PLUNKET SOCIETY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23192, 11 November 1938, Page 3

PLUNKET SOCIETY

BEQUEST OF JE3OO NEW MATRON WELCOMED ADDITIONS TO HOSPITAL The announcement was made at a 1 meeting of the Plunket Committee this week that a bequest of £3OO had been made to the society by the late Lady Nolan, who had been a member for many years. Motions of sympathy with her relatives and also with those of the late Mother Hannah, were passed. Mother Hannah had been a member of the committee since the formation of the Auckland branch. A welcome was extended to Miss Sydney Lusk, who lias been appointed to the position of matron of the Truby King Ivaritane Hospital. Miss Lusk, who was previously oil the Auckland Plunket district staff, recently returned to New Zealand after having been engaged for seven years in infant welfare and public health nursing abroad. Tn addition to general hospital, midwifery and Plunket certificates. Miss Lusk also holds the health visitors' certificate of the Royal Sanitary Institute and also the Diploma of Nursing, London University.

Karitane Admissions Miss Lusk reported that nine premature babies had been admitted to Karitane during the month. The large number of premature babies receiving treatment at the hospital limited the number of other babies which could be admitted.

Miss Chapman's report, showed that the district nurses had had a busy month. New baby cases totalling 221 had been seen; 1185 home visits had been paid; and 8163 mothers and babies had attended the out-station offices. In the pre-natal section 37 new expectant mothers had been seen, 199 return visits had been paid to the department, and 225 mothers were under supervision.

The resignation, on account of her pending marriage, was received from Sister Cave, of the hospital staff. It was decided to appoint Miss Batt, of the Karitane Hospital in Wanganui, to fill the vacancy.

Use ol Racecourse A vote of thanks was passed for a donation of £8 by Mr. G. Brown, a working gardener, to the funds of the society. It was Mr. Brown's second contribution within the last few months. It was decided that necessary additions to the Truby King Karitane Hospital to enable more babies being admitted should be proceeded with immediately. A letter was received from the Auckland Racing Club granting the use of the racecourse for a children's party on December 3.

Appreciation was expressed of the response to the Armistice Eve concert arranged by Miss Dorothy Wood.

NORTHCOTE BRANCH The report of the nurse, Miss J. Bursell, presented to a meeting of the Northcote Plunket Committee, stated that during October 146 visits had been made to the Northcote room. In addition visits had been made to 31 homos. Voluntary motor-car transport was provided by Mrs. R. Martin, Mrs. F, C. Williams, Mrs. H. Cadness and Mrs, D. H. Opperman. A mother and baby had been admitted to the Karitane mothercraft cottage, the transport being undertaken by Mrs. R. Martin. Regret was expressed at the death of Mother Hannah. Superior of the Order of the Good Shepherd, a member of the Plunket Society at Auckland, and appreciation of her useful work was recorded. The convener, Mrs. P. J. Hawke. reported that two new members had been enrolled in the Truby King Junior League.