MANIOTOTO HOSPITAL BOARD

Otago Witness, Issue 3754, 23 February 1926, Page 60

MANIOTOTO HOSPITAL BOARD

(From Our Own Correspondent.) NASEBY, February 19. The bi-monthly meeting of the Maniototo Hospital Board was held at Naseby on Wednesday last, the chairman (Mr H. W. Davis) presiding, there being also present Messrs Nicoison, Morgan, Ramsay, T. C. Hore, Hall, and the Hon. Mr Scott. The Medical Superintendent (Dr Eudey) reported that Miss Bickneil, Director of tne Nursing Division of the Department of Health, had visited the nospital on February 8 and 9, and was not satisfied with the conditions of nursing, expressing the opinion that it would be difficult to remedy the existing conditions. She indicated that the Maniototo Hospital would remain a training school for maternity nurses. Miss Bickneil was impressed with the suggestion to establish a maternity hospital at Ranfurly with a doctors’ residence there. The Medical Superintendent stated that another doctor would be commencing practice shortly at Ranfurly, and he was of the opinion that much of the private practice would go there and if the board wished to retain a doctor at Naseby it would probably mean that it would have to increase his salary. lie intended to apply for an increase of salary at the end of nis agreement, but if the board considered the suggestion to erect a maternity home at Ranfurly with his residence there, he would forego the increase. He would, however, require travelling expenses when visiting Naseby Hospital. He suggested that, with the bequest and subsidy on it. the board would require only about £ISOO, the interest on which would be more than covered by the saving in the medical superintendent’s salary. , . Mr Morgan said that when in Naseby Dr Valintine had expressed the opinion that no doctor would be likely to offer much opposition to Di Eudey, and there would be no subsidy frpm the department. Dr Eudey said the university was turning out a number of young doctors who would be glad to make a bare living, and, at the same time, gain further experience. If two doctors were in the district the board might find it difficult to persuade a doctor to come here on the salary without much private practice. _ . . The board had twice reached a decision on the matter, said Mr Nicoison, and if every time they reached a decision they were going to rediscuss it they would never get anywhere. ... Members complained of delay in the department forwarding plans of alterations and renovations. —It was decided to communicate with the Minister of Health and invite him to visit Naseby when fulfilling his visit to the Waipiata Sanatorium. It was agreed that if this could not be arranged a deputation might take place at Dunedin. The Secretary reported that whilst m Dunedin he had interviewed the secretary of the Otago Hospital Board and obtained a statement for the past four years as to patients’ fees from this dis trict, to assist the board if! their consideration of arrangements being made between the two boards. He had sug gested that representatives of this board confer with Otago Board’s representa tives whilst in Dunedin for the confer once next week.—lt was decided that Mr Morgan and the secretary be appointed a deputation to meet the Otago Board nexe week. . Tliq Secretary Waipiata Sanatorium 1 Committee wrote that that body expected its capital expenditure to amount to £IO,OOO next year, this board’s propor tion being £l9B. The Director-general of Health replied to the board’s telegram that he regretted delay in forwarding plans for alterations, but as soon as possible the architect would visit Naseby to prepare the plana and specifications.

The Director-general of Health also wrote relative to secretariat that he had already given his opinion, and was still strongly of the opinion that Mr Lloyd should retain the position of secretary to the board. Mr A. 11. Bak<ir was granted lease of the board's land at Ranfurly at a rental of 2s per week, fences to be kept in repair and trees protected from cattle. A large quantity of correspondence was dealt with of a general nature. Several matters were left for the deputation to bring before the Otago Board when meeting the latter body. The Hospital Board’s Association forwarded information regarding the coming conference. The Secretary drew the attention of the board to a letter appearing in the Mount Ida Chronicle recently which accused the board of deliberately withholding information from the public, and made other charges against the board. It also quoted sections of the Act specifying that if the secretary, treasurer, or other officer refused to give information he was liable to a fine. So far as nonpublication of the balance sheet was concerned, it was at the time of the publi cation of the letter in the office having been received from the Audit Office, and was waiting adoption by the board-at a special meeting. It could not be published before that. It was not, however, compulsory to publish it. The balance sheets were always available for inspection by any ratepayer interested. —Ic was decided that the secretary should reply to the letter through the press stating tin facts. The Hon. R. Scott reported on the work at the Waipiata Sanatorium, and Messrs Morgan and Ramsay reported on their visit to the hospital. Accounts totalling £317 11s Id were passed for payment.