“WORST YEAR IN HISTORY”

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22388, 29 April 1938, Page 8

“WORST YEAR IN HISTORY”

BULLER HOSPITAL BOARD FINANCES

DEBIT BALANCE OF NEARLY £3OOO

“Financially this has been the worst year in the history of the board, not excepting 1931-32,” said the chairman of the Duller Hospital Board (the Hon. W. H. Mclntyre), in a comprehensive report to members at the monthly meeting. In 1931-32 the deficiency in revenue was because of contraction of receipts and an enormous increase in outdoor relief, whereas for last year, while receipts were always above the estimates, £909 in all, expenditure greatly increased, and the year closed with a debit balance of £2946 9s Bd. The cost of running the Buller Hospital, Kawatiri Maternity Hospital, and Olcj People’s Home exceeded the estimates bv £3956. The main cause of the increased cost is attributed to a general rise in the prices of commodities and to a lesser degree to the increased staff due to shortening of hours. The number of patients also increased last year. Mention was made of the dealings with medical associations in the district, especially the Buller association with a membership of 800, exception being taken to adverse criticism of the board by members of the association. This was considered quite unjustified. The report said that 630 patients were treated at the Buller Hospital with 373 operations. The Kawatiri Maternity Hospital received 136 inmates. •

Mr R. T. Hawes objected to' an item in the estimates for £IOOO for the purchase of improvements to the Watson homestead at Granity, which the board intends to convert into a maternity hospital. He said that to spend £4OO or so on repairs was unwise, when another £3OO or so would erect a new building. The matter was left to the new board to complete. The medical superintendent (Dr. P. L. Foote) was asked to report on a claim for £ 150 15s damages by Mrs W. Powley (Auckland) for alleged negligent treatment in that she was burned by a hot-water bottle in the Buller Hospital while undergoing an operation.