HOSPITAL BUILDINGS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23226, 21 December 1938, Page 15

HOSPITAL BUILDINGS

GUIDANCE OF BOARDS NATIONAL STANDARDS URGED ENSURING WISE EXPENDITURE [bt telegraph —OWN correspondent] PALMERSTQN NORTH, Tuesday That the question of policy and procedure in relation to building matters be brought before the conference of the Hospital Boards' Association, was suggested by the secretary, Mr. A. J. Phillipps, in a report to the Palrnerston North Hospital Board. He said the present machinery for handling the building programmes of hospital boards left much to be desired. Clearly enunciated national standards for hospital buildings were essential, said Mr. Phillipps. That was the only way to cope with the existing building problem and to ensure that the money which was being invested in hospital buildings in New Zealand was wisely spent. He estimated that from £4,000,000 to £5,000,000 was to be spent in buildings in the next 10 years. At present, he added, the Health Department was well equipped to advise on certain aspects of building problem's, but it was most desirable to have established some national committee, which would evolve suitable building standards and provide the machinery to' give preliminary advice to boards which contemplate building. 'The board decided to draft a remit for the conference on the lines suggested by Mr. Phillipps.