HOSPITAL BOARD.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16403, 24 December 1918, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING.

Tlio monthly meeting of the North Canterbury Hospital and Charitable Aid Board* was held yesterday. Present—Messrs F. Horrell (chairman), H. B. Sorcnsen, W. Nicholls, I. Andrews, W. J. Walter, K. Evans, 0. Bradley, W. P. Spencer, F. G. Norton. S. Andrews, M. Bethell, H. Patorson, H. J. Otley, Hon. R. Hoore, M.L.C., Mesdames Green, Christie, and Wilson. Dr. Manning wroto that ho would ba pleased to undertake tho work carried on by Dr. Stevenson till June 30th next. A letter from the Minister of Public Health, dealing with maternity and child welfare, was referred to tho Hospital Committee for consideration and report. The Hospital Committee's report, which [ was adopted, stated that the-daily number of patients in hospital during October was 279.5; during November 315.8; maximum on November 241h, 367. Tho resignation of Dr. Banks, O.C. Kaikoura Hospital, was accepted, and the committee was empowered to call for applications for a successor. The Public Health Committee's report, which was adopted, stated that during October and November the inspectors enquired into_ 24 cases of scarlet fever, 48 of diphtheria, 29 of tuberculosis, 3 of puerperal septicaemia,_ and 2 of cerebro spinal meningitis. Besides these there wero 876 other inspections or enquiries made. At tho Consumption Sanatorium, during the ini'.uenza epidemic, Dr. Blackmore carried on % grim fight. At one stage fully two-thirda of his staff were down, and a very large number of patients at tho sanatorium af-

fected. But, with the willing assistance of those patients who were well, and other members of thei staff, no matter what their occupation, ana some very generous help from outside, he managed to weather the storm with the loss of only two patients. It was fortunate that his efforts wero successful in keeping the diseaso out of the Coronation Hospital. Tho Charitable Aid Committee's report (adopted) gave the following synopsis • of assistance given :—New ccses, 64 ; continued or resumed, ISO: i increased, 7; reduced, G; declined, 1; discontinued, 1; total, 229. The ! committee anticipating the approval of theBoard, had authorised a Christmas grant to recipients of charitable aid, equal to 25 per cent, of tho ordinary .weekly allowance. The Finance Committee's report stated that tho tender of Mr Harris, at £430, had been accepted for tho women's sitting and clothes room at tho Sanatorium. Mr Ross had been appointed assistant to Dr. Pearson at a salary commencing at £325 per aj>num. The tender of Mr Forbes for the Oxford Cottage and Maternity Hospital had been accepted.

After considerable discussion, a motion, proposed by Mr S. Andrew, and seconded by Mr Walter, .that the question of giving a bonus to the hospital staff for services rendered during the epidemic be referred to the Finance Committee for its favourable consideration, was negatived, only three members supporting the motion. It was explained that an extra week's holiday had been granted to the members of the Board's staffs.