GREY HOSPITAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 March 1930, Page 5

GREY HOSPITAL

BOARD’S MONTHLY MEETING.

The monthly meeting of the Grey Hospital Board was held last evening, when there were present Messrs J. W. Hannan (chairman), Mrs K. O’Brien, E. Ashton, G. R. Harker, H. G. Carter, Rev. W. Bell, R. McTaggart, J'. Mulcare and J. Brislane. Extracts were read from the report of Dr Paget (Inspector of Private Hospitals) on his inspection of Rewa Maternity Hospital. The report pointed out that repairs were necessary to one of the sterilisers, arrangements being otherwise satisfactory. Reference was also made to the fact that no ante-, natal clinic had been established at

Rewa, the hope being expressed that the women of the district would soon see the necessity for one. In a letter from the University of Otago it was regretted that owing to the serious shortage in the Dominion of house surgeons, none could be recommended to the Board, as requested. The position was so acute that many of the large hospitals were unable to get their full quota. The Minister of Internal Affairs advised that a conference of local body representatives, concerning regional town planning, would be held in Greymouth on April 10, and asking the Board to appoint its representative.— The letter was received.

VISITING COMMITTEE. The Visiting Committee met yesterday afternoon, the following being present: Messrs J. Brislane (ActingChairman), E. Ashton, G. R. Harker, J. Mulcare and Mrs K. O’Brien. Report Matron Rewa Hospital: The Secretary was instructed to have repairs effected to pipes in front of Rewa Hospital,

which have been overflowing.; also to get the Board’s carpenter to measure up linoleum, repair door jambs, and have a. sheet oßasbestos placed over the lire range. Report, Matron Grey River Hospital: Laundry.—Recom-

mended that extra assistance be obtained for one or two half-days per week when necessary to cope with ironing. Medidal Superintendent’s. Report: The Medical Superintendent recommended that a small motor be attached to the callendar in the Laundry. He also recommended that provision be made in the estimates for three dozen hospital beds, also cots for children patients.—The report was received, the recommendations being approved.

WORK NOT DONE. While the Board was dealing with the Visiting Committee’s report, Mr Harker remarked that quite a numbei’ of matters recommended for attention at Rewa had not been carried out, and he would like to draw the staff’s attention to it. He instanced the recommendation made some time ago for an asbestos board, which had not been carried out. It seemed that they could not get things done. The Secretary explained the reasons for the delay instanced. Mr Harker said that everything requisitioned should be noted by the carpenter or the responsible member of tho staff, and if not done by the next meeting, tho Board should know the reason.

Mr Brislane agreed with Mr Harker. Mr McTaggart stated that several things had been recommended by the Visiting Committee, and yet he could not see much done. Mr Ashton: We pass a resolution here at the Board about a thing, and then find six months later that it has not been done. It seems that something is wrong. The Secretary outlined the procedure in instructing the men of their work.

Mr Harker stated that oral 'instructions were not much good.

The Secretary pointed out that the requisitions were written out and given to different members of the staff to be carried out. They were marked completed and handed in to him. Carter thought to get over the matter, the Secretary should be asked to report at each meeting on the work carried out. It seemed the only way to control the works, The report from the carpenter, for instance, could embody the work done and the reasons for any requisitions not completed.

Mr McTaggart contended that a time-book should be kept of the work done by the outside staff and forwarded to the Board. Mr Carter said that each man in the County Council, for example, had to report daily on the work done. He could not see why it could not be done at the Hospital. Mr McTaggart then moved and Mr Harker seconded, that the men employed about the Hospital be supplied with time-books to be kept and handed in to the office each week, all requisitions to be reported on. It was decided to call applications for the position of laboratory assistant. TENDERS. Tenders for Hospital supplies for twelve months commencing on April 1 were accepted as follow: — Meat. —W. S. Saunders. Bread — Robertson’s and Shannon and Glen (six months each). Fish—Preston, and Sons. Carting—Kennedy Bros. Wines—Griffen and Smith, Kettle Bros., and M. McDonnell (four months each). Burials —W. Sampson. Groceries—C. Parfitt.

It was decided to re-advertise the tenders for the milk supply, the period to be extended to three years. It was also decided that in future tenders for supplies be called for the February meeting of the Board, to start from April 1.

Accounts amounting to £1057 15s 5d were passed for payment.

Mr Harker stated that the new ambulance had arrived and been inspected by the Board, all of whom were well satisfied with it. On his motion, it was decided to send a letter of appreciation to the builders, Messrs Stephen and Sons, of Christchurch.'

It was also decided to exhibit the ambulance in the town on Saturday for inspection by the public, and to have a warning sign placed on the front of the vehicle. Reference was made to the efforts of Mr Harker and Dr J. F. C. Moore in obtaining the new ambulance for the Board, and a motion of appreciation of their services was passed. Dr A. E. B. Denovan forwarded his resignation from the staff, as from Marell 27, and in a covering letter expressed regret that owing to having to leave Auckland at an early date, notice of his resignation was curtailed. His resignation was accepted. REPORTS. The Medical Superintendent, Dr J. F. C. Moore, reported as follows for the month ending March 31, 1930: — 1 Patients in hospital at beginning of

month: Hospital, males 45, females 56; Old People’s Home—males ui, females 7; admitted to Hospital males 42, females 61; Old Peoples Home, none admitted; dischaiged, Hospital—Males 52, females 58; Old People’s Home —None discharged; died—Hospital—Males 4, females 1; Old People’s Home —Males 1; 'i-e-maining at end of month: Hospital —Males 38, females 58; Old Peoples Home —Males 36, females 7. The Matron, Miss I. Lord, submitted the following report as from February 19, which was approved: — Ro Nursing Staff: Relieving Nurse Goldsmith completed duty on March

18. Nurse Turnbull commenced duty on February 23 to complete her training hero for one year. Stalf Nuise Cowan resumed duty on March 12, and Nurs© Whale on March 11 aftei sick leave. Probationer Norris, had three days’ sick leave. Probationer Orr commenced duty on March 25. Ro Domestic- Staff: Mrs ' Dudley, second cook, resumed duty after sick leave on March 17, and Miss Morrish (laundry) has been on sick leave

since March 13. Miss Peebles, senior cook, is requesting six months’ leave of absence. I have to acknowledge the following gifts to Hospital: Flowers from Mesdames Wood ,(Kumara) twice, Smythe, Olliver, and Runanga Show. Produce from the Runanga. Show and Greymouth A. and P. Show; cakes from Grey A. and P. Show and Mrs Wood, Kumara; fruit salad and cake from Hospital Ball Committee; magazines and books from Mrs Feary, Stillwa'ler; sandwiches from the Nelson Trotting Club meeting. The reports were adopted.