HOSPITAL DIETITIAN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17179, 24 October 1923, Page 8

HOSPITAL DIETITIAN.

QUESTION OF APPOINTMENT An interesting; <lis<-usskn> lullune.l a recommendation by t-lie Finance Committee to the North Canterbury Hospital Board, at its meeting to-day, in regard to the appointment of a dietitian for the Christchurch Hospital. The committee recommended the hoard to otter an appointment to Miss Trood. at present chief dietitian in the Vancouver Hosiptal, for a period of two or three years at a salary of £-150 per annum, with hoard and lodging, the board to pay travelling expenses to New Zealand. Mr \Y. K. Lead ley moved that Ihe proposal should he held over for twelve months, tie said that a dietitian was an expensive luxury. The appointment meant the .setting up of a special department with a staff of probationers. He had gone into the matter and believed the cost to the hoard would run into £I6OO a year. The board had other increased expenditures in view, for it had been called on to take over the administration of the venereal diseases department from the Government. also the whole of the schools' dental work for the North Canterbury district. In his opinion the hoard would he landed eventually in bankruptcy. The appointment of a dietitian was something in the way of an ideal which should be aimed at for the future. But if it should be decided to make an appointment, why should the board go to America for a dietitian? They could get anything equal to the American article, if not better, in Britain. Mr F. Horrell said be believed in practising what lie preached, and considered that- in the interests of economy and in visw of the board’s finance, the appointment should tie held over for a period. Dr Fenwick said the board knew what was coming months ago. The dietitian was a modern creation and was most- necessary. The proper selection and preparation of food meant that patients would l>e restored to health quicker. As the service- of a special dispenser is a necessity in the preparation of medicine, so is that of a dietitian, was a modern necessity in regard to food for Qptiente. Expensive. luxuries meant the saving of Me. If a dietition was considered a luxury then lie would say by all means go in for that luxury. The people should he tokl that the expense of providing a dietition and staff was thoroughly justified. The Rev J. K. Archer said that primarily the board's duty was to consider the health of the people. He referred to a case at present in the hospital in which tho insulin treatment, which sonic might pub also under til© head of luxury, had saved a patient’s life. Ho was astounded at the wonderful work of the insulin treatment in this case. Economy should not bo considered where it was a matter of health. Mrs H. F. Herbert said that a dietitian would save money on food and in its preparation; also in food economy. She quoted instances from practical experience of the value of a dietitian. The Rev C. Carr contended that Air Lead ley was raising the old cry of economy blindly. The only way to secure economy was by efficiency. Mr Leadley: All theory. Voices : No, no. Mr Carr: Mr is not in touch with tho trend of the matter of modern dietics. In the time of convalesoe*ioe food was the prime factor towards the restoration of complete health. Mr H. J. Otiey, chairman of the board, commented on Mr Lead ley’s remark that tho board would be called on to spend a lot of money. The board had obtained all information on the subject and had been told by experts that it was necessary for a hospital to provide a dietitian to give patients the best chance. He was not prepared to spend money• unnecessarily, but lie considered that this appointment was

a necessity. Aliss Troon, who was a Canadian, was available, and lie was convinced they should secure her services while the opportunity offered. .Miss Troon would educate those under her and at the end of her teem the board would have a staff of dietitians. T'he Hon R. Moore said that Mr Otlev had expressed the thoughts that were in his iuind. He had conversed with Miss Muir on the matter and she was enthusiastic concerning the appointment. The proposal would result in economy in tlie end. with l>e»efib to patients and the promotion of general efficiency in the preparation of food and food economy. Tho motion was carried by a very largo majority.