VINCENT HOSPITAL BOARD

Dunstan Times, Issue 3140, 23 October 1922, Page 5

VINCENT HOSPITAL BOARD

j A meeting of the above Board held in the Council Chambers, Clyde, on Wednesday last, was attended by Messrs J. Smart (chair), A. M.Brodrick, W. Black, J. Ritchie, S. Spain, J. Kane and J. McKnight. Dr Turnbull was also in. attendance. The Chairman mentioned that since last meeting of (he Board a respected member (Mr C. Ray) had been ill, but he was glad to be able to say that he was making a gocd recovery The same remarks could be applied to their old clerk, Mr J. S. Dickie. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The Chairman of the Waipiata Sanatorium Committee wrote requesting payment of £BB the Boards share of the cost of purchasing properties at Waipiata, "which was £3850. The Chairman intimated that this amount had been forwarded. A communication was read stating tint a conference was to be held at Dunedin on October 27th, in connection with the Waipiata Sanatorium, asking that delegates be appointed. Mr Ritchie reported what had been done by the special committee in regard to the establishment of a sanatorium. He remaiked that they had done their best in the interests of the Board. Regarding the matter of a water supply Mr Marks had reported that it would cost £I,BOO lo clean out the present race. He had taken down Mr W. Smith, who had discovered by the putting in of a syphon the distance could be reduced to 2% miles, and the cost to almost half. Mr Ritchie, also mentioned that the number of Boards in the scheme had been reduced from 16 to 8, but those standing out would be forced to come in. In reply to the Chairman, Mr Ritchie agreed (hat the Sanatorium should be a national one. The Chairman thought the burden should be spread over the whole Dominion, and he strongly favored the Health Dept. controlling it. Mr Black moved— That in this Board's opinion the care of curable cases of consumptives be a national one.— Seconded by Mr Brodrick and carried. The Chairman and Mr Ritchie were appointed delegates to attend the conference at Dunedin. The Chairman read considerable correspondence regarding the establishment of a resident doctor, and suitable residence at Lauder £2OOO was a safe estimate for the erection of the building. The Chairman also referred to the Conference which had been held where the Vincent and Maniototo Boards had agreed to recommend to share the responsibility. It this were agreed to it would cost this Board about .£43 per year, for the term of th« loan, 36 J£ years. Mr Black reiterated his previous contention that the Board should not pay any annual recurring amount to the Lauder Hospital Mr Spain agreed with Mr Black. He thought the Board had too many buildings now, and thai their efforts should be concentrated. Mr Ritchie explained that both ends of the two Board's districts had failed to maintain doctors, and now they had joined forces and would be able to induce a much better class of doctor than they had in the past. They would be able to guarantee £6OO per year. There was no suggestion of giving the doctor a free house, and he thought that he should be charged reasonable rent. Mr Ritchie put in a'strong plea for the people living in the backblocks who were contributing largely to the upkeep of the two hospitals. Mr McKnight could not understand the selfish attitude taken up by those living near the hospitals. They (in his district) supported the local hospitals and paid in addition the fees to their clubs, as well as additional doctors' fees. Mr Kane thought it a fair thing to help the people who were so far away, and who were prepared to help themselves. Mr Brodrick thought it was a new suggestion to provide money for the residence. Tne Chairman referred to the necessity for a doctor in the district in question. He spoke of the earnestness of the people who contributed to the upkeep of the hospitals, and he would like the Board as a graceful act to unanimously decide to take the responsibility of the loan, Mr Ritchie moved— That the Board agrees to pay its share of the interest and sinking fund of the doctors residence at Lauder.— Seconded by Mr Kane and carried. Messrs Ritchie, Kane, Brodrick, and the Chairman voted for it. Mr McKnight did not vote but remarked that he would have voted if necessary to carry the motion. Mr McKnight moved— That tenders be called for the verandahs at the Dunstan Hospital, a sub-committee consisting of the Chairman and Mr Spain to deaj vyith same.— This was carried. Mr Spain brought up the necessity for provision being made at the hospital for female patients suffering from consumption..-He introduced Mr Sutherland, who pointed out the Hospital Committee's difficulty to deal with such cases, and urged the need for additional shelters. Dr Turnbuli pointed out thai odd cases had been treated in tents, but it was not in the interests of either the patients or Nurses. He stressed the necessity for keeping such shelters as separate from the main hospital as possible, ]f the Board decided to erect more shelters an administrative b'ock would have to be provided. The Chairman remarked that it was inevitable that provision would have be madf, and he suggested getting estimates/ The cost, however, could not be faced in this financial year. It was agreed that the delegates lo the Conference interview the Dcpt. »e£*rdi«£ plans, ttt,, Jcr ihp

Ed shelters. The treasurer's statement, which showed a satisfactory position, was read and received. The customary compliment to the chair closed the meeting,