HOSPITAL BOARD

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 220, 18 August 1931, Page 10

HOSPITAL BOARD

IMONTHLY MEETING. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Hoard was held yesterday afternoon, Mr J. K. Hornblow presiding. Others present were Mrs L. A. Abraham, Messrs A. E. Mansford, J. A. Nash, M.P., Aitchison, McElroy. Collis, Moody, Boyce, McLean, Ryder, Howell, Greenhow, Catley, Smith and Monk. The managing-secretary (Mr Pliillipps) reported as follows:—“Building matters. —The contractor for the theatre building has now nearly finished the work. “There is no doubt that we are getting a very highly finished job, revealing a good class of workmanship,” lie added. Contract for strengthening buildings.—The contractor for this work has done most of, the cutting away that is necessary at the kitchen block at the Hospital, and has commenced work on tho Old People’s Home building. Of course, tho wet weather has interfered with the rate of progress. Parking area.— Again this month little progress has been made on the parking area owing to the wet weather. No. 5 scheme labour.—We have commenced a large number of No. 5 scheme labourers on work at the farm, and if the weather improves we should be in a position to commenco the building work on the pig styles early next month. By that time the building which is to be demolished at the Hospital will have been vacated.”—The report was adopted. The medical superintendent (Dr F. Ward) reported that 191 patients had been admitted during July and 195 discharged, while 15 had died, leaving 170 in the Hospital at the end of the month. The daily average of occupied beds was 176.8. Two cases of scarlet fever and one of diphtheria had been admitted during July. Some 29 patients had been admitted to the maternity home and there had been 25 births during July. There had been 70 attendances at the ante-natal clinic, while 13 mothers and babies remained in the home.

The matron (Miss J. McGhie) reported that there had been practically no sickness among the staff. The gift of an electric blanket with attachments from Mr Pearce, of Waituna West, was much appreciated. Thanks were due to anonymous donors who had forwarded flowers, books and magazines.

The Feilding District Nursing Association reported that Sister Smith had paid 379 sick visits to 30 patients, seven of whom had been discharged. Sister Smith had carried out welfare work in conjunction with a special committee. The Palmerston North District Nursing Guild reported that tho district nurse had paid 260 visits to 52 patients, 22 of whom had been discharged. There were 21 new patients. Differences in the new training requirements were pointed out in a communication received from the Nurses’ and Midwives’ Registration Board.

Charitable relief accounts passed for payment comprised £344 19s 3d, including £ll4 4s lid for rent and board, £149 19s 4d for rations and £7 17s 3d for fuel. The social welfare committee reported that Hon. A. J. Stallworthy had stated that, after an inspection of the Palmerston North Depot, he was impressed by the organisation and by the efficient manner in which relief problems were being . handled in this district.