HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 6048, 18 August 1880, Page 3

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS.

TO THE EDITOR OP THE NEW ZEALAND TIMES. Sir, — Anyone who attended that recentlyplayed farce, the examination into the affairs of the Hospital, must have felt that every attempt was made by the examining body to hush up the enquiry. Those who were called there by circular, for the express purpose of giving evidence as to the general management of the Hospital, were asked only about one charge’againgt the matron. I should like to ask the following questions : 1 let. Is it right that the matron and a wardman should colleague together to pub in a straight jacket'an inmate of the Hospital ? 2nd. Does not this show that the Resident Surgeon, who knows nothing of this matter, is not attentive to hia duties ? : 3rd. Is it not true tbit there is no such thing as nursing in the Hospital ? , 4th. Is it not a fact that often food badly cooked and repulsive looking is put before the patient ? ■ sth. Is it true there is o efficient night nursing.6th: Is it true that: the surgeon',, paid by the Government to perform vaccination,' allows this work to be done by an ignorant, untrained wardsmarv? • < r . . I 7th. Did or did not the evidence show conclusively that the matron s manner is excessively : brusque,'and that she has little of that Womanly-'softness and tact which is-so necessary to one who has charge of the sick., -i Has not the recent enquiry (miserably conducted though it was) shown an utter absence of all guidiug power on the part of those who should rule ? Is not a lack of knowledge and management shown in the’way in which -the Hospital windows are open in the coldest and' bleakest weather, to the great harm of patients afflicted with chest diseases, and at other times r by the way in which the windows are often closed, with the necessary result of close, foul-emelling wards? Is not the Hospital maintained at an extravagant cost I Is there in all New Zealand one hospital which is so dirty, so dreary, so badly managed internally* or more utterly : unfit for a comfortable home for the sick and dyibg ? ' ! Lastly—Would it not' be well to have some real, searching enquiry into" the management of the Hospital, in order to grant true relief to bur suffering'fellow creatures ? 1 < Hoping you will , help the sick and the dying by the aid of your powerful pen,—l am, &c., i. ... ... .. i DoRC*B.