THE HOSPITAL

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 125, 30 May 1930, Page 14

THE HOSPITAL

A YEAR'S REVIEW

URGENT NEEDS

DE. EWEFS COMMENTS

In.his annual report, the medical superintendent of the Wellington Hospital (Dr. H. Bayldon Ewen) states that the work *of tho orthopaedic department, under the capablo direction of Dr. A. Gillies, is of a high order. A tribute is also paid to tho work of Sister Milne, dietitian, who was appointed to that position during tho year. The nursing service, states Dr. Ewen, has been greatly improved under the lady superintendent's wise direction, but the wards continue to suffer from too frequent resignations among the sisters. Among the reasons for this may bo mentioned tho comparatively low grade of salary! for tho senior positions. During the past five years there has been an increase of 2063 in-patients, but there was a slight decrease in the nuin her last year, as compared with the previous year, the numbers being: — 1929, 8394; 1930, 8315. The average number of occupied beds per diem was 573. During the year itxhas again been necessary to keep a waiting list for the general wards during the winter months, but the average had not been above 50. The attendance of outpatients again showed an increase. In the X-ray department (diagnostic division) 5307 patients were examined, and 460 patients received' treatment in the treatment division. A total of 450 patients passed through tho radio-thera-peutist department for examination and treatment. The out-patients' tuberculosis dispensary, under the care of Dr. Hugh Short, continues to render good service, states Dr. Ewen,'and the follow-up work of the tuberculosis nurse is very valuable. The pathological department, under the capable direction of Dr. P. P. Lynch, continues to render valuable service to the hospital, tho Health Department, and to private practitioners. CANCER TREATMENT COMMITTEE. At the beginning of the year, (April, 1929), tho honorary .staff formed a cancer treatment committee, consisting of a physcian, a surgeon, tho radio-thera-peutist, the radiologist, and the pathologist, for the purpose of examining all cases of cancer and suspected cases which come to. the hospital. By this means accurate data is being obtained concerning the nature of the various types of malignant disease and also the effects of various methods of treatment —radium, X-radiation, , excision, etc. Similar committees have been formed in other centres, and:it is hoped by co-or-dination iji this manner; to aid tho Empire Cancer Campaign.''"-1!''.,?;1';;;' ;. REQUIRING EARLY ATTENTION. "I drew attention in my last annual report," says Dr. Ewon, "to the urgent need for remodelling the mortuary and post-mortem room. It was found to be impossible to proceed with this during tho year. Plans, are now being .prepared for a building,which: Will; cpnibine the duties of a hospital and city mortuary. - , - "I have tb report having received several requests for private wards, the patients often offering to pay an increased fee for this privilege. In my last annual report I drew attention to the many rooms at present occupied by maids which could be used for this purpose. These rooms could he made available by the-suggested": provision fiP-;fi, maids' home, and it, is hoped thatthis plan might receive further consideration at an early date. ' - - ... "It is to be regretted that so far there has been no practical outcome to the discussions re the establishment of a convalescent home for men. The need for,s\xh an institution grows year by year, and it is hoped that tho matter will be further considered. "Victoria Hospital rarely has a vacant bed, and there are always chronic case 3in the general wards, which should bo nursed in the chronic hospital, thus releasing more beds for acuto cases. It is hoped that tho plans for the extension of the Victoria Hospital will bo proceeded with as soon as possible. "During the year screens were erected in a portion of Ward 1 for the purpose of developing-a-scheine for giving more privacy ;to patients.in the public wards. This has met with general approval, and it is hoped to complete the division of this ward iv the ensuing year, so that the scheme can be thoroughly x,ried out. ' '' The cafeteria iv the out-patient department continues to render good service, under tho .capable direction of the Bed Cross division of the auxiliary. This work is also voluntary, and is greatly appreciated. The voluntary service rendered by the ladies of the auxiliary has been much appreciated by the patients. The repcrts month by month have shown how faithfully the visits have been paid by the various members, and many lonely patients have been greatly cheered and helped. The day rooms in Wards 9 and 10 have been tastefully furnished by the auxiliary, and the provision of pot plants, etc., have helped to brighton tho wards. "Through the generous help of vari^ ous friends and societies the main buildings have now been equipped with wireless, and the boon thus' conferred on the patients is incalculable. It has been possiblo to arrange for, tho wiring for the Ewart Hospital while this building is being erected, but about £175 will still be required to provide tho receiving set and headphones for this institution. When this is complete the fever hospital will be the only building without the wireless."