HOSPITAL BOARD.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 17 June 1924, Page 5

HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. At tlu* usual rneeiing of the hoat\l there wtTo present : Messrs. E. Gillanders (chairman i. A. T, Wills. A. L. Campbell, E. J. Gilford, J. S. Alc-Kay, J- J. Aleklon, E. A. Washer, and C. M. Haggett (secretary). Reports of -secretary, medical superintendent and matron received. The engineer of the Hawera Electric Company submitted a report on the electric system at the hospital, as instructed by the Public Works Department, drawing attention to certain alterations required to be done. He said that the reason for the report was to ensure the safety of all public buildings and the inmates, and suggested that all defects should be reported to the secretary, who could report to the supply authority.—lt Was agreed that the work was necessary, and the matter tvas left in the hands of the chairman, who said that he would go into the matter as early as possible. , REPORTS. The medical .superintendent reported as follows:—Patients on 30th April 68, admitted 62, discharged 78, died 1, remaining on 31st May 51. The daily average of occupied beds 57.4 and total patient days 1779. Daily average for two- months of 1924 59.3, and daily average last year 43. Operations 31, consultations- 1, anaesthetics 31. X-ray cases 32 (19 hospital and 13 private). Diathermy treatment: Surgical 1, medical 17, violet ray 3. Massage: Patients 11, new patients 10, discharged 6, patients still receiving treatment 15. Treatments during month 293, average per day 10.5.

The matron reported various matters in, connection with the staff, and advised that nurses had commenced cooking classes. She added that the appointment of a porter had proved a great advantage, and that Nelson’s work had been very satisfactory. She also commended the work of the laundress.

The matron of the Old People’s Home reported that there are eleven inmates in the home, and all but three are well. She advised that one male inmate left against instructions. She appreciated a gift of cakes from the Old Boys Association, and of the Weekly Press by Mr. Travis. The farm manager reported that 403 gallons of milk were supplied to the hospital and 50 gallons to the Old People’s Home. The milk tests as. made by the dairying class of the Technical High School were as follows: First, 5.0 j second, 4.9; third,. 5.0. Beef supplied to hospital totalled 353 lbs, and to Old People’s Home 471bs. One fat cow was killed weighing 670 lb-s, and two pedigree sows (Berkshire*) were bought on May 1. The secretary reported in reference to cost of hospitals that the average for the Dominion of seventy-two hospitals was £lB4 5s per occupied bed; average of hospitals of class in which Hawera and Taranaki are included, £l9l Is; Hawera costs £208; Taranaki £237 -Is. In regard to general business, lie had to say as follows:—Ambulance.— Arrangements had been made with Messrs. Mortlock and Co. along the same lines as hitherto made with Blake and Sons. Shorthand typiste.— Recommendation was made that Mrs. Twadle he appointed to the position at £2 10s per week. Hot water service. —After consultation with the medical superintendent, arrangements were made for certain repairs and alterations. Finance.—-Fees collected : April £328, May £317. Last year the totals were respectively £275 and £237.

The board decided that the appointment of shorthand typiste as recommended he confirmed. GENERAL.

Dr. Sinclair asked for leave of absence from June 23 lor two weeks to attend the camp of the Second Queen Alexandra’s Own Alounted Rifles, of which he was regimental medical officer, and also for.a week’s -spell because of strain of long hours and hard work. —The request was granted. Some discussion took place on the location of the nurses’ home at the new hospital, ,and eventually it was decided, in view of a ditlerenee of opinion, to refer the matter to the Health Department. Jt was agreed that the comfort of the nurses was the first consideration.

The medical office*' of health at Wellington advised that on. Alay 31 there were fifty-three vacant beds at Pukeora and none at Otaki. ■

The secretary of the Wellington Board wrote acknowledging the expression of sympathy with Mr. J. AY. Butler, a- member of their board, and stating that Air. Butler much appreciated the resolution.

Particulars of the salary and duties of the matron were supplied as requested to the Waipawa Board. Details of charges made by the board were sent to Mr. W. G. Belton, of Waverlev.

A request was granted for use of the spinal chair to Mr. F. Crimp, who had to be sent to Dunedin for treatment. Mr. E. Dixon wrote enclosing a donation of £2 from Mr. Joe Pack. The secretary reported that the fund known as special capital fund was a bequest of £3OO from the late Mr. W. A. Parkinson', earmarked for the purpose of erecting -gates and fence at the entrance of the new hospital. On this a subsidy was r eceived of £ lot).—The amount, said the secretary, was placed on deposit in the post olliee and had already earned in interest £3:2 Is Id. A deputation consisting of Mesdames M. J. Goodson and K. Godfiev. representing ihe Hawera Plunked ‘ Society, waited on the bear'd in reference to some expenses incurred with the Maiiani Society tor a sick babv sent in to Hawera. They requested that the expense he treated as charitable aid and paid by the hoard. After some

little discussion, in which members eulogised work of the Plunkot Societies, it was resolved that the amount (£9 9s) be paid. The matter of alterations to doors in corridor of the present hospital was brought up, in terms of an estimate of Messrs. DifTrll and Gibson, and it was resolved to leave the question to the chairman with power to act. Accounts totalling £390 Ids were passed for payment,.and ihe board then adjourned.