Reefton Hospital.

Inangahua Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1237, 11 June 1897, Page 2

Reefton Hospital.

As long as there are human infirmities to be dealt with, so long will hospitals be an indispensible adjunct to civilised life. It is therefore necessaryth at these institutions should be kept in such a state of efficiency as the dictates of humanity require for the mitigation as far as possible of human suffering. The Reefton Hospital has always been a creditably conducted institution, and its management has not infrequently been commended by Dr Macgregor. | Lately, in consequence of the generous donation made by Mr Ziman, extensive improvements have been effected. It mil be remembered that Mr Ziman donated £500, which carried with it the usual Government subsidy of 24s for every S, making the respectable tjtal of £1,100. A new ward, 40 feet by 20 feet, has been built, and furnished with beds, tables, chairs, &c. In addition to this the whole of the buildings have been painted inside and outside, new windows have been placed in the accident ward, and the side facing Broadway has been covered with rusticated boards to match the boarding of the new ward. Attached to the latter alqo, a storeroom and acullery have been erected, and an excellent cooking range has ,been provided. ;

The Hospital comprises four wards, and there is accommodation for 28 patients~2s males and three females. Attached to each ward is a bathroom, which is well supplied with hot and cold water, A large cistern on the roof is kept filled with water, thanks to Reefton's splendid water supply. Connection is made between this cistern and a large boiler, and from this the hot water

is conveyed by piping to each of the wards.

_ J he Hospital staff consists of Dr Whitton, Mr and Mrs Preshaw, and a female assistant. In consequence of the increased demand on the institution of late, and the prospect of its continuing, another female assistant is being engaged. There Xi? Tele P hone connecting with Dr Whitton's residence, and no patient can be long without medical aid in consequence. Until quite recently the accommodation was taxed to the utmost, but the number of patients has, within the past few days, fallen to 20. Patients are provided with good beds, bedding, &c,, and such as are inclined to read, have their tastes cared for, and there is no room for fault-finding with the foodchart. The Hospital, of course, is necessarily a costly institution, but its importance to the community is inestimable, and there is little to fear now that the people of the district will not accord it that generous support which it so well deserves. In conclusion we think it but right to state— the fact, curiously enough, has not been published before -that at a meeting of the Hospital Committee some time ago, it was decided on the motion of Mr Cohen, that all persons holding tickets, for one month prior to admission, for which they would pay &i per year, should be admitted free to the Hospital This is so admirable a suggestion that it appears strange the public has not been made aware of it. The yearly charge is so light that neatly everyone can pay it, and the benefit of free admission to the Hospital ia surely worth the charge, more especially when it is remembered that there is al?rge proportion oi the district, who, from ihe very nature of their employment, run imminent risk of accidents. It is to be hoped that the ticket system will be taken liberal advantage of.

The annual Hospital ball is to eventuate in the Princess Theatre on Wednesday next, and promises to be a great success. The ladies interesting themselves in the affair have ijieen working zealously for some weeks past, which is almost a sufficient assurance of success.