1000 WAITING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20452, 13 January 1941, Page 4

1000 WAITING

WELLINGTON HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION SHORT PRIME MINISTER'S CONCERN The Prime Minister did not use soft words when replying to a deputation from the Wellington Hospital Board which waited upon him, together with the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, and the Minister of Health, the Hon., H. T. Armstrong, with regard to the board’s building programme, now long delayed. Unless the board could arrive at a demme decision, the Government would have to dispense with the ooara and appoint a commission to run the institution, said Mr. Fraser, me sooner tne board and representatives of the Health Department, the rubiic Works Department and the Treasury got together to discuss what would give the most speedy relief and provide an up-to-date hospital service tor the district the better. Mr. Fraser said that when he was advised that the board desired a deputation to discuss the position, he considered the matter so urgent that he immediately asked for the meeting. He was appalled by the overcrowded state of the hospital. The most urgent problem was how to provide bed accommodation. The Government •vould welcome the fullest inquiries into the position, but setting up commissions io inquire into the past would not provide beds.

No Sterling Difficulty

Mr. F. Castle, chairman of the board, indicated that tne board desired to seek the counsel of the Government regarding proceeding with biocKs B, C and D of the Centennial Hospital, and a definite assurance that .sterung funds and materials would be available.

Mr. Castle said the question of temporary accommodation at Kilbirnie nad been considered and thrown out by the board. Consideration was the question of tuberculosis accommomodacion for tuberculosis patients elsewhere.

A general discussion followed on the question of tuberculosis accommol dation, which Mr. Fraser thought was worthy of every consideration as a method of providing early relief in the matter of accommodation. Mr. Fraser said the Government would be willing for Mr. Ashwin, of the Treasury, and Dr. Shore, of the Department of Health, to discuss all possible schemes with the board and so give all assistance possible. Funds and Materials Mr. Nash indicated that in the ordinary way there would be no delay with sterling, but there might be delay in obtaining building materials. Dr. J. Cairney, acting superintendent of the Wellington Hospital, said there was a waiting list of approximately 1000. There were 150 beds required. Mr. Nash indicated that the board should go ahead with expediencies meantime, and that "blocks B, C and D should go ahead as materials were available.