HOSPITAL CENTRALISATION

Evening Star, Issue 22796, 3 November 1937, Page 3

HOSPITAL CENTRALISATION

DISCUSSION BY GREEN ISLAND COUNCIL INVITATION TO BOARD CHAIRMAN The suggestion to close the portion of Cumberland street between Hanover street and Frederick street, which was made by the Otago Hospital Board, and the proposed removal of the general hospital' from its present site to the grounds of the Talboys Home were discussed at a meeting of the Green Island Borough Council last night, when it was finally decided that before any decision was come to the chairman of the Otago Hospital Board (Mr J. W. Dove) be invited to meet the members of the council and explain the details of the proposals. The matter "was brought up by Cr W. Dickinson, who said that the Hospital Board had suggested a very extensive and costly scheme. As a contributing body to the board’s funds this would be reflected in the council’s finances. He referred to the suggested closing of Cumberland street between Frederick and Hanover streets, and said that it was a matter of interest to the council. Some time ago the chairman of the board had suggested utilising the grounds of the Talboys Home for building a general hospital in order that it would be away from the centre of' the city. The speaker considered this a good scheme, as traffic noises were a _ bugbear to patients in hospital, particularly those who required rest and sleep. It had been suggested that the scheme would cost about £1,000,000 which was a large sum and would require careful consideration before a decision was reached. He saw no reason why the general hospital could not bo built on a site out of the city area, but ho urged that the local bodies should be given the opportunity of discussing the matter beforehand. “It does not look as though we will be required to contribute much longer,” remarked Cr G. Orange. He did not think that anything the council could do would have much effect, as the Government had a large say in the matter.^ “ There is a lot to say for the centralistion of hospitals,” said the mayor (Mr T. M'Ahan). Mr A. M'Gregor considered that the removal of the Hospital to the Talboys Home site was a good idea, but at present it was very close to_ the Medical School and other institutions. It was also handy for visitors to see their friends, many of_ whom, he thought, would put up with a little noise in

favour of having their friends to see them. The Mayor pointed out that there was_ nothing before the council, and until there was something more concrete to -work upon it would be better to take no action. 'Referring to the undesirability of the present site, Cr V. Pringle said that some wards were worse off than others. 'Buses turned at the intersection of King and Frederick streets, which was not pleasant for patients in the adjoining part of the building. He thought that the chairman of the Hospital Board should be invited to attend a meeting of the council to discuss the matter with the members. He moved accordingly The motion was seconded by Cr Dickinson and carried.