“AT SHORT NOTICE”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20901, 29 September 1942, Page 2

“AT SHORT NOTICE”

EMERGENCY HOSPITAL OLD ST. HELEN’S HOME ESTIMATED COST OF £367 The reconditioning and equipment of the old St. Helen’s Home, which is to be made ready for occupation at short notice, were agreed to by the Cook Hospital Board at yesterday afternoon’s meeting, following a report from the finance committee. “The Director-General of Health has notified approval of the board’s proposal to prepare the old St. Helen’s Home for use as a temporary hosDital at an estimated cost of £367," the report stated. “The Director-General, however, points out that while the cost of reconditioning, including the cost of fittings and fixtures, is reimbursable from the war expenses account, the cost of equipping and furnishing is not refundable if the daily rate basis is adopted. The letter suggests that generally the equipment will be a type that can be made full use of by the board, even to the extent of providing a stock for use in emergencies other than in relation to the war.

“The department suggested that if the purchase of equipment and furnishings presents a problem to the board, the department would be pleased' to inquire whether some special measure of temporary assistance could not be arranged. “The secretary reported having discussed the matter with the secretary of the Department of Health and advised that if the cost of establishing the home were to be borne out of the war expenses account, tin's would involve considerable clerical supervision. “Having regard to all Hie circumstances we now recommend that the board should reverse its previous decision and proceed towards reconditioning and equipping the St. Helen’s Home in order to make it available for use as an emergency hosDital, the cost of reconditioning to be borne by ithe board, and that the building be equipped and marie readv for occupation at short notice. This will not necessarily mean a considerable cash outlay, as stocks are held of a large proportion of the equipment and linen ihnt. is necessary.” The report was adopted.