SPECIAL DISEASES OF WOMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7013, 31 January 1901, Page 4

SPECIAL DISEASES OF WOMEN.

THE MOTION APPOINTING AN HONORARY SPECIALIST RESCINDED^ DISCUSSION AT THE HOSPITAL BOARD. r • ■ ■ ■ _____ . i A STORMY MEETING. THE CHAIRMAN RESIGNS. At the Hospital Board meeting yesterday, the appointment of Dr Graham Campbell as a -speeialfot to treat, in. an. oat patient department, special ■diseases of women, was again brought tip. Mr Dnnlop moved, in accordance -with notice, that the resolution passed by the Board on Dec. 14, apjK»s«ang a» honorary surgeon, for the treatment of afedoioinal diseases of -women, $w>usd be rescinded. . _^ Mr Bavey moved that the Standing Orders BhpviA be suspendfedi until corresponr deuce cm the matter had been read. - This was seconded by Mr Dnnlop, and carried!. The Chairman (Mr W. 'Acton- Adams) said that at a previous meeting lie had stated to the Board that he had received letters from the honorary medical staff in. relation to the Appointment of Dr Campbell.- He had said tihe letters were -of a private nature, and the Board. Shad not taken action in the mat;ter «>r -desired to see the letters. The Chairman then .read a, letter from the honorary «nedical staff, and his reply thereto. The letter from the honorary medical staff to the Chairman of the Board, dated Dec. 29, was to the effect that a meeting of the Hospital staff had been held, and all the members were present. The Chairman i©f the staff had stated he had been, informed ■by a memben of tflhe Hospital Board that ' Mr Acton-Adams had not laid the staff's letter of Dec. 13 before the Board meeting, which was 'held on Dec. 14. The staff Were surprised at this omission, .and also by i&e fact that Mr Acton- Adams had made very stringent comments on the staff's conduct in a letter, dated Dec. 12 and signed ; by him «s Chairman of the Board, besides subsequently, in a letter of Dec. 15, making the extraordinary s?tatement that the letter xiad not in any way pretend to express the views of the Board. The staff considered they were not concerned with, his personal sviiews, but with the Board's opinion. Under the circumstances, the staff felt compelled to place the correspondence in the hamds of a private member of the Board. The Board •would appreciate the /difficulty when ifc was reminded that the Chairman had not laid before it a copy of his letter to the stafL The staff regretted that the letter was not placed before the Board, and that they were not consulted before the Board committed itself to the absurdity of creating "an out-patient department for the treatment of' abdominal diseased of women a-nd children." In his letter of Dec. 15 the ..Chairman had saddi "the staff is ootr out of office." This was not accurate, as the staff were appointed to hold office until tie end of the year, and they felt it but right that the matter should be cleared up. To have their work j sneered at, their motives auestioned by ! the Chairman of the Board, 7 but without j the authority of the Board, and to have iJh'eir correspondence kept back, seemed a curious way of showing that the Chairman did not wish to introduce any bad feeling between himself and the members of the staff. Mr Lougihnan stated that he had a few remarks to make on €he matter, but first he would read some correspondence. He. then read a letter from Dr/ C. Nedwill, chairman of the honorary medical staff, and dated Dec. 24, asking ilf the Chairman of the Board had laid upon the table a letter from the 6ta2 dated Dec. 13, and also his reply to the effect that the letter had not been laid before the Board. The Chairman in a passing allusion gave Mr Loughnan to understand that he had not the letter with him, but that it and his reply were purely of a personal character. On Dec. 12 Mr Acton-Adams wrote to Dr Nedwill, chairman of the honorary medical staff, stating that although a majority of the Board had rescinded .their former resolution "appointing a special day for the treatment of the special diseases of women," without commenting on. the arguments of Dr NedwilTs letter, the writer would take upon himself to reply to them for the sake of the welfare of . the hospital. The spirit of Dr Nedwill's letter, if carried out, would alter " the whole system of hospital management as in vogue out in these colonies, for it practically asked the Board of Management to saibmit all " innovations " to the hospital staff before proceeding with them, even when the innovation involved the personnel of the honorary medical staff, ox some subject in which they were self interested and therefore biass*d. The medical staff should consider that the Board had appointed a housesurgeon resident in the hospital, who was responsible for the administration, while the honorary staff were appointed to, carry out purely clinical work. His (Dr Nedwill's) letter had not only complained of being treated with scant courtesy, but the staff also in. the letter had taken the liberty of placing before the Beard arguments that were adverse to the original resolution duly passed at a meeting of tbe Board after debate and division. Regarding his (Dr Nedwill's) arguments, it was m> surprise to know that at least one member of the staff," who was at the head of a special department, should be an objector tc the establishing of another special department, that was admitted to be Necessary in every well-equipped hospital. He (the writer) would ask if the special knowledge that specialists (who had taken trouble and spent time and money to become and keep conversant with the detail of a particular branch of science) was not to be availed' of for the benefit of women suffering from the diseases peculiar to them, because certain physicians and surgeons imagined it would deprive them of a certain amount of their work. Were the public to lose the advantage