HOSPITAL BOARD.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 20, 20 December 1932, Page 5

HOSPITAL BOARD.

AIONTHLY AIEETING

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS. The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board was held yesterday afternoon, Mr J. lv. Hornblow presiding. Others present were Mrs L. A. Abraham, Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P., A. E. Mansford, J. Boyce, G. A. Monk, 0. McElroy, V. E. Smith, W. Howell, D. Coiiis, G. P. Catley and M. A. Moody. Apologies for absence were received from Messrs F. J. Ryder and' R. L. C. Aitcliison.

The managing-secretary (Mr A. J. Phillipps) submitted his monthly report as follows:—“No 5 scheme workers have been engaged mainly on vegetable garden work at tho hospital, and fencing and gardening work at the farm. Now that the work on the Prince of AVales ward has been completed, painting work on the maternity home staff quarters is being carried on. It will be remembered that a start lia.d been made on this work prior to the decision to renovate the Prince of AVales ward. A complete report on the whole of the electrical installation of the Hospital buildings has been received from the City Council. This shows that considerable alterations and improvements are necessary. As among other things it is suggested that we should instal an entirely new switchboard at tho engine room, I would like authority to confer with Mr Allan, of tho Health Department, in this matter, with a view to having the necessary’ provision made in next year’s estimates. The requirements of tho City Council’s! electrical inspectors are, of course, mandatory and alterations to the regulations made since our initial supply was installed are responsible lor most of the improvements and alterations required.”—The report was adopted. The medical superintendent (Dr. F. Ward) reported that 231 patients had been admitted during November, 205 had been discharged and 11 had died, leaving 186 in the institution at the end of the month. _ The daily average number of occupied beds was 184,20. Five cases of diphtheria had been admitted during November, and 9 remained in the Hospital. There had been 24 admissions to the maternity home, and 44 attendances at the ante-natal clinic.

The matron (Miss J. McGhie) reported that tho health of the staff was good. Donations to the Hospital had been received as ' follow : -—Turkeys, Airs Norman and Airs Jamieson; magazines, Aliss G. Hunt and the AA’omen’s Division of the Farmers’ Union.

Votes of thanks were accorded the donors.

The matron of tire Old People’s Home (Miss A. C. Griffin) reported that on November 30 there were 31 inmates in the home. Thanks had to he accorded for the following donations: —All Saints’ Children’s Festival, cakes, eggs and magazines; Longburn Alethodist Sunbeam Club, cakes and eggs; Mrs Ferguson, Air Avern and Air Rainforth, magazines and papers. The reports were received. The board, acting on the social welfaro committee’s recommendation concerning men on the tramp accommodated by the Salvation Army, agreed to pay the Salvation Army for men who had been maintained in accordance with the list set out at the rate of 10s per week as from August 15, and to advise the Salvation Army that in future case? would not be paid for unless sent by the board’s representatives Following the suggestion made hv. the social welfare committee, Air Nash reported that he had discussed with the Minister of Native Affairs the possibility of securing a grant towards the'expenses of the board in assisting a number of Alaoris, but had been informed that there were no funds available. Accounts amounting to £4437 7s 6d were passed for payment. Air H. J. Canton forwarded a letter expressing appreciation of the attention given him while he was an inmate of the Hospital. Subsequently the chairman conveyed to the members of the board the season’s felicitations, which were reciprocated on behalf of the members by Alessrs Alonk and Nasli.