NEW GERIATRIC HOSPITAL

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28987, 31 August 1959, Page 16

NEW GERIATRIC HOSPITAL

Synod Approval For Nelson Scheme

A geriatric hospital will be constructed in the Nelson district if the annual conference of the Methodist Church formally accepts a resolution made by the North Canterbury district annual Methodist Synod, in its resolution the Synod approved in principle the establishment of the institution. . '

The text of the resolution reads: “Having been assured that the need exists for a hospital for the aged and infirm in Nelson, this Synod approves in principle the establishment by the Central Mission board of management of a geriatric hospital in the Nelson district.

“The Synod approves the purchase of land for this project subject to the authorisation of the Methodist Social Services’ Association and the church building and loan fund committee.” A number of sites had already been offered by the Mental Hygiene Division of the Department of Health, said the superintendent of the Central Mission (the Rev. W. E. Falkingham). These sites had been inspected by Mr Falkingham and the mission’s architect, the Rev. Dr. M. A. McDowell, and the matter had been raised at the Nelson Synod this week. “The Nelson Synod approved in principle the erection of the hospital, having been assured by medical men in Nelson that there was urgent need for it,” Mr Falkingham said. "There is no such institution in that city at present.” No plans have been made for the construction yet, but a tentative 20-bed block might be built at first, according to Mr Falkingham. There would be a service block which could ultimately provide for a hospital of 40 beds. The cost is expected to be about £2500 for each bed accomodated, which would make the initial cost more than £50,000. Mr Falkingham said an application would be made for a Government subsidy.