GREY HOSPITAL BOARD

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1940, Page 10

GREY HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. Mr. J Mulcare (Chairman), presided at the monthly meeting of ths Grey Hospital Board last evening. There were also present: Messrs J. B. Kent, J. Smeaton, A. Mosley. A. Robinson R. McTaggart, O. C. Joyce, A. H. McKane and H. G. Carter. A letter was received from the Brunner Borough Council expressing appreciation at the reduction m levy. Mr. Smeaton: “I wonder if they will say the same next year.” The Grey Borough Council wrote expressing appreciation at the good work done in establishing the T.B. Block and Mr. Saltzman’s generous gift. Mr. Kent moved that a tablet be erected in the annexe to commemorate the generosity of Mr. Saltzman. The motion was carried. A further letter, was received from the Grey Borough Council expressing their appreciation of the Board’s efforts to abate the smoke nuisance. The following reports were received and adopted:—

Medical Superintendent: Patients in hospital at end of July: Males, 66, females 40. Admitted during August: Males, 99; females, 67. Discharged: Males, 94; females, 66. Died: Males, 4; ’females, 3. Remaining at end of August: Males, 67; females, 38. At the Old People’s Home there were at the end of August 26 males and four females, three males having been admitted, and two having died during the month. In the maternity annexe at July 31st., there were 20 patients and 20 infants; admitted during August, 4b patients; remaining at August 31st., 26 patients and 25 infants; births during month, 44; ante natal attendances, 111. Operating Theatre: General 74, orthopaedic 12, E.E.N.T. 30, dental 7. Pathological Department: Examinations 229, out-patient examinations 14, other hospitals 7, miscellaneous 50. Radiotherapy Department: Patients treated, 310; out-patients treated, 201; U.V.R., 31. The Finance Committee’s report on its meeting on September 9th., stated: —Greymouth Red Cross Society forwarded cheque for £29 Is Od, being proceeds of cake handed to the Society for raffling. The DirectorGeneral of Health advised the Minister had approved of an advance oi £4,000 on account of the current year’s subsidy. The Hospital Boards Association asked for an opinion re granting 5 per cent, wage increase to all employees covered by the Court’s order, and recommended postponement of Association’s annual conference; also asked for opinion re claims submitted for domestic staff’s new award. The Visiting Committee (Messrs Smeaton, McKane and McTaggart), recommended that the tender cf E. Sullivan be accepted for garden plants; that a reliever be appointed to the Old People’s Home staff; that a mirror be placed in the sitting room and a large wardrobe be erected for use of the domestic staff; that the north wall of the main hospital kitchen be extended to provide a place for steamers; that the sub-matron and chef submit list o.t meals and diets for Hospital ana Nurses' Home for the Board’s consideration. The committee reported that the T.B. Block concrete path has been completed and is a credit tc the gardener. The committee made the following recommendations:— That the Hospital Boards’ Association be advised that in the opinion of the Grey Hospital Board the Conference is more necessary at the present time than at any other, especially with the establishment of emergency hospitals throughout the country co-ordination is very desirable; that the Association be advised this Board is in favour of granting a general increase to all employees not covered by the Arbitration Court, and that the Secretary of the Board arrange for an increase to be paid to all employees not covered.

NURSES' HOME. That when the kitchen is completely ready the sub-matron assume control, drawing stores in bulk from the Board’s store, in conformity with the standard as laid down by the Board, and that the Secretary arrange to have this kitchen covered with a suitable lino. That accounts amounting to £3,222 6s lOd, be ratified; that the Chairman and Secretary apply the common seal to the new agreement re the sanatorium; that the Secretary to apply for an extension ot the overdraft authority to the 31st. December; that the Red Cross Society be thanked for the.r efforts; that the appointment of an aide to relieve aides and maids in the Old People’s Home at the awara rate of wages, be approved; that in connection with the Sub-Matron’s report re meals, the proposal be given three months’ trial; that an amount of £22 10s Od be accepted in full settlement of the Rugby Players’ Account, and it be suggested to them that the Board would consider the rugby players entering into a group agreement; that the Hospital Boards Association be advised that in the opinion of the Grey Board it is desirable to leave the question ot the domestic award claim to the Arbitration Court; that Messrs A. Mosley and H. G. Carter be appointed for September as a Visiting Committee; that the Secretary obtain a report as to what ambulance chassis of a suitable rating are available.