HOSPITAL MATTERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 July 1920, Page 6

HOSPITAL MATTERS

IN WESTLAND DISTRICT. BOARD MEETING. (Own Correspondent.) HOKITIKA, This day. The monthly meeting of the Westlan<T Hospital and Charitable Ain Board was held last- night, here being present: Messrs R. Wild (Chair'manl T. W. Duff, G. Davidson, J. J. Breeze, E. Wells, and L. Morel. There were also present the Ladies Benevolent Committee. _ The minutes of the previous .ordinary meeting were taken as read. From Dr Valentine, re doctor for sating nothing concreate done till full particulars of arrangements were received from the Board.— Received. •Mr. Schilling, of Waiho, reporting on the position of district nurse for South Westland and asking for authority to direct the movements of a nurse in case of an appointment. Mr. Duff asked how long was Nurse Bowie in South Westland and the number of cases attended. It was stated by the Secretary that the nurse was here three months and had attended four cases. One case was especially worthy of mention, when the nurse travelled most of the, night to attend a man who had sustained a severe accident. Mr. Breeze thought as the boutli Committee found most of the money they were entitled to some control. It * was resolved that the Southern people be informed of the management of the * Otira Hospital. . , From Dr. Bathgate, Otira, asking office requirements, etc., be forwarded to replace those lost at the recent p iv . Received and resolved that the necessarv requirements be forwarded. From County Clerk notifying the appointment of Mr. Duff as County’s representative in place of Mr. Cameron. resigned. , From Secretary Otira Goniinittee, resigning the position owing to lack of time to attend to the work. DEPUTATIONS. Dr Teichelmann. being present, pointed out to the Board the necessity of more beds at the hospital about , a, dozen were needed for the Old Men s ’’ Ward. Those in use were almost past usefulness.

LADIES BENEVOLENT COM-

MTTTEE

The Chairman introduced the members of this committee. Hen suggested hat the Secretary (Mr. Chesney) be the executive officer and report to the Board'at each meeting on cases enquired into and requiring assistance. Mr. Breeze thought that when the County Council and Borough made further appointments to the Board, they might appoint ladies as representatives. Mr. Chesney agreed to do as sug-

gested. , .. . It was resolved on the motion ot Mr. Breeze seconded by Mr. Wells, that the Ladies Benevolent Committee be empowered to spend up to £5 per month in necessitous cases. The Grey Hospital and Charitable •H Board asked fort the support of the Board in a resolution suggesting t i tin* Government the appointment of an architect for hospitals. Hr. Davidson moved that the Board support the request. Mr. Breeze seconded. *

Mr. Duff was opposed to any moi’t appointments of the making of anj more departments. It would be a further charge on charitable aid’. If there t- 0 be any agitation'it should be m asking the Government to take over the wliole hospital administration. On being put. the motion was lost. From State Fire Office forwarding cheque for £IOOO the amount of nsk on Otira hospital. From Dr. Valentine stating that the building fo>r the laundry at the new hospital won! I cost £IBOO, and the whole building £13,800. Tt was resolved that an application for a grant be made to the Government for the laundry. From P.W. Department, stating it will spend up to £B3O on the Otira temporary hospital, and rent the. latter to the Board. From Jas Park, enclosing document for seal of Board and signatures, re Lite suit for timber cut on Board’s

reserve. . From Boss Borough Council, thanking the Board for appointment of a nurse for a fortnight, Aiuise Bowie having done splendid work. The place is now almost free of sickness again. From A. W. Peebles, re maternity home at Boss, slating that it was generally felt that a maternity home would not be patronised without a resident doctor. Air. Davidson moved that the Board advertise for a doctor for Boss. ■■'■econded by Mr. Breeze and carried. From Secretary Otira Hospital Committee, stating the subscription at Otira had been raised from 6d to 1/per week; also stating the sum of £76 M had been collected to recoup the staff of the hospital for loss of personal effects in the late fire, and asking the Board to subsidise the amount £ for £. , , . . The members of the Board thought the Otira people should be assisted but the opinion was expressed that the staff should insure their own effects similar’ to other people have to do. It was resolved that a subsidy of 10s'in the £be paid for the loss of the staff’s personal effects. The MdSter of Kumara Old People s Home re matters in the hospital and loss of cow by poisoning. Accounts amounting to £1252 9s 5d were passed and recommended for payment. Mr. Davidson reported on behalf of the House Committee. He referred to short delivery of firewood at the hospital. The hospital burnt two Loads in a day and a half. Mr. Davidson was authorised to arrange for a supply of firewood. - He mentioned the successful passing of three nurses, ft was resolved that a letter of appreciation be sent to the Superintendent, Matron, and the nurses referred to. Beceipts amounting to £1691 3s 9d were reported by the Secretary.. The amount of subsidies outstanding was over £9OO.

The Secretary stated that the iron had been taken off a hut at Arahura,

•he property of the Board. It was resolved to place the matter in the hands of the police. It was also resolved to sell other small huts, the property of the Board. lie a house at Boss requiring painting. H was decided to refer the matter to Mr. Evans for report; The question of revision of tariff was brought up by Mr. Davidson who moved it be increased from 6s to 8s per day in Westland Hospital for adults, O.P. 1/8 per day. and 4 j- for children up to 15 years of age. Secondi by Mr. Duff and carried.