OPOTIKI HOSPITAL BOARD

Opotiki News, Volume III, Issue 320, 8 October 1940, Page 3

OPOTIKI HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING The following were present at the monthly meeting of the Opotiki Hospital Board, held on Friday : Messrs. S. Maxwell (chairman), J. D. Clark, G. S. Moody, J. McDonnell, A. .Debreceny, Dr. 0. S, James and Mr. J. Henry (secretary). Apologies for absence were received from Messrs. Baigent, Shalfoon and Neilson. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and outward correspondence, approved. Tho chairman reported on the visit by Dr. Watt and Mr. Fenton. He said the visit was solely for emergency purposes. 'Dr. Watt had expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the local emergency committee and complimented the board on its foresight in having 12 months’ stock of drugs, dressings, etc., in hand. Dr, Watt also advised that the hospital" authorities would be responsible for treatment of returned soldiers i belonging to this district, unless specialist or orthopaedic treatment was necessary. The hospital was to arrange to have three to four bed s always available for this purpose. It was resolved to apply for "authority for bank overdraft limit up to £SOO fo the quarter ending 31/12/40.

British Children.—The chairman moved and Mr. G. S. Moody seconded, that the Opotiki Hosp.tal Board co-operate with the Department of Health by affording to these children, free of charge, any outpatient treatment within the scope of the outpatient services at the Opotiki Hospital.—Carried. 5 per cent. Increase in Salaries and Wages.—The Hospital Boards’ Association advised that the majority view of the boards was to grant a 5 per ceht. increase to all employees not covered by award and not entitled to the 5 per cent, increase under recent legislation ; also recommending the board to grant the 5 per cent, increase to ensure uniformity throughout the Dominion.

Moved by Mr. Debreceny and seconded by Mr. McDonnell, that the board grant the 5 per cent, increase to all employees of the board, in order to treat all people alike.

Mr. Clark moved as an amendment and Mr. Moody seconded, that no action be taken and the matter be deferred until next meeting, pending further information.— The amendment was carried. Increased Expenses.—The Wa:pawa Hospital Board wrote in connection with tho increase in salary to Dr. Short, travelling T.B. Officer, and explained the itinerary of the officer and the rates previously paid by other boards and the new scale suggested to be paid by these boards to compensate for increased costs in

travelling etc.—On the motion of Mr. Debreceny, seconded by Mr. Clark, it was decided to increase the Opotiki Board’s contribution by £5. Porter’s Wages.—The porter applied for an increase in wages. —It was decided to make an increase of 10/- per week. The medical superintendent’s and matron’s reports were approved. It was resolved to build an incinerator from old bricks already on the hospital grounds. Reports In her report, the matron, Miss E. M. Gillespie, said she again wished to thank all those who had given so freely to the hospital. ,Many she was not able to thank personally as she did not get names. —Mrs. Wilson Scott, vegetables; Mrs. Appleton, jam ; Mr. Bambry, eggs ; Mrs. N. Clark, eggs; Mrs. Frazer, eggs; Mrs. Peters, kumeras, rhubarb, lettuce ; Mr. Gaston, turkey for staff; Mrs. Stevenson, oranges; Mr. Dunlop, oranges. These gifts were greatly appreciated. Continuing, Miss Gillespie said: I would also like to thank the Presbyterian Church for their Hospital Flower Sunday. The flowers were beautiful and a great joy to the patients, staff and myself. Bertie has worked exceedingly hard in the gardens this month and both grounds and gardens show the result of li.s work. He is to be congratulated on the interest he takes in the appearance of the place. Many people have given us plants—this is a great help. The staff are very anxious to have a tennis court at the hospital. The old court is at present being used as a fowl-run. I think this, could be reconverted at a moderate cost. We are all willing to help raise funds to meet this cost if the board is in sympathy and willing to lend its support. Already one or two interested people have given donations and offered suggestions re the raising of funds. I would be grateful if the board would consider this matter. Wo are too far from the town for nurses to join the clubs there and with the longer days ccmng, some provision for outdoor exercise would not only add to the content and happiness of the staff, but also help to maintain health Superintendent’s Report. The medical superintendent, Dr. C. S. James, reported as follows: Patients remaining in hospital 31/8/40, 30; patients admitted during month, 40; patients discharged during month, 34; patients remaining in hospital 30/9/40, 34; daily average of patients, 3i. .The work has proceeded as usual. Our accommodation was taxed to its limit when the five acc:dent cases came in on Sunday morning. One was- accommodated on a military stretcher from the nurses’ home. Incinerator. —The need for this is urgent. The porter has difficulty ii the wet weather in burning the rubbish. The summer is coming and with it, the flies. These pests breed in rubbish, and by destroying the rubbish, an incinerator removes the breeding grounds of the flies. Should an epidemic of dysentery, or any other disease which is carried by flies, occur, an incinerator would have to be erected without any delay. I suggest that we build it be-fore-hand and thus be ready for such an emergency. The bricks arc there, and the Health Department would advise us as to a suitable type.