of the skill of such specialists through such self-in-terest? If the logic of the staff held good the hospital would not have special departments for the eye, ear, tbroa't, skin, diseases peculiar to women, etc., simply because it would deprive a few .general practitioners of an important part of "thedr work." The staff seemed to forget that it was only proposed to institute an outpatient department for the treatment of diseases peculiar to women. The fact was the honorary staff bad not grasped the extent to which they would benefit, as important cases would be attracted to the hospital by the out-patient department, and then drafted! into ithe wards for prolonged treatment. The letter (Dr Nedwill's) referred to the resolution as wishing to create a department for ithe treatment of the venereal diseases of women. The department would be, as was common, to all K,ell .organised hosajdtais, a gynaecologies

department — one for treating the disease; peculiar to women. He would ask, wcr not venereal diseases new treated in tbe out-patient departnient, in common wit:!) those of "respectable women" and men? was one t<j understand that the hiooorary staff were of opinion that venereal diseases were to be allowed to- flourish and spread because raot acquired in a legitimate way, and that these patients were not fit to associate with a respectable patient, who had acquired a disease from an excess of stome other passion, like drink, and, fui'ther, because " the hospital would lose many of its best nurses if the scheme proposed by the Board were carried into effect?" This was an argument- from a body of scientists. He would ask again if it was not bo the knowledge of the s*aff that partjients suffering from venereal disease were admitted to the hospital, and had to be associated with so-called "respectable patients?" The self-interested arguments of the staff became too evident when, they stated that a special depanrtment for diseases peculiar to women, altibougfo an out-patient department, would; " result in the lO3S to both physician and surgeons of an important part of their work." As long as he (the writer) had any share in the management of the hospital he would strive to make it fulfil its duty of affording the best advice possible to ithe sick public, in spite of all objections made byf those who wished to make "no innovations." A letter, dated Dec. 13, addressed to tiie Chairman of the Board, stated that a special meeting of the Honorary Staff wais called, to consider the letter received from Mm. The communication went on to regret that tihe Chairman of tJw Boanrd should ihairo seen fib to address them mi sucb a "sneering and insulting manner," and further expressed surprise to learn "that the duty of a professional staff on professioEia! questions was to hold its tongue until asked for its opinion." The staff still adhered to its opinion/that a lock or special hospital should be provided for certain diseases, and their opinion with, regard to nurses attending upon -them was, tliey were confident, accurate; Continuing, the letter stated that the Board seemed to be quite ignorant 61 the important work done in its own hospital, and respectfully suggested that if some member, well-known for probity and honour, had a seat, on the Board of Management, such, misapprehension! could not occur. The letter concluded: — "We -are astonished at the want of loyalty of tie Board to its own officers, and still more astonished tfoa/b it should lead the public to believe tihat men who are doing good practical wbfk in gynaecology are not to be trusted.— l am, jetc, Edwaid Gane, Secretary Hon. Medieil Staff." To this Mr Acton-Adams had replied, stating that 3ris letter was written, om Ms own behalf personally, and did mot in any way pretend tp express the vitews of the Board, but simply his own individnial opinion, as Chairman. He nad mentioned the correspondence jfco the Board, and offered to lay it on the table, but the Board had taken iw> action respecting it. Then the Honorary Staff was out of office, and there was no occasion for ihim to continue the correspondence, although ihe held a stron gopindon on the matters referred to. He did not wish to introduce any bad feeling between himself and 1 the" members of th© staff, and did not thank his letter to the Chairman of the staff could be fairly termed "insulting" or sneering. At anyrate, it was not so meant. Mr Loughnan then read a letter, dated Nov. 15, showing the commencement of th« correspondence addressed to the Chairman of the Board from the honorary secretary of the staff (Dr Gane), stating that a special meeting of the ihonorary medical staff had been called to consider the Boards resolution to create a department for the treatment of venereal diseases of women by Dr GTaham Campbell, and desired respectfully to point out to the Board that on no previous occasion Oiad any Board of management passed sxich a resolution without first consulting the honorary staff. The staff was most anxious to work in harmony with the management of the hospital, but j could not help feejing that in the present instance their position in the hospital had been ignored, and they had been treated i with, scant courtesy. The staff were strongly of opinion that, however desirable it might be to have a Lock hospital for the treatment of venereal diseases, women suffering from such diseases should not be allowed to associate with respectable women, seeking hospital relief for ordinary ailments ; further, the hospital would lose some of its best nurses if the proposed scheme were given effect to. The staff further regretted that any appointment sfoould be made to the honorary staff without public advertisement, so that tli"> audi- ; cal profession of the, town should have haJ an opportunity of applying for the post. In- conclusion, while not resiring to nnbatrass the