DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 64, 12 June 1942, Page 4

DOCTORS AND HOSPITALS

Sir,—According lo the l Beacon report, the Mayor, Mr B. S. Barry, has seen (it to launch an outrageous and vicious attack on our doctors in that they are failing in their duties to tlie public. The possible reason for thus doing so may be found in the atmosphere in which lie made the charge; namely a gathering of bitter opponents to the Social Security Scheme and the Govcrnment which instituted it. Mr Barry may echo the sentiments of a party whose basic policy founded on the principal of Oppose, Oppose, Oppose, but neither he nor his political friends echo the sentiments of the majority of people, who have and continue to get, the friendly, helpful and kindly attention of the medical fraternity. Mr Barry would perform a public duty if he exposed any doctor who has wilfully sent any patient to hospital to be rid of him therebyplacing an additional burden on the hospital. Let me remind Mr Barry that the four bare walls of a hospital do not cure sick people, the skilled medical and nursing attention received there makes people fit and well. If any doctor orders a patient to hospital it is for the best and what + better place is there than an institution built and equipped for the purpose of fighting disease' and sickness. Money can be found for war, money surely can be found for health Mr Barrj*'s unwarranted attack should, and will receive the contempt it deserves. Yours etc., W. J. R. THOMPSON. Edgecumbe, 7/6/42.