HOSPITAL PRAISED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 69, Issue 78, 12 January 1949, Page 2

HOSPITAL PRAISED

HEALTH MINISTER’S VISIT

Several Requests Made

Praise for the Ashburton Public Hospital and staff, also a promise of full consideration for several requests made to her, were voiced by the Minister of Health (Miss Mabel Howard), when replying to a welcome given her at the hospital yesterday afternoon. She spent over two hours ih touring the hospital, being introduced to and chatting briefly with each patient.

She was shown round the hospital by the Medical Superintendent (Mr A. J. Mason) and the Matron (Miss V. Dearsley). Accompanying her also were the chairman of the board (Mr C. A. Campion), Mrs F. Curtis (a member of the board), and Mr R. G. Gerard M.P.

Later the Minister and her party were entertained at afternoon tea by the Matron and she was given an official welcome.

“This occasion is unique in that we welcome a lady Minister of the Crown,” said Mr Campion, who was the first Speaker. He warmly welcomed Miss Howard, also. Mrs M. Green (a member of the North Canterbury Hospital Board for 23 years), Mr R. G. Gerard M.P., the Mayor and Mayoress (Mr and Mrs E. C. Bathurst) and the chairman of the County Council (Mr H. A. Harrison).

Mr Campion said that his board had always received a very sympathetic hearing from the Department of Health, in connection with any requests made, and he hoped that such would again be the case in respect of several matters which would be placed before Miss Howard. With the great expansion of the hospital’s activities, storage accommodation had become hopelessly inadequate and a new bulk store was an urgent requirement. A request for authority for this had been made, and now that the Minister had paid a visit, the speaker trusted that the application would be granted. “You must show me your stores before I can do anything about it,” commented the Minister. “I always like to see these things for myself and then I know the exact situation.”

Laboratory Extension Needed

“You will see it all,” Mr Campion assured Miss Howard. He went on to say that the maternity block, though erected only five years ago, was already too small. Provision had been made for 21 beds originally, but improvisation had enabled 30 to be accommodated, but that was still insufficient. A request would he made for additions in this part of the hospital. A third request would be in connection with laboratory accommodation. These were the three main requirements and, now that Miss Howard had seen the position, the board was sure that she would realise the urgency of therm Mr Campion presented to the Minister a copy of John Brown’s “History of Ashburton,” commenting that it would serve to remind her of the first visit she had paid here in her Ministerial capacity. “Thank you very much indeed, it is a lovely book,” replied Miss Howard. Mrs Curtis, on behalf of the members of the hospital staff, Pinned a beautiful spray of flowers on the Minister’s frock and wished her the happiest of New Years. Mr Mason referred briefly to various shortcomings at the hospital and mentioned that the hoard’s application for a hulk store had already been approved by the Health Department, but not by the Building Controller. “They do not usually hold up our recommendations,” said the Minister. “I will look into it immediately. Mr Mason pointed out that laboratory work had expanded considerably, and the present quarters were far too limited. More space was needed and also much new equipment. There were shortcomings in the kitchen and other such accommodation. The Ministers help in these matters would be greatly appreciated. . .... . “Though we differ in political views,” said Mr Gerard, “that does not lessen the warmth of the welcome I wish to extend to the Minister on behalf of the electorate. Whatever one’s political colour, we must give full credit to Ministers for undertaking what are definitely very arduous duties.”

“Babies Best* Immigrants”

Mr Gerard added his strong support to the requests made by the previous speakers, especially that in regard to the maternity ward. Country women were in a very bad plight through lack of help in homes,. and it had been suggested that immigration would alleviate the situation; but the best immigrants of all were our own babies. Every assistance, therefore, should he given 1 ’ in maternitymatters. Help for country women was urgently required and he asked that the Minister give full consideration to schemes, details of which had been forwarded to her, for bringing in labour from overseas.

“The Minister has seen our State houses,” said the Mayor, in extending a welcome on behalf of the borough, “and she will realise that many living in them will be requiring the maternity ward in the near future. We, in Ashburton, are very proud of the great work performed at the hospital by Mr Mason and the Matron, Miss V. Dearsley. Their work has been praised in many . other parts of New Zealand as well. It is wonderful, too, to hear the praise of the patients for the wonderful time given them over Christmas and New Year.” Mr Batlttirst apologised for the absence of Mr Harrison (county chairman), who had been called away before the end of the ceremony, and voiced a Avelcome to Miss Howard from the county.

Minister in Reply

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and the welcome, which is one of the warmest I have had, in more ways than one,” said the Minister in reply-. “I have had very good reports of your hospital and 'of the very fine Avork of your superintendent, AV-hich is one of the main reasons I have left my visit here until nearly the last on the list. You Avere so contented and appeared to require so little that there appeared no need for me to come here.

“Noav that I hear you require some

things, I Avill taik them over Avith my Department, and your requests will be given every consideration,” continued Miss Howard. “After my visit. I Avill have a picture in my mind of what is needed, and that is Avhy, to get such pictures, that Ave make these Adsits. unis request for extra maternity accommodation is quite a newone to me, and we will haA r e to look into it immediately and urgently. “You have a very shreAvd Mayor here,” added Miss HoAvard. “He took me out to see- a playground, but avo Avent by way of a State housing block and avg saAV all the young couples going in and out of the houses. Naturally that means they Avill be requiring maternity help at an early date, and I Avill do eA'erything possible for them. “You have a delightful hospital here.” the Minister commented. “ 1 liked the glint in the eyes of the patients Avhen they looked at your medical superintendent and how happy they AA-ere to see him—this Avas really an outstanding feature, and I haA r e not struck it elsewhere. It is the greatest tribute he can have. “It has been a delightful day, and I thank you all for your Avelcome and great consideration,” concluded Miss Howard. “1 am very keen on NeAV Zealand history, and this book you ha\ r e gWen me will be one of my most prized possessions.”