INCREASING ACCOMMODATION

Northern Advocate, 13 August 1935, Page 8

INCREASING ACCOMMODATION

AT WHANGAREI HOSPITAL CONSIDERING NEW LAUNDRY SITE. ' COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF EXTENSIONS. The first step towards the provision of: more accommodation at the Whangarei District Hospital may be said to have been taken, by the decision made by the board yesterday to employ a surveyor, to take levels on a, property opposite the hospital yard, over which the board has received an option to purchase. It'was reported that ah option had been received for the purchase of an acre of land belonging to Mr Shipman, situated opposite the present laundry, for „£ 150, plus surveying costs. The matter had been before the House Committee. The chairman, Mr J. A. S. Mac Kay, said- that the idea was to purchase the lantfrand to build the laundry, and possibly maids’ quarters there, thus leavroom on the main site for other purposes. Before deciding to purchase, however, he thought it would be wise to take levels to find out if it could be connected with the drainage system. He moved that Mr R. S. Finch be employed to do the. work. The motion was carried. Possible Extensions. At the meeting yesterday, a full report on- possible extensions .was .received from the retiring chairman, Mr J. N. McCarroll, who stated:— “Reliable information indicates that the present buildings are over-taxed for the., efficient working of the institution. The medical superintendent reports that there is a waiting list for the women’s ward, and the DirectorGeneral of Health has remarked on the use of balconies as an undesirable practice. The staff have drawn our attention to reserve beds being constantly in use, and. to the lack of proper accommodation for the assistant medical superintendent or house surgeon. “In order to supply these buildings necessary to meet this situation, a list is necessary:— “1. (a) Women's ward; (b) casualty ward, ward,offices; (c) office accommodation for staff; additions to theatre; (d) quarters for assistant medical superintendent and house surgeon; fe) clinic at annexe. “2. Factors affecting the situation: (a) A large sum of money is, involved and the present time is not opportune to ask the ratepayers for it; (b) it is not possible to carry out all the work in one year; (c) the present steam plant is already fully taxed (this plant supplies the hospital and laundry, and in case of a breakdown, a serious position arises); (d) the laundry is occupying valuable space at present and it could be worked more economically as a separate unit; (e) the maids' quarters

are much in the way of any extension of the hospital. “3. Plan; (a). After considering these factors, it is plain that our object -can be achieved in five years, without unduly pressing the ratepayers, and a plan is necessary; (b) first year, build new laundry and more maids’ quarters; second year, women’s -ward; third year, offices, medical accommodation and additions to theatre; fourth, additions to annexe and a casualty ward; fifth, remove steam plant and make additions to kitchen. “Methods of carrying out plan are;' (a) Instruct architect, in consultation with staff and engineer, to prepare plans and estimates; (b) levy on the contributing local bodies annually for the required money; or (c) raise a loan spread over five years; (d) realise on seme of our property, say Kamo farm, and use the proceeds to start the plan. A motion thanking Mr McCarroll for his comprehensive report was carried, but further consideration was held over in the meantime until a decision on the laundry site had been- made, and also to enable Mr McCarroll to be present to speak personally on the details he had submitted, :