HOSPITAL SYSTEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 April 1925, Page 4

HOSPITAL SYSTEM.

NEW BASIS FAVORED

WELLINGTON, .March 31 At a meeting of the Provisional Executive of the Hospital Association, Dr Valintine, Director-General of Health, made certain proposals in eon ncction with the medical stalling of hospitals. He expressed his indebtedness to the honorary medical stall, hilt considered timl the time had come for the abolition of Ihe honorary staff. As the hospitals were open to all they had no right to expect the services of the tnedie.nl profession in an honorary capacity. There was a choice between two systems —one. to have tin entirely stipendiary stall, and the other lo utilise modified stipendiary services by means of a responsible stipendiary staff, assisted by a relay of medical practitioners working under them at reasonable remuneration. He considered the latter would have a more stimulating influence upon medical services of the hospital. Dr Regg, honorary secretary of the New Zealand branch of the British .Medical Association, staled that the medical profession did not " ish to have any control in the administration of hospitals. If the hospitals were for the poor, then the medical profession would naturally give tlieii services free, but if the hospitals wore to be open for all, then, of course, it was only reasonable that the medical staff should he paid. As it was now elearlv the policy that hospitals were open for all. it was clear that the honorary staff must go. As regards remuneration. it was considered that this was a matter for the Health Department and Hospital Boards, but be touched in general terms upon the different nature of the services required In- various branches of the honorary staff. He thought appointments would necessarily have to he advertised, and no doubt hoards would elect those who had given the host services. His opinion” was-that the Auckland system ot submitting names of candidates to the honorary consulting staff was a good

After a general discussion the Provisional Executive passed the pillowing resolution :—“Thai the Hospital Boards he reconunemlcil to adopt the suggestions of the Director-General that the honorary medical staff may he remunerated for whole or part time services.”