OTAKI AMBULANCE.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 24 June 1929, Page 5

OTAKI AMBULANCE.

THE HOSPITAL FACILITIES. REMARKS BY THE CHAIRMAN. “I think that any tradesman would be ashamed to use the present ambulance at Otaki as a delivery van,” commented the chairman (Mr. d. K. Hornblow) at the monthly meeting of the Hospital Hoard, on Monday, when the matter came up for discussion. “We must do something to keep faith with the Health Department which has' thoroughly equipped the institution,” he added, “and we promised to get a suitable ambulance to operate in the district extending from Otaki to.Foxton. A new ambulance would cost in the vicinity of £6OO, and the Hoard would bo compelled to pay half, the rest being obtained by Government subsidy. If the money cannot be found any other way, the .ambulance might be purchased by instalment. .Something must be done. ” “The policy of the Board so far as the Otaki Hospital is concerned is that it is only for minor cases,” stated Mr. Monk, “and that any serious cases should be brought by ambulance to Palmerston North. The- existing ambulance has a 191- chassis, and is quite unsuitable for bringing patients a long distance. A new ambulance should be stationed at Otaki to serve the whole southern district. When the 'estimates wore framed, there was nothing definite concerning the ambulances. The matter has since been discussed and it is considered that the purchase could be financed.

“At Palmerston North Hospital,” ho stated, “there is at present only one ambulance able to go on the road, although there is another one there. If it broke down, the district would bo absolutely without an ambulance, and stops should bo taken to have another one available.”

Air. J, A. Hash, M.P., stated that he had always advocated that another should bo obtained for Otaki, as a distinct promise had been made to that effect. He suggested that the matter be referred to the executive with power to act. It was urgent and needed attention.

Mr. A. E. Mansford expressed surprise that there was only one ambulance at the Palmerston North hospital lit to go on the road. “We certainly want another ambulance in the district,” lie observed. Mr. Ilornblow stated that great care should be taken in the use of the ambulances.

The managing secretary informed the Board that the ambulance never went out except in case of . accident or under instructions from a medical prac titioner.

The question of the purchase of an ambulance as suggested was referred to the executive committee with power to act.