EMERGENCY HOSPITAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24828, 30 January 1942, Page 4

EMERGENCY HOSPITAL

USE OF BRYDONE HALL ALTERATIONS COMMENCED The steps mat are being taken to convert Brydone Hail into an emergency hospital were outlined by the chairman (Mr J. W. Dove) at the monthly meeting of the Otago Hospital Board last night. Instructions had been received from the Director-General of Health, Mr Dove said, to secure accommodation other than that available in the" board's institutions, for approximately 140 patients. With the architect, he had visited several buildings which might have proved suitable, but in each case it was found that these were not large enough. To have converted two of them would have involved too heavy a capital expenditure. Finally, Brydone Hall had been inspected, and this appeared to be the only building that would meet the requirements of the board.

Details 'of the plans prepared by the architect for alterations which would include the provision of cooking and sanitary facilities, had been discussed on Tuesday morning with the Minister of Health, Mr A. H. Nordmeyer, continued Mr Dove, and the Minister had given instructions for the work to be proceeded with. The Minister had also intimated that on his return to Wellington he would give the necessary ministeral consent to the acquisition of the building under the Emergency Regulations. The work at Brydone Hall had already been commenced, and il was also proposed to take over Victoria Hall, which would accommodate 50 beds, and which would be used as a convalescent ward. Mr Dove added that the,Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Society had been exceedingly nelpful during the negotiations, and" had offered to cooperate in every way possible.