HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9067, 16 April 1908, Page 5

HOSPITAL MEDICAL STAFF.

PROPOSED INCREASE. DISCUSSION BY HOSPITAL TRUSTEES. COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER QUESTION. A deputation from the Masterton Friendly Societies' Council waited upon the meeting of the Masterton Hospital Trustees yesterday in support of a motion to come on by notice moved by Mr Fisher, that the four doctors resident in Masterton be attached to the active medical staff. The deputation was composed of Messrs G. E. A. Hood, J. Lyall, D. Threadwell, and Johnstone. Mr Hood, who was the first speaker, said that the question of including Drs. Cowie and Cook on the active medical staff was one of general interest, concerning not only the Friendly Societies, but the public at large. The grounds the Friendly Societies' Council advanced had already buen placed fully before the Trustees, and their chief argument was, of course, that certain of their number refused to go into the Hospital for treatment unless they could have their own doctor. The other members of the deputation spoke on similar lines, it being mentioned that if the Trustees desired the names of specific persons who had declined to go *,o the Hospital on the grounds of not being able to have their own doctor the deputation could furnish them. It was also stated, in answer to a question, that the deputation represented the whole of the Friendly Societies of Masterton. Mr Fisher then moved the motion pursuant to notice given by him. He said that when the question wsis before the Trustees some months ago it was not an opportune time to make a change, and the speaker thought he would now bring the subject on again in a thorough manner, as he thought it would be ofr considerable benefit to the Hospital if the change proposed were effected, and what was more a better understanding might possibly be come to between the doctors themselves. He felt certain there would be no friction, and it would be admitted that the Hospital was for the benefit of the whole population, and not particular sections. The only possible drawback he could see was that the doctors might be tempted to send too many patients to the institution instead of treating them at home, but that was not a serious aspect. In discussing the matter with certain doctors no serious objection was raised to his proposition. He suggested that the doctors themselves could be asked to confer on the matter to arrage among themselves the details of management, etc. He had no objection to a committee being set up to report on the matter, while the doctors could also confer. Mr H. J. O'Leary seconded the motion, considering the step proposed a very necessary one. Mr Keith suggested that nothing could be done for some time. Mr Fisher said he merely wanted the principle affirmed, and the details could be arranged in due course. Mr F. W. H. Kummer was opposed to any change. He asked if a Trustee who had a two horse team working well would add another two horses to the same team. Mr Fisher was hardly consistrnt, as he complained- of the Hospital expenses, and his motion meant an increase in this respect. He thought it ridiculous for four doctors to attend to twsnty odd patients. Mr Harris supported the motion. Mr Brown said he would like to have fuller data, and was sorry more had not been supplied. In order to learn the true position he supported the motion, which really meant an investigation. Personally he favoured a residential surgeon. Mr Keith thought the motion savoured of handing the management of the Hospital over to the doctors. Some further discussion ensued, and the following substituted resolution was carried .-—That a committee, composed of the chairman and Messrs Brown and Fisher, report on the question of the inclusion of the four doctors on the active medical staff, and that in the meantime the doctors confer on the matter. Dr Archer Hosking afterwards explained that he knew nothing whatever of what was asked, and had never been approached by the other doctors. He was opposed to dividing the present very small salary among four medical officers, and considered that if the other two doctors were attached they should be paid the same salary.