HOSPITAL BOARD

Southland Times, Issue 20770, 10 May 1929, Page 2

HOSPITAL BOARD

MONTHLY MEETING. SUPERINTENDENTS’ REPORTS The first meeting of the Southland Hospital Board since the recent local body elections was held yesterday. There were present Mr John Matheson (chairman), Miss Birss, Mrs Henderson, Messrs E. Bowmar, W. Clark, T. Golden, J. S. A. McDougall, H. E. Niven, A. T. Newman and G. Wraytt. Leave of absence was granted Messrs C. Robertson and W. Norman. Congratulations. The chairman congratulated the county members on being returned unopposed, Mr J. S. A. McDougall on once more being returned unopposed for the combined districts of Bluff, Stewart Island and Winton, and Miss Birss for being re-elected in the Invercargill contest. He warmly welcomed Mrs Henderson, who he was sure would prove a very valuable member of the board, particularly in assisting Miss Birss in social service. He also extended a warm welcome to Mr A. T. Newman, of Gore. Mr Matheson concluded by paying a tribute to the services rendered to the board by Mr T. Rhodes, who was defeated in, the elections. He moved that a minute of appreciation bo recorded of Mr Rhodes’s services. This was seconded by Mr Clark and carried. Correspondence. The Waipiata Sanatorium Committee advised that two Southland patients had been admitted to the institution during the month and three had been discharged with the disease arrested. Tho committee also advised that the maintenance charge had been reduced from 9/- to 7/6 per day. “That’s the most important communication,” remarked the chairman. The Hospital Saturday Association wrote forwarding cheques for £75 and £25 for the Southland Hospital and District Nurse. A recommendation was made that the sum of £75 be earmarked for the purpose of a conveyance for the district nurse. The board formally expressed approval of the suggested grouping for tuberculosis districts as outlined in a letter from the Hospital Boards' Association. Committees Set Up. The following committees were appointed: Building Committee: Messrs E. Bowmar, H. E. Niven and J. S. A. McDougall. Farm Messrs W. Clark and W. M. Norman. Gore Hospital Committee: Messrs H. E. Niven, E. Bowmar, A. T. Newman, C. Robertson and G. Wraytt. House Committee: Miss Birss, Mrs Henderson, Messrs J. S. A. McDougall and H. E. Niven. Fees Collection: The chairman and Mr McDougall. The chairman will be ex officio a member of all committees. Executive Committee. The report of the executive committee, which was adopted, contained, inter alia, the following clauses: — The committee recommends that the request of Dr. Owen-Johnston for leave of absence in about twelve months’ time for the purpose of visiting Great Britain and Europe be granted, subject to the board making satisfactory arrangements for carrying on the work at the Southland Hospital during his absence. That on .the recommendation of Matron Ross probationers Annie E. Hall and Mary Davidson, Southland Hospital, be placed on the permanent nursing staff. That on account of the unsatisfactory nature of the electric light at the Lake County Hospital, Frankton, the secretary communicate with the Kawarau and Golden Terrace Mining Companies with a view to obtaining a supply of current from the latter company. The committee reports having dealt with a large number of outdoor relief cases, four being fresh applications which tyerc dealt with according to their circumstances, while relief was granted to some thirty-seven former recipients of relief, a number of these being left in the hands of the lady members and secretary with power to act so far as future assistance is concerned. The secretary reported that the weekly expenditure on outdoor relief was £46 13/as against £4l 13/- for the corresponding period last year. Hospital Statistics. The medical superintendents of the various institutions under the board’s control submitted statistical reports for the month of April. At the Southland Hospital 95 patients remained on March 31, 127 were admitted during the month of April, 103 were discharged, 8 had died and 111 remained on April 30. At Kew 11 patients remained on March 31, 9 were admitted during the month, 8 were discharged and 12 remained on April 30. At Gore 20 patients remained on April 1, 43 were admitted during the month, 43 were discharged, 1 had died and 19 remained on May 1. At Lome Infirmary 57 patients remained on April 1, none had been admitted or discharged, and 57 remained on May 1. At Queenstown 7 patients remained on April 1, five were admitted during the month, three were discharged and nine remained on May 1.