Hospital ’Phone Call Diverted to "Argus" for Infomation

Grey River Argus, 13 October 1948, Page 4

Hospital ’Phone Call Diverted to "Argus" for Infomation

When an acting mine manager telephoned the hospital seeking information regarding an injured miner, he was told to “ring the Argus, they know everything.” Stating this at the Grey Hospital Board meeting last night, Mr J. Oakley, asked whether a mine manager could not be supplied with such details. He pointed out, that in the event of a major accident, the spot was roped off, and work ceased until it had been inspected by mine officials. The accident he referred to occurred at Moody Creek, and the injured man had to be carried from the workings. Later, when the assistant manager phoned the hospital he received anything but a satisfactory reply. 'The chairman (Mr A. Mosley) said lie did not think there was any intention of' withholding information whether the accident was a majo; or a minor one.

The Surgeon-Superintendent: The difficulty is to define a major and a minor accident. We can give the information if we know how mine officials define the matter.

Mr Mosley: The reply received by the manager was uncalled for, and 4 his Board will not uphold it. This matter should be taken further, and I will ask you to look into it. Dr Barclay, QUESTION OF CONTROL

Dr Barclay said it was not his business. The telephone girls came under the secretary (Mr W. H. J. Watson), ft the reply had been made by the medical or nursing staff it would be a different matter.

Mr Mosley; Then the secretary must investigate the matter. Mr oakiey: 1 did not bring up the matter to create any bad feeling. Mr Mosley said he realised that, but if the remark was made it was uncalled for. Mr Watson: I would not stand for it.

Mr H. Carter said the person should have stated his name and authority.

Mr Oakley: He did so. He said he was the acting mine manager. The matter was left in the hands of the secretary and Dr Barclay who are to consult mine officials on the matter of what information they require in the case of accidents.