HOSPITAL CONTROL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19659, 17 June 1938, Page 13

HOSPITAL CONTROL

COOK BOARD MEETS ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS MATAWAI COTTAGE The monthly meeting of the Cook Hospital Board, held yesterday afternoon, furnished members with much interesting material for discussion, a number of topics apart from the routine of departmental reports appearing en the order paper.

Those present were 'Mr. 'M. T. Trafford, chairman, Mesdames A. E. Beer and E. R. Scott, Dr. J. C. Collins, and Messrs. D. W. Coleman, 'M.P., H. Kenway, S. T. Gray, H. J. F. Tombleson, G. D. Muirhead, F. G. Bellerby, H. Cooper, and H. Adair.

The Director-General of Health advised that the Minister of Health had given his approval to the estimates of the board for 1938-39, as submitted. The director-general also advised that the Public Works Department had approved of the plan of the district nurse's home at Mafawai, with certain modifications. Tenders were received from five building firms for the construction of the residence, the finance committee having recommended that none of these tenders be accepted owing to the amounts quoted being in excess of (the amount available in the board's accounts. The committee's report also stated that the architect would discuss schedules with the building firms. The recommendation was adopted. Friendly Societies' Payments

The Druids' Lodge wrote asking for publication of corrected figures in respect of friendly societies' payments under the existing hospital scheme.— The managing secretary, Mr. C. A. Harries, slated that the figures supplied to last board meeting had been incorrect insomuch that one quarter's contributions had been omitted from the calculations on which the 'figures were based. He had had the corrected figures published, and also circulated to various friendly societies in the district. The St. John Ambulance Association wrote pointing out that its income 'from subsidies was insufficient for the upkeep of the ambulance, and that as the machine was now in need of an overhaul at considerable expense, the association would welcome a larger measure of assistance from the board. —On the motion of the chairman, the managing-secretary was instructed ;o ask the association to place its position before the .board in detail, with a view to discussion of possible further assistance.

The managing-secretary reported that payments for the month totalled £25,940, and receipts £21,498. On May 31 the debit balance was £3379. Fees charged to patients during the month totalled £lß4(i, and fees received amounted to £522. The unusually large sum .shown under the heading of payments was explained by the transfer from one account to another of £20,500. in respect of the buildings xtension loan.

The report of the acting-medical superintendent, Dr. W. A. Bowie, showed that the number of patients in hospital had decreased from 141 to 133 during May, the latter figure including 15 infectious cases. Staff Matters Staff-nurse Hamlin and Nurses E. Tully, Freeling and O'Connor were on annual leave, reported the lady superintendent, Miss G. M. Leipst. Sister

Burrows, StaiT-nurse Lindsay, and Nurses R. Tally, Ebbett, and Choveaux had returned from leave. Sister McMillan had resigned, and had left on May 18. Miss J. Hunt had been engaged to replace Miss McMillan as ward sister. Miss G. A. Brandon had commenced duty at the maternity annex as a .trainee.

Sister Lipsett was on annual leave from the Toiaga Bay Hospital, and Sister Ward was temporarily in charge, the report added. Gifts to the hospital from three anonymous donors, and from Mesdames Mills, Tuaiti, and Lougher, and from Mr. White, were acknowledged on behalf of the Cook Hospital, and from Mr. Sheather on behalf of the Toiaga Bay Hospital. Sister Pritchard, district nurse at Matawai, reported having treated aad advised 37 patients, and visited thrse schools.

The report ol Sister Jamieson, district nurse at To Karaka, indicated that 24 European and 132 Maori cases had been dealt with. 127 native homes and 20 Maori pas visited, and six schools inspected. The custodian of the Memorial Home, Mr. S. W. Garley, reported that at the end of May the inmates numbered 52, including 10 women. Attendance at the old settlers' reunion had given much pleasure to 16 of the inmates, and distribution of sweets, tobacco, and books by the Victoria League, also had 'been much appreciated.