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Meeting held 18th January, 1895.
Present: Dr. KNOTT, Deputy-Inspector General, R.N.H., Chairman.
Surgeon-Colonel A. F. PRESTON.
Hon. A. McCONACHIE.
Dr. JAMES CANTLIE.
Mr. J. THURBURN.
Miss EASTMOND, Matron, Government Civil Hospital, called.
THE PRESIDENT.-We have asked Miss EASTMOND to attend to give us some information concerning the Civil Hospital; tell us the number of your nursing staff.
Miss EASTMOND.-There are nine Sisters altogether, including myself. There are always three on duty for eight hours at a stretch; from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., from 2 p.m. to 10
p.m., and from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
THE PRESIDENT.-The nature of your duties varies according to the character of the cases in Hospital?
Miss EASTMOND.-Yes. The staff is not sufficient if one is on leave or if anyone knocks up.
THE PRESIDENT.-Have the Sisters any stated time for leave?
Miss EASTMOND.-By the Secretary of State's Despatch No. 51 of 1894 we are supposed to have six months' leave every six years on half-pay.
Dr. CANTLIE.-When you came out here there was no agreement as to leave?
Miss EASTMOND.-We were bound for five years--that is up to 6th November of this year. We had no stipulation for holidays. We thought there would be no difficulty in getting holidays if we required them.
Dr. CANTLIE.-That is six months in six years?
Miss EASTMOND.-Yes, if we remain on.
THE PRESIDENT.-Only one can go away at a time? Miss EASTMOND.-There is no mention of that. There would be always one at home on leave; but the Sisters would require vacation leave of two months a year if they could get it.
THE PRESIDENT.-Is there any stipulation in your agreement for vacation leave? Miss EASTMOND.-No; but in our agreement it says we shall be allowed the same privileges as the other Government servants.
Mr. THURBURN. You do not think the present staff sufficient for the work to be done, taking leave into consideration ?
Miss EASTMOND.No. I have heard of Dr. Lowson's proposal to train up nurses from Miss JOHNSTONE'S school.
THE PRESIDENT.--When a Sister is on leave at present, is there any provision for her duties being done?
Miss EASTMOND.-The Sisters arrange amongst themselves. The wardmasters are not on leave. Each Sister has two amahs to assist her.
Dr. CANTLIE.--Is the Matron of the Lock Hospital under you?
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