HOSPITAL FACILITIES

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 175, 20 April 1929, Page 6

HOSPITAL FACILITIES

GREYTOWN INSTITUTION

new fever ward . PROPOSED Masterton. April 19. Urging that, if possible, a fever ward be established at Greytown, Mr. .1. I'. Thompson. asked at the meeting ot the Hospital Board to-day lor figures concerning the number of fever patients admitted from south of the Waiohine River to the Masterton Hospital during the past three years, a notice of motion being tabled to that effect. The figures desired were presented by the secretary, who stated that for the period mentioned the total admissions to the Masterton Hospital, from the whole district, were 339. of which number 99 liad come from south of the Waiohine. From Greytown had come a total of 4-> of this number, from Featherston. 26, and from Martinborough (including L’lrinoa). 28. , , . , In view of the fact that a third of the total admissions came from south of the Waiohine, Mr. Thompson moved that the establishment of a fever ward at Greytown be referred to the Central Committee for a report as to cost nnd relevant matters. Mr T. V. Moore pointed out that a considerable delay would be avoided if the matter were dealt with immedia.ely. as the proposal would have to be placed on the estimates. If the matter were referred to the central committee there would be a delay of two months, unless a special meeting of the board was called. Mr. Thompson said that he did not propose that a big capital expenditure should be entailed. He thought that the present buildings at Greytown could be remodelled. , Mr. W. B. Martin thought that investigations should be carried out. and if they were satisfactory, the matter should proceed. At present there was a lack of definite information. The chairman (Mr. W-. Fisher) said that one of the great difficulties was in getting nurses—in fever wards, nurses were available for no other work, and an increase in staff would be necessary. Even if there was only one patient in a fever ward, it would be necessary to have two nurses. ' ' . After some further discussion, the motion was carried.