TELEPHONE TROUBLE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 125, 19 February 1940, Page 5

TELEPHONE TROUBLE

SERVICE TO THE HOSPITAL

METHODS OF CORRECTING

The acting-Secretary reported to the Bay of Plenty Hospital Board at the meeting on Thursday that a girl had been engaged for answering xthe telephone at the Hospital when the office staff was off duty. Tile hours to be worked were 7 a.m. to 19 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on >veelc days, noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. It was considered by the Board "that this appointment would assist ?in overcoming the difficulties in con •tacting the hospital by telephone. The Chairman, Mr J. W. Sumner, said the matter originated about a F'fortnight ago, when, on a Saturday afternoon, four accidents occurred and Dr Appleby had experienced difficulty in getting in touch with the Vhospital. Dr Dawson had suggested some time ago that a 'phone attendant was necessary. Dr Frazerhurst said it was- an old question and there had been many •complaints during his term as Medical Superintendent. He also said that in his opinion the Nurses' Home should have a' 'phone. One at the Annexe also seemed to be necessary. Mr Schofield thought that if t*vo telephones were installed the problem would be overcome. The matron should have a telephone in her room. The question of improving the service at the hospital was left to Mr Buddie and the acting-Secretary.