OTAKI HOSPITAL

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 113, 12 April 1929, Page 2

OTAKI HOSPITAL

• 1 <.. ; TRANSFER OF CONTROL

COMPLETING THE NEGOTIATIONS,

Arrangements in connection with tho transfer of the control of the Otaki Hospital from the Health Department to the' Palmerston North Hospital Board are now almost complete, and a committee will be set up to conclude, tho final negotiations. The matter was discussed at the meeting yesterday, when the Otaki Lodge of the 1.0.0. F. forwarded the following resolution passed at the last meeting: That this lodge, recommends that Dr. Milne be appointed medical supervisor of the Otaki Hospital, as it would be unwise to'appoint another doctor to this district, as it is -considered that there is not a sufficent practice for one. . A resolution worded on similar lines was received from the Otaki Lodge. The managing-secretary (Mr A. J. Phillipps) reported that the hospital had been handed over with the maternity section fully equipped. It would be necessary to call for applications for the immediate appointment of a medical-officer, matron and sister. The question of fees had been discussed, and they would be on the same basis as at the Palmerston North institution., , Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., pointed out that the resident medical officer would act in that capacity only, and that Dr Ward would actually be superintendent, having access and directions to report regularly. * A committee would Lav© to bo set up after tho election to finalise . arrangements in connection with taking over the hospital. In the meantime, the board should insist on the house property being handed over. Those suggestions had been adopted by tha executive. 'Mr Monk expressed entire agreement with the executive’s recommendations and thought that applications should be called for the' positions. The boarji had no undertaking from Dr. Milne that he would accept the position at £2OO yearly, with the right to private practice, but the executive was of the opiniop that a certain sum of money should be provided, and no charge made for patients on the maternity side. It was decided that a committee should be set up after the election to deal with the matter. Mr Nash stated that it would also discuss the .ambulance question. Mr Ryder expressed pleasure at the fact that such an advanced stage had been reached in the protracted negotiations. The board agreed to the. report of the executive . v