Hospital Affairs

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 272, 20 November 1934, Page 8

Hospital Affairs

MEETING OF PALMERSTON NORTH BOARD The Palmerston North Hospital Beard met yesterday with Mr. J. K. Hornblow (chairman) presiding. Also present were Messrs G. A. Monk, D. Collis, M. A. Moody, J. Hodgens, L. I. McLean, A. E. Mansford, F. J. Ryder, W. Howell, G. P. Hatley, J. Boyce, V. Smith and R. L/C. Aitchison. Tho matron (Miss J. N. McGhic) reported that the health of the staff was good. The hospital examination was held on October 5 and 6, Drs. Chisholm and Williams being the exaxminers for the written part and Dr. Putnam for the practical and oral work. The successful nurses were Nurses Taylor, Train, Slierrard, Smith, Hammond and Brown. The matron acknowledged tho following donations: —Magazines, papers and books, Mrs. Howell, Sunday News, Mrs. Tennent, Mrs. Pegdcn, Mrs. Yining, Mrs. Ross Bailey and Mrs. I rank Hockley. The managing secretary reported that he had discussed the question of treatment of Bulls residents who arc members of the Manawatu United Friendly Societies’ Hospital Association with the secretary of the Wanganui Hospital Board and had suggested to the .Manawatu Friendly Sosieties' Hospital Association that possibly their members might be able to enter into an agreement with the Wanganui Hospital Board for treatment of those who live in Bulls on the same lines as the agreement entered into between the Palmerston North Hospital Board and those members of the scheme who are residents of this board’s district. The managing secretary reported on matters relating to buildings and equipment at the consumptive annexe. Mr. Hodgens asked that the committee placo on record its satisfaction of the improvements that had been carried out at the annexe building during the month.

Secretary’s Report. The managing secretary (Mr. A. J. Phillipps) reported as follows: — Painting work—Work on the farm manager’s cottago has been completed during the month and tho farm staff quarters are at present being painted. The old theatre building has been renovated and will shortly bo ready to accommodate the massage department. lic-roofing fever ward building.—The contractor for re-roofing the fever ward building has almost completed the worK. The board approved of the conditions for the employment of tho new medical superintendent as drawn up by the subcommittee of three appointed at last meeting of the board. House Steward Wanted. The board discussed the question of appointing a house steward whose duties will bo to control the male domestic staff and act as assistant to the managing secretary in connection with stores contract and stores record work. The chairman explained that much smaller hospitals than Palmerston North, such as New Plymouth, Wanganui, Timaru and Napier had house stewards and the time had arrived when the Palmerston North Board should have one too. It was impossible for tho managing secretary to undertake all the supervision required. Applications for the position at a salary of £350 had been called and there were 05 replies. In answer to Mr. Mansford, the secretary said a good man would save the board the amount of his salary between now and March. The board decided to inako an appointment. It was decided to secure information from other hospitals on tho subject of a dental department. Appointment of Probationers. Mr. Hodgens voiced a protest at the recommendation of tho executive not to give first preference to girls from the board’s own district in the appointment of probationers. The chairman explained that ten probationers were needed and 160 applications had been received. The matron had gono through the list and narrowed it down to 12. Mr. Hodgens had raised tho point as to whether thoso girls living within the board’s area should not be given preference with the exception of those who had had previous institutional training. The majority of the executive, however, had viewed the matter differently. Mr. Howell said he had not voted for Miv Hodzens ’ proposal because in got- /

ting probationers, the hospital wanted the best girls available. Further, it had to be remembered that part of the money for the upkeep of the Palmerston North hospital came from the people of New Zealand generally. There was also the possibility of other boards adopting a similar attitude if Palmerston North excluded outsiders. Mr. Hodgena said he could not understand the mind of the other members of the executive and he would like to test the feeling of the board on the matter by moving the same resolution as ho had at the executive meeting. Mr. Smith thought it unwise to interfere with the selection of the matron and he was supported by Mr. Collis. Mr. Mansford seconded Mr. Hodgens’ motion. Mr. Hodgens said the board had already dictated to the matron by telling her applicants from Otaki hospital must have preference over all others. _The motion was defeated 4—6.