TO CONTINUE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 294, 12 December 1942, Page 6

TO CONTINUE

MATERNITY HOSPITAL

NORTH SHORE'S NEEDS

Steps are to he taken to ensure the continuance of a maternity hospital on the North Shore, and also Ihe creation of a casualty ward in connection with this establishment, following on representations made by the Ala,\or of Takapuna, Mr. J. (iuiniven An as.viirance to this effect has been icceived by Mr. (iuiniven from 11 u ■ Minister of Health, Mr. Nordme.i'er.

In a letter to Mr. Ciuiniven, Mr N'ordme.wi slates that, he has taken into consideration the representations id nle concerning the necessity for a maternity hospital on the North Shore, and he realises that, if the present private home were closed, a deplorable state of affairs would exist.

lo obviate the closing of the home, the Ministei has communicated with (he iJirecior-tieneral of Health directing thai, officers of the Department take up the matter with the Auckland Hospital Hoard to make arrangements to take over the present maternity hospital temporarily pending t.he building of the new institution. 'I lie Minister has informed Mr (Juiniveu that he is quite satisfied that the deputation's pleading was just, and well founded, but he regrets I hat. the preparation of the plans cannot. proceed until the architect has finished with plans for the (ireen Lane Hospital and the Chest Hospital. When tiiis architectural work has been completed, the Minister says the Department can tie relied upon to induce the board to go ahead with the erection of the maternity hospital with provision for casualty cases.

'I regard this as the first step towards the establishment of an institution which has long been required on the North Shore," said Mr Guiniven. "Moreover, I feel that there should be no undue delay in the matter, even if the architect is busy, and I am writing to the Minister to suggest that a private architect might be employed.