H—3l

Table 20 —Comparative Summary of Work Undertaken by Hospital Board District Nurses

Industrial Nursing The Department's Public Health Industrial Nurses are being added to as their duties are increased. Industrial clinics are being formed on the wharves at Auckland, Wellington, and Lyttelton with the object of reducing the amount of sick-leave. Regular visits have been paid to all the private manufacturing units where registered nurses are employed, and during these visits educational and group meetings have been organized. South Pacific Islands Nursing Service There has been no visit to Fiji this year owing to the fact that Dr. Buchanan, Inspector-General of the South Pacific Health Service, went on leave and then retired, but it is expected that a meeting will be held in the near future. It has not been easy to maintain this Service, with its heavy demands. In Fiji extra wards have been opened at Lautoka, which has necessitated the staff being increased. This year the Samoan Administration has sent two Samoans of full blood to New Zealand to train. The Fijian Administration has also sent a Fijian of full blood. In addition, two or three of the part European and Indian girls who have had the necessary educational qualifications have come to New Zealand to train. The time will soon come when these girls will be ready to return to their island homes. Their status and salary will be important things for decision, and New Zealand nurses will require to be interested in, and help, these girls. Post-graduate School The year 1948 was an exceedingly busy year at the school. Apart from the usual courses, a special week was arranged for ward sisters which was very much appreciated. The new obstetrical course is proving popular and is giving those who specialize in obstetrics an opportunity of preparing themselves for administrative and teaching positions.

41

Year Ended Year Ended - 31st March, 31st March, 1948. 1949. Number of nurses— North Island 71 78 South Island 44 45 Total 115 123 Total number of new cases referred from— Hospital .. .. .. .. • 3,323 3,378 Private practitioners 7,403 6,996 Patient's own home 12,965 11,999 Total number of cases, including old and new cases—Nurses' centre 10,484 9,366 Patient's own home 44,800 46,660 Total number of visits, including old and new cases— Nurse's Centre .. .. .. .. 25,009 | 20,292 Patients' own home 247,728 281,633 1