MANGONUI HOSPITAL BOARD.

Northland Age, Volume II, Issue 34, 27 August 1930, Page 5

MANGONUI HOSPITAL BOARD.

The members of the above Board visited Mangonui on 1 hursday 2ist. instant, where they made a tour of inspection of the Hospital and held their usual monthly meeting. Arriving at the hospital about ii am., they were met by the matron, who drew the members’ attention to certain matters which demanded immediate attention. A tap in the operating theatre designed to supply luke warm water, had ceased to function and ran either icy cold or boiling hot water.

The sterilizer, which has been in the institution since its inception had developed a leak in its internal chamber, which renders it practically useless, and which, in all probability, will necessitate its being replaced by a new one.

The roof of one of the rooms in the Nurses’ Home was leaking badly and causing considerable damage. The drainage connected with the isolation ward needed attention.

The members inspected these defaults and instructed Mr. E. Neilson to execute the necessary repairs.

In the event of Mr. Neilson’s inability to make satisfactory repairs to the sterilizer, he was instructed to communicate with Mr. W. H. Atkins, the Secretary, who would make the necessary arrangements to get the sterilizer replaced with a new one.

A requisition tor 6 dozen pairs of pyjamas, 4 dozen bed-room towels and a bolt of sheeting was made by the matron. The board granted authority for the purchasing of these goods. The following members attended the meeting which took place after the visit to the hospital : Messrs T. S. Houston, L. J. Matthews, E. A. Evans, W. H. Atkins, C. J. E. Barriball, J. W. Hoskin, W. Wi Kaitaia. Messrs L. A. Mclntosh and T. N. Berghan were unavoidably absent. The first matter for discussion dealt with a communication from the Hospital Boards Association which concerned the retirement of Dr. Valentine, Director-Gene-ral of Health. It stated that as a mark of appreciation of the good service rendered to the State by the Director-General of Health, it was suggested to make him a presentation of an illuminated address and a cheque, The association trusted that the Mangonui Board would see its way clear to make a contribution. Mr. L. J, Matthews said that in view of Dr. Valentine’s long association with Hospital Boards of the Dominion he felt that they should make some donation. He enquired of the Secretary, whether the hospital funds could be utilised, but was informed that the donation would be of a private nature. The Chairman proposed that they make a donation of one guinea. The proposal was adopted. A letter from the Hospital Boards Executive urged that the members of various hospital boards of the Dominion realize the dire necessity for hospital board representation on the Midwives Board. It was suggested that the assistance of the member for the district be sought in the hopes that he may prevail upon the Minister of Health to secure this representation which at present was confined to the leading administrative servants of the Health Department. Mr. Houston pointed out that this was a matter of grave importance, especially in the case

of the Mangonui Hospital Board, where the members were held responsible for the efficiency and discipline of a maternity school and hospital. He moved that the board endorse the recommendation ot the Executive to seek representation on the Midwives Board. Mr. Matthews seconded the proposal. Mr. Atkins reported on an interview made by himself and Mr. Mclntosh with the District Nurse at Houhora. 1 He reported that she found little work in the district and suggested that this was due to lack of publicity regarding her presence in Houhora. Mr. Matthews proDOsed that notices be placed in the local post office and stores intimating the presence of a nurse at Houhora, and stating that she would be available in cases of sickness and confinement.

The Secretary read a report submitted by Dr. Shore, Director Division of Hospitals, which was a result of his inspection of the Mangonui Hospital. It was empathic in pronouncing the hospital to be in need of immediate enlargement and alteration. The report clearly indicated that in order to secure the data for his report he had gone to endless trouble in referring lo statistic ot the hospital for the past three years. It terminated in an expression of regret that money was not available for the work at present and suggested that, when the next year’s estimates were made, there should be every chance of procuring the money. Mr. Hoskins in commenting on the report said that he felt the board would be unanimous in its opinion of Dr. Shore’s remarks It was pleasing to find that their views concerning the hospital were corrobarated by an outsider. The board were unanimous in accepting the report.

Accounts amounting to £447 3s wers presented for payment.

Mr. E. A. Evans moved that these be passed for payment.

Mr. W. Wi Kaitaia seconded this motion.

Dr. Cameron drew the Board’s attention to a Hospital Board’s law that called for provision of a locked poison cupboard in each ward of a hospital.

He said that this was not needed in his hospital, but they were in need of one poison cupboard with lock. The Chairman moved that a poison cupboard size 15” x 18” with lock be supplied and that Mr. Matthews see that same is installed.

This was seconded by Mr. Evans. Mr. Barribal drew the Board’s attention to the two cows at present in commission at the hospital, he said they gave little milk and in his opinion should be replaced.

Mr. Atkins said the matron had communicated with him concerning the insufficiency of milk supplied by their two cows.

The Chairman moved that two new cows be purchased and that the matter of their buying and the selling of the present ones be left in the hands of Mr. Barribal. This motion was seconded by Mr. Matthews.

The question of firewood was brought up by Mr. Barribal who stated that he knew a man who offered to supply wood for 50/- a cord delivered.

The Chairman enquired how long the present supply would last and was informed by Mr. Matthews that it would probably last till February. Mr. Barribal pointed out that as the new supply would be green it needed stacking at an early date. Mr. Matthews stated that he favoured calling tenders as prices would be competitive. This proposal was adopted and tenders will be called for 40 cords of wood not less than 2 inches in diameter and Bfeet in length to be delivered at the rate of 10 cords per month, the first delivery to be made in November.

Mr. Hoskins proposed that arrangements be made for indigent patients leaving hospital for home, to travel by service car. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair.