NEW PLYMOUTH HOSPITAL.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1923, Page 4

NEW PLYMOUTH HOSPITAL.

THE MEfiK'AL STAFF TEMPORARY CHANGES. Applications for leave of absence for the purpose of visiting England were received from Dr. E. A. Walker (medical superintendent) and from Dr. H. B. Leatham fin charge of the X-ray department) at the meeting of the Taranaki Hospital Board yesterday. Dr. Walker applied for leave from February 1 to December 15 so that he might visit 'his relatives in England and further pursue his studies. In his letter he stated that, with the approval of the board, Dr. G. Home would act as medical superintendent in his absence and he eould also have the assistance of Dr. Blackley. On the motion of the chairman (Air. Af. Fraser) the application and recommendations were taken in committee, end when the hoard resumed it was unanimously decided to accede to the application and to carry out Dr. Walkers recommendations.

Dr. Leatham attended the meeting in support of his application and. went into the question of carrying out the work of the X-ray department in his -absence. It is Dr. Leatham’s intention to study in England and possibly on the Continent, the latest developments in X-rays, ahd, he wished to be relieved from Alarch 31 of this year for a period of 12 months. He will leave New Zealand in April. Many eulogistic remarks were made as to Dr. Leatham s work by the members of the board and his leave was approved, with three months on full pay. The question of the *>est means of carrying on the X-ray department while he is away wi.il be considered at the next meeting of the board. Dr. Frances McAllister was appointed resident house surgeon at the hospital. Dr. McAllister graduated at Otago University, and has twice acted as relieving house surgeon at the Southland Hospital, while she has had experience as “locum” in Clyde, Cromwell, and Rawere, in all of which places she has had charge of the district hospital and of the doctor s private practice. Dr. McAllister comes to New Plymouth with a sheaf of testimonials, which pay a high tribute to her professional and private capabilities.