WAIHI HOSPITAL

Stratford Evening Post, Volume II, Issue 227, 24 April 1933, Page 5

WAIHI HOSPITAL

RESULT OF INQUIRY

ACTIONS OF MATRON

"Dismissal Not Warranted'*

Waihi, April 22—The report of Dr. Shore, of the Health Department, who conducted an inquiry ;

into Waihi Hospital Affair:;, and particularly the Board's dismissal of the matron, Miss Stevenson, was received this afternoon by Colonel Jowsey, chairman.

Dr. Shore reviewed the evidence ati length and gave the following finding: "In our opinion the Board had not sufficient reasons for its decisions affecting Miss Stevenson. However, while not agreeing that the Board was justified in its action, we recognise that Miss Stevenson had incurred the antagonism of certain members of the Board by her manner of dealing with them. There had been at least two instances where Miss Stevenson had been tactless in dealing with individual members of the Board, who at the time were carrying out (heir duties as members of the house committee. We consider Miss Stevenson an efficient and economical administrator, but in the circumstances it appears to us desirable that her connection with the Waihi Hospital should cease. This course is favoured eniirely in the interests of internal harmonv, and no reflection whatever on Miss Stevenson is intended. In regard to her actions affecting the staff, thee is very little to which we consider exception could be taken, and nothing to warrant her dismissal .

"After hearing Mrs Parsons, Mis? Thomson and Miss Taylor, we accept the account, and explanations regarding them put in by Miss Stevenson, and consider that their services were properly terminated in the interests of discipline. To avoid similar happenings in future, and to create a better atmosphere around the institution, it is important that the board decline to consider complaints or allegations unless they are specific and are put in writing. The tittle-tattle which has been prevalent inside and outside the institution should be discountenanced so far as lies in the power of the Board and its members. Visits by members of the house committee should not be undertaken without reasonable notice to the medical superintendent or the matron, and without their knowledge. The' Board should also insist that reports by its administrative officers should be made in writing through the secretary to the Board, or to a committee of the Board,"