CALL-BACK DUTY AT MENTAL HOSPITAJLS

Chronicle (Levin), 26 February 1947, Page 3

CALL-BACK DUTY AT MENTAL HOSPITAJLS

Press Associatioic

By Telearanh —

wnnnuN'UTON, Fcb. 25. "Menlul hospital uursiiig staffa are prepared to perform without payiiient work which is essential to tlic welfarc of patients," said Mr. J. Turubull, gcm crai secretary of Ihe I'ublic Sorvice Associatiou touiglit, wheii commenting on a statement made by the Miuister of Health, lion. A. H. Nordincyer, on the inental liospital position. "In my lotters to the Public Service Conmiis&ion, which were not quoled in the Miuister 's statement, I referred to the staffs' willingness to coopcratc ,in any arrangemeiils necessary to miuimise inconven ieace to patienls, and offcred to discuss any points whicli might-arise in eon nection with those arraugemenfcs," said Mr. Turnbuil. "This aspoct has been emphasiscd by tiro staffs in all discus sions on the eailback issue and their attitude is supportcd by the association as evidenced by the telegraiu sent by me to ali institutious today. This read": 'Exccutive officers confirm that arrangements to miuimise inconvenience to patients should include adequate numbers of staff not on duty remaining ou cali to undertake without payment, work which, on representations from the medical superintendent, the associ ation sub-committee rules as being urgent and essential to(the welfare of patients.' "The staffs have borne more than a fair share of responsibility in the past and will continue to do so, " said Mr. Turnbuil. "The res]ionsibility of the (••ommunity,0 however, cannot for al) time be passed to tlic willing few. The Public Service Commission has alienated the sympathies of that few by a decision which violates their scnse of justice, aud must accept the responsibility for the result."