BUSY YEAR AT HOSPITAL

Northern Advocate, 8 June 1936, Page 2

BUSY YEAR AT HOSPITAL

ANNUAL REPORT OF CHAIRMAN The chairman, Mr J. A. S. Mac Kay, presented his annual report to the meeting of the Whangarei Hospital Beard today. “The year just closed has been a very busy one as regards the hospital,” said Mr Mac Kay. “The following figures are given by way of comparison:—

“On account of salary and staff increases, and rising costs in some instances, the expenditure per patient shows an increase as compared with 1933 and is now approaching pre-de-pression level. The hospital staff now totals 87 (nursing 51) as compared with 80 (nursing 46) in 1927 when the average number of patients under treatment was approximately the same. To this extent, it is apparent that the patients are receiving even better service than in the past.

Maintenance of Buildings.

“The time has now arrived when it is imperative that steps be taken to secure the • board’s property from deterioration and provision has been made in the estimates for coping with urgent painting, etc. Except in this particular, the buildings and equipment have been kept up to date and in good order. “No major works were carried out last year, but steps are now being taken to proceed with a comprehensive scheme of extensions and improvements as outlined by Dr. Shore of the Health Department. This includes provision of a new female ward, laundry, laboratory, quarters for medical men, and administrative block, and the cost of this will require to be met out of new loan moneys to be raised.

“No work of importance has been carried out at the Old People's Home. The number of inmates has decreased considerably and for some time past has averaged four. The garden and poultry departments have fulfilled a real need of the hospital, and further accommodation is necessary as regards the latter.

“‘During the year the Kamo Springs house, baths and surrounding grounds have been sold. Mr Henty’s lease of the farm has expired, and a new lease to Mr A. C. M. Finlayson is now in course of preparation.

Finance Matters.

“Allowing for outstanding subsidies due, the board started the new year with a small credit balance of £302 9/8. While the levy on local bodies has been raised, it is still apparent that every care will have to be exercised if a deficit is to be avoided at the end of this year. The board’s present loan liability was converted during the year at 4J per cent and will be extinguished in 9 years. “During the year Mr A. E. Brown was appointed relief officer and fees collector in succession to the late Mr W. H. Gillespie. In addition, the services of the board’s solicitors as collectors have been availed of to an increased extent. The fees collection for the twelve months was very satisfactory and compares more than favourably with that of recent years.

“Charitable aid disbursements were on a par with previous years. In this particular direction it is to be hoped that a reduction in unemployment etc., will to an extent ease the burden on the board’s funds.” The report was adopted.

1927 1930 1933 ; 1935-36 Admissions 1348 1412 1663 1914 Average No. patients per day 85.3 83,6 oi 2 85.1 Average cost per day .. 10/10 11/7 9/6 11/1 Maintenance levy .. £6475 £7482 £5304 £7005