Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15, 1948 HOSPITAL STAFFING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 12, Issue 95, 15 September 1948, Page 4

Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 15, 1948

HOSPITAL STAFFING

Last week’s Hospital Board meeting discussed extra staff accommodation, touched upon the projected children’s ward, then came back to the old, old story—lack of staff. That is not peculiar to this place. There is a shortage of hospital staff everywhere, just like there is a shortage of housing everywhere. But, because of its rapid growth, Whakatane seems to be suffering more acutely from those problems than most towns of its size. So far as the Hospital is concerned, the position is worse than acute. It might be called desperate. Yet, twice in the last ten days, the Beacon has had the privilege of publishing letters in praise of the service and treatment to patients there. That says much for those who are trying to carry on under such difficulties. It speaks volumes for the organising ability of the Medical Superintendent and the Matron. But they cannot perform miracles without the necessary help. No-one can. Though it is fact that there are probably many who will endorse

what our correspondents have said, it is also true that there are many who have had cause not to be entirely satisfied with conditions at the hospital. Tliat statement implies no derogatory criticism of the existing staff. It merely indicates that the staff is inadequate to handle the work of an expanding institution. Unfortunately, there is nothing that local people can do to -help the Medical Superintendent to find qualified assistance. They can only show him all the consideration due to a man who is handling an almost unbelievable amount of work with almost unbelievable efficiency. They might be able to help the nursing and domestic staff shortage. Are there no young girls in this community interested making a career of caring for the sick? There must be. This hospital is a training school for nursing aides, hospital aides, and nurse trainees who want to start in a worthwhile, profession. * s We are sure the Matron will be glad to hear from any whose sympathies are touched by this appeal.