An Increase in Patients

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7136, 20 April 1933, Page 9

An Increase in Patients

P.N. Hospital Figures For the Past Year

AVERAGE DAYS STAY DECREASES

Patients admitted to the Palmerston North Hospital during the year ended March 31 last totalled 2660, an increase of 400 on the number for the previous year, according to a report submitted to the monthly meeting of the board yesterday by the medical superintendent (Dr. F. G. Ward). The daily average number of occupied beds was 182, as compared with 170, and the average stay per patient 25 days, two less than the figure for 1932.

“I consider that it would be extremely difficult,” Dr. Ward added, “to reduce the average individual stay still lower while we still have the numbers of chronic cases admitted that wo have at present. The average individual days stay, omitting patients who have been in hospital for 90 days or over, is approximately 17.2. “The following aro the numbers of infectious diseases treated during the year: Scarlet fever, 14; diphtheria, 34; phthisis, 8; puerperal sepsis, 4; tetanus,

“One hundred and thirty-two deaths occurred during the year. Of these IS occurred within 24 hours of admission, The general death-rate was 4.69 and after making allowance for deaths occurring within 24 hours of admission, the adjusted death-rate was 4.05. “There has been a gkeat increase in the number of out-patients treated during the year. These out-patients are treated in the small casualty room near the front door. If any building programme is contemplated it would greatly facilitate the examination and treatment of out-patients if another room were incorporated in the out-patient department.

“The operating theatre continues to give satisfaction and it will be noticed that nearly 300 more operations were performed than the previous year. This is in keeping with the increased number of patients treated. “The total number of operations for the year was 1463, comprised as follows: —General operations, including minor operations, toeth extractions, etc., 683; operations for tonsils and adenoids, 364; gynocological operations, 194; hernia operations, 54; appendix operations, 147; cancer operations, 10; goitre operations, 11; total, 1463. “At the beginning of 1933 the honorary staff was supplemented by the appointment of Drs. Wilson and Mitchell. In conclusion, I wish to record my appreciation of the work and assistance of the honorary and the stipendiary staffs of the hospital.”

Air. A. E. Afansford asked how Palmerston North compared with other centres in regard to the average days stay.

The managing-secretary (Mr. A. J. Phillipps) said he did not think there was much difference between Palmerston North and other hospitals. A separate ward or home where chronic cases could be looked after was suggested by the chairman (Mr. J. K. Hornblow). Several other boards had such departments, this serving to cut down, the average days stay per patient for the main institution. However, the suggestion would have to wait until times were better.

The board, added the chairman, did not desire people remaining in the institution longer than was necessary.