OFFICIAL CRITIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24131, 25 November 1941, Page 6

OFFICIAL CRITIC

HOSPITAL CONDITIONS OVERCROWDED WARDS STAFFING AND EQUIPMENT A serious indictment of conditions at Auckland Hospital was contained in a letter from the Director-General of Health, Dr. M. 11. Watt, received at a meeting of the Hospital Board last night. The letter contained comments by departmental officers who recently visited the institution and found reason to criticise, among other things, the staffing, accommodation and equipment.

The letter stated that the actingmedical superintendent, Dr. W. Gilmo ur, and the assistant superintendent, Dr. C. B. Gilbcrd, were carrying a heavy burden in the administration and control of the board's institutions under the present difficult conditions. "In spite of the long hours they work, it is not possible for them to supervise adequately the clinical work of the hospital," the letter added. "The department has previously indicated the necessity for strengthening the fulltime medical staff of the hospital by the appointment of at least one senior physician." Necessity for Supervision In referring to cases which indicated the necessity for the supervision of the house surgeons, Dr. Watt said it had been found that infectious cases of tuberculosis were in contact with other patients without sufficient safeguards and that, in certain cases, the staff was exposed to unnecessary risk. Other serious eases were quoted where, it was alleged, investigation had been inadequate.

"The medical staff and the accommodation, both for in-patients and outpatients, are inadequate for dealing with tuberculosis," stated a comment. The tuberculosis clinic at the infirmary was also quite inadequate, and it was most unsatisfactory that cases should continue to he treated in the sister's office of Ward 11. Infectious Diseases Cases Dealing with infectious diseases generally. a comment was made that Ward 19 at the hospital housed eight or nine different types of infection, and was stated to have held up to 14 different types. "At the time of inspection it was not possible to prevent cross infection owing to the number of different diseases which had to be housed together," the statement added. "For example, a whooping cough case, a chickenpox case, and a case of gastroenteritis had to be housed in the same room. This would inevitably cause the spread of infection." A tribute should be paid to the nursing staff for the very fine efforts made to cope with the impossible situation in this ward, it was added. Ward 18 was also definitely overcrowded, there being only 2ft. to 3ft. between some pairs of beds instead of the 9ft. desirable between infectious beds. "Too Many Cross Infections" Conditions in the children's wards were also subject to comment, it being stated that "far too many cross infections have occurred in these wards in recent years, apd this state of affairs is inevitable in the present buildings, in spite of the efforts of an exceptionally fine nursing staff." "Overcrowding was evident in several of the wards, including the infectious and children's wards, where it is particularly undesirable," stated a general comment on this subject. "The inadequacy of these departments is well known to the Hospital Board," was another comment in relation to the outpatient, operating theatre and office accommodation and the psychopathic ward. Conditions at Training College Referring to the Training College, a comment was made that "this is moderately satisfactory only for very temporary use in an emergency." Criticism of the cooking, sanitary and bathing arrangements was made and, the statement continued, "it is desired particularly to draw attention to the fire hazard of this building." In a reference to the Infirmary, comment was made on the failure to examine regularly the chests of those members of the staff handling tuberculosis cases.

Dr. Watt said that, while he regretted having to draw attention to the adverse features, many of which required urgent attention, it was again his duty to congratulate the board on the loyalty and efficiency of its staff, "in spite of many difficulties." The dietary department continued to be a satisfactory feature, and the attendance of the visiting staff also appeared to be satisfactory. He asked to be advised in due course of what action had been taken in regard to the various matters.