HOSPITAL WORK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26957, 17 December 1948, Page 6

HOSPITAL WORK

WARD IMPROVEMENTS ANXIETY ABOUT FUTURE An authorisation from the Directorgeneral of Health for the preparation of working drawings for alterations to Victoria and Jubilee wards, on the understanding that any other proposed works in the vicinity entailing the demolition of these wards be postponed, was questioned by Mr J. W. Dove at last evening’s meeting of the Otago Hospital Board. Any such work, he contended, would jeopardise the possibility of building the theatre block for all time. The erection of the theatre block would be far better than comparatively paltry alterations to existing wards. When the time arrived for some relaxation of building controls it was to be hoped that the theatre block could be gone on with. Dr A. S. Moody suggested that such an attitude was re-opening the question of whether the board wanted the Wakari Hospital or the theatre block. He doubted whether the theatre block could be started for 15 years. It was a question of whether the board was prepared to accept a “ gift ” of £ 10,000 to £15,000, which was his estimate of the cost, or possibly jeopardise plans for the far distant future. Mr Dove stated that he had no intention of “going back” on Wakari. “I’m all in favour of looking to the future, but do not think we should wait too long when we can have the satisfaction of something—in this case the ward improvements—for 10 or 15 years,” said Dr J. H. Fulton. “Fifty years ago these wards were out of date. They are as primitive as anything in the place,” said Dr N. H. North. “ I think it is one of the black spots of our hospital. I think it necessary to have properly planned and equipped children’s wards.” v A motion by Mr Dove that the matter be referred back to the Health Department was lost.