HINTS FROM N.S.W.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 413, 21 April 1937, Page 2

HINTS FROM N.S.W.

SYDNEY HOSPITALS Comparison with Auckland. Sydney, April 21. Every opportunity to inspect hospitals in Sydney was taken by Mr J. H. Kinneai, .a member of the Auckland HotpXal Board, who returned by the Aorangi. Mr Kinnear’s visit was mainly in the nature of a holiday trip. In the Prince Alfred Hospital, said Mr Kinnear, the superintendent, Dr Lilly, was <a. medical man who had been trained also as an accountant. He v.'as actually in charge of every department, and Mr Kinnear believed that through his capable- management he had reduced the expenditure by several hundreds of pounds. A/t. 'this hospital Mr Kinnear inspected a newly-completed wing with pathological. X-ray and boiler departments. ‘*They seemed to leave nothing to be desired,” he commented. “This was a real opportunity to see something modern—<and I did no-t fail to find out what a really up-to-date hospital could offer Auckland.

“At the Sydney Hospital the system of control is much the same as our own. The president and board, with the medical superintendent and he secretary, run everything. The nurses work under an award and the board pays overtime rates l —mostly double time—for any hours' worked in excess of those prescribed in the award. The nurses’ home seemed too small and overcrowded; as many as three, and sometimes four nurses share a room.”

Mr Kinnear said the hospital almoner took up her duties this year, and had done such useful 'Work that it had been decided to form an Institute of Almoners. The training of students would be carried out at the Sydney Hospital. He visited the Kanema'tsu Memorial Institute of Pathology, a building of five storeys and very complete wi h specimens for use in the training of students. “Our pathological department must be very cramped in comparison,” said Mr Kinnear.