GREY HOSPITAL TRUSTEES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 May 1906, Page 4

GREY HOSPITAL TRUSTEES.

The monthly meeting of the above was held yesterday afternoon. Present: Messrs Sheedy (chair), McCarthy, Smith, Kettle, Hannan, Petne. Letter from the Premier stating that tho matter for future extension of the hospital was under consideratloll' STATE PROBATIONEES. From samo relative to probationers as follows: —

"In replv to questions asked by various Hospital Boards respecting my circular of February 13th, I have the honour to replv as follows: "The probationer nurses to be appointed by the Government arc to be in addition 'to the nursing staff required at the Hospital. They are to remain for three years and receive full training, enabling them lo register under "Tho Nurses Registration Act. 1901." , 8 "Local candidates form the Hospital Board's list of applicants may be chosen, and recommended to (he Government for appointment. . . , "These nurses arc to be amenable to discipline mid receive the same treatment as the ordinary nursing staff, and may be appointed to the Hospital staff permanently at. tho end of three years of training.' The Hospital Board may veto the appointment of a Government nominee, and dispense with her services if found unsuitable.

"Each Board that has these extra probationers in its employ will be required to report to the Government every three months, stating whether. . . is still at the hospital, and is receiving lectures and instruction from dot tor and matron. The Hospital Hoard will receive £25 as maintenance, £25 as salary of said pro bationers, and £3 for probationers uniform, on receipt of quarterly report. '•Should the above scheme prove unworkable, the Board can revert to present conditions on giving notice of its intention to do so to the Government. "Anv additional accommodation that may be'required must be provided by the Hospital Board." Mr Petrio moved that tho Government be informed that as soon as accommodation is available, tho Trustees wi'il willingly fall in with the desires of the Premier.

air Kettle thought they should proceed with the task at once. Accommodation would follow. The Government evidently were now anxious about the matter.

Mr Smith thought, two of the prosent probationers were under the Premier's promise, and there really was no opening. Sir Ilaiinan said the Premier's proposal was far over the present staff. .Mr McCarthy seconded the resolution, which was carried.

VISITING COMMITTEE'S REPORT FINANCE. The Visiting Trustex reported as follows :

"Wc have to report that we have visited the Hospital this day, and wean' pleased to report a record attendance of Trustees, no doubt showing an increased interest ill the welfare of (he institution. We found everything satisfactory, and attach accounts for the month amounting to £2OO 19s, which are certified correct. '•We must strongly recommend the Trustees to take into consideration accommodation for the nursing staff, as in our opinion the present premises are not suitable." "Our attention has been called to the question of .Mrs rolls' old-age pension, which we leave the Trustees to deal with.

During the month 74 patients were (rented; 19 were admitted, 15 discharged and 2 died. The number of patients in the institution ai the end of the month was 57.

Messrs Uioscking, Ilannan and Kettle wire appointed visiting committee for the ensuing muni h. It was resolved to aslc the incoming Visiting Committee for a definite recommendation in regard to nurses' quarters; that the Government be ashed to pass new ward, so that the Trustees could lake possession; that Mrs Putts be paid £1 per month for her services.

FINANCE. I The accounts for tlio month, amounting to £2OO 19s, were passed i for payment. i The lion, treasurer reported tho fol- j

ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR, ENDING 51st MARCH, 1907. ESTIMATED RECEIPTS. Maintenance of patients (including old-age pensions).. £OCO 0 0 Voluntary contributions .. 4(.0 0 0 Government subsidy on same 480 0 0 Sundries .. '.. .. 20 0 0 Hospital and C. Aid Hoard.. 1500 0 0 £3300 0 0 ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE. Maintenance of patients ..£3336 511 NOTE.—The Hoard hail a credit balance of £440 at the beginning of (heyear, and it was thought that a levy of £IOOO would he sufficient to carry on for the year. The fact that subscriptions were not collected in the town (prior to March 31st, 190 G), which in previous years amounted (with Government subsidy) to £202, and the cost of maintenance was £249 more than estimated, left the Board £338 behind at the end of the financial year just ended. AN INCURABLE HOME. Tho following circular was received from Christchurch, which tho Trustees determined to support: "I have tin' honour to inform you that the question of the accommodation of chronics and incurables, who are not suitable subjects for treatment ill general hospitals, and whose' cases are equally unsuitable for admission to Homes for the

Aged and Needy, has been considered from time to time. Year by year the number of such cases, applying for admission to this hospital seems to increase. "The formation of an incurable ward would be quite inadequate to accommodate all the cases which, if opened, would be immediately filled, and thus matters would bo no better.

"It is the opinion of this Board that the Government should erect central homos for the cases of chronic and incurable diseases. And it is especially desirables that the management should be under Government control, because, otherwise, an attempt, to set up such homes in Hospital and Charitable Aid Districts could only result in a number of unfortunate persons being eventually made eharegable to such districts, whilst they have been sent in from others, who have not erected similar homes themselves.

"I have to ask whether you will be disposed to render all the assistance in your power toward attaining this desirable object, and to furnish mo with copies »f any resolution favorable thereto, so that prompt action may be taken. "It will ho tho endeavour of this Board to confer with tho members of tho Legislature, %vhoso electorates are. contained within the North Canterbury Hospital District, with a view of obtaining their assistance to move tho Government, during the ensuing session of Parliament, to establish tho necessary institutions for meeting the needs of a number of unfortunate and incurable sufferers. "This Board hopes that you will bog your way to confer with your members of Legislature to aid in attaining a successful issue." MISCELLANEOUS. From the laundress, applying for increased salary, owing to tho largely increased work and tho necessity for employing an assistant. Referred to the Visiting Committee to report upon. From Registrar, asking for a refund of £2 3s 4d old age pension paid in error. Resolved that the money be refunded. . , From Miss Gillon, asking for position as probationer. Resolved that

her'name be placed on the list along with other applicants^ Resolved on the'motion of Mr Smith seconded by Mr Kettle,'that a cordial vote of thanks be accorded to Misses Murfitt arid Leighton for donation handed over from Cobden concert. Tho question of altering the date of meeting was held over till next meeting, as was also the special charges for separate wards. ... i . .■. . ; -

lowing receipts : — ]{. Keown .. £10 0 0 E. Stratford 2 2 0 Cobik'ii concert 3 5 0 V. Crcssey .. 1 17 0 E. Junes' .. 13 13 0 J. Galbrailh 3 0 0 .lames Bell .. 3 0 0 .Mrs 01;cy .. 3 10 0 W. Cussen .. 14 0 0 .Mrs Bell .. 1 10 0 Brnnner Work its' Union 3 0 0 Old Ago Tens OllS 115 12 7 Charifablo Aid Total .... Bd. 340 0 0 £516 14 7