MATERNITY SERVICES

Evening Star, Issue 25672, 21 December 1945, Page 8

MATERNITY SERVICES

FACILITIES AT MOSGIEL Concern at the prospect of Mosgiel being without maternity hospital services was expressed at a meeting of the Otago Hospital Board last night. It was agreed that efforts should be made to have the Air Force hospital at Taieri airport made available as a temporary maternity hospital, and the chairman (Dr D. G. McMillan) was given power to act in making the necessary arrangements. The Chairman said that through the closing down of private maternity hospitals at Mosgiel, the town would shortly be without facilities. It had been suggested that the board acquire the hospital at Taieri airport, dismantle it, and remove it to Mosgiel. The board’s architect and medical superintendent had reported against that proposition, and it had now been proposed that the hospital be made available at its present site as a temporary maternity hospital. It would be necessary to approach the Air Department, for permission. The cost of making the building suitable for the purpose would probably not be large. Mr A. F. Quelch said that as the town would be without facilities from the end of the year no time should be lost. In reply to a question whether local organisations in Mosgiel would assist in finding kitchen and housemaid staff, Mr Quelch said he was sure local committees would do what they could, as they viewed the position seriously. The chairman w'as given power to put negotiations in train as quickly as possible.