SEVERE LOSS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27012, 22 February 1949, Page 4

SEVERE LOSS

TUBERCULOSIS OFFICER DEPARTURE DEPLORED Concern over the resignation of Dr Brian C. Thompson as tuberculosis officer to the Otago Hospital Board was expressed to the Daily Times yesterday by several Dunedin people who have received benefit from his knowledge and skill. They expressed the opinion that every possible step should be taken to retain his services. The feeling of many was summed up by a Dunedin business man whose wife had been a sufferer from tuberculosis. He contended that New Zealand could ill-afford to lose a specialist like Dr Thompson, who had introduced new treatments that had achieved great success. He said it was scandalous that specialists employed by hospital boards should be paid salaries that were only a fraction of the sum earned by most general pract titioners. Why, he asked, could not the Hospital Board or the Health Department increase Dr Thompson’s salary to keep him in Dunedin. L would be almost impossible to obtain another specialist with similar qualifications to take his 'place. “When my wife went into Wakari Hospital our home was broken up,” he said. “ Our two young children had to be boarded out. and it was not until last week that we were able to have them back. The younger child had to be away nearly three years because his mother was unable to look after him when she was discharged from sanatorium. It was the surgical treatment she received from Dr Thompson that made her recovery possible. She is still receiving treatment, and may require further surgical attention. How can we be sure of getting this treatment if Dr Thompson goes? “This case is similar to scores of others,” he stated. “I know from discussions I have had to-day that Dr Thompson’s patients have great faith in him and are considerably distressed over his resignation. His services should be retained. How can it be done? I do not know the answer, but I do know that I am speaking for scores of husbands, wives, parents and patients when I say it should he done.”