HOSPITAL BOARD DENIES FOOD COMPLAINTS

Grey River Argus, 30 October 1948, Page 8

HOSPITAL BOARD DENIES FOOD COMPLAINTS

REEFTON, Oct. 29 There was nothing wrong with the food, in the quantity, quality ana cooking said Mr J. b. McGregor, ,at the meeting oi the Reefton Hospital Board yesterday. He was commenting on a letter published by the “Argus” from a man who said he hao been a patient in the institution. Mr A. Toff said the letter was a lot of “tommy rot,” and the meeting decided to ignore the letter. The Matron (Miss D. M. Whisker) emphasised the appalling sanitary conditions at the hospital. She said that stagnant water from laverty drains was lying in foetid pooj s under the hospital ward and kitchens, and there was danger of an epidemic. Reefton was the only place on the West Coast without poliomyelitis, she said, but that did not give them immunity. Members agreed that the position was serious, and it was decided to take immediate steps to obtain steel sinks, and deal with faulty spouting. It was decided to arrange for Sister Potter to take a course of massage for the treatment of paralysis cases. The resignation of Sisters L. 1. Gordon and E. E. Byrnes and Nurse T. Wills were accepted.