HOSPITAL BOARD

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 112, 11 April 1929, Page 8

HOSPITAL BOARD

THE MONTHLY MEETING. REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES. The monthly meeting of the Hospital Board was held to-uay, My J. A. Nash, M.P., presiding owing to the chairman, Sir James Wilson, being absent through indisposition. "The managing-secretary (Mr A. J. Phillipps) submitted the following re-Port:—Two-storey block: The brick work on the second storey was commenced during the month. Good weather has enabled the contractor to continue making rapid progress. Fever wards: As it seems likely that we may require both the fever ward buildings in the near future, a start has been made on the renovation of the unoccupied building. The painter has been working on tliis building during the month and a new sink and benches have been put in the kitchen. Engineering work: During the month the boiler feed tank on the roof of the engine room was emptied and repaired. All new fittings have been attached to this tank. The tank has been in use some years and all the iron fittings and galvanised pipes were badly corroded. These, have been replaced with brass fittings and copper pipes. Otaki Hospital: On the chairman’s instructions i visited Otaki Hospital and have taken over the equipment from the Health Deuartment as from April 1 in accordance with the board’s previous decision. Sister Paton, who was previously employed by the department, has been engaged temporarily as sister in charge at a salary of £135 per annum. She has agreed to remain at Otaki until April 18.— The report was adopted. The medical superintendent reported that patients remaining in hospital at March 31 were 151, and the average number of occupied beds during the month was 171. Twelve cases of infectious diseases were admitted during March and 13 remained in isolation. Eighteen patients were admitted to the maternity home, and ten remained, while 26 patients had attended the ante-natai clinic. • The matron of the Awapuni Old Peoples’ Home reported that, on March 31, there were 51 inmates. Miss Hilda Hadfield had comijienced duties as probationer on April 7. The matron of tho Hospital reported that Sister Pringle, in charge of the children’s ward, had resigned. During the month Mr Rikihana took a concert par tv to the Prince of Wales Ward, while on the second Sunday of the month- the Salvation Army played in the grounds. The following donations had been received: —Mrs Falconer, fruit, jam, flowers and toys for the children; Salvation Army, fruit; Mr H. Pembathyj magazines; Mrs Mackie, gramophone records; Mrs Hamilton, magazines; Mrs Hall, magazines. The Waitaki, Haw-era, Otago and Waipawa Hospital Boards forwarded letters expressing appreciation of the hospitality extended, and the excellent organisation at tho recent conference in Palmerston North.