WHANGAREI HOSPITAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19511, 15 December 1926, Page 14

WHANGAREI HOSPITAL.

INCREASING ACCOMMODATION ALTERATION OF THE WARDS. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WHANGAREI, Tuesday. The women's ward at the Whangarei Hospital has been transferred from h-i eastern to the western end in the wing provided during the war by the commercial travellers for accommodation of wounded and sick soldiers. The men's ward is now located at the eastern end. Referring to the alterations at yesterday's meeting of the board the medical superintendent, Dr. Hall, stated that as the change meant that the women's ward now accommodated 30 beds instead of 20, he thought the change should solve the problem of accommodation for women for some time. The main improvement required, now was enlargement of the children's ward, where there was considerable congestion. Dr. Hall suggested that the existing children's ward be remodelled and extended until it was the equivalent size of a full adult 20-bed ward. Although some objection was expressed to making any extensions in wood the board decided to secure rough plans'and estimates of cost of /the proposed addition. ■lntimation was received from the Hikurangi Miners' Union that it was proposed .to form a society to obtain similar benefits to those given friendly societies, who were allowed a rebate of 40 per cent, on members' hospital fees, in return for guaranteed payment. The club, .could include miners; and other workers' and residents of Hikurangi.' 1 . Owing to the flooding of the mine and consequent unemployment the position in Hikurangi was serious and Mr. £. 'Swan questioned whether, if the proposal were not accepted,. many fees would be collected. - ■ . ... . - Mr. A. J. Murdoch moved that the proposal be approved. The motion was carried.