PATEA HOSPITAL BOARD

Patea Mail, 15 May 1935, Page 2

PATEA HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Patea Hospital Board was held on Tuesday, Mr. C. R. Honey field presiding. Messrs. W. H. Watkins, W. Back, H. Middleton, R. G. Scown, E. J. Watt, and .1. Lupton wore also present. An apology for non-attendance was received from Mr. Christensen, and he was granted leave of absence. HOSPITAL TELEPHONES. The chairman reported that he had interviewed the doctor and matron in connection with the hospital telephones and they recommended that separate telephones bo installed in the hospital ami nurses' home. It was resolved that this be done. ADDITIONS TO HOSPITAL. The chairman reported that the additions to the hospital wore practically completed. The furniture for the new ward was being made, and was .ill to be of heart rimu.

AMBULANCE FOR DISTRICT,

Tne Pev. G. It. Gardiner, Waverley, wiote advising tlmt at a public mooting held at Vvaveilcy Messrs. W. Heginbotluuu, chairman of the Waverley I’mvn Hoard, W. Berridge, bank manager, and Pcv. G. It. Gardiner were

appointed a delegation to bring before the Hospital Board the question of an ambulance for the board’s district.

Eev. Gardiner, Messrs Berridge and Hcgiubatluun waited on the board. Mr. Heginbotham said the meeting held in Waverley had been a large and representative one, and had considered an ambulance was urgently required in the district, and recommended that an appeal be made to the public for funds, and also application made for a grant from an art union allocation.

ilcv, ’Gardiner said an ambulance was not expected iu a week or two, but the lime was ripe to make a move and arouse public interest. In view of the King’s Jubilee, the effort might be called one for a Jubilee ambulance. The doctor’s cars were not suitable, and it was unfair to expect them to bring the patients in. Ho quoted recent cases, one in which a person had had an apoplctie fit and had to be brought to hospital in a lorry. Another person had broken n leg and had had to hire a taxi. The matter needed advertising in the district, and he hoped the board would give the matter its on most consideration.

Mr. Berridge supported the previous speakers’ remarks, and said it was unjust for the residents to have to rely on private cars, lorries, or taxis to convey them to hospital. Mr. Heginbotham said it had been estimated that the cost of the ambulance w r ould be £4OO, and it had been a suggestion that each of the eight members of the board endeavour to raise, say, £SO in his respective .district.

Mr. Middleton said the hoard was in sympathy with the project, but ho thought the time was not just yet. It had been suggested that the Wanganui ambulance might be obtained when necessary by guaranteeing, say, £5 per

year. The chairman said ho would like to say the project had the sympathy of the board, and would receive its full consideration. The deputation then withdrew.

The secretary said he had been in touch with the Free Ambulance Association in Wanganui, and had been advised that the ambulance was available in districts outside Wanganui at a cost of (id per mile, including the driver, It was decided to hold the matter over until next meeting for consideration by the now board, the secretary to obtain full particulars from the Wanganui Free Ambulance Association.

MLECTJOX OF MEMBER. The returning oUlcer wrote advising that only one nomination, that ot Mr. C. 1!. Hoiieyiiold, was received For the elect ion of seven members oF the board representing the Paten County. It would be necessary For the County council to nominate six persons to /ill the remaining vacancies. The letter was received. OFFER OF FIREWOOD. Mr. I). Hughes wrote olFering to deliver Firewood at the hospital at 28s tid per cord of ISin and 2ft lengths, 2(>s per cold for -Ift lengths, aud 32s (kl per cord for .Sin blocks. It was decided to procure enough wood from Mr. Hughes to till the wood shod. RIF ’ 11’ROC'AI * TR E ATMEXT. Tho Waikato Hoard wrote notifying Unit it had decided to cancel the present reciprocal arrangement with all Hospital Boards «s from May I. The letter was received.

NEW COOKEE OFFERED. Messrs. Levin and Co. wrote giving particulars of an “Aga" cooker costing 288 guineas, less .24 per cent, for cask within one month, plus not more than £5 for erection expenses. The guaranteed maximum fuel consumption of the stove would be five tons of crushed coke per annum, estimated at £2O. The cooker was guaranteed for ever against breakage due to fair wear and tear or breakdowns. It was resolved to make further inquiries into the matter.

MEDICAL ,S UPEEINTENDENT 'S KEPOKT.

Dr. W. T. Simmons reported as follows for April: Patients in hospital at beginning of mouth, If males, 16 females, total 30; admitted, 16 males, 13 females, total 29; discharged, 11 males, 13 females, total 24; died, 3 males; remaining, .16 males, 16 females, total 32.

Messrs. Middleton and Christensen were appointed a visiting committee for the ensuing month. Accounts totalling £473 9s lid were passed for payment. Before the boiard rose, the chair-in-'an, by 'Mtr. moved that the board place on record its appreciation of Messrs. Scown and Johnston's service as members of the board, and expressed regret that they were leaving the board's table. Mr. Scown, in returning thanks, said that in the 12 years he had been on the board he had seen the hospital grow into an institution they could be proud of and very thankful for. Ho thanked the doctor and stalf and members of the board, and wished them all success in: the future. The board then rose.