HOSPITAL "TEAS"

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 September 1934, Page 14

HOSPITAL "TEAS"

NURSES AND FRIENDS . During a lively debate on the question of hospital costs, at a meeting of the Waihi Hospital Board, on Tuesday evening, Colonel Jowsey alleged that eight kinds of soap were used in the hospital, which he maintained, was not necessary. Mr. J, Kemp: What about sandsoap. Continuing, Colonel Jowsey asked why were the following sweetmeats ground almonds, crystalised cherries, asparagus tips, preserved ginger, Barcelona nuts and walnuts —not tendered for, and had the doctor prescribed such specialties? (Laughter). The Chairman (Mr. A. E. Robinson): Please go on. I’m getting tired of it. . Addressing the members, the chairman asked: “Are you prepared to listen to this sort of thing any longer?” Members: No. Colonel Jowsey insisted that it was the Board’s business to try to discover why the institution was costing £4 per head more for maintenance than the Tauranga Hospital. Staff expenses, he urged, should be reduced to a minimum by forbidding social gatherings of any kind in the hospital, for which ratepayers bore the cost. Strangers, he contended, should be entertained only in the nurses’ home. The Taranaki Hospital had effected a considerable saving by abolishing morning and afternoon teas. Mr. A. T. Maunder: I oppose the cutting out of morning tea. The Chairman: If the matron 01 members of the staff entertain friends they pay for it. A social room is necessary, but to save expense the matron uses the old ward. Each section of Colonel Jowsey’s address was considered separately, and received. Figures in connection with the general accounts over a period of three years were dealt with by Mr. A. E. Johnston, but no definite action was decided on by the boardl in respect of the subject matter raised by Colonel Jowsey and Mr. Johnston.