Patea Hospital Inquiry.

Patea Mail, 2 March 1882, Page 3

Patea Hospital Inquiry.

WHO SHOULD MANAGE? A committee lias been investigating reported irregularities in the dealing with liquors supplied to the Patea County Hospital. The committee also went into the question as to whether the Hospital cannot be managed more conveniently by the Patea Borough Council instead of the County Council. The committee reported to the Council yesterday. As to Hospital liquors, they found that from August 1880 to the end of January last, there were about three gallons of brandy and one gallon of wine received from the contractor, but not accounted for in the Steward’s book as supplied to patients. Who is responsible for this deficiency the committee were unable to decide, as under-the present system there is no continuous check extending from the time the liquors arc supplied by the contractor to the time that liquors are served to patients. The committee reported at considerable length; indicating that the Steward’s record may not be complete, by unintentional omission of entries ; that the Clerk could not be held blamable for the missing liquors because there is no sufficiently safe place for the stores to be kept by him as custodian ; that though the Volunteers have had access to the room where liquors were stored, there is no evidence to prove that the Volunteers took any liquors ; that there is no evidence to prove the doctor had entertained his friends at the Hospital at the expense of the. County, and the charge that the doctor had used Hospital stores for his private patients is frivolous, and has been satisfactorily explained. The committee said the inquiry had been made more difficult by the Steward (who made charges against the Clerk) being unable to compel witnesses to attend and give evidence in a private inquiry; and by the absence of any record of liquors issued by the Clerk to the Steward, and receipts from the latter. The committee recommend a change of system.

Referring to future'management of the Hospital, the committee “desired to impress on the Council their conviction that aii institution like the Hospital would be more beneficially managed by a body other than the County Council, and would suggest that an effort be made to induce the Borough Council to take over the Hospital.” ■

The report was briefly discussed, and adopted.

A letter from the Surgeon, referring to the treatment of patients and the qualifications that are desirable in a Steward, was considered. Most Councillors thought a change among the officers is the only way to ensure smooth working; and the Council agreed to give notice to the Steward. The committee asked leave to sit again, and inquire into another matter.