HOSPITAL BUILDINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22344, 15 February 1936, Page 14

HOSPITAL BUILDINGS

' 8 NORTHERN WAIROA NEEDS INCREASED ACCOMMODATION [by telegraph—own correspondent] DARGAVILLE, Friday The position regarding the accommodation of patients and the nursing staff at the Northern Wairoa Hospital was reviewed by the Kaipara Hospital Board to-day. The medical superintendent, Dr. J. A. Marshall, reported that 56 cases were now under treatment at the institution and the nursing staff numbered 19. The average occupied bed rate for the last four months was 42.4 a day, as against 34 last year and 17 eight years ago. A number of nurses had to be quartered out owing to the cramped accommodation. The prospect of an increased staff made the position more acute.

Mr. W. D. Collins asked whether the plans now under consideration for additions to the main building would be sufficient to meet tho requirements. Mr. Marshall said the technical adviser to the Health Department was opposed to continual additions to the building and had suggested a more comprehensive scheme for tho enlargement of tho whole block. Tho plans for the suggested now wing had been forwarded to tho department, but nothing had yet been done.

The board decided to ask the Health Department what plans were in preparation for the enlargement of tho building, and the chairman, the medical superintendent and secretary wero authorised to take any steps necessary to expedite the matter.