GREY HOSPITAL BOARD

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 May 1935, Page 5

GREY HOSPITAL BOARD

LAST EVENING’S MEETING Over four hours were occupied by the first meeting of the newly-elected Grey Hospital Board, which was held last evening; present: Messrs R. McTaggart (chairman), J. B. Kent, J. Mulcare, A. Mosley, F. L. Turley, A. Robinson, F. F. Boustridge, A. H. McKane, J. Smeaton, and H. G. Carter. The chairman extended a welcome to the old members, and those who were new to the Board. He said he felt that great things could be achieved by the Board. Mr. Robinson had served previously on the Board for a considerable number of years, and gave excellent service. Messrs

Smeaton, McKane, and Boustridge had

had local body experience, and he felt sure their services would be appreciated, and that they would work in

the best interests of the institution. During the recent election, there had been more feeling than previously, so far as he could remember, and probably good would come out of it. No doubt it would clear the air somewhat. He had only one request to make. If any Board member felt that there was something wrong in any department, he hoped that such members, before voicing the matter at the Board table, would get into touch with the departmental officers, and get their opinions, making the matter public. He only asked that in fairness to persons w r hb might be ridiculed or criticised. Mr. Robinson said that he would try to carry out his duties as a Board member, as he did in the past. Mr. McKane said that, so far as he was concerned, he hoped to work in with the Board.for the betterment of the institution generally. One point he must insist upon, and that was that questions should be answered in a reasonable manner. He hoped that the whole Board would co-operate, in the interests of -the institution.

Mr. Smeaton said that it was his first term on the Board, but he felt sure that, if the Board pulled together, they would be able to advance the interests of the hospital. That was his intention in coming on to the Board. Mr. Boustridge said it was rather a coincidence that, four years ago that night, he was carried into the hospital in a pretty parlous condition. Through the treatment he received in the hospital, he was now able to take his place at the Board table, and do what he considered right in the interests of the present patients. He would work whole-heartedly with the Board in the interests of the patients and the staff. Votes of appreciation were accorded, to Mrs. K. O’Brien and Messrs J. Kyle and A. Dohnellan, ex-members of the Board. The Star of the West Lodge of Druids, Greymouth, notified acceptance of the proposed agreement with the Board. The agreement was ratified, subject to the approval of the Direc-tor-General of Health. The Soldiers’ Civil Re-establish-ment League wrote suggesting that the Board purchase a framed portrait of the King. No action was taken.

Quotations for a tilting X-ray table were submitted by two firms, but it was decided that further enquiries be made from other hospitals.

