PATEA HOSPITAL BOARD.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 10 February 1926, Page 4

PATEA HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING. There were present at the ordinary meeting of the Patea Hospital Board, held yesterday, Messrs Watson (chair), Belton, Scown, Middleton,. -Watkins, McDonald, and Back. The Medical Superintendent (Dr. W. T. Simmons) reported that at December 31 there were five male and nine female patients. There were admitted during the month 20 male and 15 female, and 12 and 15 respectively were discharged, leaving 13 _ male and 9 female patients in the institution. Mr. Back was appointed to- the visiting committee in place of Mr. Middleton. Mr. Belton drew attention to the omission by the chairman in his remarks at the opening of the nurses’ home of the donation of over £3OO from Waverley people. The chairman said he regretted that the matter had been overlooked by him. A proposal to allow the old nurses home to be converted into a- maternity hospital was not entertained. The architect, Mr. T. H. James, attended and gave some particulars _ of the proposed laundry drying and airing rooms. He sketched, the details of the new process suggested by him and undertook to draw a plan for the next meeting. He considered an iron building with asbestos sheeting for the inside walls would do quite well, and. estimated the cost, including equip* ment, at between £SOO and £6OO. "T?' Tlie chairman said the heating system that would be provided would be a great boon in a hospital. The matter of superannuation for permanent employees was briefly discussed, and it was stated that this scheme applied only' to those who had signed up to he included. The question of representation at the annual conference in Dunedin was briefly discussed, and it was decided to appoint delegates later. The chairman and Mr. Scown were appointed to interview the Borough Council in the matter of the area of the section round the nurses’ home. It was resolved to arrange to call for tenders for the annual supplies. The passing of monthly accounts concluded the meeting.