PALMERSTON HOSPITAL.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8800, 30 April 1907, Page 3

PALMERSTON HOSPITAL.

The New Additions.

The now ward at Palmerston Hospital ■was occupied yesterday for the first time. It was indued a pleasure for a Timesrepresentative to be present during the afternoon, if only to see tho bright features of the kind and sympathetic matron and her excellent staff of nurses, as they flitted about transferring their patients and furniture to take possession of the new building for whi-h. they had waited so long and so patiently. Probably a still more pleasing spectacle _ was to see the countenances of the patients up when for the first time the pleasant surroundings of the new quarters caught their eyes. As a nurse remarked to our reporter, "All the past disadvantages of being hampered for accommodation will soon be forgotten, and we are ■ now more than fully compensated for any shortcomings in the past.” The other improvements which are to follow are only mere detail in the face of the ficilities at present provided. The new building, which stands out above all others, is a lasting monument to tho liberality of Palmerston and all in the district who supported such a worthy object. Through the courtesy of Mr Eutherfurd, our representative was shown round and handed over to Mr I’. G Alfrey, of tho Public WorKs Department, who has acted as supervisor during the building operations. Amongst the many details he explained that the building, which is a two-storey brick, is 70ft x 2G£t, standing on a firm concrete foundation about 4 feet from tho ground so as to prevent any danger from the dampness. The walls are fourteen inches thick inside with a cavity and then a four and a half brick outside which prevents any moisture coming through. The stud on” the first ward is 14ft, and the top ward 13ft. A large verandah, 10ft wide, surrounds part of the building on the ground floor, and pirt of this is covered in, so that in case of emergency it can be Utilised for patients. Provision has been made for similar accommodation on the Upper storey. The ward on the ground floor, which is tho only one completed, is now occupied entirely by females. The upstairs portion is not yet complete, but is all m readiness for the plastering,, the gas and other fittings being put in. It is the intention to furnish this ward at a Later date when requirements demand. The outside walls are coloured and finished off with coloured cement. The toof is covered with patest asbestos slates, giving quite an imposing appearance to the whole building. A substantial water Channel surrounds the structure, which serves to carry off tho storm water. Ample provision has been made in.case of fire by way of fire-escapes—two large windows in the female ward, so that beds can bo speedily removed. It may also be interesting to mention that around tho whole block, both old and new buildings, Is a fire service. The ward just finished has been beautifully plastered and decorated inside. Tho floor is stained, and is as near dust proof as it is possible to get. all tho corners being rouded. The lighting is excellent, being supplied by numerous large windows with tinted glass at the top. At night the illumination is suppPed by gas, a burner being fixed over each bed so' that there is ho necessity to light tho whole of the ward and arouse the patients when only one requires attention. The furnishing is of the latest design and the sixteen new beds, which are all iron, were imported. The vestibule is 14ft by 26ft. Adjacent to this is an extra room 16ftrby 12ft, which can be used iu case of emergency. A ward 4ft Gin by 12ft adjoins this, and thus every convenience to meat any requirement at night. The Cooking appliances are all conveniently situated. Underneath the kitchen is the boiler room in which an “ Ideal ” boiler has been installed, which will be su.acient to supply the requirements of the whole Hospital. The heating in the new ward is done by radiators distributed evenly throughout. These are the very latest design specially imported for the purpose. The old lavatory building has been removed and re-fitted alongside the new building, the finish being unique, and lighting and ventilation having received special attention. The sanitary conveniences are also the latest, and were specially selected and impoited. The combination slop and sink is one of the best and most convenient, that it was possible to procure, and has a decided advantage over the old style. There is one great advantage, that the nurse can liberate the dirty water without coming in contact therewith, leaving no possible danger of infection being carried in the hands. The flush is very strong, and special provision has been made to wash bottles, etc. A large enamel bath stands in the centre of one compartment, with hot and cold water laid on. There are many other conveniences in the lavatory such as places for clothes, etc., which it is unnecessary to describe in detail. Adjacent to the ward stands a wardrobe of unusually large dimensions, where the patients’ clothes and necessary articles can be carefully stored. Amongst the further improvements now under way is the turning round of ths old ward, which was yesterday vacated. An eight-foot corridor w’ 1 then he constructed so as to connect the new building with the old, for the convenience of the mine?. The old ward can then be used for any special female cases which may have to he isolated. It is the Board’s intention when the final improvements to the new building are undertaken, to install a lift, which will mean another source of groat convenience. As the workmen are still on the scene, the surroundings have not yet received attention, but it is understood that all this will be put in order before the official opening is held. Our representative also had the pleasure of being shown over the older portion of tho Hospital and can only express the highest admiration for the neatness and the utmost regularity with which every detail is attended to by the Matron and her capable and energetic staff. In conclusion there is one small detail which if taken into consideration will afford the greatest satisfaction to the nurses and patients, viz., that two extra pianos are required. It is only proper that those who devote their time to such a noble occupation should at times have a little recreation iu their homo, and for the patients it invariably happens that the more cheerful the surroundings the more speedy the recovery. Tho people of this district have already distinguished themselves for their liberality, and we have no hesitation iu stating that on this occasion if tho project is taken up by capable hands the desired result will soon be accomplished.