HUTT HOSPITAL

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 7, 8 July 1938, Page 10

HUTT HOSPITAL

MR. ANDREWS PLEASED

Particular reference to the Commission's recommendation of the establishment of a subsidiary hospital in the Hutt Valley was made by the Mayor of Lower Hutt (Mr. J. W. Andrews). If given effect to in the order as urged, the Commission's recommendations, said Mr. Andrews, would prove of inestimable value to the Hutt Valley.

"I do not think it fair that the contributory bodies of the Wellington Hospital Board's district should find the full cost of these expensive services which are for general use."

One of the matters which gave concern to those who criticised the board's proposals, Mr. Andrews concluded, was the heavy cost of a new administrative block. He was pleased to see that the Commission had drawn attention to that aspect of the scheme.

! "I think the setting up of a Com--1 mission has been entirely justified, and i.that the members have given very careful consideration to all the evi- } dence produced," Mr. Andrews added. "It is urged by the commission that the hospital board should take steps immediately to acquire a suitable site in the Hutt Valley, and funds are in hand from the sale of the original property in Lower Hutt for this purpose.

"I accompanied members of the Hospital Board, the Health Department, and the Commission on several inspections when the potentialities of the area to be served and suitable sites for a hospital were viewed. There are several first-class sites available, but they are in danger of being 'mopped up' for housing if early action is .not taken by the board. There is nothing to prevent the erection of the Hutt Valley Hospital being coincident with the minor portion of the Wellington Hospital additions, and I trust the board will adopt this course in order to provide the earliest possible relief to pressure on accommodation for patients.

"The centenary block, which the Commission recommends to be modified and.. proceeded with last, should, and could, be redesigned so as to incorporate a community wing, and thus provide for the shortage which will occur when the Bo wen Street Hospital is demolished.

"The Wellington Hospital is a metropolitan hospital, and in view of the large expenditure for the particular work done, extending from Nelson and Marlborough to half-way to Auckland, the Government should make an extra grant for this service," Mr. Andrews said.