of inspectors will be any more successful in hospitals than they ha\e been in schools," said Dr. J. P. Hastings at a meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board yesterday, when referring to advice from the DirectorGeneral of Health, Dr. 51. H. TV att, that arrangements had been made with the New Zealand branch of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons for selected members to examine and report on the surgical work done in the public? hospitals of the Dominion.

Dr. Hastings said it appeared to him that such a system of inspection might easily become a form of tyranny t and it, might have very disturbing effects ■upon doctors working in the hospitals if the men carrying out the examinations were appointed in the way that was suggested. The aim of the scheme could be reached more effectively by the introduction of a ■ comprehensive system of records and tabulated results. Although he had been a Labour supporter all his life, he did not agree with the department in its action. Dr. E. B. Gunson considered that, if any people. were competent to undertake the work, they were the members of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. He understood Ah at it was the intention and hope of the college that, by familiarising itself with the quality and the nature of the work that was being performed, it could formulate procedure that would be beneficial to ■the institutions generally. He could see no ulterior motive, and he thought it rather premature to take an extreme view.

"Inspectors are an out-of-date idea," observed Dr. Hastings. "the letter was received, and it was decided to advise the department that the board would accede to its direction.