FORMER JOINT CHIEFS OF HOSPITAL

Evening Star, Issue 23384, 29 September 1939, Page 2

FORMER JOINT CHIEFS OF HOSPITAL

THE AUCKLAND ECONOMY MEASURE QUESTION OF PRIVATE PRACTICE IN AUCKLAND [Per United Press 'Association.] AUCKLAND, September 28. Neither the Auckland division nor the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association has any objectihn to Drs C. It. Burns and J. M. Clarke, formerly chiefs of the divisions of medi cine and surgery respectively at the Auckland Hospital, commencing private practice in Auckland. The Auckland Board recently decided to adhere to the clause in the conditions of appointment preventing the former directors from practising in the board’s district for five years. The position was clarified by Dr F. J. Gwynne, president of the Auckland division of the British Medical Association, when a statement by Mr W. T. Anderton, M.P., in the House of Representatives was referred to him. Mr Anderton had alleged that the board’s decision had been arrived at on the advice of an advisory committee of doctors whose financial position would be affected by the practising of two such highly qualified men. Dr Gwynne said the medical profession was not • interested in the legal rights of including such a clause in the agreements with the two directors. Some time ago, however, the Auckland division of the association had made representations to its parent branch in Wellington, informing the branch authorities of what was happening. Headquarters in Wellington had then written to the Hospital Board with a request on behalf of the doctors of New Zealand that the private practice clause should be waived in these particular cases. “ More recently the Auckland division of the association was asked if there was any objection in the city to Dr Burns and Dr Clarke commencing private practice,” Dr Gwynne statedT ‘‘ In reply the executive unanimously passed a resolution to the effect that there was no objection at all so far as the doctors were concerned.” Dr Gwynne added that recent statements suggested that the profession in Auckland had taken the opposite view. Members had felt concerned at such a direct misrepresentation of the official attitude adopted by the Auckland division and - the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association.