HOSPITAL BOARD

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 43, 20 February 1914, Page 4

HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING The monthly meeting of the Wellington Hospital and Charitable Aid Board was held yesterday afternoon. There were present the Rev. W. A. Evans (chairman), Rev. J. K. Elliott, Rev. 11. Van Staveren, Mrs. M'Laren, Dr. Mackenzie, Dr. Platts-Mills, Messrs. J. Robertson, H. Baldwin, G. Nash, D. Robertson, D. M'Laren, D., Campbell, F. Castle, H. Freeman. J. W. M'Ewan, W. Galloway, F. T. Moore, J. Smith, and G. J. Pethcrick. It was reported that arrangements are being made for the opening of the out-patients' and bacteriological block by the Right Hon. the Prime Minister. The medical superintendent reported on the subject of nurses' fourth year training. He suggested that there should be included in the course midwifery training, a course of massage and medical gymnastics, and a short course in the X-ray and electrical department, and that the senior nurses be taught hospital domestic management. — Mr. Nash wanted to know what extra cost would be involved?— The Chairman said the committee simply wanted at this stage to get the principle affirmed. No extra cost would be undertaken until the board was consulted. — The report was adopted. The tenders of Messrs. A. and T. Burt for a freezer (£77 14s) and an electric motor for the workship (£3B), being the lowest, were accented. The Hospital Committee recommended that a reply be sent to the secretary of the Wellington Stationary, Traction and Locomotive Engine Drivers' Union regarding wages of the engine-drivers employed at the Hospital, that the board is agreeable to pay the award wages, but the existing privileges (meals and annual holidays on full pay) be withdrawn. The Chairman of the Hospital Committee said the drivers now got two meals a day and a fortnight's holiday on full pay. The Chairman of the committee (Mr. Baldwin) said that by this proposal the men would be slightly better off than under the existing scale. Mr. M'Laren moved that this part of the report be referred back to the committee for further consideration. Dr. Mackenzie said the clause was a mean one ; he objected to any proposal to cut down a man's holiday. — Mr. Baldwin said at present the men got £3 a week, two meals a' day and a fortnight's holiday. Under the award rate, which the secretary asked they should be paid, they would get £3 12s a week but no meals and no fortnight's holiday. They would get the statutory holiday only and be paid overtime, but at present they also got the statutory holidays. — The motion i that the report be referred back to the committee was carried on the casting vote of the chairman. The following accounts were passed for payment: Wellington Ho&pilal, £3085 3s 2d; charitable aid and Ohiio Home, £332 9s lid; Otaki Hospital and Sanatorium, £255 5s 6d ; head office and public health, £257 4s 6d ;— total, £3930 3s Id. _ The scale of payments for nurses outlined in the Inspector-General's circular letter was adopted. Mrs. M'Laren moved that the board set up a committee to enquire into and report on the advisability of establishing a convalescent home for children. In seconding the motion the Rev. H. Van Staveren said he was quite sure they would get from the public aJI they required for the "purpose. Mr. M'Ewan also thought there was room for a convalescent home for adults. The motion met with general support, and was l carried unanimously. The committee consists of the Chairman, Dr. PlattsMills, the Rev. H. Van Staveren, Mrs. M'Laren, Mr. M'Ewan. Mr. Wash, and Mr. Smith. On behalf of Mr. B. -R. Gardener, the Chairman moved— " That the medical superintendent be requested to bring down a report at the next meeting of the board as to the advisability of placing a- sum upon the coming year's estimates for the supply of radium for cancer treatment.'*' The motion wa-s seconded by Mr. Nash and agieed to.