HOSPITAL MATTERS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXIV, Issue 4869, 22 January 1903, Page 6

HOSPITAL MATTERS.

PREttS ASSOCIATION. TTMARU, January 21. In consequence of the fever wards at tho hospital being dismantled and undergoing alterations, tho Hospital Board has sought to> hire cottages to serve as a scarlet fewer hospital, but has had groat difficulty, owners declining' to let their houses for such a purpose. One small cottage was obtained for two patients from hotels or boardinghouses. None wore accepted from private homes. The Mayor suggested that' the Timaru Gaol, which is not much used, should bo utilised as a fever hospital, hut the idea was not entertained. Tho chairman of the Board, at a meeting yesterday, disclaimed responsibility for tho treatment of epidemic diseases, which must in every case overtax tho ordinary accommodation of tho hospital. He said the Board was acting generously towards tho Borough Council in doing what it had done. Tho Board acknowledged the difficulty, hut agreed to continue to do its best.

It was pointed out that the Resident Surgeon’s objection to the use of touts for scarlet fever patients was borne out by tho countermanding of the order to put the patients into tents at Dunedin. Dr Gabitos said the Indian pattern of tents, with double walls and roof, would do, hut these were expensive.

The Minister of Health has directed tho Dunedin Health Officer to accommodate future fever patients in tents or otherwise. The present patients are to he removed from tho Caversham Barracks as soon as other accommodation is ready.