Board in its action?, iho letter expressed sincere regret that the Board had seen fit to make an innovaim such as bid been suggested without ref«rence to the honorary Ftaff. Mr Dunlop said the correspondence explained everything, and it would not be necessary to make any comment. It would be plain to all that the appointment should never have been made. He would therefore move-that the resolution passed by the Board oiy Dec. 14 last, appointing an honoTfiry surgeon for the treatment of abdominal diseases of women, be rescinded. Mr Hamilton seconded the motion. Mr M'Haffie said he would move a? an amendment that the matter be referred to the medical staff. A motion, moved by Mr Rollitt, had been referred to the medical staff. If so much were to be referred to the staff, then they should be consulted to a degree. The Board was not responsible to tlie staff, and the- staff did not control the Board. Tlie staff that had pone out was opposed to.Dr Graham Campbell's appointment. Mr Rollitt, in seconding tlie amendment, said the principle bad been instituted of referring to the medical staff, and Mr Dunlop's motion should also go before the staff. There was not a full Board, and he would advocate referring the matter to the present medical staff, and thi^i the Board could deal with the matter when all the members were present. i Mr Dunlop said he would not agree to the amendment. Mr Wallace supported the motion. It was bearing a false title, as the diseases to be treated were not abdominal, but venereal. Mr L'Uiighnan supported the resolution. The Board should have consulted the staff before making t ! he appointment. Under ordinary circumstances lie would have preferred the amendment, but he felt compelled to support the resolution. In the light the correspondence threw upon the matter it was necessary that the resolution should be expunged. In regard to tlie letters, much might be said. The staff had addressed tsie Board properly, and had received in reply a long letter, he would not use any other adjective, signed bj Mr Acton-Adams, chairman of the Board, without the sanction of/ the Board. The Board was a board of andthe Chairman was its executive officer.

__ . — — j ■ ' The Board would have stood loyally by die Chairman, provided he had obtained its sanction to the writing of the letters. That sanction had not been given. He ;ou!d do nothing except esoress his strong disapprobation of the Chairman's action. He was extremely sorry to 'have to do it, but the matter had been placed in his hands for investigation. The letters were not letters of a private nature, and Ihe submitted!, with all due respect, that it was not the duty of the Chairman to write in Qiis capacity of Chairman as ihe had done. The matter contained in the letters was practically unknown to the Board until a suggestion of it had been contained in some matter published in a newspaper which, he could see now, bore the imprint of knowledge derived directly from the Chairman. Without fear of contradiction !he (the speaker) would say it wa9 very improper that matter relating to the Board's business should be published before it ha)d been before bhe Board, and it was questionable whether the Chairmani or a member of the Board should continue discussion, in public print, of the Board's business even, after it 'had been before the Board. Mr Murray said ihe would support the motion. He was one of the oldest members of the Board, and ihe remembered that it had been advocated for years that an, honoraTy surgeon should be appointed for the treatment of women's spe'eial diseases, and every medical staff had! objected to it. Mr Davey said it did not matter much, whether the motion or amendment were, carried. He thought it ifadr to seek the advice of tlhe staff. The Chairman had drawn attention to the Queen's death, and 1 askeid that at the present meeting per- . sonal matter should be refrained from. Had the Chairman then known that this matter was to 'be brought np, or was personal matter habitual at the Board's meetings? He would thoroughly endorse every word Mr Loughnan (had said-, and could not conceive why the Chairman shojuld have said the letters were private coprespondence, when his letter was signed as Chairman of the Board. The motion would never have been carried had' the correspondence been placed before the Board. The Chairman, he thought, would admit that he had made a great mistake in not placing the staffs letter before the Board and in writing as he had done, and ia taking it upon -himself to communicate with the newspapers. He would vote for the. amendment. Mr Rollitt said the correspondence had been read since he had seconded the resolution. He could endorse all Mr Louglhna» and Mr Davey had said. Mr Dunlop said the amendment was to 1-efer the matter to the staff. If it was an appointment be would support a motion referring it to the staff, but it was quite unnecessary to refer this matter to the staff. He would stand by his motion. The correspondence had thrown a new tight on the question, and the members i wouldi *h<ave made up their minds. The amendment was lost, and the motion was carried. Mr M'Haffie said he >would move that ' a letter be sent to the' present honorary j medical staff asking the opinion of the j staff as to the advisableness of appointing j an 'honorary surgeon for the purpose of j treating special diseases of women. j Mr Rollitt seconded, and the motion ; was carried unanimously. j The Chairman saidi he had been some- j Tvhat misrepresented. The first letter of the staff and his reply had been published, ! and he had drawn attention to it, but the Board had; given no expression of opinion. Just before tflie ordinary meeting concluded the Chairman announced that he had made arrangements for an extended visit to England, and would give notice that at next meeting ihe would tender his resignation.