HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIX, Issue 1686, 15 March 1917, Page 3

HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION.

Commenting editorially on the recent District Hospital Board meeting, the Palmerston Times says:

"The somewhat cavalier treatment which greeted Air Hornblow s attempt to draw attention to some anomalies and irregularities in connection with the administration of the Palmerston Hospital merely serves to emphasise Hie necessity for, a more vigilent oversight of these matters by the general public whose interests are vitally concerned. Two points have been made dear, as Hie result of the investigations of this outspoken member of the Board. The lirsfis that there is urgent need for the remodelling of Hie by-laws which govern the institution, and the second that there is a necessity for a more intimate control of the Board’s affairs by tiiose charged with the responsible duties of administration. One of the principal sources of weakness is that Hie Chairman of the Board is practically an absentee. Sir Janies Wilson resides at a long distance from Palmerston; lie is not as active and alert as he once was, and it is impossible for him to give the attention to the affairs of the institution-that a man on the spot could and should exercise. Dr Peach has placed his linger on a decided weakness when he points out that there is not the close connection between Hie Board and its medical advisers that there should be in a well-regulated institution. In saying this we do not wish to infer that the hospital is not under efficient control. On the contrary, there is every evidence that those concerned are rendering wholehearted and conscientious service up lo the full measure of their capacity; and the thanks of the community are due particularly to the doctors who, under singularly exacting circumstances, have rendered excellent service lo the patients. But when this is admitted, it must he quite obvious that the Board is not availing itself to the full of Hie co-operalion of highly qualified men who could, if (-ailed upon, add to the efficiency of the existing staff and make the service lo Hie public much more efficient than it is and bring the institution up to a very high standard indeed. It is not reasonable to suppose thiit two doctors and an anaesthetist can, in Palmerston, do full justice to 85G patients when, in Wanganui, where 918_ patients are treated, Hie Board finds it necessary to employ a house surgeon, a consulting physician, and four visiting surgeons. These facts are emphasised in no censorious spirit, hut with an earnest desire that those charged with the administration may realise their responsibilities both to Hie public and the medical staff.”