GREY HOSPITAL BOARD

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 June 1928, Page 3

GREY HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING HELD.

The monthly meeting of the Grey Hospital Board, held last evening, was attended by Messrs J. W. Hannan (Chairman), J. Brislane, G. R. Harker, R. McTaggart, J. P. Irvine, R. Barrowman, A. Robinson, and Mrs K. O’Brien. An apology for absence was received from Mr F. L. Turley.

The North Canterbury Hospital Board wrote on the subject of patients from other districts regarding the arrangements made for the giving of radium treatment in their respective districts; the scale of charges was also forwarded. The letter was referred to the Medical Superintendent, on the motion of of Mr Irvine.

The Cobden Town Board wrote regarding the 1928-1929 levy, enclosing cheque for the first quarterly instalment, £129 1/2. The Brunner Borough Council also wrote on the subject of levies, forwarding quarterly cheque for £65 10/-. The Hospital Boards’ Association wrote regarding the annual subscription, giving details. In response to the application of Miss K. Greaney (clerical staff), an increase in salary of 10/- per week was granted. REPORTS. The matron of Rewa Maternity Hospital reported as follows: —Patients admitted since May 17, 18; discharged, 12; births, 16; remaining in hospital, seven patients and five infants. The relieving Matron reported as follows: —Nursing staff: I recommend that Nurse Malcolm be promoted to the position of staff nurse made vacant by Staff-Nurse Williams’ resignation, the appointment to date from May 16, when the position becamb variant. May 26: Miss Martini taken on strength of nursing staff as probationer. June 14: Nurse Stack, who has been off duty on sick leave for some little time, went on sick leave. Nurse Radcliffe, who has been away after an accident and was to return early in June, writes that she has sprained her ankle and cannot return just yet. Nurse Weaver is staying on for a short time to till the gap. June 1: A course of lectures on invalid cooking at Technical School once a week arranged. Seven nurses attending. June 6 and 7: State examination in nursing took place. Nurses’ days off During May I was able to arrange two days off duty per month for the nursing staff. During June, I have not been able to keep this up, owing to the congested condition of the wards. Domestic staff: Lily Armoury warded; kept on Nellie McDonald as relieving maid. Gifts received: Papers, Mr T. E. Y. Seddon; vegetables, Mrs Dennehy; cakes for Old People’s Home, Swimming Bath Ball Committee: Sister Cullen: Illness in family, leave of absence granted. Required for Old People’s Home, an urn and larger gas ring than on gas stove, for boiling water for tea-making when large stove is taken out. The Visiting Committe recommended that two trainees for Rewa Hospital be advertised for, and that a suitable gas ring be obtained for the Old People’s Home. The recommendations were .adopted. The Chairman said that the walls and floor of the operating theatre were in a very bad condition. Probably the best thing to do would be to ask the Public Works Overseer to report on what was required, and the estimated cost. Mr Brislane moved that the Public Works Overseer be requested to give an estimate, after conferring with the Medical Superintendent as to the requirements. The resolution was carried.

Mr Irvine stated that the gas rings in the kitchen were now connected, and this system was too expensive, unnecessary gas being used. Airs O’Brien said that two large rings were required to heat the urns, instead of several small ones. On the motion 'of Mr Brislane it was decided to refer the matter to the Works Committee, to confer with the Medical Superintendent and Matron. The Works Committee reported that the renovation of the fireplaces at Rewa. Hospital is now in progress. The improvement of general hospital lawns by grading and top-dressing, was recommended; also the felling of some unsightly trees in the grounds. The recommendations were approved; also the carrying out of minor requirements. ' It was decided that additional sleeping quarters be provided for the staff at Rewa Hospital, provided the cost of tho alterations does not exceed £3O. Mr Brislane moved that it be a recommendation to the Works Committee to go into the question of an efficient hot water supply for the isolation ward.

The resolution was seconded by Mrs O’Brien, and carried. Tho laboratory returns for the month ended May 31 were reported as follow: —Total number of specimens examined, 140; value of work £66 10/-. The report of the Medical Superintendent for the month ended May 31 was as follows: —Patients in hospital at beginning of month, 29 males and 37 females; in Old People’s Home, 30 males and 6 females. Admitted to hospital during month, 45 males and 40 females; to Old People’s Home, 2 males. Discharged from hospital during month, 34 males and 33 females; from Old People’s Home. nil. Died in hospital during month, one male and one female; in Old People’s Home, nil. Patients renriining in hospital at end of month, 39 males and 33 females; in Old People’s Home, 32 males and 6 females.

Accounts amounting to £902 1/11 were passed for payment.