GISBORNE HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 16037, 23 January 1918, Page 3

GISBORNE HOSPITAL INQUIRY.

DOCTORS ON HOSPITAL BOARDS. PEE PRESS ASSOCIATIONGISBORNE, Jan. 23. Evidence at the Jiospital inquiry w«s given by Miss Mao Loan, registrar of nurses, and Dr. Valintine, inspectorgeuerul of hospitals, namely with regard to the departmental inquiry into the Higgins case, which they contended was properly conducted. Asked whether he thought it Was advisable for a medical man to be a ' member of a hospital board, Dr. Valintine said ho did not think it advisable, but it Would' require legislation to alter, the position. He had known medical men who had done excellent work in conjunctiion with hospital boards. The Commissioner: You are treading on dangerous ground, because this is a democratic country. ■ Dr. Valintine said that he still held a high Opinion of Dr. Bowie’s professional qualifications. Ho did not know how with too little assistance he had - been able to carry on so well. He had been highly recommended by Dr. Sydney Smith! who now occupied a high administrative position in the Egyptian Government. i Dr. Bowie gave evidence that he took charge of-the. hospital in March, 1918. Immediately there occurred _ two epidemics. Ho had had no assistance except from tho honorary staff, who came to town only ton times in the year, (Wring which he cared for 2878 patients. When he entered on his duties the chairman instructed him to have nothing to do with the nursing, and he had not discussed the matter with anyone outside members of the hoard and pferhaps tho honorary staff.