DUNEDIN HOSPITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22741, 29 November 1935, Page 6

DUNEDIN HOSPITAL

SYSTEM OF ADMINISTRATION A CONFIDENTIAL REPORT The following report on the administration of the Dunedin Hospital was presented at last night's meeting of the Otago Hospital Board. The report, which was a confidential one, was compiled by the Health Department's inspecting house manager, and was made available for publication as the result of a request by Mr F. Jones, M.P. DISPENSARY. In his if port on the dispensary the manager quoted various articles, showing that in many cases the price paid for these by the Dunedin Hospital compares very unfavourably with the prices secured by another large metropolitan hospital iii New Zealand which indents its supplies. The internal arrangement of the dispensary, however, appeared to be very datisfactory. WINES AND SPIRITS.

It is considered more appropriate, states the report, that spirits and wines be dealt with as a dispensary issue instead of a general store one. At present the practice is to issue Boz bottles of brandy to wards and these are refilled when necessary. Whilst the total quantities issued over the past year do not appjnr to be unduly excessive an alteration in the system is called for. In most institutions the wines and spirits are in the custody of the dispenser and are requisitioned for daily ou a doctor's prescripti-m in exact quantities required for the patients on stimulants for that day. A small emergency supply is usually issued to each ward wlnen is treated as dispensary stock until accounted for. The adoption of this system at Dunedin Hospital is recommended. The reduction shown in the records in the consumption of brandy, ale, stout, and port between 1929 and 1935 is most marked. PURCHASING OF STORES.

The controller of stores, the report continues, stated that quotation sheets were not sent out as a general practice for recurrent supplies, but endeavours we're made to spread business amongst the local houses «s far as possible and. therefore spend the money locally. This instruction was a definiu one from the board, but not in writing. It was stated that every stores requisition excepting foodstuffs is now being reported in writing to an rtdvisory committee of the board or to the committee concerned with the management of the relative institution as the case may be. In connection with the purchase of drugs and allied lines the bulk of the business goes to one firm. This apparently was an arrangement made years ago. v At present stores for the Nurses' Home are drawn from the Hanover Street Store. The Nurses' Home is near the Hospital. Requisitions usually arc of such small dimensions that it would appear that the most practical and economical method to pursue would be to draw from the Hospital store instead of the Hanover street store. In any case, the Nurses' Home is a component part of the Hospital, and, in my opinion, should be treated as such for stores issues. THE STORE SYSTEM.

Stares ledgers are written up in the board's office by one of the staff from records supplied by the store. The form of ledger used is satisfactory. It was noted, however, that at the date of inspection certain issues had not been recorded since April, 1935. This was explained as due to pressure of work. The auditors carry out test checking; of stores. The audit just completed testing all wines and spirits and several other lines'. The subsidiary records relating to Hanover street stores have been greatly improved since my last visit. The cost of administering the store system last year, approximately £1390, is considered out of proportion to the benefits gained. There is, in my opinion, no need for a separate large store apart from the institution. The alternative arrangement recommended is that at present existing _at Auckland, where there is a purchasing officer whose duty it is to deal with requisitions from the house managers of the respective institutions, and his duties comprise obtaining quotations on an appropriate form from all likely tenderers of the particular group of commodities required, and recommending to a Purchasing Committee of the board the acceptance of the lowest tenderers on a line for line basis. Apart from supplies of an urgent or unforeseen nature, each institution provides for and stores its own bulk stores. If this system were introduced at Dunedin. the position of purchasing officer would replace that of controller of stores, and there would be a considerable saving in the stores staff at Hanover street. OBSERVATIONS.

The inadequacy and unsuitability of the out-patient block is noted, and the matter of more suitable accommodation requires consideration. The planning, supervision, and distribution of meals for both patients and staff is of a high standard, and calls for special commendation. The mangement of the kitchen generally is good. The quantities used of main lines of provisions at consumption rates per 100 patients and staff davs, indicate that waste is well controlled at the Hospital. Menus for patients, nurses, and staff show satisfactory variety. The inspection indicated that the board's by-laws do not sufficiently define the respective spheres of work of the controller of stores, house manager, and dispenser. It is stronglv recommended that the board considers this important aspect in the interests of the institution. _ Following a discussion in committee, the report was referred to the chairman of the board (Mr J. W. Dove*), the chairman of the Finance Committee (Mr A. F. Quelch). the secretary, and the medical superintendent for a report.