Kaitaia Memorial Hospital Reception.

Northland Age, Volume 27, Issue 41, 26 October 1927, Page 4

Kaitaia Memorial Hospital Reception.

Ladies Day.

Matron Entertains Visitors. Nursing Staff Assist. A Pleasant Fun&ion. On Saturday afternoon a large number of ladies visited the Kaitaia Memorial Hospital, in answer to the cordial invitation extended to them by Matron Sullivan.

This lady proved an ideal hostess, and without a doubt won the hearts of all those present, with her unassuming manner. The strained atmosphere so often prevalent at functions of this description was absent, and everyone was soon quite at home. Sister Robson and Nurse Waterman assisted their chief admirably in entertaining her guests. The matron and her nursing staff looked neat in their spotless uniforms and caps.

As is understood, the official opening of this hospital has been postponed owing to the inability of the Minister being present. The people ot the district have assisted the Mangonui Hospital Board in making the erection of this institution possible and after years of uncertainty they have attained their desire, and the building recently completed is the result of their efforts.

Built on perhaps the finest and most suitable site in the county, overlooking Kaitaia, the hospital commands a splendid view of the surrounding district. The building itself is a model cottage hospital, and reflects great credit on the contractors and all those responsible for its structure, being in every detail the production of skilled workmanship.

The visitors were shown over the hospital by the nurses who pointed out to an interested audience, the various rooms and their equipments.

The wards, large airy rooms are all lined with Maxwell board, with squares of heavy linoleum on the floors.

The General Maternity Ward contains two beds and opens out on to a sun-porch glassed in on three sides and opening on to the verandah, where a convalescent patient may enjoy the sunshine.

The Single Maternity Ward contains a special bed which has rubber wheels, a great necessity in the event of serious cases.

The Emergency Ward has only one bed in it at present. The matron’s and sister’s rooms are papered in soft shades with built-in wardrobes and furniture en suite. A portion of the verandah is also partitioned off for the occupants of these rooms

Then comes the nursery with its quota ol tiny white bassinettes, a fireplace, a cupboard, and the dinkiest of weighing machines. Everything white and cosy. This room also has a sun porch attached which is completely glassed in where babies will enjoy the sun. These rooms comprise the entire front of the building. The sunporches are at present being occupied by members of the hospital staff as bedrooms. The dining-sittingroom is a big airy room and is papered in restful shades. The kitchen is also well equipped, the large sink, tipped bins, draws, cupboard and dressers being outstanding features. A fine hot water service is also enjoyed by the institution. The visitors were then shown through ihe offices essential to the administration of an up-to-date maternity hospital. A modern appliance is to be found in the emergency ward, the sterilising-room and the theatre. This is a spray with handles attached taking the place of taps and is worked with the elbow, thus when a nurse is working she need not use her hands, just a rpovement of the elbow tunning

on or turning off the water as desired. Afternoon tea was partaken of on the verandah and choice gramaphone selections were played and thus a pleasant time was spent.

Among those present were Mesdames N Matthews boi de rose rep, A McKenzie-mauve crepe de chine, Glynan—fawn and blue, Perkins-navy costume,W McKenzie—cerise frock, Hollay—henna, F Donaldson —boi de rose costume, Woodall—navy, Gallagher “■grey, Jamieson—henna rep, May —mauve floral, Wilkinson—mauve costume, S Puckey—biege costume, Wiggins —grey crepe de chene, Marks—tweed costume NorthwooJ Senr. —dark costume, A G Ball —maroon rep, Wilkinson Senr,—maroon rep, A Brent — floral voile, Crene —brown rep, Richter —brown embroidered rep Ramsey—mauve floral voile, Farrimond —blue crepe de chene, D Matthews —grey en semble, Rov Johnston —brown costume, Stra ker —navy rep frock, Kenny—tweed costume, Rowe —black coat frock, Wild —navy costume, Stimpson—brown costume, E Ramsey—pink crepe de chene Geard —black frock, R H Johnson —fawn jumper suit, E C Matthews —brown crepe de chene, H Mclntosh —boi de rose frock, J Dawson—grey, J Clarke—grey, H Foley—green, G Moore—black D Archibald —black velvet, Munn —henna rep, O’Gorman— helio rep, Smith —brown, Taaffe Senr. —black crepe de chene with helio coat, J T B Taaffe —fawn coat frock. Misses Holder —boi de rose rep, Puckey—pink fugi, Farrimond—champagne crepe de chene, D Mclntosh —bordered voile, V Mclntosh—mauve crepe de chene, Baker —blue satin, Rice —creme Fugi, Nathan—navy en semble.