HOSPITAL STAFF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23591, 27 February 1940, Page 8

HOSPITAL STAFF

: VISITING DOCTORS QUESTION OF PAYMENT 'AGREEMENT NOT REACHED LARGE TOTAL INVOLVED A recommendation that the honorary visiting -Staff be offered annual salaries not exceeding £SOO for senior surgeons and physicians and £4OO for junior surgeons and physicians was made to a meeting of the Auckland Hospital Board last night. It was reported that representatives of the visiting staff had asked for salaries of £6OO and £4OO respectively. After a lengthy discussion the matter was deferred. The question of salaries for honorary staffs has been under consideration ever since 'the introduction of the social security scheme last year. It was recognised .that the scheme involved a new staffing system for hospitals, and conferences on both a Dominion and local basis have been held. •' Board Chairman's Comment The recommendation of -salaries not exceedir/g £SOO and £4OO was made to the board last, night by a special committee set up to confer with representatives of the visiting staff. The chairman, Mr. Allan J. Moody, said the' committee had discussed the matter with the visiting staff representatives for three hours. "I must say I was disappointed," he added. "The doctors adopted an almost stand and deliver attitude. They held out for the rates of £6OO and £4OO adopted in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. I explained to them that the scheme /was a new departure, that there was a war on and that wo had big building scheme ahead of us, and I think they should have, met us." One doctor had said that rather than iiccept a small token payment the visiting staff would carry on for nothing, Mr. Moody added. He thought they felt that if they accepted less than in the southern centres they would be letting, down the profession, •but it had been explained to them that there was bo question of that, as it was fully realised they were worth more than the board could afford to pay. Too Great a Burden

The amount asked, with a visiting etaff of 52, meant an extra £20,000 to ■ £27.000 a year and this was more than could be passed on to the ratepayers. In his opinion this was too great a sum to bo undertaken even if other centres had rather hastilv rushed into agreements. The lower rate might make it possible to avoid increasing the levy. Mr. E. H. Potter said it had been frankly to the doctors that the amount offered was not an adequate part-time salary and that they were worth more. However, the Social Security Act was seriously affecting their incomes and the least that could be done was to assist them as much as possible.,. ~ , Mr. J. Victor, Macky said he felt that under f the circumstances the offer, which was an honorarium rather " than a >salary, was generous. If too high a demand were made there was a danger that the board would have to consider appointing an entirely stipendiary staff. There should be room for_ further inegotation, Mr. W. K. Howitt said. They should not slawi and bolt the I door. // ■ : V. • h :'-;i. ■ " -a,

Lead Sought from Government Mr. J. Sayegh said that, while the Hoctors had been giving a great service to the hospital, thev themselves had derived great benefit'! from the institution. He moved an amendment that 'the rates be £350 and £250. Membership of the honorary staff was the greatest, help a doctor could have in his profession, said Mr. G. T. Parvin. It would be cheaper to have an entire stipendiary staff than pay the rates sought./ ' ' , The public would never have as much faith in a stipendiary staff as in the present one. Dr. H. Northcroft said. In view of the agreements concluded in the south the board would be niggardly in not paying the rates asked, but it was useless coming to any agreement unless the Health Department was prepared to sanction it. Mr. Sayegh withdrew his amendment in favour* of one, which was adopted, •that tb'e matter be deferred until the department gave some lead as to what salaries it was prepared to sanction.