The Medical Staff at Gay's are obdurate to all the
concilia- tory policy of the Governors. We fear that they are fighting for a_ professional triumph, and that nothing less than a professional triumph will they take. The Governors, after long and patient investigation, have convinced themselves that the present Matron is eminently competent and eminently desirous to carry out most precisely and efficiently the directions of the Medical Staff for their patients; and they are doing all in their power to promote a hearty co-operation between her and the Medical Staff, without demanding any sacrifice of dignity on the part of the doctors. But the mistake made in not putting her at once in. consultation with the doctors as to the new organisation of the nursing,—a mistake frankly admitted, though much its worst result was the angry feeling it excited amongst the medical men,—is not one to be forgiven. They have, we hear, absolutely declined, though earnestly invited to do so, to co-operate with the Taking-in Committee, or to offer that Committee any advice, so long as the present Matron is retained in office and the Treasurer does not submit himself absolutely to all their conditions. This is not the way to win the confidence of the public. It is the way to win for the Medical Staff at Guy's the reputation of a sensitive and imperious esprit de corps, which will listen to no reason and work for no public end, without the satisfaction of a personal victory.
