WHANGAREI HOSPITAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23272, 15 February 1939, Page 15

WHANGAREI HOSPITAL

FORMER EMPLOYEE'S ILLNESS INCREASE IN PATIENTS [by telegraph—OWN correspondent] "WHANGAREI, Tuesday Advising on the responsibility of the Whangarei Hospital Board to assist a former employee who contracted tuberculosis after she left its employ, the board's solicitors stated at iits meeting yesterday that the board was not liable to make provision for the young woman in question. Under the new legislation, that matter was entirely one for the Board's discretion. It was stated by the secretary, Mr. J. H. Marwick, that the young woman was now unable to work.

It was agreed that the Health Department should be asked what benefits such a case would receive under the social security scheme. Suggestions were made that, although the board was not legally responsible, it might be said that there was moral responsibility, but information as to the position * under the social security scheme was desirable.

The annual report, tabled by the medical superintendent, Dr. J. W. Hall, showed that the number of patients had increased, a total of 2513 having been treated during the year. The Health Department advised that another district nurse was being appointed, and a subsidy was required from the board on account of the appointment. The chairman, Mr. J. A. S. Mackay, remarked that the board had never been consulted, but was expected to contribute. It was decided to secure further information.

The removal of the women's tuberculosis shelter, which stands in front of the new main hospital building, was advocated by several members. The Building Committee was given power to take such action as was deemed necessary.