HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1948, Page 7

HOKITIKA NOTES

[Our own Correspondent]

HOKITIKA, September 10. Hospital Board:— At its meeting, the Westland Hospital Board last evening instructed the secretary to telegraph the Department of "Health for the Minister’s consent to the purchase of a new anaesthetic machine. The Department advised that it could include a new ambulance in next year’s estimates. It was decided to procure information as to suitable ambulances from the various distributors. The disposal of the old ironing machine was left to the secretary and chairman. The 'Department advised its approval of a method of fire protection for the nurses’ home. It was decided to obtain from the engineer a plan for fire extinguishers in the main hospital wards. It was decided to obtain a plan for an improved type of tallboy for the Old People’s Home, and to endeavour to make an early start to provide separate lockers for each inmate. It was resolved to make application for an overdraft of £5OOO. It was agreed to support the proposal for a resident West Coast Magistrate. The draft agreement for a radiologis.t to serve the Westport, Grey, Inarigahua and Westland Hospitals was approved with a minor amendment, the radiologist to reside at Greymouth, and to visit each hospital at least once a week, and when urgently required. The Matron, Miss A. F. Ramsay, reported for the month of August as follows: Operations 50, X-rays 219. patients remaining July 31 • 50, patients admitted for August 98, total treated 148, patients discharged 90, deaths 3, patients remaining August 31, 55, highest number of occupied beds 64, lowest number of occupied beds- 38, average number of occupied beds '5l. Sister Ford, Staff Nurse Thompson, and Nurses McGeorge and Norton had resigned, also Mr Dale of the hospital staff. Mr J. H. Lambley commenced as a porter on September 1. The farm report stated: Milk (558 gallons) valued at £4B 16s 6d; cream (248 pints) £lB 12s; pigs sold £10; factory bonus £24 7s 6d; eggs (18 J dozen) £2 15s 6d; total £lO4 Ils 6d. The engineer, Mr O’. Murfitt, reported that during the month the major job was the fitting of new copper 600 gallon high level tank together with new inlet and outlet pipes, new pipes and valve for overhead tank, and complete repair of steel ladder together with new flood line and brackets for all pipes. Leakage was occurring in the food steamer, resulting in the deterioration of the main structure. A quote of £3O had been forwarded for double grinder and motor complete with wheels, and it was considered this unit w'ould be satisfactory. The carpenter, Mr A. H. King, reported that work was carried on at the medical superintendent's residence part of the month. The outside is complete. The' concrete area at the end of the house and in front of the garage was being set out ready for laying. The tiled surround (fireplace) is in position, and the plumber is awaiting the supply tank to complete the setting in of the piping in the bath room and shower. The concrete tank has been acquelled, the steel work remained to be painted, and the guage erected. Repairs were carried out at Manson Ward sterilising room cupboards. Repairs were ■ done to the roof valley at Manson Ward and corridor. The roof of the hospital required painting. Repairs were done to the roof at the Maternity Hospital. Some new sheets are required before the roof is painted.