STAFF REPORTS The Matron of Rewa Hospital reported as follows:—Admissions 24, births 23, discharges 25, remaining 10 patients and 9 infants. The Matron of the Grey Hospital reported as follows:—The following probationers have been medically examined, have passed the preliminary examination, and are recommended for the first year of training: Nurses Adamson,. Manners, Retemeyer and Campbell. Staff-Nurses Heller and Miller have been called to take their maternity and midwifery training in Nelson and Christchurch. Staff-Nurse Bathgate has accepted a call to Lewisham Hospital. Sister Waugh submitted •her resignation on April 12. Sister Burke eeased duty on May 3. StaffNurse Porter commenced duty as StaffNurse in the theatre. Nurses Johanson and Petrie resumed duty after annual leave. Nurses Retemeyer and Williams have been off duty for sick leave during the month. Domestic Staff: The following have reported for duty after annual leave: Misses Maddison, Auld, I. Bell and A. McDonald. Indoor Porter Pratt reported for duty on May 6, after three months’ sick leave. I wish to acknowledge the receipt of 6/- donated to the nurses of Hannan Ward by a patient. The nurses wish this sum to be added to the existing Radio Fund and are anxious to know how soon the radio can be installed. I have drawn up a diet scale for the Nurses’ Home and submit it for your approval. I have to acknowledge the following gifts: Mrs. L. Schaef, Mrs. Meldrum and Mrs. Davis. Easter eggs for patients and staff from the Salvation Army. Chocolate Easter eggs for the children in the Hospital from Mrs Beban. Fruit salad for Old People’s Home from the Marist Old Boys’ dance. Mrs. Bower, children’s garments. Flowers, anonymous. The Medical Superintendent reported as follows:— Patients in at beginning of month: Hospital, males 40. females 36. Old People’s Home, males 35, females 5. Patients admitted during month: Hospital, males 58, females 36 Old People’s Home, males 1, females 1. Patients discharged during month: Hospital, males 51, females 37. Old People’s Home, males —, females —Patients died duiing month Hospital, males —, females 2. Old People’s Home, males —, females —. Patients remaining at end of month: Hospital, males 47, females 33. Old People’s Home, males 36, females 6. Radiographic Department: In patients treated 55, out-patients treated 2° Total number of films used 114, total number of exposures 137. Bacteriological Department: Specimens examined from: hi patients 94. out patients 13. staff 4. private practitioners 8. Westland Hospital 1. Buller Hospital 1. Theatre (catgut) 11. T °Physiotherapy Department: Inpatients treated 201. out patients treatpd 231 Ultra Violet Ray 40. Operating Theatre: General 39, <Gem-fn-Urinary 9, Gynaecological 5, OithoSiedic ?4 Ear, Eye, Nose. Throat. Dentai 33. Total 100. Cases seen by Dr. Macmtyre: New 7 Old 11. Diagnosed T. B. 3. Enquiries 1’ Recommended to Sanatorium -.

CHAIRMANSHIP DISPUTED. Mr Turley asked what the position w” regarding the chairman. lie took it that the Board was now entiub n< Mr McTaggart declared that he was chairman for another 12 months. Mr Turley said, in that case, he would move a resolution. Mr McTaggart refused to accept any

resolution on the subject, stating that he had been elected for two years. Mr Turley said that there was no-

thing definite laid down. It was only a matter of opinion. However, if the chairman refused to take a resolution, it was all right. The chairman said that Mr Turley could look up the by-laws. Mr Turley retorted that he was conversant with the by-laws, and, in his opinion, Mr McTaggart was not chairman.

The chairman said that he was quite definite about the matter. He was chairman for another 12 months, and he wished" Mr Turley, and the members to know it. After some discussion, it was decided to suspend the regulations, providing for a Finance Committee of not less than three nor more than six members, and, on the motion of Mr Kent, seconded by Mr Mulcare, the whole Board was appointed a Finance Committee. Considerable discussion, occurred on the constitution of the Hospital Committee. The chairman moved, and Mr Mulcare seconded, that the committee comprise the whole of the members. Mr Mosley objected, on the ground that such a committee would be too unwieldy. As the resolution required to be carried unanimously, in order to suspend the by-laws (providing for not less than three nor more than six it lapsed. Mr Turley moved, and 1 Mr Mosley seconded, that the committee comprise Messrs Boustridge, Smeaton, Mosley, McKane, Mulcare, and Turley.

Mr Kent moved, as an amendment, that the committee comprise Messrs Smeaton, Boustridge, Robinson, McKane, Carter, and Mulcare. Mr Carter declined, and Mr Kent substituted his own name. On being put, the amendment was defeated, those voting* for it being the chairman, and Messrs Kent, McKane and Mulcare.

Mi’ Turley’s resolution was then put, and was carried, Messrs Smeaton, Robinson, Mosley, Turley, and Boustridge voting for it. Mr Carter refused to vote, stating that he was against committee work, as he considered that the whole of the Board should be present at the meetings, and that each member should be able to pull his weight. The Hospital Committee then went into session. Messrs Carter, Robinson and Kent left the accompanied by the Press representatives. After a few minutes, the three Board members were invited to return, and did so, the discussion being- continued in committee.

The meeting, which commenced at 7.30 p.m., concluded at 11.45 p.m.