HOSPITAL PROBLEMS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 21, 27 January 1943, Page 1

HOSPITAL PROBLEMS

CLAMOUR FOR BEDS POSITION IN AUSTRALIA Sydney, Jan. 19. The shortage of doctors, nurses and hospital accommodation in Australia has grown so acute that Government intervention has become imperative. Staffs at big metropolitan hospitals are overworked and unable to deal with the clamour for beds from sick and injured seeking admission. Most serious is the shortage of nurses and accommodation for obstetric cases. In New South Wales alone, doctors estimate that more than 27,000 children will be born between February and July. One doctor stated that expectant mothers, especially in industrial areas, may suffer seriously unless hospital services are reorganised. Another said not more than a third of his cases had a chance of getting into a hospital “I am endeavouring to do two doctors’ work, but I cannot work 24 hours a day,” he said. “I am trying to organise expectant mothers in groups to listen to pre-natal advice, but they are shy of gathering to discuss such matters." The Government has instructed the Commonwealth Director-General of Health, Dr. Cumpston, to survey obstetric accommodation in all States and, if necessary, convert nurses' quarters into wards, and accommodate nurses in hutments similar to those in military camps. It has also been suggested that nurses be mobilised under manpower authority and allotted to specific areas.