HOSPITAL BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1932, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARD

AGREEMENTS WITH UNIONS.

SAFEGUARDING OF INTERESTS.

The Westland Hospital Board met last evening when there were present Messrs J. J. Breeze (Chairman), A. R. Eleock, E. W. Heenan, T. W. Duff, M. Keenan, H. Wells, W. H. Evenden and R Meharry. A letter was received from the County Council notifying that Mr Jeffries had been appointed to the Board in place of Mi’ Davidson resigned and that Mr Davidson had been appointed in place ,of Mr Jeffries resigned. The Secretary (Mr Bruce) stated that he had wired the authorities for the sanction of Council’s action, and that replies had been received that such action was in order. Mr Keenan said he was very pleased that the Board would bo again able to avail themselves of the services of Messrs Jeffries and Davidson. Several further letters referring to the same matter were received. Mr Duff, said they should be satisfied that t-ese members had been legally appointed. This correspondence must have cost quite a considerable expenditure. In this case the Audit Department appeared, to have taken a paltry view of the situation. He eulogised the services of the gentlemen, Mr Keenan said they had done great work on the Board for. many years. He would like it to be known that Mr Davidson had declined remuneration for his services preferring to act in an honorary capacity, thus saving a considerable expenditure to the Board and the Department. Correspondence was received stating that the hospitals conference had been cancelled and outlining the reasons for this action.—Received. The Greymouth Hospital Board notified that a conference between Hospital Boards and the, Timber Workers’ Union would bo held at Greymouth next Wednesday. The Secretary supplied a list showing the treatment given to members of the Union during the last months, i. It showed a debit of £305 9s 6d against which the sum of only £52 12s hadi Been collected, Mr Heenan: The list points out that if we can get .an agreement with the Union we will be much better off. Some of the dues owing as represented on the list will not ■be collected. It is a matter I have tried to argue out before. Mr Duff thought that an agreement was the best thing. However the list represented treatment that had been given in times that wore harder-than usual. We should get a scheme whereby the Board should- be paid in advance. Mr Keenan expressed displeasure at the present agreement and said tnat he did not think .the . .Uffion .secretary had acted, qbite fairly hi

the matter, us far as the Board was concerned. The money should be ]>eid, 1 Into the Board instead of the Uulon, . Mr Heenan: There is still £143 to be paid. He moved that the Board be represented at the conference by. Mr Duff and the secretary, and- that they be

empowered to assist in drawing up a <* new agreement whereby the Board •would be paid in advance, and further that the Union be requested to keep a separnte account for hospitals,

Mr Keenan .seconded 1 the motion which was carried. The Waiho branch of the New Zealand Workers’ Union notified that a sick and accident fund had been formed, the trustees being Messrs H. L. Hume, A. Sincock, and J. H. Thomson. All the men had agreed to contribute the sum of 3s per month, or 9d per week or part thereof. Mr Heenan did not think it was a good proposition for the Board. If they offered to pay 50 per cent, of the fees it would be a better thing. It appeared there would be no payment until a man was admitted to the hospital. If there were no patients, the Board would receive nothing. Mr Duff thought the branch should guarantee an agreement to pay about 42 per cent. He suggested that wie Board agree to the proposition before them. It was the best they oould do in the meantime. Mr Even den did not think tMs would be satisfactory to the Board. Mr Duff mentioned the question of transport and also suggested that arrangement and payment should be made by the Union in this respect. The suggestions were embodied jn the form of a motion 1 . The secretary said he would like to see the Union pay a. deposit of £25 as a guarantee of their bona fides. The motion was seconded by Mr Elcock and carried. The New Zealand Trained Nurses Association wrote forwarding several proposals for consideration. —Received. The Pension Department w’rote disputing the payment of fees in respect respect of a patient.—-Received. Dr. McTntvre forwarded a report on the Board’s patients in the Cashmere Sanatorium at Chrhtcburch.—Received and approved. An application for a- reduction In rent was made bv Mr A. Ho veldt, of Mananui, no action being taken. Application for annual ’ leave was granted Mrs Iton.se. The Surgeon Superintendent (Dr. B. L. Wilson), reported as follows: Patients remaining in hospital at Nov. 30, 33; admitted during December, 25 males, 17 females, total 42; total treated. 45 males, 30 females, total 75; discharged cured, 25 males, 15 females, total 40; discharged relieved, one male, two females, total 3; died,

two males, two females, total 4; total discharged, 28 males, 19 females, total 47; remaining in hospital at Decembear 31, 17 males, 11 females, total 28; patients treated for over two months, 10. The treasurer rejwrted that there was a, credit balance at the bank of £719 4a Id, total receipts for the month being £1276 Is 3d,