MEDICAL ATTENDANCE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 623, 11 February 1879, Page 2

MEDICAL ATTENDANCE.

To the Editor of the Evening Herald. Sir, — I have waited patiently for some time, in the hope that a more able pen than my own would have taken up a subject which deeply concerns us all ; but as no one has come forward, I trust you will allow me to express my thoughts in my own way. What I refer to beats upon the subject of the medical profession in Gisborne. We have two medical practitioners here. One must have reached his allotted term of three score and ten. The other has scarcely reached mature manhood.

Sickness is almost everywhere amongst us, and though the present is a time which, if they studied the good of their patients, and the welfare of humanity, they would meet and consult as to the best course to pursue in order to stamp out a disease which is carrying off so many of our friends. But on the contrary, I believe the two practitioners are sworn enemies, and never allow a chance pass by unless speaking disparagingly of each other's abilities — if they have any. I shall describe them by A and B. A has been called in to attend a patient. No improvement takes place, when the friends of the patient become alarmed, and wish to call in B ; but A says there is no occasion, or vice versa. B says the same of A. People are too easily led in a matter of this sort, and often df-lay ; btit if, by any chance, B is called in without the consent of A, as is often done, B immediately says the treatment is wrong, and tells the patient

to stop the medicine, and new prescriptions are ordered. The matter of expence is never considered, or whether the patient is in a position to pay for it or not. Ido not consider this is a healthy state of affairs, and I am not singular in my opinion. In well regulated districts, where the medical profession ore represented by gentlemen of acknowledged ability, there are no petty jealousies existing, and if requested by their patient, are only too glad to call in another member of the profession when the case demands it. Why such should not be the case here I cannot understand. The remedy lies with ourselves, and the sooner some dteps are taken to secure the services of some other qualified medical practitioner, who will not refuse attendance in consultation, the better. I, myself, will subscribe £10, and I know of others who will do likewise, and offer a bonus for one year. The Friendly Societies would, I am sure, fall in with this matter, as I know there are a great number of them dissatisfied. I am, &c. , Father of a Family.