THREE DEATHS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 206, 1 September 1941, Page 8

THREE DEATHS

MENINGITIS CASES

BOARD'S DECISION

TWO AUXILIARY HOSPITALS

Three deaths have occurred from cerebro-spinal meningitis in Auckland during the past week, and there are 11 sufferers from the disease now in the Auckland Hospital, which has been closed to visitors until further notice. The decision to close the hospital was made yesterday on the instructions of the chairman of the board, Mr. Allan J. Moody. All the patients at the hospital are from the city and suburbs, the ages ranging from infants to adults, and comprise both sexes.

Urgent Steps Urgent steps which are to be taken by the Auckland Hospital Board to meet the epidemic condition were outlined by the chairman of the board, Mr. Allan J. Moody, this afternoon.

Mr. Moody said that in view of the spread of measles at Papakura Camp it was proposed to take over the P]llerslie Racecourse buildings, and also the Auckland Teachers' Training College, the latter building to be used for medical and surgical cases to relieve over-crowding at the Auckland Hospital. This would enable cerebro-spinal meningitis cases* to be treated at the Auckland Hospital.

Mr. Moody said that he was informed of the position that had arisen in the Auckland Hospital yesterday, and he immediately took steps to deal with it. He at once communicated with the acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, and he wanted to express appreciation of the latter's prompt action. This morning it was decided that the Training College should be taken over as an emergency hospital, this decision being arrived at after an amicable discussion with the Minister of Education, Mr. Mason, and the chairman of the Auckland Education Board, Mr. W. J. Campbell. He went on to say that as a result of the discussion with the Minister, and also the principal of the Training College, he had given a definite assurance that that would be the last occasion on which the Training College authorities would be asked to hand over its buildings as a temporary hospital, and he also gave an assurance tnat the building would be handed back on March 1, 1942, provided hostilities have not come to New Zealand. That meant the board would have to insist on the new hospital block at the Infirmary being proceeded with as quickly as possible and if necessary the board would have to consider the erection of temporary accommodation in the hospital grounds, however much a certain section of the public might object.

Most Suitable Place | Mr. Moody added that, in company with, the Minister, this morning he visited the Epsom Girls' Grammar School and the Newmarket primary school, but Mr. Mason was quickly seized with the position as far as finding accommodation was con cerned, and agreed that the Training College was the most suitable place. The chairman said that the Education Department was to be congratulated and at the same time sympathised with for having such a wonderful building, as it was ideal for hospital purposes. "We are living in troublesome times," said Mr. Moody, "and all objections must be brushed aside." He added that they realised the great inconvenience at the Training College, and about that he was extremely regretful, but it was realised at the conference this morning that urgent action had to be taken, and the board had been met in true public spirit. In conclusion, Mr. Moody said the buildings could be equipped and staffed within 48 hours, and if necessary call auxiliary workers, as they had done previously. He expressed his grateful thanks to all who had assisted in this emergency. It had been considered better that the buildings should be taken under emergency regulations, which would obviate any questions of finance and possible compensation. That was a matter for wnich the Hospital Board would have to be responsible. The University authorities had agreed to assist the Training College in every possible way in the use of buildings.

Precautions Urged It has been pointed out by the Medical Officer of Health. Dr. T. J. Hughes, that anything that lowers resistance of the body should be avoided. People should avoid getting wet, or fatigued, should dress according to the inclement weather, and eat nourishing food. Plenty of exercise should be taken, and overcrowded rooms should be avoided. Dr. Hughes said that with better weather, there was likely to be an improvement in the position. The acting-medical superintendent of the Auckland Hospital, Dr. W. Gilmour, said that close contact was the chief danger in spreading the disease. It was known that the wards at the Auckland Hospital were overcrowded, and it was therefore desirable to exclude visitors. Many people who went to the Auckland Hospital yesterday to visit patients were disappointed. Some had come long distances. Hospital attendants were present to inform the visitors that they could not enter the building, and a barrier was placed across the entrance of the carriage-way to stop motor traffic.

Measles In Camps Figures as to . the number of men affected by measles at Papakura mobilisation camp were not available at Northern Military District headquarters early this afternoon. It was stated that "not a great many" were suffering from the complaint, but that the cases from Ngaruawahia camp, which were more numerous, were being admitted to the Waikato Hospital. A few cases had occurred at Avondale territorial camp. The men with measles at Papakura camp are to be transferred to the temporary hospital at Ellerslie racecourse. No steps had been taken today to close Papakura camp to visitors. This, it was said, was not deemed necessary at present.

I MILITARY CAMPS FREE

It was stated to-day by Brigadier i P. H. Bell, D.5.0., officer commanding the Northern Military District, that no cases of meningitis have been reported from any of the mobilisation or territorial camps in his district. Two soldiers in hospital, who had contracted the disease, were on leave at the time. A number of recruits left the city and provincial centres to-day for cartating terfi^torial