Palmerston North Hospital

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 44, 22 February 1938, Page 10

Palmerston North Hospital

MONTHLY MEETING OF BOARD The monthly meeting of the Palmerston North Hospital Board was held yesterday, Mr J. A. Nash presiding. Also present were Messrs V. E. Smith, J. Hodgens, M.P., W. Howell, T. Green, J. Boyce, G. A. Monk, D. Collis, M. E. Perrau, M. A. Moody, G. P. Catley, F. J. Ryder and L. T. McLean. Leave of absence was granted Mrs M. Aitchison and Mr A. E. Mansford. The Board’s Otaki committee reported that it had fully discussed with the medical superintendent and the managing secretary the question of sanatorium finances -and the numbers of patients likely to be maintained in the near future in view of the fact that, |at the present time, the monthly expenditure was exceeding the monthly | revenue. It was agreed from the evidence produced that a minimum of 60 patients should be maintained in the sanatorium during tho next year and that, at this figure, the fees would at last equal the costs. It was decided, however, that the position be further reported on at the end of the first quarter of the next financial year. The architect was instructed to proceed with the preparation of the draft plans, together with an estimate of the cost, of a scheme of alterations suggested for the Otaki maternity home, also several matters in connection with the Otaki sanatorium, for consideration in connection with the estimates.

The medical superintendent (Mr J. H. North) reported that 281 patients were admitted during January, the daily number of occupied beds being 198. One case of scarlet fever and one of diphtheria were admitted. There were 26 admissions to the maternity home and 20 babies born.

Sister E. T. Smith reported four admissions to the Awapuni Home during the month, the number remaining in the institution on January 31 being 65. The general health of the inmates was fairly good. The medical superintendent at the Otaki sanatorium (Dr. R. S. Francis) reported that eight patients were admitted during January, the daily average number of occupied beds being 514. Managing-Secretary’s Report.

The managing-secretary (Mr A. J. Phillipps) presented the following monthly report:—

Proposed new buildings: Following on the special meeting in connection with my Australian report, by arrangement with Mr Hodgens, I waited on the Director-General of Health, who has agreed to arrange, as soon as convenient, a meeting between his officers and officers of this board to discuss further details in connection with the building programme. I have discussed with Dr. Shore the question of the laundry additions, and it seems that it will be more satisfactory to hold up the finalising of the laundry additions for a further month until we have a decision as to whether additions to the present kitchen block are likely to be required to be made in such a position that they will have a bearing on the question of the Laundry additions. New cow sheds at Awapuni farm: The work on the new cow sheds has been carried on during the month and satisfactory progress is being made. Painting work: Interior renovations at the X-Ray Department have been continued and are now nearly completed. One painter has been egaged on interior work at the Otaki Sanatorium during the month. Shannon District Nurse’s Cottage: Arrangements were completed in accordance with the previous decision of the board and this work is now well under way. Mr Hean reports that we are getting a very satisfactory job. Improvements to Annexe Building: The plumbing work on the new sink room has been completed and the work in the kitchen finished. Except for finishing the painting, the improvements to the annexe building have now been completed.