TAUMARUNUI HOSPITAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18521, 4 October 1923, Page 13

TAUMARUNUI HOSPITAL.

ERECTING NEW BLOCK.

TENDERS TO BE CALLED.

UP-TO-DATE • STRUCTURE.

Tenders will shortly to called for the erection of an up-to-date Hospital at Taumarunui. For this purpose the Taumarunui Hospital Board, has purchased a site about half a < mile from the town in. an elevated position, fronting the Wanganui River. The present * hospital, which was erected when the population of Taumarunui was a fraction of what it is now, has been found to bo far too small" to cope with tho requirements of the district.

The new buildings will consist of a main block of three wards containing 14 beds each, and six one-bed wards, operating suite, kitchen and dining block, X-ray department, and an administrative block. Provision for infectious diseases will bo made in two separate buildings that will be reserved for this purpose. A separate two-storey building will bo provided 'as a home for the nurses. The whole block' will be constructed of brick with tiled roofs, and it is interesting to note that the whole of the bricks and tiles used will be manufactured locally. The floors throughout will be of wood and tho walls piaster on brick. A reinforced concrete water tower with a capacity of 10,000 gallons will bo erected to ensure a constant supply for all purposes. Tho wards will be heated by a hot water installation and steam will be used for sterilising and generating heat for baths, etc. Electric light will be installed in all buddings. Special attention is being paid to the sanitary fittings. Tho draJfcage will run to septic tanks, and through large filter beds to the river. In planning the hospital provision has been made for easy extension when necessary. The total cost of the job is estimated at £40,000. The architect is Mr. G. W. . Allsop.