HOSPITAL IS TAXED FOR ROOM

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 231, 1 October 1935, Page 8

HOSPITAL IS TAXED FOR ROOM

Building Programme Ahead

When population increases nioro people are side. That is an axiom. Unfortunately, it means an increased hospital bill for the ratepayers to meet, for more sick people means extra, hospital accommodation. For years the Palmerston North Hospital has been a growing institution in its endeavour to cater for an ever increasing population until now it has reached a stage when its capacity is taxed to its utmost. The Hospital Board lias endeavoured to postpone the day when money has again to bo put out on additional buildings, but can no longer do so without seriously prejudicing the health of those committed to its care. The result is that shortly building operations will again be in full swing not only at the hospital but at the OH People's Home at Awapuni, where ■wards are to bo built to take the chronic cases and so relievo the pressure in small measure, on the accommodation at the main institution. At the moment tho finishing fouclies are being given to alterations anck renovations to tho old wooden block, which, it is hoped, will now have an extended life of several years and postpone for tho same length of time, the spending of a major sum of money on a new ward.

Sanction is now being sought of the Loans Board for permission to erect in ferro-concrete, an administrative block at the western end of the line of buildings, at a cost of £5779. This building will be a handsome addition to the institution and provide office and board Toom accommodation, the lack of which has seriously handicapped the administrative, side of the hospital for many years. When completed, the Hospital Board will no longer be the cuckoo in the Power Board nest. The block is designed on, the T plan with tho rear having direct access to the main hospital building. Provision is to be made for the addition of a first floor at a later dato if found necessary, while there will also be a basement which can be utilised as a storeroom. The design is attractive though by no means elaborate.

The Loans Board;is also being asked to sanction the raising of £5399 for the addition of two wards at the Old People’s Homo to take tho chronic cases. One ward will be large enough to accommodate 16 beds for men and the other will take 11 beds for women cases. There will also be an extension of tho male dormitory to replace a portion, of the present sleeping quarters which is to be converted into a sittingroom for the inmates. A cottage for the nurses at tho Home is also provided in the scheme, the plan showing eight bedrooms, dining-room, sittingroom, kitchen, etc. Minor alterations are also proposed to provide extra offico accommodation. Tho additions will bo constructed to conform to the present design of the Home. In, addition to insufficient accommodation for its patients, the Hospital Board is also faced with insufficient accommodation for its nursing staff and were additions to bo made to the Nurses’ Home to-day, no fewer than 42 bedrooms -would be immediately occupied. The board must face another building programme of this nature verjr soon and shortly members are to have

plans placet! before them for approval. What is suggested is a new wing attached to the Ruahine street end of the Home, to be built in ferro-concrete according to Public Works standards and thieo storeys high, although possibly only two storeys will be contemplated at the moment.