IMMEDIATE STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO ESTABLISH CONVALESCENT HOME

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22907, 29 March 1949, Page 4

IMMEDIATE STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO ESTABLISH CONVALESCENT HOME

MATTHEWS PROPERTY

Following' rapidly on a decision that there was a need for a convalescent home in Gisborne, members of the Cook Hospital Beard at their meeting yesterday decided by nine votes to two that immediate steps should be taken to establish one in the Matthews home.

A lengthy discussion followed a report by Drs. R. J. B. Hall and Theo Hall on general requirements and suggested priorities.

“To sum up briefly, it appears that file real need is tor more accommodation for chronic patients,” said the chairman following consideration of the report of Drs. R. J. B. Hall and Theo Hall. “Isn’t it confusing the issue,” asked Mr. H. H. Barker. “It doesn’t dispose of the question of the convalescent home. In the near future the board will have to face up to the position.” Reviewing the position, Mr.. Barker said it was three years ago that an anonymous donor offered £15,000 for the provision of a convalescent home. The department in Wellington had advised the board to accept the gift and the board considered the provision of a home favourably. “What is the position today; do we or do we not want a convalescent home?’’ asked Mr. Barker. “Although the position may have changed it may be thought that we have accepted the gift under false pretences. The board had been advised that such a home was desirable.

Mr. Barker moved that the board was still of the opinion that it was desirable to establish a convalescent home in Gisborne.

In seconding the motion, Mr. J. H. Hall said it was necessary to look to the future. Probably, it would not be long before the hospital became a base hospital and then the need for a convalescent home would be more pressing. The home would be ideal for tired mothers. The Matthews home could be used until such time as another could be built.

Mr. E. R. Black also supported the motion. He contended that the report made it clear that there was a case for a convalescent home, but there were other calls with greater priority.

“The donor was very ready to agree that first things should come first,” said Mr. Black. ."What we want is a long-term building plan and all these things should be in it. It is our fault if we are not getting things done quickly. This is a very valuable report."

“It is (lie most generous gift ever made in this district. People will be appalled at the position if we return that money as we are under a moral obligation to do if it is not used for the purpose for which it was intended.”

Mr. Armstrong suggested it was a fact that a convalescent home would have been built years ago out of public money if there had been a need. Because that had not been done and the donor felt it would be a benefit to the community—deprived of the comforts of such a home—he had made the gesture, suggested Mr. Armstrong. Member Says: “Too Much Ilaste”

“We do urgently need to replace the isolation block, but that doesn’t dispose of the question of the convalescent home,” lie added. “If wc don't want the home let us say so and hand the money back to the donor.” Matthews’ Home Most Suitable

Mr. H. J. F. Tombleson suggested that there was too much haste and considered it more prudent to study the ultimate building plans more closely. Mr. Williams said there was no question of breaking faith with the donor. As responsible people the board must necessarily exercise care and study the question of the expenditure of public money on maintenance. The motion was carried. “I now move that immediate steps be taken to establish a convalescent home and that the lady superintendent, the medical superintendent and the managing secretary bring down a report and recommendations to the next meeting of the board,” said Mr. Barker. He said he agreed that a new isolation block was imperative and should have first priority for new building. A temporary convalescent home would provide a use for the home and keep faith with the donor, he added. Mr. Armstrong seconded the motion. Replying to a question concerning the capital investment if the Health Department should require the demolition of the present building at some time in the future to meet new building requirements, Mr. Barker explained that the board should use a portion of the money from the fund to purchase the house as a convalescent home, keep the remainder of the £15,000 intact and use the interest to assist to defray operating costs. When it was directed that the building should be removed, the board could then rc-purchase the home at a sum less normal depreciation and so restore the fund. It would be a matter for arrangement with the department. Messrs. Williams and Tombleson voted against the motion, which was carried.

Mr. G. W. Armstrong agreed that some decision must be made on the question of the provision of a convalescent home. The Matthews home was a most suitable type of building for that purpose.

Mr. Williams reported on an interview with the donor. No time limit had been fixed on the expenditure of the fund.

Mr. Barker: There is the intrusion of the Adair gift in conjunction with it. I don’t want to go into that. I feel we a*-e not carrying out our trust. It is just confusing the Issue. If I start talking about the Adair gift I fear I will ‘blow the gaff properly.’

Mrs. E. R. Scott said she would be disappointed if a decision was not reached fairly soon. She still felt the Matthews home was ideal for the purpose of a convalescent home. _ The district nursing service had relieved the situation to a great degree, but many patients required the additional rest that could be available. The mother could not get the* full benefits of convalescence if she went home. Once she was back in her home she was inclined to do too much too soon. Mrs. Scott did not approve of the Adair gift being mentioned as it had been done. She hoped the issue would be kept quite clear. Purpose of Report

Mr. Williams said the report had been requested to see if the maintenance charge of a convalescent home would be justified.