WORK AT HOSPITAL EASED BY ENTRY RESTRICTION

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1947, Page 4

WORK AT HOSPITAL EASED BY ENTRY RESTRICTION

“There has been some easing in the work 'in the wards, due to the restriction of admissions, but the effect of this is only now being felt properly,” reported the medical superintendent to the Grey Hospital Board, Dr S. Barclay, referring at last evening’s meeting to the recent decision to close. another ward and to restrict admissions. “Fortunately the waiting list is not at present unduly long,” he added. Dr Barclay also reported that despite a few difficulties and delays due to the shortage of medical staff, the new system for outpatients was functioning much • more smoothly than previously, and was easier for .the nursing staff. His recommendation that it be continued was adopted. ‘ Hospital benefits received are less than the amount estimated for the half-year on account of the closing of the children’s ward and the necescity of restricting admissions to urgent cases only, reported the-man-aging-secretary, Mr W. H. J. Watson. Average occupied beds for the six months also showed a decrease, being 88, as against the estimated 110. This was a decrease of 22. Plans, for- the extension of the operating theatre by the provision of an annexe across the corridor, were forwarded to the Health Department for approval, and it was decided to go ahead with this work as soon as permission was received. It was decided also to deal with the question of improvements to the staff quarters, particularly the maids’ and porters’ dining-room, as quickly as possible. • A recommendation that work on a second tennis court on the hospital grounds should continue while material and equipment were available, was adopted.