HOSPITAL STAFF.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18534, 14 January 1932, Page 6

HOSPITAL STAFF.

FARMERS’ UNION SCHEME. HONORARY BYSTEM OPPOSED. WAIKATO BOARD'S DECISION. A unanimous decision that the introduction ■ of an honorary medica* staff at the Waikato Hospital was unnecessary was reached by Hie Hospital Board at to-day> meeting. The discussion arose as the outcome of a recommendation from the Waikato sub-provincial executive of the farmers’ Union. The 'chairman (Mr J. J. Ryburn) was not favourable to the request. Ever since the hospital had been in existence the stipendiary system of medical staff had proved entirely successful. If the board agreed t 6 an honorary syslem lie reminded them that the population of >the board’s distriot was 103,000 and of the Hamilton area 14,000. He doubted whether the doctors in Hamilton could give service to a district so wide and extensive. Only a limited number of patients would be benefited. He understood that if the honorary system were Introduced no expenses would be saved as the present resident medioal staff would be retained. In fact it was possible that the system would cost the board more owing to varied suggestions and confilictingl .opinions which tile visiting doctors would adduce. There were no suitable consulting rooms at the hospital. He couid not see wftat would be attained by the move since the present system ..was entirely satisfactory. He recognised that the Farmers’ Union was acting in good faith but it did not realise the vast area controlled and the limited numbers who w-ould be treated. Mr Ryburn added that the Health Department w'as entirely satisfied with the present administration of the hospital. Cause of Frlotlon. Similar sentiments were expressed 1 by Mr H. A. Bell (Cambridge). He. had watched the honorary system at .other hospitals and was not in favour of it. He cited an instanoe of his pw-n knowledge where friction occurred’ between a house surgeon and an outside doctor. Mr W. R. Low'ry (Piako) considered the Waikato Hospital was most unsuited for an honorary staff. The Farmers’ Union meant well but some of its members were not aware that a patient had the right to.call in his own medical man if he so desired. The chairman pointed out that the medical superintendent himself had the right to call in an outside doctor if he thought fit. Mr J. Price (Matamata), moyed that the Farmers’ Union be advised that in the board’s opinion the change of system would not be to the best advantage of the institution and district. In the future it might be necessary to alter the policy but there was no justifleaion to do so at present. “Undoubtedly the Hamilton doctors would receive most of the work and I do not see how .. doctors in country centres would.V properly attend to patients here,” said Mr C. J. W. Barton. “I think we are quite warranted in continuing our past policy which •has proved thoroughly workable anu satisfactory.” Regarding'the contention that resident doctors were not familiar with the history of cases, Mr Barton said usually the medical staff made themselves fully conversant with the circumstances. In any case there had been no trouble in this connection in the past. Strong Arguments for System. Mr T. Rolleston said there were several strong arguments in favour of the honorary staff. It was significant that the Waikato Hospital was the only one, In the Dominion with over 200 beds where a stipendiary staff obtained. Probably the time was not propitious to make a change, especially * owing to georgraphical position of the district. Under these circumstances he would support the motion. An opinion on the matter was then given by the medical superintendent (Dr. M. M. Hockln) In committee. Ho answered several questions. Mr Lowry said after hearing Dr. Hockln he considered the board would •have to tackle the matter sooner or later. Mr A. Livingstone said he understood ~ that- the change would not benefit the ratepayers and he was prepared to leave matters as they were. The resolution was carried unanimously.