THE OTAKI HOSPITAL.

Shannon News, 18 January 1929, Page 3

THE OTAKI HOSPITAL.

VISIT OF NEW MINISTER. DISCUSSION WITH DR. VALINTINE The. Hon. A. J. Stallworthy, Minister of Health, aecompanied by Mr. W. H. Field, M.P. for Otaki, arrived in Otaki at about 10 o’clock yesterday and visited the Otaki hospital, where they were met by Dr. Valintine, Messrs J. P. Brandon (Mayor), A. E. Wallington (President of the Otaki Chamber of Commerce), E. Looser (secretary) and a representative of the “Mail.”' Dr. Valintine pointed out that every promise made to Otaki had been carried out, and further matters would be discussed by the Palmerston North Hospital Board who had control of the hospital. He pointed out, that eases of a minor nature would be treated at the Otaki hospital, but that the more serious cases, after being attended to at the homo of the patient, for first aid, would be sent to Palmerston by an ambulance that' would be guaranteed to give every satisfaction. It would not be a new one bwt would be quite dependable. It would not be fair to expect a doctor at Otaki to undertake severe surgical cases single-handed, in faer, one doctor could not undertake a serious operation on his -own. Country hospitals, said Dr. Valintine, were not an advantage to country districts, in fact the reverse was the case. He also considered there were too many operations performed, but if an operation was necessary then it wak advisable to. have the patient where there were several doctors. Otaki people, he added, were under the impression that the Department wished to abolish tho Otald hospital, but this was not so, it was only desired that serious operations be carried out where there were several doctors. Asked when a medical superintendent would be appointed the Doctor stated that there was no need for such an appointment and added that local doctors could act as such and could visit their patients at the hospital. He would advise the Hospital Board to this effect. He considered there was no need for a resident doctor at tho institution, pointing out that there would not bo enough cases to keep him going while it would be unfair to local doctors to appoint a man and give him the right also to private practice. Hospitals, Dr. Valintine maintained, were costing a lot of money, and he had reason to believe that 'Sir Joseph Ward was getting alarmed and afraid of the expenditure —it was more than the country could stand. There would be twelve ordinary beds at the institution and four beds for maternity cases, and besides paying 12s per day patients would also be expected to pay the doctor his fee of £3 3s. Dr. Valintine spoke very highly of Matron Pownall, who was present during the interview. Members of the deputation regarded the interview as very satisfactory, while the Minister said he “took his hat off” to residents who were so keen in local affairs. '

The Hon. Mr. BtallwortHy* and Mr. Field then inspected the Sanatorium, after which the former left for Palmerston North, accompanied by Dr, Valintine.

A visit was also paid to the Maori Church.