IN AN EMERGENCY

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3112, 29 April 1942, Page 6

IN AN EMERGENCY

HOSPITAL AT THAMES SITUATION WELL IN HAND PROTECTION IN CASE OF RAID A visit, to Thames was paid to-day In- t' e Minister of Health, Mr A. H. N?r. meyer. The Minister met in consultation at the Hospital Board’s otfioe in Baillie Street the following:—

Messrs J. W. Danby (deputy-chair-man of the Board), W. Madgwick (Board member), A. L. Neighbour (Board secretary), J. Thorn, M.P., S. Ensor (Mayor and Chief Warden), A. L. Burk (Borough Commissioner), J. F. Eames (Town Clerk and E.P.S. secretary), Dr E. Gifford (medical superintendent of the Thames Hospital), and Miss K. M. Anserine (matron). In the Minister’s party were Dr. L. C. McNickle, Director of Hospital Divisions, and Mr A M. Finlay, private secretary. Mr Nordmeyer was welcomed by Mi Danby and then made a brief address, outlining his objectives in interviewing hospital and municipal authorities throughout the Dominion. His purpose, he sai-d, was to see what preparation was being made against a possible war emergency and to discover where more effective co-operation, might be established with the Government. Protect Operating Theatre Mr Nordmeyer asked many questions. of the medical superintendent. He suggested that still more effective measures be taken against possible damage to the operating theatre and the staff using it. Fine-mesh wirenetting should be used for protection of windows. This was difficult to procure, but some might be located in odd places in the district. He discussed protection of dispensary stocks (by dispersal over the hospital buildings), the adequacy' of available blooddonors, emergency’ electrical and water supplies, makeshift sterilisation facilities, provision of fire-fighting apparatus (hydrants and stirrup-pumps), also fire guards, etc. Mr Nordmeyer was most interested in the details of work done and planned to be done at the Thames High School, which will be the town’s main emergency hospital in the event o/ the present buildings being attacked. He asked also about training of staff to cover this extra arrangement and any- other that might be necessary. The Minister asked about arrangements at Waihi Hospital and was told by the secretary 7 that the medical superintendent there, Dr. L. R. Hetherington, had charge of arrangements. The Minister then said he would call in at Waihi on his return to Wellington, where he would arrive later this week, thus concluding liis Dominion tour. Grappled With Situation “It looks as if arrangements you have made here,” the Minister concluded, “are suitable for any- emergency’ other than an actual attempt at an invasion—when, of course, the position will be very different. The problem may 7 well be bigger than you can possibly 7 anticipate, although other towns appear to be much more likely’ to be targets for enemy’ action. You appear to have grappled with the situation. lam glad to hear also that your E.P.S. is well organised; they can take a great deal off the hospital’s hands with their first-aid stations, etc. ’’ The Mayor raised a point with the Minister —the possibility 7 of caring for elderly 7 people outside hospitals. Mr Nordmeyer agreed with him that it 'was uneconomic to have old people in hospital, and said the Government had planned a homo nursing service for their benefit, but the war had'upset such schemes. He said it would undoubtedly be a matter for legislatici: after the war.

Mr Burk mentioned the incidence of hospital taxation, and the Minister said there Was a groat discrepancy in many districts as to what was paid in hospital rates. He thought the Government might increase its capital subsidy for the higher-rated localities, but this was indefinite as yet.