A GROUP of Wanganui Hospital senior doctors have spoken out in support of their hospital, disputing claims that it is unsafe. Medical adviser Terry Johnson, chair of the credentialing committee and Orthopaedic Department head John van Dalen, Chair of the Medical Staff Association Guy Taylor and clinical director of surgical servicesPeter Schenk also dispute claims by Whanganui District Health Board member Clive Solomon that surgeons have to perform tasks outside their expertise. Mr Solomon called the hospital unsafe last month because general surgeons were being told to perform emergency obstetric work. In the senior doctors joint statement, they said the Wanganui Hospital credentialling committee has had extensive discussions about clinical emergencies with the Medical Council, Medical Protection Society and the Health and Disabilities Commission and hospital management agreed that in the absence of an obstetrician, all emergencies would be sent to Palmerston North. "These arrangements are in place supported with appropriate clinical protocols to ensure safety for patients and staff. General surgeons are thus not expected to be involved with any O&G; emergency and this has been endorsed by the O&G; and Surgical Colleges. This issue was settled prior to Mr Solomon's resignation." Mr Solomon had also told the media that only four senior doctors and management have been critical of his "outspoken views". "However, a majority of senior doctors (12-2) passed a motion distancing themselves from the comments made by Mr Solomon about hospital safety on Monday, November 26." The doctors agreed the hospital "is not without its problems", and the "systems error" was very serious, but they felt the hospital was doing its best to address it. "With budget constraints, the combined surgical and orthopaedic ward has had problems with staffing, but we are optimistic a solution can be found. We believe that if Wanganui is to face a positive future, there will need to be a strong political will and community support." Proposed inter-regional planning needed to be looked at objectively to ensure actual tangible benefits for Wanganui citizens. PICTURED: Wanganui Hospital senior doctors, from left, John van Dalen, Terry Johnson, Guy Taylor and Peter Schenk dispute claims by Clive Solomon that their hospital is unsafe.
