H.—7a

We may also be permitted to refer to the question of nursing staff in mental hospitals. We were greatly impressed by the difficulties under which the administrative staff of Seacliff and other mental hospitals labour owing to the shortage of nursing staff. We appreciate that the nature of the occupation does not make a great appeal to many girls desirous of taking up nursing as a profession. As a temporary measure we suggest that it might be of assistance to institute a campaign to bring back during the war period nurses who have had experience in mental hospitals and may be willing to assist. We may further suggest that the status of nurses in mental hospitals be improved to attract young women seeking employment with an assured future. To determine the best method of effecting this object a committee could be set up consisting of members of the mental hospital administrative staff, male and female, with nominated members of the Registered Nurses' Association, to investigate present conditions and make recommendations to the Director-General of Mental Hospitals. Since we decided to make this suggestion we have listened with interest to the urgent appeal made by Dr. Gray, Director-General, through the broadcasting-stations, to women to assist the Mental Hospital Department during the war period. In concluding out report we desire to express our appreciation of the facilities afforded us in obtaining information by Dr. Gray, Director-General of Mental Hosptals; Dr. Brown, the Medical Superintendent at Seacliff; and Mrs. McLaren, Matron; and members of the staff. We also desire to express our thanks to the police and the expert witnesses. Given under our hands and seals at Dunedin, this sth day of March, 1943. [l.s.] H. W. Bundle, Chairman. [l.s.] Jessie A. Tomlinson . , Members of Commission. [l.s.] F. C. Laidlaw

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