LOWER HUTT HOSPITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23227, 22 December 1938, Page 13

LOWER HUTT HOSPITAL

BUILDING FOR 150 BEDS PROVISION FOR EXTENSION [by tkleckaph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Wednesday Tho Minister of Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, has approved the erection of a building to house 150 beds, plus 25 maternity beds, for the first section of the proposed Lower Hutt Hospital, and has asked the Wellington Hospital Board, when preparing plans, to provide for future extensions. Architects have been instructed to prepare sketch plans for a 400-bed general hospital, plus 50 maternity beds, with all necessary services, the building not to exceed four storeys in height." They have also been asked to show the most economical way of erecting the block in sections When the subject was discussed by the Hospital Board, Mr. A. H. Carman said that recent statements in the press made it appear that the board wished to reduce the number of beds recommended by the commission. Actually the commission recommended 100 beds, the board wanted 200 beds, and tho Minister had now approved 150 beds The board, he added, was willing and eager to meet the needs of tho Hutt to the fullest possible extent. The full plans, which were being prepared, aimed to provido everything necessary for a modern hospital. The first section would be constructed so that no major structural alterations would bo necessary later.