HOUSING A HOSPITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23047, 26 May 1938, Page 12

HOUSING A HOSPITAL

There are welcome signs that the Hospital Board, strengthened by a blood - transfusion administered at the recent election, is gaining vitality in its handling of accommodation problems. Nine years of discussion without result—this summary is provided by the present chairman —may before long be followed by action in accordance with a comprehensive policy. It will not be possible to do at once everything needful, but attention can be given to the whole building policy as a matter of first urgency, this to be followed by progressive realisation of the complete purpose. In the medical superintendent's report just tabled is compelling evidence of the need at the central institution, where overcrowding, occasioned by conditions bound to continue so long as policy halts, is undoubtedly tending to hamper nursing efficiency and even to jeopardise the general work. The report shows also that this aspect of the problem is ever becoming more # embarrassing, without the slightest chance of amelioration until the building programme of the board is clearly prepared, approved by the Health Department, and at least partly carried out. Some relief, it is rightly suggested by members of the board, can be achieved by the creation of a recovery hospital or a chest hospital, or (better still) by the creation of both; but the key to final solution of the problem is at tho centre, where major remedial measures should be applied at the earliest possible moment. Until that is resolutely done, all else can be of only temporary value. The need for the general hospital is manifestly increasing, and nothing likely to check this increase is in sight. It is well that members of the board are insisting on the immediate planning of a policy equal to present and prospective requirement*.;