AMBULANCE SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 August 1939, Page 6

AMBULANCE SERVICE

NEED OF AN ADDITIONAL ATTENDANT. HOSPITAL BOARD DISCUSSION. “Last week the ambulance was called out to remove a lady to the Masterton Hospital. It duly arrived, but only the driver with it,” said Mrs S. Fletcher, at the monthly meeting of the Wairarapa Hospital Board yesterday. “Tlie lady concerned was extremely ill and it was necessary to carry her into the ambulance. The only other person available was another woman who was also well on in years, and I think that two people should be sent with the ambulance.” The Managing-Secretary, Mr N. Lee: “Two people go if requested by the doctor.” Mrs Fletcher: “The ambulance should ask at the time whether or not two people are required.” Mr Lee: “It has been a rule of the hospital for a considerable period that-. > the doctor in charge of the case, and who of course sends for the ambulance, should ask for two people.” Mrs J. Robertson: “When an ambulance is ordered people are generally flustered. Perhaps it would be a good idea for the office to ask whether or not two attendants are required.” Mr Lee: “Only the doctor can order the ambulance and he should say whether or not two are wanted.” The chairman, Mr H. H. Mawley: “It could be an instruction for them to ask at the office, if two attendants are required. Even then I suppose the matter would be likely at some time or other to be overlooked.” Mr Lee: “Two men would always be required, which would mean employing another man.” Mr N. T. B. W. Beetham: “The doctors could be notified that if two attendants were required they should ask for them when ordering the ambulance.” Mr Mawley: “I don’t think that there is any need for us to take action. The matter was evidently an oversight on the part of the doctor. If too much attention is drawn to the position we will have people asking for nurses, porters and the like.” The discussion then lapsed.