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Health of Nursing Staffs. The study begun by tlio International Council of Nurses has been continued by the Department and has resulted in an increased interest being taken in this important subject. The yearly questionnaire was circulated to all training-schools, and the answers show that all hospitals are now requiring a chest X-ray examination of pupil-nurses on admission, while the number carrying out subsequent X-ray and Mantoux tests is increasing. The incidence of minor illness is still high. The National Emergency and Nubsing Service. The receipt of applications and the selection of suitable nurses for overseas service has involved increased work ; over 1,200 applications have been received, and 192 nurses have been sent overseas, while 39 are serving in New Zealand military camps. In addition, there wore a large number of New Zealand nurses overseas at the outbreak of war, many of whom have remained and are being used for military duties. A special meeting of Matrons was held early in the year for the purpose of discussing various matters regarding the selection of nurses from hospital staffs for overseas service. Miss E. M. Nutsey, Lady Superintendent of Auckland Hospital, was appointed as Matron-in-Chief of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service overseas, and took over her new duties at the end of the year. Miss E. M. Lewis, Matron of Wairau Hospital, Blenheim, was appointed Matron of the first New Zealand hospital ship. A clearing hospital of 300 beds is being built at Aotea Quay, Wellington ; patients from hospital ships will be discharged to this building before proceeding to their respective districts. As their duration of stay will be short, the staffing is to be undertaken by registered nurses who have retired or who are not engaged in regular occupation. Voluntary aids of the St. John and Red Or®ss Societies will supplement, the staff. Nurses and Midwives Registration Board. The Nurses and Midwives Registration Board met three times during the year. The following members have retired : Miss E. P. Tennant, after twelve years' service ; Miss E. M. Nutsey, upon her appointment to the New Zealand Army Nursing Service ; and Miss Trotter, upon the expiration of her term of office. The Board is indebted to these members for their service so generously given. They have been replaced by Miss L. M. Banks, Matron, Palmerston North Hospital; Miss M. E. Lindsay, Matron, Timaru Hospital; and Miss I. G. Owen, Matron, Hastings Memorial Maternity Annexe. A system whereby pupil-nurses may obtain a partial pass in the State Final Examination has been inaugurated this year. Approval has been given for additional hospitals to function as trainingschools for nursing aids. There are now twenty-seven A Grade and seven B Grade general hospitals under the jurisdiction of the Board, as well as four midwifery, thirty maternity-training schools, and four schools for nursing aids. Dietetics. The course of training in dietary for registered nurses commenced this year. It is to be taken at the Home-science School of Otago University and at Dunedin Hospital, and will cover a period of two years. Occupational Therapy. The course for training in occupational therapy which has been established at Avondale Mental Hospital is working satisfactorily, and the students will shortly be ready to take up positions in hospitals. Bursaries have been given by the Government, Hospital Boards, and the Joint Council of the New Zealand Red Cross and the Order of St. John. Acknowledgment. In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude for the loyal and helpful support given me not only from the nursing staff of the Department, but also from the various members of the other Divisions, the Matrons of public hospitals, and the nursing profession as a whole. M. I. Lambie, Director, Division of Nursing.

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