SOUTH OTAGO HOSPITAL BOARD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19065, 10 January 1924, Page 10

SOUTH OTAGO HOSPITAL BOARD.

The monthly meeting of the South Otago Hospital ‘Board was held at Balclutha on Tuesday, when there were present: MessvsA. S. Malcolm (chairman), H. M. Briver, Jas. Gumming, Jag. Allan, A. T. Harris, Jasper Clark, H. Suuson, J. W. Fenton, and A. Rennie. FINANCIAL.; The finance report showed that ..the receipts for the month amounted to £l6O 10s 6d, and the expenditure to £691 18s Bd, leaving a balance of £6673 19s 10d. The report was adopted, and it was agreed to pass lor payment the amount due to date on the Balclutha Hospital access road. ■ MILTON HOSPITAL. Mr Rennie reported that the building of the Milton Hospital was proceeding satisfactorily, ' three carpenters; a [j 1 1! n;ber, and. three labourers being employed on the job. The work had been delayed through me scarcity of plasterers: That was a Complaint, however, that' was general in the building trade at present, so a leading builder had informed him. He was confident M>«t the contractor (Mr Hamilton) was doing his best, but seemed unable to obtain plastcrcis at present. The Chairman said the delay was a serious matter for the boaid, which was suffering heavy loss. The contract price was mrtcli higher than the board expected, and the contractor knew that he would be expected to carry out the terms of the contract. Perhaps there was a report from the architect on the subject? The Secretary: No. The Chairman; 1 think he should furnish us with monthly rexiorts. Mr Rennie' further stated' that the cellar had been flooded by rain, and had not yet been attended to. Mr Simeon; The position is very unsatisfactory. No one can say when that hospital will be finished —to-day or three months hence. Mr Clark; Even if they get plasterers now it will be the middle cf winter before the hospital is finished. Mr Sirason moved that the secretary write to the architect (Mr Wales'! and express regret that there was no report on the Milton Hospital before the board at its regular monthly meeting, and that the board was anxious to know when it -.night expect the work to be completed. This was agreed to. At a later stage Mr , Driver moved that Mr Wales be asked to attend the meetings of the board in future while the buildings were under way. He was in the habit of attending the meetings of the Otago Board. This was agreed to, the understanding being that Mr Wales would attend at Balclutha at his own expense. BALCLUTHA HOSPITAL ROAD. Mr Sinigon reported that the hospital access road was completed, and the foundation for the hospital would be finished on. Wednesday. It would take £lO to roll the road, and it was for the board to say whether it should be done. He also recommended that, the formation of the road be continued about five chains at the top of the hill. It was decided to have the road rolled, also that the extension of five chains at the top of the hill be .formed and metalled as recommended. HOSPITAL AMBULANCE. Mr Simson repoited that the motor ambulance procured Through Kcajj and. Weddell (Ltd.) was now completecC'afld it was nicely lettered in gold "South Otago Hospital Board." At present the St. John Ambulance Association in Dunedin had the use of the ambulance. Mr A. G.. Napier, superintendent of the Dunedin Fire Station, had taken a great interest in the'building of the ambulance, and his 1 advice had been valuable. It was agreed to send a letter of appreciation to Mr Napier. CORRESPONDENCE. Nurse Clements, matron Kaitangata Hospital, reported for the mouth of December .that seven cases had been admitted, nine discharged, and two remained. There were also two dental cases. —Adopted. John Jacobs, secretary Otago Hospital Board, wrote that his board had considered the request made by a deputation from the •South Otago Beard for a remission of the yearly ‘Tent" of ClPf.-l, in addition to the special fees now paid for patients by the South Otago Board, and had resolved that, consideration would be given to the request when the Milton and Owaka Hospitals were opened, so that the Otago Board could ascertain to what extent its institutions were relieved by the South Otago Board treating portion of its own patients.— It was decided to take tliis matter in committee. The Secretary, Otago Hospital Board, reported the following amounts that were to be charged for insulin :--From July 95 to September 30, 1923, new units at 4d, old units at Is; from November 1 to December 15, 1923, new units at 3Jd; from December 16, 1923, new units at 2jd. The above charges included postage from Australia, insurance, and landing charges.—The Chairman said I reduction was very satisfactory, and he thought insulin might vet be manufactured in New Zealand, when the price would come down still further. —Received.—Mr Clark suggested that the hospitals combine to secure the manufac’uro in New Zealand.—The Secretary,'in answer to a question, said that wituin the last month four or six South Otago patients had been treated with _ insulin for diabetes, and its use was extending. The Secretary, Waipiata Sanatorium Committee. forwarded minutes pf meeting held at Waipiata on November 28.—Received. The beard then went into committee.