HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23491, 31 October 1939, Page 10

HOSPITAL AFFAIRS

SERVICES IN COUNTRY . ■ ' PROPOSED INFIRMARY WARD IMPROVEMENT IN FINANCES Matters affecting two.country hospitals were considered by the Auckland Hospital Board at its meeting last night. An intimation was received from Dr. F. Matheson, of Holonsvillc, that he intended to close his private hospital at the -end of January. Dr. Matheson stated that he was still prepared to sell to the board, but if it did not wish to take over the hospital he proposed to dispose of all the furnishings and, if possible, to sell the building for other purposes.

It was stated that for some time prior to the introduction of maternity benefits, the board had subsidised the hospital, but that, as Dr. Matheson had not taken up the Government's scheme; the subsidy had had to be discontinued.

The board decided to visit Helensvino and discuss the continuance of the hospital with Dr. Matheson. It was agreed, however, that the purchase of the property could not be considered. The Hospital at Waiuku

Following a visit by board members to the Franklin Memorial Hospital, Waiuku, an offer' was received from Drs. 0. E. Howden and R. S. Whiteside to do all the medical and surgical work of the hospital for a specified annual payment. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee. A report was received from a firm of civil engineers on the possibility of adding a storey in light materials to the women's building at the Auckland InfirmaVy, to provide a ward of 20 beds. The report stated that, although the foundations were capable of carrying the additional weight, the load on the internal columns would be excessive, and the proposal was therefore not to be recommended. It was decided that a sketch plan and the engineers' calculations bo submitted to the Public Works Department. Receipts and Payments

A statement by the treasurer on the six months ended September 30 showed that payments on maintenance account were £i3,996 below the estimates, and the receipts on maintenance account were £5105 below the estimates, leaving a credit balance £BB9I more than estimated. This compared with a deficiency of £3418 a year ago. However, a proportionate improvement in the current six months could not be expected. The deficiency on receipts had fallen from £8299 at the end of June to £SIOB at the end of September. Fees receipts for the six-monthly period were £8826 higher than for tho same period last year. A report by a special committer, on proposed changes in the. hours of work and wages of nursing aids at the Infirmary recommended the adoption of conditions proposed by 'the 'Hotel and Restaurant Employees and Related Trades' Union. The report was referred to the Finance Committee, with power to act.