OPOTIKI HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 216, 4 August 1939, Page 3

OPOTIKI HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

Sir.— It is evident from events which have happened- since Monday, that there wax more than a little truth in the rumours that have been prevalent regarding the affairs of the Hospital. The resignation of tin*. Matron lias become effective, as also has that of one of the Staff, while it is now wellknown that further resignations are to follow,-the advertisements in the Auckland papers lend strength to tins asseition. Despite this, the Hospital Gourd does not consider it necessary to strengthen tin* confidence of the community either .in the Hospital oi in the Guard’, although it must realise Lliat idle rumours unless checked will ultimately destroy what remains to the public of this nebulous attribute. The only method which the Hoard can adopt to restore their prestige, and convince tlu* public that the Opotiki Hospital is functioning efficiently, is. for the Gknird to issue a statement giving the facts el the position. Is the* Hoard content with the position as it is? Or is there .something which the Hoard, would rather conceal? AYliat evidence was produced which was sulliciently weighty to allow the Hoard tc pursue their policy ol wholesale resignations? There must have been sonu ■powerful motive to lorce the Bourn) to such extremes, and in the* interests oi the public, the Hoard, and these individuals who are leaving, or who have left, it would be more just it the facts were presented, and tin* present inscrutable sjlenee of the Board broken. Halj truth's are freely circulated.—-or are they truths?—which should he silenced if they have no foundations, and if they can be substantiated, then the Hoard stands indicted in allowing such a- situation to develop, and in their method of correcting the position. 11 the Board in asking for resignations is following the recommendation of the Departmental officer who, it is understood, recently held an investigation into affairs, the Hoard owes the community an explanation of the reason prompting such an investigation.

J'n conclusion, might. I again ask the Board if they intend maintaining their attitude of excluding the general public from an affair that touches so vitally their well-being? If so, how can they expect- to retain tho confidence of tlie people in that much-needed- and most maligned institution, —the Opctiki Hospital? VERY INTKR'I'iSTKI).