SOUTH OTAGO HOSPITALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24685, 14 August 1941, Page 5

SOUTH OTAGO HOSPITALS

MONTHLY MEETING OF BOARD

The monthly meeting of the South Otago Hospital Board was held at Balclutha on Tuesday, and was attended by Messrs A. T. Harris (chairman), J. W. Fenton. L. W. Potter, W. J. McKenzie, W., Sutherland, H. A. Brough, A. V. King, Adam King, D. McGregor and R. G. Cullen. . The treasurer’s statement for the month showed receipts at £2921 16s 2d and expenditure £2891 9s 7d. The principal items of expenditure were; Balclutha Hospital, £1895 7s 4d; Owaka Hospital, £261 2s lid; Milton Hospital, £227 10s sd; Kaitangata Hospital, £lls 15s lOd. The statement of balances showed a debit of £97s'Bs lid. The report was adopted. Superintendent’s Report

The medical superintendent (Dr D. M. Frengley) reported on the board’s hospitals for the month as follows (the figures for July. 1940 being given in parentheses):— . Balclutha Hospital: Admissions 69 (59), discharges 74 (69), remaining 65 (56). X-ray O.P. examinations 25 (25) v massage department examinations 33' (67). Milton Hospital: Admissions 19 (18). discharges I’3 (20), remaining 12 (9). Owaka Hospital: Admissions 15 (15). discharges 11 (ID. remaining 14 (14). Kaitangata Hospital: Admissions 4 (3), discharges 3 (2), remaining 3 (2). Milton Maternity Ward Correspondence from the Directorgeneral of Health in regard to the' proposed Milton Maternity Ward showed that the building controller’s approval of the plans was given on condition that plain galvanised iron was not used for the hoods and flat roofs. The approval of the Minister of Health (Mr Nordmeyer) was also received. The estimated cost was stated to be £8961. It was decided to authorise the construction of the building. Heating for Milton Hospital Mr Potter read a letter he had written to the board under date July 16 giving the result of a visit of inspection he had made .to the Milton Hospital at the request, and in company with Dr Edgar It was found that the system of heating the building was unsatisfactory. Because they wore clogged, the hot water radiators were not acting satisfactorily. He had in consequence formed the opinion that at least six electric heaters were required. The nurses’ quarters were not heated or wired for electric heating. The linen cupboards had insufficient shelving. The electric heaters that were in use were of a very antiquated pattern. A long discussion -followed and at one stage it was proposed that the board should go into committee to discuss the engineer’s report. Mr Potter objected to this, but the motion was carried with three dissentients. _ On resuming in open meeting it was decided to install four electric heaters immediately.. V., •