HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 4870, 26 September 1877, Page 3

HOSPITAL IMPROVEMENTS.

Tlie Committee of ihe District Hospital havo not beea idle since they came into oflice. At different times they have effected slight improvements and alterations in the building, which have tended much to the comfort of the patients and the staff.- Thoy have lately had plans drawn out for still further alterations, and tenders are now being called for tlie work. The present 1, 2, 3, and 4 \var:s nre to have a plastered ceiling in place of • the-bare rafters, and a corner is to be partitioned off in each ward, aud used as a lavatoiy and bath room. The staircases leading from the main hall to tlie fevnute ward on tho left, and that on the right, are to be removed, and brought out into the hall, communication with the upper storey being gained by a balcony connecting with the staircases, and running round the haU. The space thus gained on the' left-hand side will be utilised for an operating room, while that on the right will be used as a spare ward. The front ward upstairs' is to be fitted up and rendered habitable. The present lying-in ward, a wooden structure to the left of the main builuing, will probably be removed farthor back, and converted into a laundry, whilo on its present site a new lying in ward will be erected. Underneath the building, there is a great deal r>£ imcccupied space, and this the Committee have determined shall now he made use of; Since several holes for ventilation hove been made in the lower walls, the underground apartments have beeu quite dry. The kitchen will here be situated, and the advantage uf its proposed situ over its present position is very marked. At present, the food has to be brought from the kitchen at the rear of the building- along a corridor to tho various wards. If placed as proposed, all that will be necessary will be to fit up a lift in one of tbe corners, aud then the viands can be distributed to the several wards with a minimum amount of trouble. A boiler for cooking by steam, similar to that which has - proved so efficacious in Messr3 Watson Brothers' establishment, will take the place of the range, which hits done good service for many years. On the same floor will be the attendants'dining-room, dispensary, store-room, and waiting room for out door patients. The grounds outside the building have been arranged, and tho \valk3 all newly gravelled, so that, when the flowers and shrubs begin to bloom, the Hospital grounds will have a pretty and well-kept appearance.