OTAKI HOSPITAL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 139, 16 May 1925, Page 5

OTAKI HOSPITAL.

PROPOSED CLOSING OF INSTITUTION. HOSPITAL BOARD CONFERS WITH DEPARTMENT. Yesterday morning *Sir James Wilson (chairman), and Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P., and G. A. Monk (members), together with Air A. Phillips (secretary) and Dr. G. A. Forrest (medical superintendent) of the Palmerston North Hospital journeyed to Otaki to confer there with representatives of the department anent the proposal to close Otaki Hospital. Included in the department’s representatives was Dr. Watt, acting-Director-General of Health. Conversing with a “Standard” reporter this morning, Mr Nash, said that it was suggested by the department that, with the closing of the hospital, two separate rooms should bo retained in the institution to accommodate urgent cases, and that an ambulance should be stationed at Otaki for the purposo of conveying patients from there to Palmerston North hospital. The department further announced that it proposed to use tho balance of the hospital as a sanatorium, in conjunction with that already established nearby. In the afternoon those interested in the proposal met a deputation of Otaki residents, introduced by Air Alonk, at tho Lyric theatre. Those representing the residents advanced reasons for maintaining the hospital as at present constituted, with a proviso that it bo brought thoroughly up-to-date. After their case had been stated, Sir James Wilson stated that ho would be pleased to convey the representations of the department and of the Otaki residents to the next meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board. Dr. Watts addressed the assemblage, giving an outline of proposals for future administration, and expressed tho opinion that it would bo in the interests of all coneorned if patients from the Otaki district were treated at the Palmerston North Hospital. HISTORY OF THE HOSPITL. It will be remembered that- when tho Palmerston North Hospital Board was first asked to take over tho Horowhenua district from the Wellington Hospital Board, the formor body, while expressing its agreement to do so declined to take over the Otaki Hospital and Sanatorium, and this point of view was agreed to, but, owing to the war and the necessity for the treatment of returned men, the Government had carried on both the hospital and sanatorium, the Palmerston North Hospital Board paying at tho rate of 9s per day for patients from its district treated there.

OPPOSITION TO CLOSING.

RESIDENTS TO PETITION MINISTER

Per Press Association

OTAKI, May 16. At the conference between the members of the Palmerston North Hospital Board and residents of Otaki, strong objection was taken to the proposed closing of tho hospital here. Dr. Watts promised two single bed wards, an ambulance and a nurse, but Otaki people are dissatified and will petition tho Minister.