TROUBLE IN A HOSPITAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2672, 19 January 1916, Page 3

TROUBLE IN A HOSPITAL

HONORAEY STAFF RESIGNS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Timaru, January 18. A difference 'between the Hospital Board- and the honorary medical staff Dame to a head to-day. Some time ago tlio board set up a committee to inquire into the way the store book had been kept, and the committee, it: is alleged, found 'that the matron • had been somewhat careless in making entries. ' The honorary staff, seizing on some expressions made use of, interpreted these as a reflection on the matron's honesty. The matron herself, through her solicitor, asked for a further inquiry, and on this being refused by the board as, being unnecessary, the honorary staff and all the other medical men in town signed -a, letter to the board demanding inquiry, and this being refused, the honorary staff resigned, and all, others also signing this letter. They- them asked Dr. -V alintine, Inspector-General, to visit Timaru and conduct an inquiry. Dr. Valintine has consented, 'but cannot oome before the end of the month. On this' the doctors wrote to the board asking leave to withhold their resignations m the meantime. The board to-day questioned the right of the, Inspector-General to interfere, and by eight votes to three resolved to accept the resignation of the honorary staff, the resident surgeon to make the best arrangements he can for assistance at operations until the Tward can secure , a permanent assistant resident Burgeon (who may be allowed outside practice). Dr. ; .Longhnan, late of the honorary staff, who is also, an elected member of the'board, took part in the-discus-sion, urging the right of the matron to fnrther inquiry, - and supporting the doctors in tbeir action, but did not Vote.' 1 In ijflie course of the discussion some members of the- board indicated that they had a grievance against the honorary staff and other outside doctors, in. that they sent to the hospital no patients who oould pay them, therefore ' patients' payments were a ■ small item of the revenue.