HOSPITAL BOARD

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 February 1920, Page 6

HOSPITAL BOARD

WESTLAND MEETING. (Own Correspondent.) The monthly meeting of the above named Board was held last night. There were present: Messrs R. \V ihl (chair), J. Cameron, H. Blank, G. Davidson, L. Morel, S. P. Evans. Several communications were received from the hospital department asking for various particulars. Lister Harris wrote resigning her position on the staff of the Hospital. —Referred to the chairman of the House Committee to deal with. The matter of ordering material and stores in bulk for the hospitals was left with 3 ' the secretary and chairman to deal with. From the Department, forwarding £7OO on capital account. —Received with thanks, £ISOO had been asked for. From I. Saunders resigning as pro hationer at the Westland Hospital (after only a fortnight’s stay).-—Re-ceived. The housemaid at Otira (Miss C. Neame) wrote asking for an increase in salary. —Received. Resolved that the request be granted. From Matron Bowie, Otira, offering to take up the position as matron in South Westland, on condition that £1 per week be paid for private Board and lodging. —Received and on the motion of Mr. Blank, seconded by Mr. Davidson, Matron Bowie was appointed to the position. It was resolved that a letter be forwarded to tiie Otira Committee acquainting them of Matron Bowie s new appointment, and asking for any suggestions from the committee. From Dr. Makgill, re conference of representatives from Boards. —Received and resolved that a representative to be elected later, attend the conference.

From Labour Department re. .sanitary conditions at sawmills and flaxmilis.—Received

I* rom Defence Stores Department, re blankets from troopships, offering them to Hospitals.—Deceived and resolved ■ that the secretary wire at once for a supply. From Department asking for information if any case has arisen in hospital where patients had paid fees other than ordinary hospital fees.— Deceived and left with the chairman to attend to. n From Sergeant Major Armstrong;, Greymouth, thanking the Board fdn consideration shown him during his term as Secretary of the Returned Soldiers Department in Greymouth. —Deceived. Dr. Usher wrote notifying a case of pneumonia. The County Clerk wrote notifying .the Board that Mr. ,T. J. Boyd has been appointed as the County’s representative, vice Mr. 11. Norman. Miss N. Andrewes, wrote thanking the .Board for the appointment as assistant clerk. DAMAGES FOR TRESPASS. A letter was received from T. P. Souter, claiming £2O damages from the' Board for trespass on his land, viz., putting water pipes through his grounds, and objecting to the doctor motoring through his property from hospital to mental hospital.—Deceived Mr. Blank moved that no notice be taken of the- demand.

The Chairman stated claimant’s mother had given permission to have the pipes laid through the ground. He seconded the motion which was carried. The House committee’s action in accepting tender of Mr. Scott for painting nurse’s quarters was approved. Miss Montgomery, Picton, wrote thanking the Board for kindness extended to her during her bereavement.

The Master, Kumar a Old People’s Home, reporting on the Home Ihe secretary reported having visited the home and listed several requirements. Mr. Blank' reported having visited the hospital, and recommended that new posts be put in at front of the terrace, the roof of Manson* Ward required painting. The House committee were empowered to have the .necessary work done. The committee also recommended an increase in salaries to the staff. A motion-on the books fixino- salaries was rescinded, and a new scale was then fixed as follows on the motion of Mr. Blank, seconded by Mr. Davidson, viz.,

The motion was . supported by Messrs Cameron, Evans, Morel and the Chairman, who while he was heartily in accord with the motion

was sorry to see that v probationers were not now prepared to make any sacrifice in learning the profession. The Board were forced to jump from 7/6 per week to £1 or go short. It was resolved that of the £7OO capital grant, £SOO of it be placed on fixed deposit for 12 months. Mr. Davidson gave notice of motion that the maintenance fee at the institution be increased from 35/. to £2 2s per week. In connection with the small amount received for maintenance it was decided that the chairman interview the Superintendent respecting appointing certain days for discharg ing patients, so that the latter can be met by the secretary. The question' of the Kumara Boronull’s arrears in levy was again brought up. It was explained that *' nnara had the current levy up to the end of January, 1920,' (having paid £3O this month) but there was still a balance of £7O 9s and £7 11s for February due. It was resolved that unless the total amount of the arrears b© paid by 31st March, a summons for the amount be issued forthwith 1 .

£ £ Matron, from .. . • 160 200 Sister, from- . . . 95 120 3rd year Probationer . .. 52 70 2nd year Probationer . 30 60 1st year Probationer' . 25 50 Casual Nurse , ... ' 178 104 Maids (three) ' . . .i 50 65 Maids (one) .. ., „ 45 52