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42
6. STATE EXAMINATIONS.
During the year 1928 lectures and instruction in practical
nursing- and hygiene have been carried out in accordance with
the syllabus of the General Nursing Council and courses of lectures
upon Infectious Diseases, Anatomy, Physiology, Hygiene, and
Practical Nursing have been delivered.
It has long been felt that the little time which the Matron
and Sisters can spare during off-duty time for teaching the probationers
is quite insufficient to ensure that systematic instruction
and sound groundwork in the practical side of nursing which
is so essential to their success.
Towards the end of the year, after very carefully reviewing
the position, a report was presented to the Hospital SubCommittee
advising consideration of the necessity for the appointment
of a Sister Tutor and for the supply of up-to-date teaching
material and equipment. There is no doubt that such provision
will operate to the advantage of the treatment of the patients
in the hospital inasmuch that improved teaching facilities will
attract a keener staff of probationers who, in turn, will be more
skilled and efficient on account of the careful, regular, and
systematic instruction which they will receive.
7. ACCOMMODATION FOR PATIENTS AND STAFF.
This question is one which has been discussed on almost
countless occasions, and last year a very full account, setting
forth the exact position, was included in the annual report; the
matter becomes more acute each year and in epidemic times, such
as those which we have experienced during the past two years,
the difficulties are almost insurmountable. Were it not for the
loyalty and unselfishness of the Staff there is no doubt that a
serious crisis might have occurred on many occasions. Fortunately
there is no necessity to reiterate the unfavourable conditions under
which patients are treated nor the former reports dealing with the
very unsatisfactory accommodation available for the Staff, for
I am pleased to report that the present Committee have attacked
the problem thoroughly and there appears to be every prospect
that the recommendations, made by the Ministry ot Health in the
year 1922, will be carried out in the very near future.