WHANGAREI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Northern Advocate, 15 October 1918, Page 3

WHANGAREI HOSPITAL BOARD.

MONTHLY MEETING

i'he Whangarei Hospital and Charitable Aid Board met at the hospital yesterday morning. Present: Messrs T. Ellis (chair), J. M. McKay, W. H. Clarke, A. G. Mackenzie, F. T. Steele, and W. A. Kerr. PROPOSED LOAN. The State Advances Department notilied that it could not grant a loan for construction of hospital buildings. GOVERNMENT GRANT. The Minister of Defence notified the grant of £2000 towards the new male ward provided 20 beds were available for soldiers in place of 12. On the motion of Mr Mackenzie the condition was agreed to and the Minister is to be thanked. PLANS OF NEW WARD. Dr. Frengley forwarded the plans of the new ward with minor amendments and notilied the Minister's signature to the consent. The architect, to report. BY-LAWS. Dr. Frengley wrote regarding the by-laws pointing out that the term for nurses training was three years, not four. He presumed one year was post graduate training. He did not approve of charging for the administration of anaesthetics. The Board agreed to the amendment to the term of training but adhered to its decision to charge for anaesthetics. NATIONAL PROVIDENT EXAMINATION. The Minister in charge of the National Provident Fund asked if the Board would accept the examination ■ of contributors at a fee of 10s 6d. It was agreed to allow the Medical I Superintendent to undertake such j examinations. AMBULANCES. The South Canterbury Board of fered a "light horse ambulance for sale. The Health Department inquired if the Board would like to acquire an army war ambulance after the war. The Whangarei Engineering Co. stated that it would cost £30 to repair the hospital car. They suggested the purchase of the latest model chassis for the car for £142. It was decided to decline the offer of the Canterbury Board's horse ambulance. It was resolved to invite tenders for the old ambulance and defer consideration of other offers until next meeting. A BEQUEST. I Mr W. A. Carruth forwarded the sum of £100 bequeathed to the hospital by the late Andrew Scott. Dr. Frazerhurst suggested that the money be devoted to the purchase of an operating and X-ray j table and this was agreed to. CONDITION OF BOILER. Messrs Anderson and Son wrote asking for a full report upon the condition of the brickwork of the boiler. They agreed to supply a gauge glass protector free of charge but did not think that they should be expected to pay for machinery guards. On the motion of Mr Clarke the bricklayer (Mr Fraser) is to be asked to report upon the condition of the brickwork at the time when he was ] called in to effect repairs. ADMISSION OF PATIENTS. The Bay of Islands Board asked, that in future notice be given of admission of patients from their district to Whangarei. They thought all but serious surgical cases should be treated in their own hospitals unless good reason could be shown. The chairman moved that an explanation be given the Bay of Islands Board that no charitable aid cases were received and if such patients were not received here they would go on to Auckland. The motion was seconded ami carried, i AN HONEST PENSIONER. An old age pensioner notified that ' he was now" in receipt of the old age pension and would not require charitable aid. DOCTOR'S REPORT. The doctor reported that the number of patients in the institution was 47. The maternity annexe would soon be completed and it would be necessary to bring it under the bylaws. It was resolved that the annexe be an integral part of the hospital and that the medical superintendent and matron be responsible for control. The fee for maternity cases was fixed at 5s per day without rebate. APPRECIATION. Mr Harry Wall, Te More, forwarded the amount due for his wife's treatment and expressed sincere j thanks for the attention received. ,