HOSPITALS AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES

Grey River Argus, 22 September 1948, Page 4

HOSPITALS AND RELIGIOUS SERVICES

New Plymouth Board

Upholds Services in Wards

(Per Press Association).

NEW PLYMOUTH, Sept. 21. The Taranaki Hospital Board has disagreed - with the Health De 5 partment that the holding of religious services in the' wards at the New - Plymouth Hospital should be discontinued. The Taranaki Hospital Board to-day declined to withdraw its approval of the practice.

“A complaint has been made to the Minister of Health that religious services are being held in the New Plymouth Hospital, although an objection has been raised by a patient in a ward where a service was held,” wrote the Director-General'of Health, Dr. T. R. Ritchie. “The Department’s view is that the Board should withdraw its approval to the conduct of the religious services in the wards, if such has been given, particularly owing to an objection referred to.” . The Medical Superintendent of New Plymouth Hospital. Dr. H. C. Barrett, said - that the church services were arranged at the hospital by the New Plymouth Ministers’ Association. The services lasted for half an hour, and usually the ward .which was selected was one where noise was not likely to disturb any sick patient. ‘‘From the information supplied to me, I understand that these services are appreciated by the patients, especially in the female wards,” stated Dr. jSnvi'cLL* He added: “I have no knowledge of any complaints being referred either to the Matron, or to myself, on account of these services.” '