MATERNITY HOMES.

Taranaki Daily News, 31 May 1924, Page 14

MATERNITY HOMES.

NEW POLICY INTRODUCED. DEPARTMENT’S EFFICIENCY. A New Zealand Times reporter learned that important proposals for the strengthening of the Health Department and increasing its efficiency are being considered. This is the result of a policy which was inaugurated by the Hon. Sir Maui Pomare, himself a medical man, when he assumed the portfolio of Health, and Cabinet has agreed with the measures which he proposes to take. Amongst the new steps which have been embarked upon in pursuance of Sir Maui Pomare’s policy is the appointment of medical practitioners as inspectors of maternity homes. The need for such appointments has been recognised by the Minister as being urgent, and the first doctor to be so appointed is Dr. T. L. Paget, of Palmerston North. Two other doctors are to be appointed as maternity hospital inspectors, making three in all. Under the Health Department regulations there is provision for the inspection of maternity institutions by officials of the Health Department, but if~ is considered that there is room for extension in this respect, and that medical practitioners of strong personality should be appointed to the work. The Minister stated that it had been known for some time past that the department had been under-staffed, and this was one of the first matters which he looked into when he became Minister for Health. “The appointment of these maternity home inspectors is part of my policy of strengthening the department,” said the Minister, “and increasing its efficiency. Cabinet has agreed to the appointment of three more health officers. I am strengthening things all round.”